TONKA’s 75th Birthday Kicks Off Epic "Playcation" With Brand Spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal Inspiring Families to Play Together
Basic Fun!, a leading global marketer of toys and consumer products and Master Toy licensee for TONKA, along with licensor Hasbro Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announce the kickoff of the TONKA Playcation today on the beloved brand’s official 75th birthday. The campaign calls on families to put down their screens and take a “Playcation” together with their favorite TONKA vehicles.
As the standard for high-quality toy vehicles since 1947 and the rite-of-passage toy vehicles for generations, TONKA is bringing families together to play and enjoy the simple pleasure of imagination-powered fun. The Playcation is the pinnacle of the iconic brand’s yearlong 75th anniversary festivities and includes a New York City playdate with brand spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal, an influencer campaign and the release of all-new TONKA vehicles from Basic Fun!.
Superstar Shaquille O’Neal starts the Playcation in New York City this month, handing out “TONKA Playcation Kits” to families who pledge to prioritize some uninterrupted playtime together. Also, 75 influencers will launch a monthlong virtual celebration of play, as they share inspiration and ideas for how families can “TONKA TOGETHER.”
“Happy 75th Birthday, TONKA! I’m so proud to be a part of this effort to inspire families to play with their favorite TONKA toys,” said O’Neal.
In October, Basic Fun! will roll out the first-ever RC TONKA truck made with cold-rolled steel. The TONKA Mighty Monster RC Steel Dump Truck is a one-of-a-kind vehicle sure to be a holiday must-have gift for TONKA fans. Featuring high torque tank steering with 4-wheel drive, variable speed control and monster lightweight foam tires, this powerful dump truck can withstand the toughest of play and perform impressive monster stunts, motorized hauling and dumping and kid-powered plowing. The TONKA Mighty Monster RC is for ages 5+ and is available at major toy retailers for an SRP of $69.99.
“We’re excited to celebrate this milestone for TONKA with Hasbro and Shaq, whose energy and playfulness make every day a ‘Playcation,’” said Maureen Dilger, Basic Fun! senior director of global brand marketing.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 75 years of Tonka, 5 generations of fans and over 300 million trucks sold since 1947. This epic milestone is truly a reflection of our brand-building capabilities and keeping classic brands alive for generation after generation,” said Jess Richardson, VP Global Toys and Games Licensing at Hasbro.