THE DO NOT MISS HOLIDAY Toy Summit!
Before the Holiday Toys Arrive...
Get Your Game Plan Ready
Learn which toys are worth it, how to organize before they arrive, where to save your money, and so much more.
ONLINE: November 5-7, 2025 from 10 aM to 4 pm ET with replay RECORDINGS TO WATCH THrough November 8th
Tired of drowning in gift guideswhile your toy budget explodes?
While everyone else is pushing holiday hot lists, we're bringing together toy industry insiders and parenting pros to tackle ALL the parenting holiday headaches: toy overload, budget stress, and those impossible kid wishlists.
Because between rising prices, toys kids barely touch, and carrying the entire holiday on your shoulders, the season starts to feel more like survival mode than celebration.
That’s why we created the HoliPlay Summit.
To help you guide your kids toward meaningful toys that won’t just add to the 238 they already own and ignore—plus navigate all the other chaos that comes with toys AND the holiday season.
You'll hear from toy experts, money experts, motivational experts and real parents who get it. The people who can help you navigate everything from choosing toys that actually get played with to managing family drama.
Gift guides and social media feeds are basically just:
"Buy this!"
"And this!"
"Oh, and your kid NEEDS this!"
Meanwhile, us parents?
We are left thinking:
"But where will I put it?"
"How will I pay for it?"
"Will they even play with it?"
"What do I get rid of first to make room for it?"
All while we are:
Juggling in-laws who have opinions about everything.
Managing screen time battles that make you feel like the bad guy.
Carrying the entire mental load while everyone asks "What's for dinner?"
Hiding from family photos because you haven't had time to think about yourself in weeks!
And wondering when the holidays supposed to start feeling magical for YOU.
The HoliPlay Summit is about toys and play, but...
Here's what we ALSO know:
Play doesn't happen in a vacuum.
While we have toy experts sharing why different types of play matter, we also have adjacent experts to remove the barriers that stop play from happening.
The overwhelm.
The chaos.
The exhaustion.
The disorganization.
All the real-life stuff that gets in the way of play.
Toys are a huge part of the holidays, but they're connected to EVERYTHING else—the meals, the budget, the behavior, the organization, the family dynamics.
And we need help with ALL of it.
The ANti-Gift Guide Summit
Stop Stressing & Start Creating the Holidays You Actually Want
Inside this VIRTUAL Summit YOU'LL GET THE best advice for:
Know what toys are worthy buying and which ones are best left in the basket.
Creating a holiday budget that doesn't require January recovery mode.
Setting up systems before the holiday toy tsunami hits.
Teaching kids gift gratitude when everyone around them is focused on getting the stuff.
Making room for new while honoring the old (without the guilt).
Meet the Summit Speakers
Apryl Bradford, M.Ed.
ADHD-Friendly Parenting Strategist
From Road Trips to Red-Eyes:
The Travel System That Works for Real Kids
Holiday travel doesn't have to mean meltdowns and chaos. Get a plug-and-play travel kit you can pack in 20 minutes, complete with rotation strategies and sensory supports that work for all kids, whether they have ADHD, are highly sensitive, get bored easily, or just need extra support during long journeys.
Kim Huffaker
Quick Transformation & Holiday Decor Expert
Holly Jolly Front Porch:
Transform Your Curb Appeal in Under an Hour
Stop spending hundreds on new holiday decor every year. Learn the Christmas to the CPR method to revive tired decorations, discover which items you already own create the biggest outdoor impact, and transform your front porch into a festive showstopper without touching your Christmas budget.
Jessica McDaniel
20+ Year Family Photographer
Capture the Magic:
Turn Holiday Chaos into Memories You'll Actually Find
Your phone has 10,000 photos but you can't find the good ones when you need them. Learn how to capture meaningful holiday moments throughout the season, create photo gifts people treasure (not toss), and organize memories so they don't disappear into your camera roll's black hole.
Brittany Long
Award-Winning Educator & AI Training Expert
Your AI Holiday Assistant:
Finish Your To-Do List in Minutes, Not Hours
Stop being the only one tracking gifts, schedules, events, and every single detail. Learn how to use free AI tools as your personal assistant to organize the entire holiday season, so you can actually enjoy it instead of managing it. Walk away with plug-and-play prompts you can use to lighten your mental load and reclaim your time.
Jessica Jo Stenquist
Therapeutic Coach with
nearly 20 Years of Experience
Unwrapping Connection:
End the Screen Battles This Holiday Season
Create a family holiday plan that swaps tech time for real connection, without becoming the bad guy. Get transition tricks that actually work, low-prep activities kids love, and simple tools that reduce battles so you can enjoy the season instead of refereeing it.
Maria Bailey
CEO of BSM Media & MomSelect, Author of "Marketing to Moms" & "Trillion Dollar Moms"
the Mom Economy:
What Marketers Know About Your Wallet
Discover how billion-dollar brands study and target mom buyers, what influences your purchasing decisions more than you realize, and how to make smarter choices for your family when everyone's competing for your attention and your money.
Shannon Bennett
Founder of Creative Crayons Workshop
As Seen on The View, Good Morning America
Hues in Hand:
Make Crayons & Art Kids Will Actually Be Excited to Receive
Turn coloring into the most memorable gift under the tree. Learn how to create custom-shaped crayons that spark creativity & discover how coloring tablecloths transforms your holiday table into interactive entertainment while creating beautiful decor.
Kristin Ingram, CPA, MSAT
Former College Professor
Founder of Bookkeeper Training School
Jingle Bells, Not Bills:
Enjoy the Holidays Without January Regret
Already dreading your January statement? Learn how to create a realistic holiday budget with the paychecks you actually have, use creative experience gifts you can pay for later, and start the new year debt-free for once.
Erin Blackwell
Internationally Award-Winning Portrait
& Branding Photographer
Stop Hiding from the Camera:
Look Amazing in Every Holiday Photo
You deserve to exist in your family's holiday memories. Learn six simple steps to look and feel confident in any photo, understand why camera distortion has been lying to you, and finally get in the picture without cringing.
Cindi Frechette
Therapist & Mindset Coach
with 17+ Years of Experience
The Unknow Method:
Break Free from Holiday Overwhelm
Release the old holiday patterns keeping you stuck in clutter, overspending, and burnout. Walk away with a values roadmap to help make intentional choices this season, so you can finally create holidays that feel meaningful, not mandatory.
Debbie Zelasny
Author, Blogger and
Former School Teacher
Crazy for Collectibles:
The Guide to Blind Boxes & Rare Finds
Navigate the confusing world of collectibles without wasting money on duds. Discover which blind boxes and limited editions are worth the hype, which age groups obsess over what, and how to gift collectibles that won't end up in the donation bin.
Maddie Michalik
Award Winning Toy Industry Reporter
10+ Years of Insider Experience
Toy Trends 2025 & Beyond:
What's Hot aNd What's Next In TOYS
Get the inside scoop from a toy industry insider on what's trending right now, what's coming in 2026, and how to separate genuine innovation from marketing hype, so you can shop smarter and give gifts kids will actually play with.
Stewart Gold
Shark Tank Founder &
Patented Toy Creator
Twas the Month Before Gifting:
A Shark Tank Founder's Guide to Gifts That Don't S*ck
Learn how to choose story-driven, laugh-inducing presents that parents actually use and remember from the Dad whose patented baby toy was featured on Season 15 of Shark Tank. The kind that spark "where did you find this?" reactions at every playdate.
Katy Mann
Indianapolis' "Family Fun Expert," Author & On-Air Personality, Founder of Indy with Kids
Beyond the Toy Box:
How to Gift Experiences
The magic doesn't end when the wrapping paper hits the floor. Learn how to pair toys with real-world adventures—park days, family trips, creative outings—that extend play beyond Christmas morning and create connection that lasts all year.
Indy With Kids
Cameron Normand
Nationally Recognized Stepfamily Expert
& Podcast Host
Surviving the Holidays:
When Family Gets Complicated
Two households, demanding in-laws, divorced parents, or blended family dynamics, holiday gatherings can feel overwhelming. Get practical strategies for managing expectations, setting boundaries, and creating traditions that work for your unique family situation.
Becky Beach
Featured in Parents & Women's World,
Founder of MomBeach.com
Turn Mom Expertise into Income:
Start a Business That Fits Your Real Life
You already have marketable skills! You just don't know it yet. Discover how to identify your expertise, launch a profitable home business that works around your kids' schedules, gives you family more income, and finally have something that's just yours.
Mom Beach
Nicole McDonough
Executive Coach for Leaders
HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
Why You Just Yelled at Your Kid
Over a Candy Cane
There's a moment right before you snap—when the pressure becomes too much and you lose it on your kids over something that doesn't really matter. Learn how to recognize that moment before it happens, understand what's actually triggering you (hint: it's not the glitter everywhere), and respond differently so you don't end the day feeling like a terrible parent during what's supposed to be the most wonderful time of year.
Nicole McDonough Coaching
Pending
TBD
Session
Stay tuned
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TBD
Session
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Session
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Meet the Summit Speakers
Charlene DeLoach
Playroom Chronicles &
Playroom Chronicles Podcast
The TOY All-Stars:
What Made Every Toy Expert's List This Year
Learn what toys appeared across the most popular expert lists, and what made them stand out. Parents will discover why certain toys keep earning recommendations, and how to use these insights to make smarter choices for their own kids.
Charlene DeLoach
Playroom Chronicles &
Playroom Chronicles Podcast
The 10-for-10:
Toys That Last a Decade of Childhood
Discover which toys offer the most longevity, and why these classics keep kids engaged as they develop new skills and interests. This is about building a playroom foundation that works for the long haul, not just this season.
Charlene DeLoach
Playroom Chronicles &
Playroom Chronicles Podcast
Before the Holiday Toy Avalanche:
How to Prep Your Playroom
Before new toys arrive, parents need a game plan. Parents will learn a simple system for deciding what stays and what goes, plus how to figure out what their child genuinely needs versus what just looks good in a catalog. Get the playroom holiday ready.
Maddie Michalik
Award Winning Toy Industry Reporter
10+ Years of Toy Experience
Toy Trends 2025 & Beyond:
What's Hot aNd What's Next In TOYS
Get the inside scoop from a toy industry insider on what's trending right now, what's coming in 2026, and how to separate genuine innovation from marketing hype, so you can shop smarter and give gifts kids will actually play with.
Christina Collura
Special Education Expert &
Founder of Creative Beginning
Toys That Actually Work
for Neurodiverse Kids
Generic gift guides miss the mark when your child has different sensory or learning needs. Discover which toy features support neurodiverse kids, how to spot sensory red flags before you buy, and practical ways to adapt toys you already own. Stop guessing and start choosing toys that truly engage your child.
Debbie Zelasny
Author, Blogger and
Former School Teacher
Crazy for Collectibles:
The Guide to Blind Boxes & Rare Finds
Navigate the confusing world of collectibles without wasting money on duds. Discover which blind boxes and limited editions are worth the hype, which age groups obsess over what, and how to gift collectibles that won't end up in the donation bin.
Destiny Paquette
Teacher and
Blogger at Suburban Wife City Life
Beyond the Box:
Choosing Games That Actually Get Played
Not all games live up to the hype on the box. Learn how to match games to your child's interests and developmental stage, and build a game collection that grows with your family. This is about finding games your kids will actually want to play—again and again.
Stewart Gold
Shark Tank Founder &
Patented Toy Creator
Twas the Month Before Gifting: A Guide to Baby Gifts That Don't S*ck
Learn how to choose story-driven, laugh-inducing presents that parents actually use and remember from the Dad whose patented baby toy was featured on Season 15 of Shark Tank. The kind that spark "where did you find this?" reactions at every playdate.
Annabelle Canela
Journalist &
Former Parents Editor
Decoding Gen Z & Gen Alpha Trends
In this session, get a crash course in Gen Z and Gen Alpha culture, breaking down how digital spaces like TikTok, Twitch, Roblox, and YouTube shape what kids actually want. Learn how to spot trends, avoid “cringe” fads, and shop with insight into how this generation discovers, connects, and decides what’s cool.
Katy Mann
Indianapolis' "Family Fun Expert," Author & On-Air Personality, Founder of Indy with Kids
Beyond the Toy Box:
How to Gift TOY Experiences
The magic doesn't end when the wrapping paper hits the floor. Learn how to pair toys with real-world adventures—park days, family trips, creative outings—that extend play beyond Christmas morning and create connection that lasts all year.
Shannon Bennett
Creative Crayons Workshop
Seen on The View, GMA & More
The Power of Coloring:
From Everyday Play to Celebrations
Turn coloring into the most memorable gift under the tree. Learn how to create custom-shaped crayons that spark creativity & discover how coloring tablecloths transforms your holiday table into interactive entertainment while creating beautiful decor.
Rachel Griffin
Playwise Partners
The Real Play Test: Raising Kids While Building Toy Brands
What's it really like to work in the toy industry when you're also raising kids at home? Rachel Griffin, co-founder of PlayWise Partners, has spent decades representing major toy brands like FAO Schwarz. She'll share how her experience has shaped the perspective on toys and play.
Sheena Stephens
Playwise Partners
The Real Play Test: Raising Kids While Building Toy Brands
What's it really like to work in the toy industry when you're also raising kids at home? Sheena Stephens, co-founder of PlayWise Partners, has spent decades representing major toy brands like Shopkins while navigating motherhood. She'll share what its been like being a mom in an industry built around play.
Melissa Brock
How Early Play Builds Lifelong Skills for college
The critical thinking and creativity that colleges look for doesn't start in high school, it starts in your playroom. Discover how independent play builds the exact skills admissions officers want to see in college applications and interviews. Learn why encouraging creative play today is an investment in your child's academic future.
Apryl Bradford, M.Ed.
ADHD-Friendly
Parenting Strategist
From Road Trips to Red-Eyes:
The toy TRAVEL System That Works for Kids
Holiday travel doesn't have to mean meltdowns and chaos. Get a plug-and-play travel kit, travel toy ideas that work for all kids, whether they have ADHD, are highly sensitive, get bored easily, or just need extra support during long journeys.
Cameron Normand
Nationally Recognized Stepfamily Expert
& Podcast Host
Toy Tension: Setting Boundaries
with Well-Meaning Gift-Givers
Well-meaning grandparents with outdated toy ideas, in-laws who ignore your requests, or relatives who gift toys that clash with your values. Get strategies for communicating your preferences, and handling unwanted toys without starting family drama.
Becky Beach
Featured in Parents & Women's World,
Founder of MomBeach.com
Turn Your Kids' Toy Chaos into Cash: A Practical Guide to Toy Reselling
Drowning in outgrown toys? Learn how to declutter your playroom strategically, figure out what's actually worth selling, and turn those toys into real income and into a home business that fits around your family's schedule.
Maria Bailey
CEO of BSM Media & MomSelect,
Author of "Marketing to Moms" & "Trillion Dollar Moms"
the Mom Economy:
What Marketers Know About Your Wallet
Discover how billion-dollar brands study and target mom buyers, what influences your toy purchasing decisions more than you realize, and how to make smarter choices for your family when everyone's competing for your attention and your money.
Kristin Ingram, CPA, MSAT
Former College Professor
Founder of Bookkeeper Training School
Jingle Bells, Not Bills:
Enjoy the Holidays Without January Regret
Already dreading your January statement? Learn how to create a realistic holiday toy budget with the paychecks you actually have, use creative experience gifts you can pay for later, and start the new year debt-free for once.
Brittany Long
Award-Winning Teacher &
AI Training Expert
Your AI Holiday Assistant:
Finish Your To-Do List in Minutes, Not Hours
Stop being the only one tracking gifts, schedules, events, and every single detail. Learn how to use free AI tools as your personal assistant to organize the entire holiday season, toy shopping lists, and more so you can actually enjoy it instead of managing it.
Kim Huffaker
Quick Transformation
& Holiday Decor Expert
Holly Jolly Front Porch:
Transform Your Curb Appeal
Stop spending hundreds on new holiday decor every year. Learn the Christmas to the CPR method to revive tired decorations, discover toys you already own create the biggest outdoor impact, and transform your front porch into a festive showstopper.
Jessica Jo Stenquist
Therapeutic Coach with
nearly 20 Years of Experience
Unwrapping Connection:
End the Screen Battles This Holiday Season
Create a family holiday plan that swaps tech time for real connection. Get transition tricks that actually work to get kids to play with the toys they get, and simple tools that reduce battles so you can enjoy the season instead of refereeing it.
Nicole McDonough
Executive Coach for
Parent Leaders
When the Lights Come Down: The Post-Holiday Reality
There's a moment when the pressure becomes too much. Learn how to recognize that moment before it happens, understand what's actually triggering you and respond differently so you don't feel like a terrible parent during what's supposed to be the best time of year.
Cindi Frechette
Therapist & Mindset Coach
with 17+ Years of Experience
The Unknow Method:
Break Free from Holiday Overwhelm
Release the old holiday patterns keeping you stuck in clutter, overspending, and burnout. Walk away with a values roadmap to help make intentional choices this season, so you can finally create holidays that feel meaningful, not mandatory.
Jessica McDaniel
20+ Year Family
Photographer
Photos, Presents & Presence:
The New Holiday Trifecta
Your phone has 10,000 photos but you can't find the good ones when you need them. Learn how to capture holiday moments, create photo gifts people treasure (not toss), and organize memories so they don't disappear into your camera's black hole.
Erin Blackwell
Internationally Award-Winning Portrait
& Branding Photographer
Stop Hiding from the Camera:
Look Amazing in Every Holiday Photo
You deserve to exist in your family's holiday memories. Learn six simple steps to look and feel confident in any photo, understand why camera distortion has been lying to you, and finally get in the picture without cringing.
Coming Soon
TBD
About Your SUMMIT HOST
Charlene DeLoach
MEET YOUR HOLIDAY HELPER
As a toy industry professional and parent coach, I've spent years bridging the gap between what toy companies create and what families actually need. My unique position means I speak fluent "toy brand" AND "overwhelmed parent."
I love helping parents cut through the marketing noise to make smart toy decisions, and as a result, I've consulted with major toy brands, coached hundreds of parents on playroom systems that actually work, and developed strategies for managing toy overwhelm!
After watching too many parents stress through another holiday season - buying too much, spending too much, and enjoying too little - I created this summit to bring both sides together.
Because you deserve insider knowledge AND practical parenting solutions.
Charlene Has Been Seen On...
See my Boston, MA segment on Summer Toys for Fall Fun!
THIS FREE SUMMIT
is perfect for:
Anyone buried under an avalanche of gift guides
Anyone sledding downhill financially and ready to put on the brakes
Parents who want play that lasts past the first snowfall
Anyone weathering storms of screens, budgets, and family dynamics
Parents ready to come in from the cold and enjoy the warmth of the season
Picture This...
It's December 24th.
You've scrolled through 47 gift guides.
Your Amazon cart looks like you robbed Santa's workshop.
Credit cards are maxed but hey - those holiday smiles will be priceless, right?
Now it's January 15th.
The credit card bill just arrived.
Your kids are playing with exactly three toys (out of 23).
Those "must-have" toys? Already forgotten.
You're more exhausted now than in December.
And you just realized you are not in a single holiday photo.
You swear next year will be different.
That's exactly what the HoliPlay Summit delivers.
HoliPlay Summit
When & Where
Nov. 5-7th
Online | 10 AM ET - 4:00 PM ET
This three-day summit delivers the play insights, perspective shifts, and prep tools
to help you finally enjoy the holidays (instead of just surviving them).
Show up live or watch the video recordings for 24 hours
YOU'LL GET:
20+ Expert Sessions from toy insiders, Shark Tank founders, therapists, and real parents
Virtual Swag Bag packed with printable holiday tips, recipes, and resources
Exclusive Expo Access with special discounts on holiday gifts from innovative brands
Private Facebook Community to connect, share wins, and get support
Replay Access for 24 hours (upgrade available for extended access)
Play
Toys &Trends
Nov. 5
IN THE SUMMIT
The Insider's Playbook for Toys
You're spending hundreds on toys that end up ignored by next week, drowning in plastic clutter, and wondering why nothing you buy seems to hold your kid's attention. You're overwhelmed by options, sucked in by marketing, and have no idea what's actually worth your money. Get the insider knowledge toy industry professionals use to separate winners from landfill. Hear from Shark Tank founders, toy insiders, and experts who reveal what's truly trending versus what's just hype. Stop wasting money and start shopping with confidence.
YOU'LL GET:
The insider knowledge to spot which toys are worth your money and which will be forgotten by New Year's
Smart gifting strategies that match your child's interests and actually get used—not tossed in the donation bin
A system for extending play beyond Christmas morning so gifts create lasting value instead of one-day excitement
Perspective
Mom Mindset
Nov. 6
IN THE SUMMIT
Screens, Guilt and Getting Real
Between screen battles, complicated family dynamics, tight budgets, and everyone's opinions on how you "should" parent, the holidays feel more stressful than magical. You're juggling in-laws, managing meltdowns, stretching dollars, and questioning every decision while carrying the mental load of making it all "perfect." Get honest, shame-free strategies from experts who understand your reality. Learn how to set boundaries, stick to a budget that won't haunt you in January, and reduce battles without losing your sanity.
YOU'LL GET:
A family plan that transitions kids from screens to connection—without constant fighting or feeling like the bad guy
Boundary-setting strategies for complicated family situations that protect your sanity and your values
A realistic holiday budget and spending plan that lets you enjoy the season without January credit card panic
Productivity
Hacks & Help
Nov. 7
IN THE SUMMIT
Prep Like a Pro, Play Like a Kid
You're so busy managing everyone else's holiday that you're disappearing from your own. Drowning in to-do lists, hiding from photos, overwhelmed by mess, and wondering when you stopped having time for anything that's actually yours. Learn how to reclaim your time, image, and sanity. Discover AI tools that finish your to-do list in minutes, get confident enough to finally get in family photos, and create systems that lighten your load instead of adding to it.
YOU'LL GET:
Time-saving tools (including AI) that cut your holiday task list from hours to minutes—so you stop doing everything alone
Photo confidence and memory systems so you're actually in the pictures and can find them later when you want them
Practical shortcuts for creating festive spaces, staying organized, and even turning your expertise into income
Upgrade
Be A
VIP
All Play Pass
IN THE SUMMIT
All Play Pass to the Toy Wonderland
Ready to take your summit experience up a notch? Upgrade to the All Play Pass and get the keys to the whole toy box, like bonus content, exclusive resources, and holiday access to every expert moment. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss a single tip, trick, or holiday hack (even if life gets busy).
YOU'LL GET:
Holiday access to summit recordings and bonus materials
Exclusive expert goodies
Printable guides, checklists, and surprise perks just for you!
The Bottom Line Is...
You can keep drowning in gift guides, spending more than you need to, and hoping this year will somehow be different. OR you can get real strategies from the people who actually know toys and the experts who actually understand family chaos.
Playfully Yours,
Charlene
2021-2025 ©Playroom Chronicles
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