IN THE PRESS / THE TOY BOOK

BORN TO PLAY
IN THE U.S.A.

A closer look at making toys—and moving faster—in New York.

Original reporting: James Zahn · The Toy Book · February 15, 2026

Stevin John and Daniel Delapa with Walgreens Senior Category Manager Eunice Park — Stevin John, Eunice Park, and Daniel Delapa. Photo: Born To Play, via The Toy Book.

THE SHORT VERSION

CREATIVITY MEETS THE FACTORY FLOOR.

The Toy Book profiles Born To Play’s push into U.S. manufacturing, pairing creator-led toy development with a vertically integrated operation in New York.

The factory brings plastic production, product making, packaging, and shipping together. Its 3D-printing capabilities support quicker design changes and smaller production runs, helping the company respond to emerging trends.

The feature also explores how content, audience feedback, and retailer relationships shape product decisions. It highlights plans for animation, robotics, automation, and further manufacturing expansion.

This is a brief recap of James Zahn’s reporting. For the interviews and full story, visit The Toy Book.

READ THE FULL STORY ↗

Daniel Delapa beside Born To Play’s 3D-printing equipment — Daniel Delapa at the company’s manufacturing operation. Photo: Born To Play, via The Toy Book.

Source: “Born to Play in the U.S.A.” by James Zahn, The Toy Book.