The Force Awakens Gift Guide - A Rey Roundup

Every season has the "it" toys. The kind of toys that help define the holidays for that particular year. If our hunch is correct then anything and everything Star Wars : The Force Awakens will be a big part of that "it" list. As we see it, the true die-hards and collectors are already doing their holiday Star Wars shopping but the real demand is going to come right after the movie is released. In other words, we're thinking scoring some awesome Star Wars stuff now is a good call.

Us sisters have a thing for strong, independent, passionate girls. It's no surprise then to know that we're pretty excited that one of the main protagonists in The Force Awakens is an awesome girl named Rey. You can read about our fascination with her over on Tracey's blog. That said, we thought we'd share some of the items that feature Rey that are out on the market now in case you want to get your goods before the rush. We're pretty sure there is going to be a surge of amazing products released with the movie (of course, right?) but there's some great Rey themed gifts available now (or for pre-order) that could light your holiday tree up like a lightsaber! There are some really cool Star Wars products being rolled out, especially for girls and women (squeeeee!) so we're getting pretty excited. Here's a list of our favorites thus far. We're pretty sure something here will please the adventure girl on your holiday list.

(click the name of the item to be taken to the place you can order, for your convenience)

Star Wars The Force Awakens Rey and Speeder Bike

Rey's Survival Guide (available for pre-order)

The Force Awakens Figure Play Set

Rey Tee

 Star Wars : 5 Minute Star Wars Stories (available for pre-order)

Rey's Speeder Playset by LEGO

The Force Awakens Tent

Star Wars Sticker Book

Disney Infinity: The Force Awakens Play Set (3.0 Edition)

(available for pre-order)

Rey Pajamas

Funko POP Rey figure

Rey and BB-8 Elite Series Die Cast Action Figures

Star Wars: Force Friday, Global Unboxings and D23 Expo

With the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie in theaters this December, it seems this galaxy is in a frenzy trying to get their hands on as much Star Wars merchandise as possible.

Well they don't have to wait much longer because the global celebration known as "Force Friday" will start at midnight local time tonight, when many retailers around the world will open their doors to fans to purchase Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more. Visit starwars.com for more details on participating locations and also check your local Disney Store for it's schedule.

In honor of #ForceFriday we decide to share many of our Star Wars photos from the recent D23 Expo last month. From merchandise previews to video games, fashion to The Force Awakens costumes from the movie, there was no shortage of the incredible Star Wars franchise at the Expo.

Here's everything you'll want to know about this morning's festivities, a pre-kick off to Force Friday.

It was a galatic morning as new Star Wars: The Force Awakens products were unveiled this morning in the world’s first-ever global live toy unboxing event. It unfolded over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries, the event saw highlights from the range of epic merchandise revealed in a rolling New Year’s Eve style celebration featuring top digital stars from the Maker Studios network. The Star Wars YouTube channel hosted the live stream, which kicked off with the first unboxing in Sydney, Australia at 7:45 a.m. local time. Each of the 15 locations revealed a new product inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the Saga,” says Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: Force Awakens products will continue that tradition.”

“Over the course of 18 hours, some of Maker Studios’ biggest stars unboxed a new toy from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens product line in a different city around the world and shared the experience live on YouTube.” said Leslie Ferraro, President, Disney Consumer Products. “We’ve seen tremendous excitement for these new products and can’t wait to see the global reaction from the Star Wars fan community.”

These “unboxing” videos featured online personalities sharing the excitement of opening the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys. “We’re excited to be part of this first-of-its-kind initiative,” said Chris M. Williams, Chief Audience Officer, Maker Studios. “The unboxing world continues to expand rapidly as audiences around the world connect with digital creators who share their passions. This shared fandom helps attract billions of monthly views and consistently puts the genre at the top of the YouTube charts.”

Fans who tuned in to theStar Wars YouTube page were able to see the following toys unboxed by top digital stars from the Maker Studios network:

·      Sydney: Star Wars BladeBuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber toy from Hasbro

·      Tokyo: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Big Figs(31” and 48”) from JAKKS Pacific

·      Hong Kong: Hot Wheels® Star Wars character car assortment and Escape from Jakku™ Starship playset from Mattel

·      Seoul: LEGO Star Wars Poe’s X-Wing Fighter™

·      Paris: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber, a Disney Store exclusive

·      Madrid: Star Wars Micro Machines First Order Star Destroyer from Hasbro

·      Berlin: LEGO Star Wars Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle™

·      London: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Elite Series die-cast figure assortment, a Disney Store exclusive

·      Rio de Janeiro: Star Wars Black Series 6” figure assortment from Hasbro

·      ‘Good Morning America’ (New York): LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon™ and Star Wars BB-8 from Sphero

·      Toronto: Star Wars Remote Controlled Millennium Falcon Quad and X-Wing Starfighter from Air Hogs, Spin Master

·      Chicago: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Role Play for kids exclusive to Disney Store

·      Mexico City: Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe NERF Blaster from Hasbro

·      San Francisco: Star Wars Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Hasbro

·      Los Angeles: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Poe Dameron’s X-Wing Vehicle from Hasbro

Additionally, fans tuning in to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on ABC were treated to a fun product reveal with Jimmy and his security guard sidekick Guillermo, showcasing Star Wars: The Force Awakens Voice Changing Masks exclusive to Disney Store.

Beyond lightsabers, construction sets, figures and collectibles, fans can find products across a wide variety of categories, including apparel for all members of the family, home décor, lifestyle accessories, books and more. New Star Wars products can be found around the world at mass and specialty retailers, such as Amazon.com, Kohl’s, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, as well as Disney Store and disneystore.com.

Like STAR WARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarWars

Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars

Follow STAR WARS on Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwars/

Follow STAR WARS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/starwars

Visit the official STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS website: http://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!

Follow the #ForceFriday hastag on social media to join in the fun. Visit starwars.com for more details on participating locations. Additionally, select Disney Store locations around the world will take part. More details are available at www.DisneyStore.com/ForceFriday.