Don’t forget to shout out, “UNO!’ Today, Mattel announced its global celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic game. The brand has planned a yearlong celebration filled with new products, events and partnerships.

UNO

Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, the iconic card game was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries and with 17 decks sold every minute, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games.

UNO

“For 50 years, UNO has brought people together by transcending language, culture and age through gameplay. As the number one game in the world, we’ve maintained its origins of a beloved family pastime, while evolving into a cultural phenomenon,” said Ray Adler, Global Head of Mattel Games. “Combining the brand’s roots of inclusivity and simplicity, the passionate global fan base, and unprecedented momentum, UNO’s 50th anniversary is a yearlong celebration of the brand’s past, present and future.”

This year UNO is releasing one of the brand’s largest product lines offering new twists on gameplay, with products available for purchase beginning this month.

Commemorative Products and New Ways to Play

  • UNO 50th Anniversary Premium Card Set: This premium item is the official celebratory product and collector item for the 50th anniversary, available exclusively at Walmart. Contained in deluxe-box packaging is an exclusive gold coin commemorating the 50th anniversary, and the set also features a special “50/50” card and rule, which incorporates the coin into gameplay.
  • UNO 50th Anniversary Card Deck: The celebration continues with the UNO 50th Anniversary Card Deck, which has “gold” wild cards to commemorate the special anniversary.
  • UNO Iconic Series: Starting with the groovy 1970s, the UNO Iconic Series will include five individual decks honoring the last five decades, featuring nostalgic designs that represent each time period.
  • UNO Remix: UNO Remix is the first UNO game that evolves with every hand you play. It plays like classic UNO, but at the start of each round you’ll add special remix cards to the deck that change the game. When it’s all over, you’ll have created a customized UNO deck unique to you.
  • UNO Attack: Since 1998 UNO Attack has been a fan favorite, and an all-new updated version of the beloved card-launching extension brings added action with lights, new sounds, and cards that fly even higher.

To mark the moment, all 2021 new products will feature the new UNO 50th anniversary look, including a new logo and new tagline – Fifty Years of Being Wild.

UNO Championship and Celebratory Events

UNO will be inviting fans to celebrate the anniversary through a first of its kind tournament series hosted by Mattel, and a variety of celebratory games. To learn more about how to participate, visit the UNO website.

  • UNO Championship Series: UNO is launching the first-ever official UNO™ Championship Series, which gives fans the chance to prove they are the best UNO player out there. The UNO™ Championship Series will welcome fans from all over to compete to become the first official UNO™ World Champion, with the finale taking place in November 2021 featuring a grand prize of $50,000 for the winner.
  • Celebratory Games: Throughout the year, UNO will be hosting celebratory games and streams with fans and partners across digital platforms, including the UNO mobile app and platform game.

Partnerships

From iconic artists to athletes to nonprofit organizations, UNO is committed to developing diverse partnerships that build inclusive, sustainable, and culturally relevant products. In recent years, UNO has released UNO Braille, making the game widely accessible for the more than 7 million blind and low-vision individuals in the U.S., UNO ColorADD, the world’s first card game optimized for the color blind, and the UNO Artiste Series, a line that pays homage to influential artists by infusing art directly into a premium deck.

In its 50th year, UNO will be collaborating with a variety of iconic names across art, fashion, sports, and more to create uniquely designed products from fan-favorite names and brands.

This is just the beginning of what’s to come for the yearlong UNO celebration. Visit the UNO website for more information, and follow @UNO on Instagram and Facebook and @realUNOgame on Twitter for future updates.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mattel/ Featured photo: David Chickering

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Since going to the local barbershop is still not allowed where we live in Michigan, it fell upon us to figure out the best way to shave my son Dominic’s beard and mustache. Typically, Dominic goes to our local barbershop to get his haircut and his barber (Vince) also takes about 30 seconds to shave his beard and mustache.

This August, it will be five years that Dominic has been going to Vince. That in itself is a huge milestone as anyone with a child or adult with sensory sensitivities knows. Anyway, earlier in the week my hubby, Lauren, and I had all noticed that Dominic’s facial hair definitely needed some assistance. I mentioned to Lauren that I needed to find a “social story” about getting a shave. Before I had a chance to find one, she took it upon herself to find one and print it out, it had both an electric shaver, shaving cream and razor stories!That meant so much to me, because she didn’t have to do that, she wanted to!

I showed the social story to Dominic and said with tons of enthusiasm, “We are going to shave!” He responded with a resounding “no.” I just kind of casually left the social story out on the kitchen table and more than once, I caught him taking a look at it. Since he showed some level of interest, the hubby and I discussed it last night and decided that today would be the day!! I wasn’t sure what time the big shaving session would be but after we did a family walk (a new quarantine activity) and the frozen pizza in the oven for lunch was almost done, I heard my husband say something like, “Daddy is going to shave and then it’s going to be your turn!”

When I rounded the corner to the bathroom, my husband was making his best effort to shave Dominic’s facial hair. It didn’t appear to be working because either Dominic has too much facial hair or the electric razor, which I am guessing is at least 50 years old, just couldn’t handle it. The noise was really starting to bother Dominic too and he put on his headphones. When my husband went upstairs to get the shaving cream and a razor, I told Dominic what we were going to try next. My husband put some shaving cream on Dominic’s face and he actually laughed!!

The hubby also got some shaving cream on Dominic’s lips which I wiped off. It took longer with the shaving cream and razor, but Dominic handled it like a pro!!! Lauren, the hubby, and I kept telling Dominic how great he looked and Lauren made the comment that it was a “group” effort to get Dominic shaved.

A few hours after the shaving session, I asked Dominic what he preferred, the electric shaver or the shaving cream and razor combo. He said the shaving cream/razor combo. I asked Dominic why he preferred the shaving cream and the razor and he said it was because the electric razor is “too loud.”

Either way, I don’t know if we would have had the same fabulous results if it weren’t for all of us coming together as a group to achieve the ultimate goal!

This post originally appeared on bountifulplate.

I am a stepmom to one and a mom to two. I have been a stay-at-home mom for almost 24 years. Grew up in Maryland and have lived in Michigan since 2001 when my husband got a job here. My 15-year old son has special needs.

A brand new school year is the perfect time for little ones to try on a fresh new ‘do—and trim down locks you’ve let get a little unruly over the summer. To make the whole haircutting experience as stress-free as possible and even fun, we’ve rounded up LA’s best kid-friendly salons. Not only will they help your tots look totally on fleek (is that still a thing?), but the stylists at these spots are also pros at putting kids at ease. And, hey, if all else fails, there’s the free balloons!

Bubble Cuts

Stephanie A. via Yelp

Designed with a whimsical vintage flair, Bubble Cuts’ squeaky clean and inviting atmosphere transports customers back to a simpler time, instantly putting kiddos (and their nervous Nellie parents) at ease. Tots sit inside special fire engines, cop cars, and Cali cool convertibles while getting their hair cut to perfection. Cartoons play on nearby TVs – keeping the squirmiest toddlers occupado while they’re in the chair. Stylists are super friendly and pride themselves in staying up to date on current trends, styles and beauty products for wee ones. (And they give such cool cuts that we know more than one mom who made the switch to also getting her haircut here!)

Bubble Cuts
Multiple locations: Eagle Rock & Montrose
Online: bubblecuts.com

Tipperary

Tipperary via Yelp

Cutting kiddos’ coifs in the 90210 for over 45 years, Tipperary consistently proves to be one of the hottest salons in town for the small fry set. With stylists who can do just about anything from braids and blowouts to chlorine removal and cuts that ooze LA cool, your little one will be in fantastic hands. And the fact that they’re friendly as all get out, doesn’t hurt either. Tots (and parents) will geek out over old school video games while you wait and can choose from a wide variety of the latest kid-friendly hair products on your way out the door.

Tipperary
221 S. Robertson Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310-274-0294
Online: tipperarykids.com

The Yellow Balloon

Max R. via Yelp

If there’s one salon that’s synonymous with childhood in LA, it’s The Yellow Balloon. Many Angeleno parents who grew up getting their hair cut at this cheery shop now take in their own kiddos for a little snippety-snip. Pinball machines, video games, balloons, and Disney flicks playing on TV make tots feel more like they’ve entered wonderland than a neighborhood hair shop. But most importantly, your babe’s hair is in great hands. From timid first-timers to tikes with ants in their pants, stylists have tons of experience working with all types of kiddos, including those with special needs. And there isn’t any hair they can’t handle. So bring on your cornrows, fades, extensions or a tired do that just needs a refresh – they’ve got you covered.

The Yellow Balloon
12448 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City
Online: theyellowballoon.com

Cookie Cutters

Elodie A. via Yelp

With touchscreen play units in the waiting area, video games and whimsical chairs, this national chain aims to make haircutting an experience kiddos will want to have again and again. Skilled and caring stylists work to make everyone feel right at home and provide extra time and reassurance to those with special needs – making both little ones and parents happy. Their salon even features an app to easily book appointments and receive special offers. Currently, there are two LA locations with another shop opening soon in Beverly Hills.

Cookie Cutters
Multiple Locations: Manhattan Beach & Brentwood
Online: haircutsarefun.com

Snip-its

Shannan Rouss

When your Snip-its appointment kicks off with sing-along video to get you excited about your haircut, you know you’ve come to the right place. With nearby locations in Encino and El Segundo, Snips-its designed their entire salon to be completely interactive for kids, making the haircutting experience loads of fun. Littles will dig playing computer games with Snips and the Gang and can win tons of prizes, instantly relaxing them during their visit. The salon also offers ear piercings and mani-pedis as well. Additionally, Snip-its stylists have received special training in conjunction with Autism Speaks to provide a positive haircut experience for tikes with autism so every family can come in stress-free.

Snip-Its
Multiple locations: Encino, El Segundo & Monrovia
Online: snipits.com

Little Munchkins

Little Munchkins via Yelp

This Glendale spot offers kids a custom haircut experience that's totally chill. Each salon chair is equipped with its own TV and movie of choice, keeping tykes entertained while they do up their do. The Little Munchkins staff has years and years of experience working with kiddos and use salon equipment that's specially designed with hardly any noise to keep tots comfy and calm. For first time haircuts, Little Munchkins provides complimentary before and after pics, a lock of hair and a certificate as a keepsake.

Little Munchkins
457 W. Colorado St.
Glendale
818-244-6454
Online: littlemunchkins.us

Floyd's 99 Barbershop

Floyd's 99 Barbershop

No boring old bowl cuts here, folks. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop caters to big and little rockers alike who are craving edgier, cooler-than-cool cuts and color. Floyd’s crazy talented stylists are equally adept working with tots as they are with parents so you can both get a snip at the same time (read: you just got your afternoon back). With several locations from Hollywood and the Westside to Downtown and the Valley, it’s easier than ever to find a shop in your hood. Kids’ cuts are super affordable too at around just $22 per noggin.


Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Multiple Locations
Online: floydsbarbershop.com

featured photo: Evelyn Cirignotta

To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this month, follow us on Instagram!

–Jennifer O’Brien

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Baller backpack? Check. Apple for teach? Check. New haircut? Ahem, new haircut? No worries. When it come to getting your tikes ready for the new school year, we’ve got you covered – starting with the hottest salons in town where trendy tots can get a trim.

The Yellow Balloon
If there’s one salon that’s synonymous with childhood in LA, it’s The Yellow Balloon. In fact, many Angeleno parents who grew up getting their hair cut at this cheery shop, now take in their own kiddos for a little snippety-snip. Pinball machines, video games, balloons and Disney flicks playing on TV make tots feel more like they’ve entered wonderland than a neighborhood hair shop. But most importantly, your babe’s hair is in great hands. From timid first timers to tikes with ants in their pants, stylists have tons of experience working with all types of kiddos, including those with special needs. And there isn’t any hair they can’t handle. So bring on your corn rows, extensions, or a tired do that just needs a refresh – they’ve got you covered.

Snip Tip: Be sure to check out The Yellow Balloon site for current discount coupons.

12448 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Phone: 818-760-7141
Online: theyellowballoon.com

Little Rockstar Children’s Salon
You’re never too young to drive a Ferrari, and Little Rockstar Children’s Salon gives kiddos the chance to take a spin. Okay, in a barber chair that looks like one anyway. Created with loads of imagination, this valley shop gives pint-sized patrons a taste of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle while they get a rad new do. Kids can chill in a Mercedes G Wagon, airplane, Hummer and more as experienced stylists deliver trendsetting cuts that even Jagger and Joplin would envy. The salon also offers munchkins the opportunity to get a mani/pedi in oversized butterfly chairs if they so desire. And who could turn that down?

13712 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks
Phone: 818-907-9717
Online: littlerockstarsalon.com

Bubble Cuts
Designed with whimsical vintage flair, Bubble Cuts’ squeaky clean and inviting atmosphere transports customers back to a simpler time, instantly putting kiddos (and their nervous Nellie parents) at ease. Tots sit inside special fire engines, cop cars and Cali cool convertibles while getting their hair cut to perfection. Cartoons play on nearby TVs – keeping the squirmiest toddlers occupado while they’re in the chair. Stylists and salon staff are uber-friendly and pride themselves in staying up to date on current trends, styles and beauty products for wee ones. (And they give such cool cuts that we know more than one mom who made the switch to also getting her hair cut here!)

5054 1/2 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock
Phone: 323-255-5627
Online: bubblecuts.com

Tipperary
Cutting kiddos’ coifs in the 90210 for over 40 years, Tipperary consistently proves to be one of the hottest salons in town for the small fry set. With stylists who can do just about anything from braids to blowouts to chlorine removal and cuts that ooze LA cool, your little one will be fantastic hands. And the fact that they’re friendly as all get out, doesn’t hurt either. Tots (and parents) will geek out over old school video games while you wait and can choose from a wide variety of the latest kid-friendly hair products on your way out the door.

9422 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills
Phone: 310-274-0294
Online: tipperarykids.com


Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
No boring old bowl cuts here, folks. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop caters to big and little rockers alike who are craving edgier, cooler-than-cool cuts and color. Floyd’s crazy talented stylists are equally adept working with tots as they are with parents so you can both get a snip at the same time (read: you just got your afternoon back). With several locations from Hollywood to the Westside to the Valley, it’s easier than ever to find a shop in your hood. Kids’ cuts are super affordable too at around just $19 per noggin.Online: floydsbarbershop.com

There are so many fab kid salons in So Cal. If we left your fave out, give us a shout about why you love it so!

– Jennifer O’Brien

Photo credits: The Yellow Balloon on facebook, Little Rockstar Children’s Salon on facebook, Bubble Cuts on facebook, Tipperary on facebook and Floyd’s 99 Barbershop on facebook