Kawaii Lab Games launches first TV ads nationwide for holiday push

Kawaii Lab Games is airing its first two television commercials nationwide on streaming TV during the 2026 holiday season. The family-owned Florida studio is using the campaign, plus QR codes on game boxes, to drive shoppers from screens to shelves and push screen-free family play.

Why it matters: - Kawaii Lab Games is using national streaming TV ads to stand out in a crowded digital market and reach families during the year’s biggest gift-buying season. - The campaign is designed to help shoppers discover the games in stores and make buying decisions at the shelf. - The effort reflects a broader pitch for screen-free family time around the table.

What happened: - Kawaii Lab Games launched its first two television commercials for 1-2-3 Monkey Flip! and Screaming Billy. - The ads will run nationwide across the United States on streaming TV networks during the 2026 holiday season. - The company is a family-owned studio of three people based in Florida. - Kawaii Lab Games said the commercials are a major investment for an independent studio of that size.

The details: - 1-2-3 Monkey Flip! is a fast-reaction party game inspired by Slapjack and Egyptian Rat Screw, with kawaii characters. - Screaming Billy is a family-chaos game built around a screaming goat that can change the game in seconds. - Both games are designed to be learned in minutes and played in quick, replayable rounds by kids and adults. - A QR code on the back of every box lets shoppers scan in the store and watch the actual commercial on their phone. - The QR code is meant to show the game quickly, not teach the rules. - Kawaii Lab Games said the commercial experience is intended to follow the product from TV to the shelf. - The company said the strategy gives retailers support at the point of sale, whether shoppers already know the games or discover them in the aisle. - The commercials for Carrot BOOM! and Tic-Tac-Twist are planned for production soon. - The new commercials are available online as 1-2-3 Monkey Flip! and Screaming Billy. - Kawaii Lab Games titles are sold on Amazon and at specialty game, hobby, and toy stores.

Between the lines: - Co-founder Daniel López de Medrano Sr. said the company is deliberately investing in traditional media rather than relying only on online ads. - López de Medrano said television once made new board games feel like shared cultural events, while today children often see different content on their own devices. - The company’s old-school media choice appears aimed at recreating that shared discovery for families. - The retail QR code tactic also suggests Kawaii Lab Games wants to connect awareness and conversion in one step.

What's next: - Kawaii Lab Games plans to expand its advertising slate with commercials for Carrot BOOM! and Tic-Tac-Twist. - The company is positioning the current holiday campaign as a push for families to unplug and spend more time together. - Kawaii Lab Games will continue selling through Amazon and specialty retail as the TV campaign rolls out.