Toys at the Store & Toys at the Bar

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman continues gearing up for the holidays with a look at some of 2025’s hottest toys and the growing success of Milwaukee’s holiday markets hosted by local bars and restaurants. Jeff first welcomes back Toy Tips founder Marianne Szymanski, a Marquette University graduate who shares how her toy-recommendation business grew from a hotline to a magazine and beyond. She explains why certain classic toys never leave store shelves, how generational differences influence holiday shopping, and why tariffs affect what families buy. She also breaks down how TikTok and YouTube “unboxings” now shape what kids ask for. Next, Jeff sits down with Marla Poytinger, President and CEO of Bars & Recreation, whose first bar, Splash Studio, began as a fusion of her and her husband’s passions for beer and art. She discusses building bars around Wisconsin traditions, the vision behind Newfashioned in the Deer District, insights from a successful holiday market, and the challenges of running multiple local venues. Looking ahead, Bars & Recreation plans to expand its catering operations in 2026. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.