The Toy Insider 2019 Top Toy Trends

The Toy Insider, one of the toy industry’s most influential organizations and a trusted, go-to resource for parents and gift-givers, revealed the top eight trending toy themes of the year, giving consumers an inside look at the hottest categories and hand-picked favorites that are sure to be bestsellers this holiday season.

“Thanks to the immense popularity of unboxing videos on YouTube, we’re seeing that the collectible craze is bigger than ever! So big, in fact, that we launched our first-ever 12 Under $12 list of the year’s tiny trending toys with an affordable price tag!,” says the Toy Insider‘s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht. “We’re also seeing a resurgence in unplugged play, encouraging kids to nurture their creativity with screen-free toys and games or to get up and moving with cool rides that go way beyond bikes. Plus, toys packed with oozy, squishy, and smooshy fun show no signs of slowing down either.”

The Top Holiday Toy Trends of 2019

As Seen on YouTube: Kids’ favorite YouTube stars are making their way to the toy box with their very own toy lines. Kids can get an IRL experience unboxing tons of fun surprises based on their favorite channels.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Tic Tac Toy XOXO Friends (Blip Toys), FGTeeV Giant TV (Bonkers Toys), Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe (Just Play), Ryan’s World 3.5-inch Ryan’s Racers (Jada Toys), Lamo Ninja Minifigures (Wicked Cool Toys), and Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets (WowWee).

Ready to Ride: Scooters, balance bikes, go-karts, and more! Kids are riding in style this year in imaginative new ways. These toys encourage kids to get up and active and ready for adventure!

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Rideamals Josie (Pacific Cycle), RealTree UTV (Dynacraft), Neon Ghost (Yvolution), Rockin Rider Legacy Grow-with-me Pony (Tek Nek Toys), Wave Catcher (Rollplay), Wild Ones (Razor), Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Puppy (Mattel), and Playdate Sven (Jakks Pacific).

Layers of Fun: These toys provide a multi-layered play experience for kids and are packed with play value — from grow-with-me toys and playthings that change and evolve over time, to unboxing experiences that seem to never end. These toys that more than meets the eye.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Rizmo (TOMY), Vendeez (Horizon Group USA), Blume (Skyrocket), Foodie Roos (Maya Toys), Foodie Surprise (Redwood Ventures), Rainbocorns S2, Big Bow Surprise (ZURU), Treasure X Tomb (Moose Toys), and Fortnite Jumbo Loot Llama Pinata (Jazwares).

Totally Tactile: Compounds, squishies, and DIY creations: These toys will give you all the feels and are hard to put down! Enjoy different textures, scents, and more.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Morphimals (ORB), Mushmeez (Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co.), Nickelodeon Slime Peanut Butter and Jelly Slime Slow Risers (Cra-Z-Art), Stickies (Hog Wild), Massive Googly (Imperial Toy), Pop Pop Snotz Slime Hammer (YULU), Fluffy Cloudz (WeCool), and Play-Doh Slime (Hasbro).

Playtime Unplugged: No tablet or smartphone required! These toys and games allow kids to take a break from screen time for classic play.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Magnetic Mosaic Kitchen (KidKraft), Calico Critters Sweet Raspberry Home (Epoch Everlasting Play), Timber Tots Playhouse (Fat Brain Toys), Loopies (ALEX Brands), Little People Barn Ballpit (BestWay), Red Light Green Light (Buffalo Games), Splash and Play Mermaid (Madame Alexander), and Mars Space Station (Playmobil).

Gettin’ Glam: Add a little sparkle to your life with these toys, accessories, and DIY sets that provide customization opportunities and lots of unique style.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Blinger (Wicked Cool Toys), Glitter Dots Sparkle Station (Crayola), Lucky Fortune (WowWee), Myla the Magical Unicorn (VTech), Shimmer Stars (KD Group), K-Blings (Wow! Stuff), Go Glam Nail Stamper (Spin Master), and Soap & Bath Bomb Lab (Thames & Kosmos).

#TBTB (Throwback Toy Box): What’s old is new again. These retro-styled toys and games are making a comeback! Whether they’re staples of the ’80s or the things that made the ’90s rad, a new generation of kids will love these toys!

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Countercades (Arcade1Up), Pretty Pretty Princess (Winning Moves Games), Tamagotchi On (Bandai America), Pound Puppies (Basic Fun!), Trapper Keeper Game (Big G Creative), Colorforms Silly Faces Game (Kahootz Toys), Rubik’s Cage (University Games), and Bend-Ems (Sunny Days Entertainment).

How It Works: Kids can use STEM concepts to make their own toys. These activity sets go beyond simple instructions and educate kids on important scientific principles. Each of these toys sparks a love of learning during playtime.

The Toy Insider’s Favorites are Artie 3000 (Educational Insights), smART Pixelator (Flycatcher), VEX Robotics Build Blitz (HEXBUG), LeapBuilders ABC Smart House (LeapFrog), Coding Critters (Learning Resources), My Robotic Pet – Tumbling Hedgehog (Thames & Kosmos), Amazing Construction Set (Magformers), and LEGO Hidden Slide Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 (LEGO).

Schacht and her editorial team of toy experts have more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry. The team is well-versed in the hottest toys and trends through attendance at major toy industry trade shows and events, as well as frequent briefings with toy companies, retailers, and analysts throughout the year. The independent organization reviews toys all year long to compile its annual holiday gift guide, along with its Hot 20, STEM 10 and brand-new 12 Under $12 lists. The Toy Insider highlights the year’s top toy trends based on retail sales and extensive research, helping consumers and gift-givers find the perfect holiday gifts for kids.

The Toy Insider is published by Adventure Media and Events LLC, publisher of the Toy Book and the Pop Insider.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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