Holiday shopping season is underway and The Toy Association revealed its top toy trends to be on the lookout for this season. The trends are backed by extensive product research, tracking by The Toy Association trends team throughout the year, and a OnePoll survey commissioned by the association of 2,000 U.S. parents.
“While reports indicate that consumers have lower confidence to spend due to inflation, toys historically have proven to be recession resistant because of their affordability and families’ desire to make sure kids experience the wonder of play through toys and games,” says The Toy Association’s Executive Vice President of Marketing Communications Adrienne Appell. “Our research shows families are turning to play to destress, make memories, and have fun. In fact, 67% of parents in our survey said they spend more time playing with their kids now than they did before the pandemic and 54% said they specifically seek out toys that will enable them to make new memories with their children.”
THE FOUR TOP TOY TRENDS INCLUDE:
- ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE: Look out for screen-free toys that allow kids to customize their play experiences, items that bring digital worlds to life, and ones that innovate classic play for the whole family, which ultimately encourages hands-on play and skill-building.
- PURPOSE-DRIVEN PLAY: Store shelves are featuring toys that are sustainably made, speak to important social issues such as climate change, create a more inclusive world, and support kids’ mental health.
- ENTERTAINMENT EVERYWHERE: Kids continue to take a cross-platform approach to media consumption, so social media and digital content influence the types of toys their kids want. From streaming platforms to gaming, toymakers are tapping into new licensing opportunities for product inspiration.
- PLAY FOR ALL: Kids aren’t the only ones making toy wish lists this year, as trends indicate that kidults enjoy playtime just as much as their kids. Playthings with cross-generational appeal will continue to resonate with toy lovers of all ages this holiday season.
While the focus right now is on holiday trends, the focus will soon shift to 2023.
On March 8, 2023, The Toy Association and Adventure Media & Events, publisher of The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider, will present an all-new event: The Play Date. Set to take place In New York City, The Play Date will give media, investors, and the influencer community direct access to the toy companies, brands, and products that will be hot throughout the year, including spring and summer launches and a first look at the hottest toys for the 2023 holiday season.
