2017 Toy Fair Trends
From modern takes on classic toys and collectibles to cutting-edge technologies and new movie-inspired licenses, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced last week their top trends for the 114th North American International Toy Fair. The event that is held annually at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York is a showcase for more than 1,000 toy producers, distributors, and sales agents scouting for the next big thing in the competitive toy market. TIA’S team of trend experts met with hundreds of toy companies from around the world throughout the year to track the latest developments in toys and games. The team then combs through thousands of products before they made their announcement at the fair for the top toy trends.
This year’s top trends included:
Collectibles 2.0: This trend of collectibles ranges from those that are basic and affordable and have multiple play functions to the higher-priced licensed collectibles for avid collectors. Collectible toys can help reinforce and develop skills such as perseverance, social and organizational skills. HABA is expanding their line of collectible Little Friends Dolls for this very reason. The line of 4 inch “bendy doll” friends are adding pets, family member and accessories allowing children to create realistic imaginary play scenarios.
Up & Active: These toys encourage kids to get up and move both indoors and outdoors. The new active toys motivate kids to burn off excess energy, engage the whole family and are seamlessly integrated into other types of play. The trend includes tech toys such as classic outdoor ride-ons, traditional games with physical activity and digital toys that create face-to-face play. Companies like Learning Resources are even turning computer-based concepts like coding into a get up and move games for kids. The Let’s Go Code!™ Activity Set introduces children to early coding and programming ideas while building gross motor skills by stepping, hopping and turning without electronics.
Technology Trends: The tech trend continues to grow this year with a notable surge in augmented and virtual reality toys, drones, virtual pets, robotics and more. Toy companies are also incorporating more engaging and interactive tech components to their products that add to the learning and play experience. Educational Insights had attendees buzzing with a sneak peek of their new GeoSafari® Jr. Talking Microscope™ which will hit stores in June 2017 and features the voice of wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin.
Oh So Classic!: Low or no-tech toys with retro or classic styling and materials are notably on the rise this year and are among fastest growing toy categories. The trend also includes retro brands that are reinvented or relaunching for a new generation to enjoy to help foster intergenerational play. Companies like Pacific Play Tents are leading the charge to create high quality and imaginative tents, play houses, teepees, parachutes and tunnels that offer modern graphics, classic styles and get kids and families playing together.
Movie Mania: Hollywood and toys go hand in hand this year with a slew of family friendly movies hitting the theaters including: LEGO Batman and Ninjago, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Cars 3 and Beauty and the Beast. Ride-ons, bath toys, plush, action figures and puzzles are all licensed with kids’ favorite characters. SoapSox® continues to make a splash in the bath toy market with their line of Disney-licensed plush washcloths featuring beloved characters including: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ariel and Flounder from The Little Mermaid, as well as, Nemo and Squirt from Finding Nemo.
From STEAM to STREAM: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) is gaining a new letter this year. Robotics is expected to be incorporated into the trend in 2017, transforming STEAM to STREAM. This learning component component will be found in classic toys like puzzles, memory games, building blocks, stacking toys and other games that teach critical skills. Even the littlest engineers can get in on the robotic trend with the Design & Drill® Robot from Educational Insights. It is the perfect introduction to STEM learning through basic engineering and construction play for ages 3 years and up.
The wide range of toy offerings and categories and this year’s NY Toy Fair reflect the thriving toy market in the US which grew by 5% last year with sales of $20.4 billion. With product for babies, kids and the young at heart, playtime is alive and well and showing no signs of slowing down.
