The Toy Fair is an annual event that brings together toy manufacturers, retailers, and industry experts to showcase the latest and greatest toys and play trends.
The Rise of Sustainable Toys
The Toy Association’s 2025 Toy Trends Report highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the toy industry.
However, 21% of parents are more concerned with the toy’s price and 15% with its brand reputation.
Choosing the Right Toys for Your Child
Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Before selecting a toy, it’s essential to consider your child’s age, interests, and abilities. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that the toy is suitable for your child’s developmental stage. For example, a 2-year-old may require toys that promote sensory exploration, while a 6-year-old may benefit from more complex puzzles and games. * Age-based toys: Consider toys that cater to your child’s age group, such as:**
- For 2-year-olds: stacking toys, shape sorters, and sensory balls
- For 4-year-olds: puzzles, playdough, and building blocks
- For 6-year-olds: board games, card games, and more complex puzzles
- Increased engagement: When kids are playing with toys that are tailored to their interests and abilities, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated. Improved learning outcomes: Personalized play experiences can help kids learn new skills and concepts in a more effective and enjoyable way. Enhanced creativity: When kids are given the freedom to explore and express themselves through play, they’re more likely to develop their creativity and imagination. ## The Future of Play: Customization and Inclusivity*
- In 2024, Halloween began ramping up in July, six weeks earlier than in The toy industry saw a significant increase in sales of Halloween-themed toys and decorations. ## The Impact on Toy Retailers*
- Disney and Pixar:**
- Eternals and The Little Mermaid are set to launch new toys and merchandise in Star Wars and Marvel will also see new product lines and collaborations. Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios will release new toys and merchandise based on its upcoming films. Gaming:**
- Fortnite and Minecraft will continue to dominate the gaming toy market with new product lines and collaborations. Roblox will also see new toys and merchandise based on its popular games. Gaming will be a major trend in 2025, with many licensed toys and products inspired by popular games. Anime and Manga:**
- Attack on Titan and One Piece will see new toys and merchandise in Dragon Ball and Naruto will also be popular licensed toys and trends in Anime and manga will continue to be a major trend in 2025, with many licensed toys and products inspired by popular series.
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The Future of Toys: Trends and Insights from the Toy Fair
The State of the Toy Industry
The toy industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and evolving societal values.
The Toy Association and The Toy Foundation are two separate entities, but they share a common goal: to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
The Toy Association
The Toy Association is a trade association that represents the interests of the toy industry. As a leading voice in the industry, The Toy Association works to promote the toy industry and its members through various initiatives and events. One of the most notable events organized by The Toy Association is the Toy Fair, which takes place annually in New York City.
Toy Fair
The Toy Fair is a premier event for the toy industry, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world.
parents’ perceptions of toys and play. The survey revealed that 71% of respondents believed that toys should be designed with the child’s emotional well-being in mind.
The Rise of Emotional Intelligence in Toy Design
The toy industry has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence in toy design. This shift is driven by a recognition that children’s emotional well-being is crucial for their overall development and happiness.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Children
Emotional intelligence refers to a child’s ability to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. This skill is essential for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who possess high emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate complex social situations, build strong relationships, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.
Key Benefits of Emotional Intelligence in Children
- Improved social skills and relationships
- Enhanced emotional regulation and resilience
- Better academic performance and overall well-being
- Increased empathy and compassion for others
The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Toy Design
The growing recognition of emotional intelligence in children has led to a surge in toy design that prioritizes emotional well-being. Toy manufacturers are now creating products that promote emotional intelligence, social skills, and self-awareness.
Examples of Emotional Intelligence in Toy Design
- Mindfulness toys: Toys that encourage children to focus on the present moment, such as puzzles, coloring books, and mindfulness apps.
Assessing Your Child’s Interests
Understanding your child’s interests can help you choose toys that align with their passions. For instance, if your child loves animals, consider toys that feature their favorite creatures, such as stuffed animals, figurines, or educational games.
Toymakers that customize play experiences to different lifestyles and preferences will score the most aura points with kids in 2025.
The Rise of Personalized Play Experiences
In the world of toys and play, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach is slowly giving way to a more personalized and inclusive approach. Toymakers are now focusing on creating play experiences that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences, and it’s an approach that’s gaining traction with kids in 2025.
The Benefits of Personalization
Personalization in play experiences offers a range of benefits for kids, including:
The Future of Play: Customization and Inclusivity
As we look to the future of play, it’s clear that customization and inclusivity will play a major role.
Toy retailers capitalize on early Halloween sales surge.
The Rise of Halloween in July
In recent years, the traditional Halloween season has been expanding its reach, with many retailers starting to sell Halloween-themed merchandise in July. This trend has been observed in various industries, including toy retailers, who have seen an increase in sales of Halloween-themed toys and decorations. Key statistics:
The Impact on Toy Retailers
The expansion of the Halloween season has created new opportunities for toy retailers.
55% said they did so to learn something new. 55% said they did so to spend quality time with their child. 55% said they did so to create a sense of nostalgia. 55% of parents said they would buy toys for themselves if they could. 73% of parents said they would buy toys for themselves if they was a toy that their child would like. 61% of parents said they would buy toys for themselves if they could spend quality time with their child. 55% of parents said they would buy toys for a toy that would help them learn something new. 55% of parents said they would buy a toy that would help them create a sense of nostalgia. 73% of parents said they would buy a toy that their child would like.
Collectible toys are experiencing a resurgence in popularity worldwide.
The Rise of Collectible Toys
Collectible toys have experienced a significant resurgence in popularity over the past few years, with sales figures indicating a substantial increase in the global market.
2025 is expected to be a big year for entertainment and licensed toys, with several major franchises set to launch new products and experiences. Here are some of the top licensed toys and trends to watch in 2025:
