All about toy trends

Labyrinth Game (Social trend)

There are a lot of toys out in the market today. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming not just to kids, but even their parents. This 2011, toys reflect values and desires in today's time. Some of the most popular and upcoming trends when i comes to the toy industry are the following:

"Social"- kids will be more engaged with their playmates as a lot of games nowadays have a "social" aspect to it. This is good because kids will learn values such as cooperation. It also teaches them how to be competitive, and instills in them values that come along with winning and losing in competitions. Along with the social trend, there are a lot of games that make children socially aware about issues such as saving the environment and learning how to save.

Zillions ATM Savings bank by Summit (Social trend)

"Performance Play"- These are toys that encourage kids to be active, which is also helpful for their health. It makes kids get up and move, and can already be considered as exercise. This is also a good way to counteract childhood obesity.

Nerf Lazer Tag Battle System (Performance Play) Angelina Ballerina Dancing Game (Performance Play)

"Cent-sibility"- These are collectible items for both boys and girls that are made to be very affordable. A lot of these toys are already popular in the market and mini-versions are created so more people can buy them.

Pokemon Center (Cent-sibility)

"Discover and Learn"- These are toys that encourage learning for children. Some of the toys usually use "camouflage learning" where children enjoy playing while subconciously learning about a particular subject matter. This makes learning fun for kids.

Jakks Pacific Spy Net Secret Mission Video Watch (Discover and Learn)

Relive Toy Fair 2011

American International Toy Fair 2011

The 108th American International Toy Fair was held last February 13-15 this 2011 in New York City. This is one of the biggest toy trade shows where the newest and hottest products in the children's marketplace are exhibited. According to TIA (Toy Industry Association, Inc.) toy trend specialist Reyne Rice, "Toymakers are influenced by so many outside factors. It's always remarkable to see how toys reflect what is happening in the world today and meet the demands of families who want to play in new and challenging ways. This has never been more evident than at Toy Fair 2011. The industry really outdoes itself year after year."

Some of the top trends that were seen in the 2011 Toy Fair are the following:

Eco-friendly Toys

Alex's EcoCrafts are made from recyclable materials

Brands based on digital media

Angry birds board by Mattell is based on the app "Angry Birds"

Social Interaction

Ninjago by Lego is designed to be used in a battle game called "Spinjitzu"

Aspirational toys

Toys that inspire kids to act in positive ways like LearningResource's Pretend play doctor set

Technological Toys

VTech's InnoPad is designed as a learning tablet for kids. It can also double as an MP3 player or video player.

Tandars

Tandars Interactive Pets was introduced last February 13-16 2011 in New York City during the American International Toy Fair 2011 by YoHa Technology. YoHa Technology Inc. is a new company based in Hong Kong that designs and develops innovative high-tech products in consumer entertainment. They have offices in California as well. The company's objective is to manufacture, marekt and sell edgy world-class products.

The Tandars pet is based on a tarsier, which is an endangered species of primates that can be found in South East Asia. "The concept of a pet monkey that you feed, take care of and have fun with was at the forefront of the development process," according to George York, CEO of YoHa Technology. "This is a realistic, yet whimsical toy that is sure to entertain kids on many levels." I think that this toy is very interesting because it seems very realistic. Aside from its entertaining qualities, it will also somehow teach kids on how to take care of a pet.

Tandars USB Pet

Life in plastic, it's fantastic!

Barbie flagship store in Shanghai, China

Barbie staircase

Barbie Cafe

The first ever flagship store for Barbie was built in Shanghai, China. The store carries a vast collection of Barbie dolls, and licensed Barbie products such as clothes and cosmetics. There are also a lot of services and activities for all Barbie enthusiasts, such as interactive games and the Barbie cafe. It surely is a 35,000 square foot store filled with beauty, fun and excitement.

Barbie will always be an icon. Kids and kids at heart will always recognize and love Barbie. She is truly a classic "toy" that will never go out of style. For me, she has been a big part of my childhood. Barbie started my love for fashion and beauty. It is just right for Barbra Millicent Roberts (Barbie) to have a grand home where she will spread happiness to everyone who visits.

Source: Slade Architecture

Hide and Seek