The Spielwarenmesse know the world of toys.
Sharing their insights, they have identified three industry trends for 2019: “Ready, Steady, Play!”, “The WOW Effect” and “Toys 4 Kidults”.
Ready, Steady, Play! – physical activity through play
Our lifestyles are becoming ever more sedentary thanks not least to smart solutions such as mobile phones and tablets and everyday aids like lifts and escalators. All too often, this culminates in a lack of physical activity, poor coordination and slower reactions. This can be countered by toys and games that encourage kids to engage in physical activity whilst having fun.
The WOW Effect – a big surprise
The good-old lucky bag has been entertaining young and old for generations. Not knowing what’s inside adds to the excitement right to the end. More and more manufacturers are delighting children by adding an element of surprise to their products. It may be the packaging that conceals which collectable has been bought or a product that only reveals its functions and play options on closer inspection.
Toys 4 Kidults – for the young at heart
Kidult is a concoction of the words kid and adult. The new term describes adults that love things usually associated with children. The Toys 4 Kidults trend reminds us that toys are not just reserved for children but can still be enjoyed by the older generation. The possibilities are endless, ranging from decorative toys and sophisticated construction sets to rare collectables and retro-licences.
Further information about the trends 2019 can be found at www.spielwarenmesse.de/en/trends.