Page 22 - Toy & Hobbly Retailer Magazine August-October 2019

TOY ASSOCIATION TRENDS
BY KRISTIN MORENCY GOLDMAN
Explosive Entertainment
Toys deepen play patterns and inspire imaginations.
KIDS get excited about engaging with their favourite characters and storylines, so it’s no surprise that licensed playthings continue to account for roughly 30 per cent of all US toy sales. Toy companies are coming out with
a variety of innovative products that hit on the emotional aspect of a property while also deepening play patterns that build skills and inspire imaginations.
“Toy purchases over the next few months will be driven in part by upcoming blockbuster movies, including live-action remakes of The Lion King and Aladdin, as well as Toy Story 4, Frozen 2, and the next Star Wars instalment,” noted Adrienne Appell, trend expert at The Toy Association in the United States. “Kids will also have their sights set on toys based on popular YouTube channels, digital content, and classic properties that have been engaging families for generations.”
‘Explosive Entertainment’ was one of the
six hottest trends announced by The US Toy Association at Toy Fair New York in February. The show unveiled thousands of toys – from
plush and building sets, to collectibles and action figures – based on hot licenses. Check out a few examples of ‘Explosive Entertainment’ toys and games that will be sweeping the toy aisle through holiday 2019.
ALADDIN GENIE INTERACTIVE FIGURE:
With the live-action Aladdin movie hitting theatres this year, kids will want to get their hands on their very own Genie with this 6” interactive figure, which looks just like the blue genie from the 1992 animated film. Features more than 35 phrases, plus moving eyes, head, and mouth.
PINKFONG BABY SHARK SINGING HAND PUPPETS: Your favourite Baby Shark is now available as an interactive puppet! Move the mouth of your Baby Shark puppet to hear the entire Baby Shark song - the global sensation with over 3.3 billion views. Change the speed
and beat of the Baby Shark song by moving the mouth faster or slower.
MICKEY’S SNUGGLE TIME GAME: Snuggle up for a calming game that’s perfect for bedtime, nap time, or any quiet time. Help Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and friends get the farm animals across the soft game board and into the barn before the sun goes down.
PUSHEEN SQUISHEEN LOG: Pusheen brings brightness and chuckles to millions of followers in her rapidly growing online fan base. The new Squisheen collection has uniquely elastic fabric that makes her extra squishy inside and super soft outside! The large 15” Squisheen log features Pusheen’s signature smile and a new shape ready for squishing.
PADDINGTON STACKING TOY: Made of soft plush colours and textured fabrics, this Paddington Plush Stacking Toy is a nursery favourite for cause-and-effect play. With a gingham-printed base tower and three rings of different sizes, toddlers will love learning how to stack and build Paddington, complete with his red hat on top. ❉
22 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
Want to see hit toys and games coming
to market in 2020? Come to Toy Fair New York – the largest toy, play, and youth entertainment product marketplace in the Western Hemisphere. Visit www.ToyFairNY. com to learn more.