Attending Toy Fair, the annual toy industry trade show is a bit like stepping into a time machine. In one booth you are hurled into the future as you preview the latest in tech toys. Visit the next exhibit and it’s a blast from the past with a display of classic and timeless toys.
Each year we share our faves and predictions for what’s bound to be hot for next fall’s holiday season. So take notes, Christmas is just 296 days away!
Direct from the future there’s Miposaur. This robotic dino will obey your commands via the app, your hand signals, or even follow their own “thoughts” and chase their special trackball around. When I was a kid I could not have even dreamed of a toy that could do these things!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts571DBhF64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts571DBhF64
On the same note, R.E.V.’s are Robotic Enhanced Vehicles. Remote controlled cars that can chase each other with or without your help. They have their own GPS for “situational awareness” and are controlled via a free app.
For girls, the future brings us Hello Barbie. Not only does she talk, but she answers your questions and can learn and remember your name and your preferences. I used the time machine to discover that she becomes self-aware in 2019 and attempts to hack into Skynet and take over the world, but her lack of a true working thumb proves her un-doing.
Sick Bricks from Spin Master are one of our predictions for a Holiday Hit. Sick Bricks are a toy/app integration in the vein of another fave of ours, Skylanders. These toys come with a iPhone or Tablet app (no console version) and combine physical toys and video games. A nice feature is there’s no portal or starter pack to buy. Just pick up a few characters and download the free app and you are ready to save Sick City.
Harkening back to simpler times, crafts are big and sure to be popular this fall. Flower Crowns and Decorate Your Own Sunnies from Creativity for Kids, are stand-out examples.
Another classic I was excited to see was Silly String. Not some knock off, but the original brand resurrected for fun!
The show was filled with toys and games for baby’s first tablet. While the value screen time for babies is up for debate, the Jungle Fun Activity Cart is good clean wooden fun. With eight fun activities, it will entertain them even without a screen. (Available by Holiday)
If your tween daughter is like mine, her room is covered with Beanie Boos and next up is Frizzy’s, a whole ‘nother line of small stuffies for them to obsess over. And she might also like to collect Chubby Puppies, toy puppies that hop or waddle and can play with their favorite toys. It’s hard not to smile when you seem them bouncing around. (Available by Holiday)
We noticed a few trends as well. Small is the new big and it was Minions, Minions, everywhere! LEGO doubled down with mini-Minions, another sure hit. (Available by Holiday_
So past, present or future, there’s something for everyone this year.
