Trends Column - the U.S. Toy Association

Spielwarenmesse update

The first-ever Summer edition of Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg was due to open its doors in July after being postponed in January.

But following ‘unrelenting uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic on a national and international level’, show organiser Spielwarenmesse eG has decided to cancel the event and focus instead on Spielwarenmesse 2022.

Spielwarenmesse eG, CEO Ernst Kick said: “All energies will now be channelled into the regular Spielwarenmesse which is scheduled to run from 2 February to 6 February 2022 and will take place in conjunction with Spielwarenmesse Digital.

“For the first time ever, we will be linking the indispensable experience of the live exhibition in Nuremberg with the virtual world, enhancing the participation of both suppliers and buyers whilst providing them with the best possible service. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Nuremberg for the 72nd Spielwarenmesse.”

Bookings open for Toy Fair 2022

The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), which organises the Toy Fair, has announced that the application process for the 2022 event is now open. The show will take place from 25 January to 27 January at Olympia in London.

The BTHA said: “We were extremely disappointed not to be able to host the industry this past January, but we are working hard towards preparing for the 2022 event. We will once again be using the Grand and National Halls at Olympia.

“The safety of all participants is extremely important to us, so we will be following government guidance to ensure we conform with all regulations and safety measures. We expect further guidance in the coming weeks and will update participants accordingly.’’

To apply to exhibit at the Toy Fair go to www.toyfair.co.uk. For further details, email Majen@btha.co.uk or Rebecca@btha.co.uk.

TRENDS: ECO-FRIENDLY TOY PICKS FOR 2021

One of the top trends forecast by The U.S. Toy Association for 2021 is ‘Socially Conscious Play’ - but it’s more than just a passing fad, says senior communications specialist Kristin Morency Goldman

Parents are making more environmentally mindful purchases in general, and they want to instil Earthfriendly practices in their children from a very young age. Toys, as always, are excellent tools for teaching critical values and concepts that will stay with kids for the rest of their lives.

Here’s a few examples of toys and games that will inspire greener lifestyles:

Green Friends (Douglas Toys):

This collection of cuddly plush is made from 100% recycled plastic, from the outer body materials to the internal stuffing, the pellets, and even the hang tags. The first wave of Green Toys, as always, are excellent “

tools for teaching critical values and concepts that will stay with kids for

”the rest of their lives

Friends includes a shark, dolphin, octopus, turtle, and orca whale. All eyes are embroidered, instead of plastic. Douglas Toys is also committed to utilising shipping cartons made from recycled materials.

Springbok Puzzles (Allied

Products): The chipboard in all packaging and puzzles is made from 100% recycled materials with 80-90% post-consumer waste. Inks are 100% soybased with no petroleum additives. Acid-free paper is used for the high-quality lithographs. The puzzles are made in the U.S.

OjO Space Rescuers Astrophysics Board Game

(OjO): Play the Space Rescuers game to discover fun facts about our solar system, the planets, and their positions in relation to the sun. Learn about the impact of space waste as you clean up along the way!

Animals at Risk! (Adventerra

Games): This memory game introduces children to the concept of endangered animals and the importance of protecting them. Kids match animals with their babies and learn about their habitats. The colours of the backgrounds and the illustrations on the large pieces help players match the cards.

PaperCraft Fashion Parade (Educational Insights):

Featuring eco-friendly

Toy Trust launches fundraising campaign

The Toy Trust has revealed details of a new fundraising initiative. Starting at 9am on 11 June, Around the World in 80 Hours invites the toy industry to take part in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 80 hours (which amounts to 40,075km).

Participants can complete distances by a mix of disciplines over the 80-hour period, and can use their creativity by wearing fancy-dress or choosing unusual means of transport (no motors allowed) such as tandem bike or horseback. Traditional methods such as walking, running, cycling and swimming are also encouraged.

The event, which will be hosted on exercise tracking app Strava and is free of charge to join, is in support of two UK-based charities: myAFK and Handclapped Children’s Action Group (HCAG). Funds raised will be used to buy bespoke mobility equipment for kids and young people.

Sign up to take part at www.toytrust.co.uk/aroundthe-world-in-80-hours/ or set up a fundraising page at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/aroundtheworldin80hours.

Bandai launches Tamagotchi Pix

Bandai UK is fortifying the Tamagotchi franchise and allowing fans of the virtual pet to enter the Tamagotchi world like never before with the release of the Tamagotchi Pix.

This new device features a built-in camera that allows you to take pictures with your Tamagotchi character and nurture it in a new way.

Bandai explained: “It’s not just about feeding your virtual pet any more; you can now cook for your Tamagotchi character, have food delivered, explore the real world to meet Tamagotchi friends, and add pictures of the adventures with a built-in social feed.

“How you raise your character will affect gameplay in a whole new way, with new personal rooms and gameplay that dictates your character’s future profession when they go back to Tamagotchi Planet. No internet connection is required to connect with your virtual pet so you can nurture your Tamagotchi wherever you go, making for a blended experience that brings together the real world with the world of Tamagotchi.’’

DKB acquires Mightymast

DKB Toys & Distribution has acquired games and sports equipment supplier Mightymast Leisure.

MD Chris Lohmeyer said: “Bringing Mightymast into the fold of DKB means we can now offer a bridge between our traditional toy side and the larger game table opportunities that Mightymast brings.’’

With new products coming through from design teams in the UK and US later in the year and into 2022, plus a new website design, DKB is looking to stock 20 to 30 key Mightymast lines including garden games, pool tables, 3-in-1 tables, air hockey and football tables.

packaging and reusable, customisable pieces, children design their own fashions using the large, easy-tocolour dolls and outfit stickers that unstick for frustration-free design and play.

Billie Eilish L.A. Live Fashion Doll (Playmates

Toys): This 10.5in fashion doll based on Billie Eilish’s 2019 concert at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium features impeccable likeness, from her hair to her signature fashion and accessories. Fully poseable with 14 points of articulation, the fashion doll comes in sustainable packaging that transforms into an ‘on-stage’ backdrop to display the doll

Check out The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy Trends Briefing to get the lowdown on the top trends that will be driving global toy sales through the holiday season.

Learn more at www. ToyAssociation.org/ trends. Given the rate at which the toy, play, and retail landscape is evolving, The Toy Association will provide a mid-year trend update this summer.

Founded in 1916, The U.S. Toy Association is a not-for-profit trade association representing businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The U.S. toy industry has an annual U.S. economic impact of $97.2 billion and its 1,000-plus members drive the annual $27 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and the media. It has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on programmes to ensure safe and fun play. The organisation produces the world-renowned Toy Fair New York and Toy Fair Dallas; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

STEM.org recognises Geomagworld

Two ranges from Geomagworld have received the Early Years STEM. org authenticated and STEM.org authenticated trustmarks.

The Early Years STEM.org authenticated trustmark was awarded to 16 new Magicubes, including items across its 100% recycled plastics range and picture cubes sets. The STEM. org authenticated trustmark was bestowed to 11 new Geomag lines, all of which are made with 100% recycled plastic.