Trends Column - the U.S. Toy Association highlights toys that appeal to the ‘inner child’ in everyone

Products of Change appoints children’s ambassador

Kids Industries’ co-founder and CEO Gary Pope has been appointed as the children’s ambassador for the global educational hub and membership organisation Products of Change. Kids Industries is a full-service marketing agency that specialises in the family market.

Products of Change’s mission is to encourage companies and brands to meet their sustainability goals through education and working together to share best practice. As children’s ambassador, Gary will support this aim by representing the views, needs and wants of children in that process.

Spielwarenmesse reveals mega trend for 2022

Sustainability has become a big topic worldwide, and the International TrendCommittee for the German trade show Spielwarenmesse is devoting its efforts to this development. To highlight the importance of the topic within the toy industry, the 13 members of the TrendCommittee will be focusing on this one mega trend for 2022: Toys go Green.

In consultation with experts, the team at the fair - which takes place from 2 February to 6 February in Nuremberg - has identified four product categories relevant to the trend: Made by Nature, Inspired by Nature, Recycle & Create and Discover Sustainability.

Spielwarenmesse 2022 will be bringing the topic to life at the Toys go Green special area in Hall 3A. Toys relevant to the categories will be presented on four themed islands for retailers to discover and try out. Additionally, the special area will provide background information on the topic of sustainability. Next door, at the Toy Business Forum, industry participants can similarly learn about Toys go Green from daily expert presentations.

Obituary: Philip James Goodall

By Malcolm Naish, founder of TnP

Many people in the toy trade will remember Philip Goodall and his wife Helen (pictured). Philip died recently at the age of 91.

Philip spent 25 years in the RAF and when he retired he and Helen purchased a cycle shop. Helen came up with the idea of introducing toys - and The Pied Pedaller was born. Toys quickly outperformed cycles and the Pied Pedaller became one of the largest independent toy shops in the country.

Philip was director of toy buying group Concorde and chairman for five years of the National Association of Toy Retailers [now the Toy Retailers Association].

He is survived by his wife Helen, children Amanda and Mark and grandson Jamie.

TRENDS: NOT JUST FOR LITTLE KIDS

Tapping into our inner child has proved to be a fun way to cope with the stresses of the past couple of years. So toys that might appeal to ‘big kids’ are coming to the fore, says U.S. Toy Association senior communications specialist Kirstin Morency Goldman

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that setting aside time to play can be a great way to help de-stress and reconnect with family and friends at any age.

“Toymakers are creating more products that appeal to the inner child in everyone, and it’s not just catering to diehard collectors but including casual fans of everything from board games to building toys and more,” says Adrienne Appell, senior vice president of marketing communications at The U.S. Toy Association.

The following toys and games represent just a small sampling of the many toys that will appeal to big kids at heart: Tamagotchi Original: Star Wars R2-D2 (Bandai): With crossgenerational appeal, this collectable tech toy taps into the fun of Tamagotchi combined with the world of Star Wars. Train R2-D2 to master various skills with the Star Wars R2-D2 Tamagotchi. There are 19 skills for R2-D2 to learn and seven mini-games for him to unlock, depending on his skill level. Truth Bombs (Big Potato Games): This is a game filled with ‘truth bombs’. Players have the chance to answer all types of anonymous questions. But if other players figure out which answers are yours, it’s game over! LEGO Adidas Originals Superstar Set (LEGO): Sneakerheads rejoice - this set allows you to build a LEGO version of the classic Adidas trainer. Just like the real thing, this LEGO version includes the Superstar trainer graphics, shell toe shape, trefoil logo, and serrated three stripes mark. Porsche 911 3D Jigsaw Puzzle (Ravensburger): Build a real-life 3D puzzle model of a Porsche 911. The set comes with 108 pieces to create the model with authentic 1:18 scale and turning wheels.

To learn more about the top toy trends of 2021, visit www. ToyAssociation.org/Trends. The U.S. Toy Association’s trends team will be providing a Q4 trends update later this Autumn; a recording of the presentation will be made available and shared online. And don’t forget to save the date for Toy Fair New York, returning to New York City’s newly expanded Jacob K. Javits Center from February 19 to February 22 2022. Visit www.ToyFairNY.com to learn more.

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, 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; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.