As we approach the holiday season, it's time to explore the exciting trends in children's toys showcased at the Toy Insider Holiday of Play 2024. This year's event highlighted innovative products that blend play with learning, sensory experiences, and active engagement. Here are some of the standout toys that highlight the trends in children’s toys this year!

For many years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been debated among artists in and outside of the toy industry. However, as AI continues to evolve, major players in the industry are starting to see its potential.

Earlier this year, Hasbro faced a wave of scrutiny following their job listing seeking AI concept artists. This was after users had found that in some of their loved games such as Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and Magic: The Gathering, there seemed to be a continuous use of AI, something end users were not happy with. However, in June of 2024, Hasbro's CEO Chris Cocks stated that Wizards of the Coast will be utilizing AI for "campaign development or character development or story ideas" (Linward) and that they will be utilizing AI in their future video game projects, not tabletop games. 

Another major player in the industry, Mattel, revealed that they would be joining hands with Adobe's Firefly Generative AI to create packaging for their hit brand, Barbie. They had been working to make strides in AI, offering support to their designers in a more understated way before.

With toy industry giants like Mattel and Hasbro openly embracing AI in their toy development processes, is the toy industry finally ready to leap to embrace the tool?

Switching careers isn’t easy, but Chrissy Fagerholt has made it look like a breeze. Coming from a background in floral design, Chrissy has become a recognizable voice in the toy industry. She’s built a reputation for guiding aspiring toy creators through the process of turning their ideas into shelf-ready products—especially when it comes to landing in big-name stores like Barnes & Noble. In this post, we will explore her inspiring career path, the passion that drives her, and the strategies she uses to help others succeed in the toy industry.

Creating toys is not just a business—it's a blend of imagination, engineering, and marketing skills. If you have a brilliant toy idea but have no clue how to turn it into a reality, then Toy Creators Academy is the perfect place to start your journey in the toy industry. If you're unsure as to whether this program is the right fit for you, keep on reading to learn more!

Toy Creators Academy is an innovative educational platform designed specifically for aspiring toy creators. It provides a wealth of resources, including expert-led courses, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a novice or someone with a few projects under your belt, the academy aims to nurture creativity and equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in the toy industry.

In a world that often feels more divided than ever, Lynn Herring set out on a mission to help people reconnect through the power of art. Leaving behind her successful career at an advertising firm and her dream home in Woodstock, NY, she persevered to design a game that would bring joy and connection into the lives of others. Her invention, XOX! Share the Love, is a fun and strategic coffee table game that serves as both a challenge and a piece of modern art - a game that might be easy to learn but challenging to master, making it so you can't help but want to play again and again.

Making the switch from one industry to another is never easy, especially when one goes from being a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur. Marina Khidekel, creator of Hugimals, took on this challenge and set out on a mission to address the emerging issues of anxiety and stress through her weighted plush toys. The two year old award winning toy and wellness brand has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Time Magazine, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping’s Best Toys, and the Today Show’s It List.

Have you ever wondered how toy inventors pitch their ideas to executives in major toy companies like Toys R Us? The process might be more personal and varied than you think! This article will give you a deep dive into insights from Azhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, who spent almost three years working at Toys R Us as a design manager and a product development manager. Here's a glimpse into her journey at Toys R Us and the key details that could help you get ahead when it comes to pitching your ideas in the toy industry.

Once upon a time, Gerardo Davila worked at Mattel, managing their commercial operations in Latin America. Today, he's a TCA Alumni who credits the program with keeping his toy dream alive and getting his products onto shelves. Gerardo shares his story of launching his toy on Episode #219 of the Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast.

On September 9th, 2024, MESH Helps, Inc. announced the first-ever group of toys and games to receive the MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) Accreditation. 

Meet Kelly Clement, a former middle school educator who now tutors test prep for students preparing to enter specialized middle schools and high schools. At the end of her lessons, she would often hand out homework assignments to supplement the students' learning but felt terrible assigning them because she saw the assignments as dull and unreliable. Seeking out something more engaging and beneficial for her students, she took a chance as she leaped into the toy industry with the latest introduction in her line of products, "Watermelon Math".

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Tamagotchi was one of the biggest toy fads that had a grip over children in Japan and in the United States. This phenomenon began on November 23rd, 1996 when Bandai released their first Tamagotchi in Japan.

It originally consisted of a 32x16 pixel screen and three buttons to be used to take care of the Tamagotchi - the name of the creature and the device it was in. These buttons controlled simple tasks such as playing games with your pet, feeding it, or turning the lights on/off in its room. If you failed to complete these tasks, the Tamagotchi you raised would end up dying.

The Underconsumption Core TikTok trend has rapidly gained traction in 2024, resulting in major impacts on the toy industry. Underconsumption Core, a term coined by Gen Z and millennials on TikTok, is characterized by making every dollar count by being more selective and mindful of your spending by searching for products that provide lasting value. Driven by the increase in living costs and widespread budgeting efforts, this trend is almost a reflection of what we saw in the 2008 recession when low-cost, high-value toys and games were the heroes of the toy industry. The only difference? Customers aren’t just looking for cheap thrills. They want toys that matter, worth the effort they’ve put in to get them. 

Joeydolls celebrates Asian heritage and culture by producing a high quality, and authentically representative toy line. Now available in 19 stores across the world, you may be surprised to know that this small toy business began during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and was funded by 1 powerhouse mom, Samantha Ong. The brand has won three awards for its effort towards creating more inclusivity and diversity during a period of Asian-hate, has just paired up with five new retailers to make its diverse, award-winning dolls more readily available to the public.

When it comes to toy creation and design, safety is arguably the most crucial to focus on because kids will not want to play with a toy that can put them in danger. It is the toy creators and innovators responsibility to ensure the well-being of the children as one slip up could potentially lead to a lot of trouble. In an interview on “Making It on The Toy Industry”, Azhelle Wade shares an in-depth guide into the crucial aspects of toy safety, from understanding regulatory requirements to implementing practical design considerations that go beyond the basics.

A former marketing executive launched his own toy line! Meet, Gerardo de Villa, a TCA alumni who launched Angelitos Magicos after joining the program. In an interview with  “Making It In The Toy Industry” Gerado shares his experience, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in the toy industry, regardless of their background.

The toy manufacturing industry is filled with creativity and innovation. In 2024 the amount of adults purchasing toys exceeded that of preschool toy sales! The toy industry is responsible for creating memories for millions of kids and adults from across the globe.

You may be surprised to know that the creation of each toy involves the skills of toy designers, brand managers, marketers, and factory worked from across the globe with an exceptional attention to detail. Safety standards play a crucial role in the process of toy manufacturing, with rigorous testing protocols ensuring that every product meets or exceeds international regulations.

Modern toy manufacturing factories feature state-of-the-art machinery operates alongside skilled artisans, each playing a vital role in transforming raw materials into cherished playthings.

Kids' are wanting access to social media at a younger and younger age. But given the addictive nature of likes and comments, the potential danger of unmonitored DM’s, the negativity of troll users, most parents are rightfully hesitant to give their young kids access to social media at all. But kids are watching their siblings, parents, and caregivers interacting in an online world that they want to be a part of. Is it time to introduce a kid safe social media platform? A space they can call their own? In an interview on "Making it in the Toy Industry '' The president of Zigazoo, Ashley Mady, talks about how a groundbreaking social network designed specifically for kids is changing the landscape of how young users interact online.

In recent years, sustainability has become more apparent across industries, with consumers increasingly demanding eco-friendly products and practices. However, the toy industry has been slower to adapt compared to other industries. This slow movement is partially due to consumer sensitivity to the price points of toys and games, and partially due to safety concerns and restrictions of production materials that can be used in toys. In an interview on the "Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast", Helen Townsend, the co-founder of Sustained Fun whose company creates climate-focused toys, shares valuable insights on what makes a toy sustainable, how companies can reduce their carbon footprint, and the future of eco-friendly play.