Developing a toy on your own is possible and has been successfully achieved by numerous entrepreneurs. Some top toy companies today were startup toy companies, like Hasbro and Wow! Stuff. While the process can be complex, with careful planning and resourcefulness, you can make it happen.

Here’s a process to do it on your own:

1. Leverage Available Resources

   • Educational Content: Utilize online platforms that offer guidance on toy development. For instance, The Toy Coach provides insights into the toy development process, including episodes like "How To Make A Toy, The 5 Steps of Product Development." by The Toy Coach.

   • Freelance Professionals: When developing a toy it’s crucial that you only work with freelancers that have experience developing toys. Since you’ve never developed a toy before, you should only work with Freelancers that have! Experienced toy industry freelancers can assist you in many stages of development. Check out these freelancers from our Preferred Vendor Network.

2. Engage with the Toy Community

   • Networking: The toy industry is small. To start networking you must attend toy trade shows! There are over 12 dozen toy trade shows in the industry. Download a PDF of them here. After attending trade shows, considering joining the organizations that run these trade shows. After joining, get involved with a committees, and eventually try to get on the board. These interactions can provide valuable insights and potential collaborations.

   • Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals in the toy industry who can offer advice and share their experiences. Not everyone you contact will have the availability to mentor you, so don’t get offended if someone says no.

3. Adopt a Step-by-Step Approach

   • Conceptualization: Start with a clear and simple idea. If you can’t explain your toy and generate interest in a 30 second pitch, it’s either too complex, or you don’t know how to explain it.

   • Prototyping: Create prototypes using whatever you have on hand to test your concept.

   • Testing and Feedback: Conduct play testing sessions to gather feedback and make necessary changes. When your ideal target market gives you negative feedback, believe them! The worst thing you can do for your toy is ignore negative feedback.

   • Production Planning: Research manufacturing options, considering factors like cost, scalability, and quality control. If you need help finding a factory consider joining a program like Toy Creators Academy.

4. Consider Collaborations

   • Partnerships: Consider partnering with other independent designers or small manufacturing companies to share resources and expertise as you develop your toy.

   • Licensing: If manufacturing independently is out of your budget, you may consider licensing your toy idea to established companies. Licensing is where you sell your invention for a share of the profits. Learn more about licensing in The Licensing Module of Toy Creators Academy.

Embarking on toy development independently requires serious dedication and a willingness to learn. By utilizing available resources, building your own community, and approaching the process consistently, you can successfully develop and bring your toy to market.