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.

The digital age is here and just like everyone else, toy inventors need to embrace the internet and social media in particular. E-commerce managers, distributors, licensors and other professionals who scour the web for new toy inventors to work with look at social media, in addition to sites like Kickstarter to find the next big thing. How will you “wow” them? Keep reading to find out.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write and illustrate a children's book? Maybe you have a few ideas but you’re not sure if they’re good. Or maybe your book is complete but you don’t know what to do next. How do you find a talented editor, agent, or publisher? Most people have a great idea to create something but they get caught up in the little things, which stops them in their tracks. Instead they watch other people’s ideas come to life.