Developing a toy involves a structured process that transforms an initial idea into a market-ready product. The standard timeline to take an idea to a product that can be put on shelves is 1 year. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this journey:

1. Conceptualization and Market Research

   • Idea Generation: Begin by brainstorming innovative toy concepts. To be sure your toy concept is innovative, go to toy stores and look at competitor products. Consider the target age group, play value, and uniqueness of your idea. The method Toy Math, taught by The Toy Coach to students of Toy Creators Academy will help you do this easily.

   • Market Analysis: Research existing toys to identify market gaps and understand current trends. This helps ensure your toy offers something that no company has created before you. For a full lesson on how to perform toy market research, listen to this podcast: Unlocking Your Great Toy Ideas.

2. Design and Prototyping

   • Sketching and Modeling: Create detailed renderings, sketches, or digital models of your toy. This visual representation will help you sell the idea or build your following for a potential crowd-funding campaign. This process should and could be done with the support of toy industry Freelancers. For a list of freelancers recommended by The Toy Coach, check the Preferred Vendor Network.

   • Prototype Development: Build a prototype using materials like clay, resin, or 3D printing. This tangible model should be used to play-test your toy design. Does it work as intended? Is it too big or too small? You should change the design as needed in this stage.

3. Testing and Refinement

   • Safety and Compliance: Ensure the toy meets all safety standards and regulations pertinent to your target market. Your toy must meet the safety standards of every region you plan to sell to. For assistance understanding Toy Safety Requirements, download The Toy Coach’s Toy Safety Bundle for Toy Makers.

   • Playtesting: Conduct sessions with children to observe interactions and gather feedback. This step is crucial for assessing the toy's appeal and functionality. The Toy Coach

4. Manufacturing Planning

   • Material Selection: ABS and PP are the most commonly used plastics in the toy industry. Depending on your product you may use one of those plastics within your product. Your toy can also be made of wood, paper, or even silicone! Select a material that will be durable and maintain the function of your toy. Your factory partner can help you choose the best materials.

   • Production Strategy: Decide between using open market pieces or custom pieces to create your toys. Open market pieces refers to items readily available for wholesale purchase. For example, certain designs of doll bodies are readily available for purchase on the open market. Custom pieces require you to open a mold for the product. To make a cost effective and unique toy, you may choose to combine both open market and custom pieces in your toy’s production. If you need help planning your production strategy, book a call with The Toy Coach.

5. Branding and Packaging

   • Brand Identity: Develop a brand story and visual identity that your target market can relate to. Your brand’s message and identity has the power to build a community and following that will support your product when you launch it.

   • Packaging Design: Create packaging that is attractive, informative, and aligns with your brand. Effective toy packaging highlights the key features of your toy, is sturdy and eyecatching.

6. Marketing and Distribution

   • Marketing Strategy: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes online and offline channels to promote your toy to your ideal target market. Your plan should include toy award marketing (this strategy is explained in Toy Creators Academy), pitching to media sites, organic content marketing, and paid marketing.

   • Distribution Channels: Sell your toy B2B (selling to other businesses) or B2C (selling directly to consumers). You’ll need to establish relationships with retailers, both physical and online, to sell your product B2B. You’ll need to build a community with your customers and potential customers to sell your product B2C.

Curious if you can develop a toy on your own?

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.

If you want to speed the process along, and avoid wasting money along the way, you might consider additional guidance from a coach, mentor, or educational program like Toy Creators Academy.