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Toy Fair Supplement: Top Toy Trends of 2014 Announced by Toy Industry Association

Yesterday, the TIA released a report of the toy toy trends for 2014. According to Adrienne Appell, TIA trend expert:

"Personalization and open-ended play are definitely the buzz words of 2014...Whether kids are building with classic blocks, designing their own dolls, playing in virtual worlds, or 'mashing up' play patterns, toymakers are giving them more freedom than ever to play exactly how they want. Best of all, these value-packed playthings come at a variety of price points – we are seeing a great selection of both splurge-worthy items and very affordable toys to fit any budget."


Of the six major trends noted in the report, half of them were related to scale model building:

FULL "STEAM" AHEAD!
Educational toys, games and crafts that teach kids STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) are heating up in the toy aisle and getting kids of all ages, interests and abilities excited about learning. Toymakers are increasingly incorporating storytelling and other artistic components into science, engineering and building toys to get more kids than ever on board with STEAM.

Includes: hands-on science kits and innovative tech toys that inspire kids to think outside the box; and arts and crafts that introduce kids to STEAM concepts and skills at an early age.

RETRO / BACK-TO-BASICS
First identified by TIA in 2013, the retro and back-to-basics trend is alive and well this year thanks to a huge abundance of classic toys and games slated to hit store shelves. Today's parents and grandparents fondly remember these playthings from their own childhoods and are excited to share them with the little ones in their lives.

Includes: re-releases and refreshed retro toys; low-tech / back-to-basics toys that reflect the enduring popularity of classic play patterns over time; and old-school family games that foster intergenerational play.

CUSTOM BUILT
2014 will take building to a whole new level. In addition to building and construction toys, this trend extends across several toy categories – from arts and crafts to action figures – and encompasses playthings that allow kids to create, customize and personalize to reflect their unique tastes, styles and imaginations.

Includes two sub-trends: "Mash-up" toys, which incorporate many uses or ways to play in a single toy or game, giving kids the freedom to choose how they'd like to play; and "Fashion Forward" toys, which include DIY sets that allow kids to create their own accessories, fashion dolls that can be styled in a personalized way and realistically-designed dollhouses and building / play sets.


Walking through Toy Fair this year, I was impressed by the increased number of creative build-themed toys that I saw. It's great to see that this is part of an overall trend towards more constructive play, one that will hopefully see more people—kids and adults—recognize the benefits of building things.


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