Kids Will Be Asking for YouTube-Inspired Toy Lines, Compounds and Squishies, Glitz and Glam, Retro Toys and More This Holiday!
The Toy Insider, one of the toy industry’s most influential organizations and a trusted go-to resource for parents and gift-givers, today revealed the top eight trending toy themes of 2019, giving consumers an inside look at the hottest categories and hand-picked favorites that are sure to be bestsellers this holiday season.
“Thanks to the immense popularity of unboxing videos on YouTube, we’re seeing that the collectible craze is bigger than ever! So big, in fact, that we launched our first-ever 12 Under $12 list of the year’s tiny trending toys with an affordable price tag!” said Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer, the Toy Insider. “We’re also seeing a resurgence in unplugged play, encouraging kids to nurture their creativity with screen-free toys and games or to get up and moving with cool rides that go way beyond bikes. Plus, toys packed with oozy, squishy, and smooshy fun show no signs of slowing down either.”
The Toy Insider unveiled its 14th annual holiday gift guide last month, highlighting the most-coveted toys that kids will have on their holiday wish lists this year. Featuring nearly 350 toys from more than 120 toy companies across its print and online versions, the Toy Insider‘s guide makes it easy for gift-givers to search for the perfect, age-appropriate gift for any child.
Schacht and her editorial team of toy experts have more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry. The team is well-versed in the hottest toys and trends through attendance at major toy industry trade shows and events, as well as frequent briefings with toy companies, retailers and analysts throughout the year. The independent organization reviews toys all year long to compile its annual holiday gift guide, along with its Hot 20, STEM 10 and brand-new 12 Under $12 lists. The Toy Insider highlights the year’s top toy trends based on retail sales and extensive research, helping consumers and gift-givers find the perfect holiday gifts for kids.
The Toy Insider’s 2019 Top Toy Trends:
As
Seen on YouTube:
Kids’
favorite YouTube stars are making their way to the toy box with their
very own toy lines. Kids can get an IRL experience unboxing tons of
fun surprises based on their favorite channels.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Tic Tac Toy XOXO Friends (Blip Toys), FGTeeV Giant TV (Bonkers Toys),
Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe (Just Play), Ryan’s World 3.5-inch
Ryan’s Racers (Jada Toys), Lamo Ninja Minifigures (Wicked Cool Toys),
Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets (WowWee)
Ready
to Ride:
Scooters,
balance bikes, go-karts, and more! Kids are riding in style this year
in imaginative new ways. These toys encourage kids to get up and
active and ready for adventure!
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Rideamals Josie (Pacific Cycle), RealTree UTV (Dynacraft), Neon Ghost
(Yvolution), Rockin Rider Legacy Grow-with-me Pony (Tek
Nek Toys), Wave Catcher (Rollplay), Wild Ones (Razor), Fisher Price
Bounce & Spin Puppy (Mattel), Playdate Sven (Jakks Pacific)
Layers
of Fun:
Toys
that provide a multi-layered play experience for kids are packed with
play value – from grow-with-me toys and playthings that change and
evolve over time, to unboxing experiences that seem to never end.
These toys that more than meets the eye.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Rizmo (TOMY), Vendeez (Horizon Group USA), Blume (Skyrocket), Foodie
Roos (Maya Toys), Foodie Surprise (Redwood Ventures), Rainbocorns S2,
Big Bow Surprise (ZURU), Treasure X Tomb (Moose Toys),
Fortnite
Jumbo Loot Llama Pinata (Jazwares)
Totally
Tactile:
Compounds,
squishies, and DIY creations—these toys will give you all the feels
and are hard to put down! Enjoy different textures, scents, and
more.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Morphimals (ORB), Mushmeez (Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co.),
Nickelodeon Slime Peanut Butter and Jelly Slime Slow Risers
(Cra-Z-Art), Stickies (Hog Wild), Massive Googly (Imperial Toy), Pop
Pop Snots Slime Hammer (YULU), Fluffy Cloudz (WeCool), Play-Doh Slime
(Hasbro)
Playtime
Unplugged:
No
tablet or smartphone required! These toys and games allow kids to
take a break from screen time for classic play.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Magnetic Mosaic Kitchen (KidKraft), Calico Critters Sweet Raspberry
Home (Epoch Everlasting Play), Timber Tots Playhouse (Fat Brain
Toys), Loopies (ALEX Brands), Little People Barn Ballpit
(BestWay), Red Light Green Light (Buffalo Games), Splash and
Play Mermaid (Madame Alexander), Mars Space Station (Playmobil)
Gettin’
Glam:
Add
a little sparkle to your life with these toys, accessories and DIY
sets that provide customization opportunities and lots of unique
style.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Blinger (Wicked Cool Toys), Glitter Dots Sparkle Station
(Crayola),
Lucky Fortune (WowWee), Myla the Magical Unicorn (VTech), Shimmer
Stars (KD Group), K-Blings (Wow! Stuff), Go Glam Nail Stamper (Spin
Master), Soap & Bath Bomb Lab (Thames & Kosmos)
#TBTB
(Throwback Toy Box):
What’s
old is new again. These retro-styled toys and games are making a
comeback! Whether they’re staples of the ’80s or the things that made
the ’90s rad, a new generation of kids will love these toys!
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Countercades (Arcade1Up), Pretty Pretty Princess (Winning Moves
Games), Tamagotchi On (Bandai America), Pound Puppies (Basic Fun!),
Trapper Keeper Game (Big G Creative), Colorforms Silly Faces Game
(Kahootz Toys), Rubik’s Cage (University Games), Bend-Ems (Sunny Days
Entertainment)
How
It Works:
Kids
can use STEM concepts to make their own toys. These activity sets go
beyond simple instructions and educate kids on important scientific
principles. Each of these toys sparks a love of learning during
playtime.
The
Toy Insider’s Favorites:
Artie 3000 (Educational Insights), smART Pixelator (Flycatcher), VEX
Robotics Build Blitz (HEXBUG), LeapBuilders ABC Smart House
(LeapFrog), Coding Critters (Learning Resources), My Robotic Pet –
Tumbling Hedgehog (Thames & Kosmos), Amazing Construction Set
(Magformers), LEGO Hidden Slide Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000 (LEGO)
The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information about children’s toys, tech and entertainment. It publishes two annual gift guides—one for summer and one for holiday—and reviews toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. The Toy Insider’s content is produced by an editorial team with more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry.The Toy Insider is published by Adventure Publishing Group, publisher of The Pop Insider, a daily pop culture news and review site that fuels fandoms, as well as leading trade publication The Toy Book. For more information, visit thetoyinsider.com.
