ACTIVE CREATOR OF THE GAME - GLOBAL TRENDS IN THE TOY AND PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN MARKET

Rene Rice offered an insight into toy trends which reign supreme in European markets. The first of the described trends is associated with "being on the move" - products lines which give you a prod to take up a physical activity. These have been very popular among children.  One of the companies offers the youngest customers a series of mobile obstacles courses modelled on obstacles courses for soldiers, firemen and policemen. Toys that are growing and growing with the child are also very fashionable - such as scooters, which originally function as running bikes, and later are classic vehicles.

Toys that help children develop their imagination are also a very strong trend.  A ball that tells stories and sets tasks to be completed can be an example.

A lot of production companies want to trigger the "WOW Effect"  - a surprise, and much more. The child is surprised several times with the same toy - the child does not know upfront what its colour, shape and what exact toy is contained in a pack.  Some toys you have to even wash and dry to see their true nature.

(MBr)