Latest news with #TheToyAssociation™
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
119th Toy Fair® Unites Global Play Community to Drive Business Growth & Celebrate Latest Innovations
Largest Toy Show in Western Hemisphere Welcomed Play Professionals from Nearly 100 Countries NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Association's 119th Toy Fair® brought the global play community to New York City's Javits Center to place orders, build business connections, and explore the latest trends and innovations in toys across the equivalent of nearly eight football fields of exhibition space. The global marketplace, which took place March 1 to 4, was alive with discovery — where retailers sought out the hottest new products, media uncovered future bestsellers, and exhibitors formed crucial partnerships that will be essential to their business' future. The global event delivered an engaging lineup of educational programming that empowered attendees with insights into the future of play, while networking and business opportunities reinforced the industry's collaborative spirit. "From the moment we cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, Toy Fair ignited with an energy that carried through every aisle, stage, and networking event," said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association™, producer of Toy Fair. "It was a powerhouse show filled with momentum as industry leaders, retailers, inventors, designers, and more came together to participate in the most efficient and valuable four days of the toy planning year. Deals were made, creativity flourished, and new opportunities emerged, reinforcing Toy Fair's role as a cornerstone event of the global toy industry. This year's show proved once again that when we unite, the possibilities are endless." Toy Fair attracted thousands of buyers from mass, mid-sized, and specialty retail outlets spanning all 50 states and 79 countries and territories to preview 2025 holiday toy collections, and for some, spring 2026 products (In all, nearly 100 countries were represented by all categories of Toy Fair attendees). From Amazon and Barnes & Noble, to Five Below, Macy's, Target, and Walmart, 21 of the top 25 toy sellers were in attendance as tens of thousands of products were on display by nearly 850 exhibiting companies, from billion-dollar global brands to nearly 250 emerging toy companies exhibiting at Toy Fair for the very first time. For first-time toy buyer Erin Schmidt, category manager at Kroger Inc. (Fred Meyer), Toy Fair was an immersive introduction to the world of toys, offering firsthand insight into the industry's latest products, trends, and innovations: "I would have to say, this show was amazing! It was incredibly educational to me, being new to toys, to not only see the items that I carry now, but also what is in the queue for fall. It was quite the experience to walk into the Javits Center on Saturday to music, a parade, and seeing characters throughout the day. [It was] truly an energetic, fun, and exciting show and I was thrilled to be part of it!" Additional buyer feedback was positive with Kimberly Coelho, senior manager at Cineplex Entertainment, stating, "My experience at the show was uplifting and inspiring. You could feel the energy, innovation, and passion in the room, and I left feeling more excited about the future of toys. It was a fantastic opportunity to network, discover new trends, and hear inspiring speakers. I look forward to further building out the new and reenergized connections." Added Anna Greusel, divisional merchandise director at SSA GROUP, which supports zoos, museums, and other cultural attractions: "Attending Toy Fair 2025 was an invaluable experience. It not only allowed me to explore the latest trends and innovations in the toy industry, but also gave me the opportunity to connect with our existing vendors, build new relationships, and discover unique products that align perfectly with the needs of my business." Nearly 1,000 global print, digital, and broadcast journalists, plus an array of top-tier social media influencers and digital content creators, participated in Toy Fair to scoop the toy stories of the year and report on The Toy Association's top toy trends of 2025. Media outlets at Toy Fair included The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, The New York Times, BBC, Bloomberg, Reuters, Forbes, The Street, Cheddar, ABC News, The Daily Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Tonight Show, Shark Tank, and many more. Top-tier influencers included We Wear Cute, Toy Testing Sisters, PCS Girls Official, Twindollicious, Play Live Repeat, and more. Hundreds of social media posts have rolled in from these major creators, totaling 10 million impressions at the time of this writing. Toy Fair exhibitors showcased an array of toys designed for kids (and kids at heart), including "Newstalgic" toys with a modern twist, personalized play experiences that reflect kids' "vibes," the hottest new collectibles, toys inspired by popular entertainment, and everything in between. Toy Fair also served as a hub for exchanging ideas on the most critical issues and topics impacting the play industry, with the Toy Fair University stage presenting sessions that delved into toy safety and compliance, generative AI, toy trends, marketing in today's landscape, tools for inventors, and much more. Additional programming included Toy Fair Student Congress, which connected almost 500 university-level students with toymakers at the show, and Creative Factor Inventor Day, which closed out Toy Fair by providing select up-and-coming inventors with the opportunity to pitch their ideas to top toy professionals and manufacturing partners. Attendees also had a chance to check out the new dedicated Student Showcase Gallery, which displayed the talents of toy design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Otis College of Art and Design, while the spirit of innovation and celebrating the inventor community continued at People of Play's (POP) 25th Anniversary Toy Fair POP Pub Party. "It was a really fantastic show for us," said Mark Carson, president & co-founder of Fat Brain Toys. "There was a lot of great foot traffic, and [Toy Fair is] really in the center of the toy universe when it comes to specialty, mass, and everybody who wants to see what's new in the industry." "We have had a fantastic Toy Fair," said Ryan Hamilton, CEO of Plus-Plus USA. "This is our 15th year exhibiting here in New York, and it's been a very busy show every day. We've had our appointment book full and lots of walk-by traffic as well, so we're really happy with the show. We're glad it's back!" Hundreds of toy professionals and companies also generously donated nearly $1.3 million worth of products and financial contributions to The Toy Foundation's Toy Chest initiative, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, which delivers the power of play to children when they need it most. The donations will directly impact 35,000 children and families and are currently being distributed to non-profit organizations, schools, and children's hospitals nationwide. Ahearn added: "We closed the show with an inspiring reminder of our industry's generosity through The Toy Foundation's toy collection. Toys do more than entertain — they are a critical ingredient to a child's physical, mental, and emotional development. Toys spark imagination, create lasting memories, and bring people together across generations, especially for kids who need the comfort of toys and play the most. Toy Fair is where the magic of play begins, and the impact from this year's charitable giving will have a positive impact on many families this year through the holiday season." The global toy industry will come together once again for the 120th Toy Fair®, taking place February 14 to 17, 2026 at the Javits Center in New York City. Make sure to check out the Toy Fair Online Press Room for Toy Fair stats, exhibitor press releases, high-res images from the show floor, broadcast quality b-roll, and more. Follow our post-show coverage on Instagram and LinkedIn (#toyfairlife). About Toy Fair® Toy Fair® is the largest and most comprehensive play-focused experience unifying the toy industry's entire ecosystem with key players to help with business development and sourcing the latest products from across all forms and stages of play. Featuring thousands of new and unique toys, games, edutainment, entertainment-driven experiences, and more from around the world, Toy Fair offers attendees a competitive edge no other trade event can match. About The Toy Association™ / / / / in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $157.5 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Toy Association
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Imagination Meets Innovation at Iconic 119th Toy Fair® in NYC
Largest Toy Show in Western Hemisphere Brings Global Industry to Javits Center from March 1-4 NEW YORK, March 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toy Fair® 2025 opened its doors this morning, unveiling the future of play in the heart of New York City. Tens of thousands of global play professionals will walk through the doors of the Javits Center over the next four days to preview the hottest new toys, games, and youth entertainment products – many of which will only launch later this year in time for the holiday season. Produced by The Toy Association™, the industry- and media-only trade show offers unparalleled access to the lucrative $42 billion U.S. toy marketplace and key markets around the globe. Taking place Saturday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 4, the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere will feature the equivalent of nearly eight football fields filled with toys and games – as well as unique brand experiences, business insights, hands-on and experiential activities, and innovations in play. Retail buyers from all 50 states and 75 countries and territories will walk the expansive show floor in search of the latest dolls and plush, STEM toys, outdoor playthings, action figures, arts & crafts, specialty toys, retro, nostalgic and innovative games, toy vehicles, collectibles, licensed toys, and everything in between. In total, representatives from 96 countries are expected at Toy Fair. "Toy Fair New York is known throughout the global play community as the place to forge partnerships, strike deals, and witness the creative talents of the toy industry come to life," said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. "For the past 119 years, it has been a vital marketplace for toy manufacturers, retailers, licensors, inventors, wholesalers, and distributors – essentially, everyone who has a stake in the business is in town for Toy Fair week. It's also a pivotal moment for toy professionals to connect, collaborate, and inspire the future of play worldwide. We can't wait to see what's in store over the next four days!" With nearly 850 exhibiting toy companies, including both established and emerging players, Toy Fair highlights the industry's dedication to creating products that deliver social, emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits of play to children. Attendees can browse distinct product zones to find what they are looking for; members of the media are invited to visit the Press Center on the show floor (Level 3, booth 3145), where the Toy Fair PR team can help them find specific products and where they can charge devices, hang their coats, and find a quiet place to work. Among the standout moments of the first day, Toy Fair opened with a parade of costumed characters and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Toy Fair University – which runs throughout the show, offering free educational seminars for all attendees – opened with sessions covering gaming and the metaverse, artificial intelligence, toy packaging design, IP in the industry, and more. The Toy Association's team of trend experts presented its Toy Trends Briefing, featuring products from exhibitors' booths to illustrate each of the hottest trends of the upcoming year. After-hours events include the Young Professionals Networking Party, hosted by The Toy Association, and Canada Night, hosted by the Canadian Toy Association, as well as upcoming events hosted by Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WiT), The Toy Association's People of Play™, and Licensing International. More details can be found at and on the free Toy Fair mobile app. Registration is mandatory for access to Toy Fair 2025; verification of media and buyer credentials is required. Those who cannot attend the show can follow along on Instagram (#ToyFairLife), LinkedIn, and X and visit the Toy Fair Online Press Room for up-to-the-minute show information. About Toy Fair® Toy Fair® is the largest and most comprehensive play-focused experience unifying the toy industry's entire ecosystem with key players to help with business development and sourcing the latest products from across all forms and stages of play. Featuring thousands of new and unique toys, games, edutainment, entertainment-driven experiences, and more from around the world, Toy Fair offers attendees a competitive edge no other trade event can match. About The Toy Association™ / / / / Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $157.5 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide. Contact: Litzky Public RelationsToy Fair PR TeamToyFair@ Visit the Toy Fair Online Press Room View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Toy Association Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TOP TOY TRENDS UNVEILED AT TOY FAIR®
Trends Set to Shape 2025 Include "Newstalgia Trip"; "Collectible Cravings"; and "It's My Vibe" NEW YORK, March 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The hottest toy and play trends of 2025 were unveiled today by The Toy Association™ at its 119th Toy Fair®, taking place at the Javits Center in New York City. As families seek meaningful and engaging experiences, toymakers in 2025 are responding with products that embrace personalization and value, bridge the generation gap, and support the healthy development of children everywhere. "In response to today's conscientious consumers, toymakers are delivering long-term value, enhancing play experiences, and designing products that resonate across generations," said Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. "From products that boost emotional and social learning to collectibles that fuel fan engagement, the toys on display right here at Toy Fair – many of which will be out in time for the 2025 holiday shopping season – reflect how play continues to be a powerful force at every stage of life." The trend findings below are based on extensive, year-round meetings held by The Toy Association's trends team with toy companies of all types and sizes, as well as Toy Association-commissioned research1 on U.S. parents' views on toys, play, shopping habits, and budgets. The research was presented today during a "Toy Trends Briefing" for Toy Fair media, buyers, and other show guests. A summary of the top trends follows: From MESH to STEAM …and Everything in BetweenMost U.S. parents favor toys that help kids build a skillset (58%)*, with 56% of parents looking for toys that encourage outdoor/active play and 60% seeking toys that build STEAM skills, like coding and art. The majority of Millennial parents (63%) also consider how toys help promote mental, emotional, and social health when choosing playthings for their children. Play can be a powerful tool in helping kids (and grown-ups!) regulate emotions, de-stress, and refocus. This year, expect to see a new wave of playthings that encourage movement and learning, incorporate fidget-friendly fun, and soothe the senses in new ways. It's My Vibe Scoring Aura Points with Kids through Personalized PlayJust as algorithms on top social platforms are personalized to cater to each user's unique interests, toymakers that customize play experiences to different lifestyles and preferences will score the most aura points with kids in 2025. This approach focuses on customizable toys and personalized shopping experiences (in-store or online) that draw kids in and allow them to showcase their personality and unique sense of style. With the vast majority of parents of elementary-school-aged kids (69%) stating that their purchase decisions are influenced by other kids asking for a toy they first saw advertised online or posted by an influencer on social media, toy companies are offering more inclusive representation and personalized products to empower young people and deepen kids' connections with their favorite brands. A Reason to Celebrate! Toys for all of Life's Seasons, Celebrations, and OccasionsFamilies are purchasing toys to celebrate all of life's occasions, from global sporting and entertainment events and experiences to seasonal celebrations. In 2024, Halloween began ramping up in July— six weeks earlier than in 2019, while Taylor Swift's Eras Tour created new opportunities for toy retailers to lean into the fandom in celebration. From the Super Bowl and the World Cup to Valentine's Day and Halloween, and every reason to celebrate in between, these occasions create new opportunities for toymakers to help consumers commemorate and relive their favorite moments and make memories together. Newstalgia Trip Toys Blending Past, Present, & Future Toys and games that blend past and present are bridging the generation gap. With 73% of parents saying they have purchased toys for themselves, 61% said they did so to connect with their child. Close to half collect or play with toys as an adult to relive fond childhood memories (49%) and 40% do so because they enjoy playing with their kids with the toys they used to play with as a child. From re-releases of old classics for original fans, to new spins on old favorites to appeal to a new generation of fans (via different play patterns or tech integrations), expect to see a resurgence of "newstalgic" toys in 2025. Collectible Cravings Fueling the Chase for High-End Collectors & Casual FansFrom micro minis to high-end items, the world of collectibles is constantly evolving to meet the interests of kids and adults. Emphasizing the opportunity in the category, collectible toy sales grew nearly 5% globally in 2024, fueled by on-trend small collectible figures, trading card games, and plush toys, according to Circana. This trend underscores how toymakers are looking at new approaches and unique products that not only draw newbie collectors in but also appeal to high-end toy collectors and keep tween/teen audiences engaged in play. Social media (from TikTok to Reddit) also continues to fuel the chase for the next must-have collectibles. Entertainment Update The Evolution of Licensing in the Toy SpaceToy licensing remains a major opportunity for toymakers, with 76% of Millennial parents reporting they enjoy playing with toys with their kids based on shared entertainment interests, including toys based on movies and entertainment franchises (47%), gaming (35%), anime and manga (30%), and social media personalities (21%). 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for entertainment and licensed toys, with many rising fan-favorites driven by streaming and digital worlds. Multiple perennial favorites returning to the big screen this year also have a history of translating into strong toy sales, such as a new installment of Jurassic World and part two of Wicked; new takes on How to Train Your Dragon, Snow White, Lilo & Stitch, and Superman; plus, the first-ever Minecraft movie. Additional information about these trends is available on-site at the Toy Fair Press Center (through 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4 on the show floor, Level 3, Booth 3145) or via e-mail to The Toy Association's public relations contact listed on this release. A video of the presentation will be available for viewing at in the coming days. About The Toy Association™ / / / / Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $157.5 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide. 1 A 2024 Toy Association survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, gauged 1,000 U.S. parents' attitudes about toys, play, and shopping habits and budgets. Toy Fair Online Press Room View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Toy Association Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Toy Association to Unveil Top Toy & Play Trends of 2025 at Toy Fair®
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: Get an inside look at the top product trends that will drive toy industry sales through the holiday season at the Toy Trends Briefing, an exclusive seminar hosted by The Toy Association™, producer of Toy Fair® and official voice of the North American toy industry. WHEN: Saturday, March 1 | 1-2 p.m. WHERE: General Session Theater (Hall 1D – Level 1), Javits Center, New York City WHO: Experts from The Toy Association will provide an overview of the biggest toy & play trends of 2025, supported by new data from a national survey of U.S. parents. Presenters will share product examples directly from the show floor that tie into each trend. Show staff will be on-hand following the presentation to help media map out visits to exhibitors' booths and locate specific types of toys at the the year, The Toy Association's trend experts work with hundreds of global toy companies to identify the products and trends that will drive consumer spending on toys, games, and youth entertainment products. Trend expert bios are available in the Toy Fair Press Kit of the Toy Fair Online Press Room. REGISTER: This session is open to all Toy Fair guests. Registration is mandatory for access to Toy Fair. Verification of media credentials is required. CONTACT: Litzky Public Relations, Toy Fair PR Team / ToyFair@ About Toy Fair® by The Toy Association, Toy Fair® is the largest and most comprehensive play-focused experience unifying the toy industry's entire ecosystem with key players to help with business development and sourcing the latest products from across all forms and stages of play. Featuring thousands of new and unique toys, games, edutainment, entertainment-driven experiences, and more from around the world, Toy Fair offers attendees a competitive edge no other trade event can match. About The Toy Association™ / / / / in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $157.5 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. Visit the Toy Fair Online Press RoomFollow #ToyFairLife View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Toy Association Sign in to access your portfolio
