Review: 2009 Christmas Toy Trends

Trends are based on researching the items that have been considered hot items in past Christmas seasons. A ‘toy trend’ is the type of toy that has had tendency to sell well in previous years. Trends are not specific items; rather, they give suggestions for types of toys to keep an eye out for.

One of the toy industry trends seen on 2009's hot lists is lower prices. This probably doesn't come as a surprise considering the economic climate, but, it is important to mention because in previous years many of the hottest selling toys were over $100 retail. Walmart has announced 100 toys for $10 for the holidays... and many other retailers are offering many discounts and bargains to bring the shoppers into their stores. “We picked price as our number 1 trend this holiday season,” says Jonathan Smart, co-publisher of The Toy Insider, an industry trade publication.

A second toy industry trend comes from looking at last year's sales numbers. The U.S. did not spend the most on a per-child basis. Last year's biggest spenders were the UK, France, and Japan. The US was
#4. If this continues for 2009, you'll want to be sure you are selling to the international market this holiday! [SOURCES: Toy Industry Association, National Retail Federation]

Following is a list of toy trends for 2009. The trends are not only based on the toys that are expected to be the most popular this holiday season, toy trends are also affected by the economy and current events.

Studying trends in the toy industry will be helpful as you build your shopping list for selling toys this holiday season. Knowing the types of toys that are expected to be the most popular will help you be able to spot an item that has a high potential for selling.

Please note that the specifics that are listed in the list on the following page are used as examples of categories of items that might fall under the aforementioned trend.

1. Licensed characters/hot movies:
The media plays a huge roll in the toys that are popular for children. There have been quite a few great movies that were released this last summer… and many are releasing DVD’s just in time for the holidays. Along with these DVD’s you’ll find a new wave of popularity with the toys that correspond to them. Here are a few of the popular films of 2009:
a. Toy Story
b. GI Joe
c. Where The Wild Things Are
d. Disney Princess (topped 2008 trends)
e. Star Wars (topped 2008 trends)

2. Technology:
a. Video game systems
b. Video game accessories (biggy!)
c. Music/videos
d. Children’s toys (interactive fur-real toys, LeapFrog, etc.)
e. Online Add-Ons (toys with an online addition like webkinz)

3. Classic Toys for the holiday
a. Trains (Thomas and Brio wooden sets)
b. Pretend Play and Dollhouses (new and used)
c. Princess (Disney, Barbie, etc.)

4. Budget Toys:
a. WalMart's 100 toys under $10
b. Watch as other larger retailers follow this pattern
c. USED toys!

5. Educational Toys
a. toys to help teach about money management
b. toys that teach skills (knitting, cooking, gardening, etc.)

6. Environmentally Friendly Toys
a. Eco-friendly/Green toys are still in… they are everywhere and toys are no exception. Last year we had the big issue with China and the lead levels found in toys – and it affected sales for stores. This year watch manufacturers comfort parents by guaranteeing safety in their green toys.

7. Realistic Toys
a. Fur Real
b. Baby Alive

8. Bi-Lingual and Diverse Toys
a. Dora
b. Interactive books/video games

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