In our never-ending quest to find the best new concepts for children’s entertainment, we just returned from N.Y. Toy Fair held at the Javits Centre right in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. This year’s line-up was genuinely mind-blowing, aesthetic delight and sensory overload as headliners wowed high-end buyers representing a big chunk of the $27B U.S. annual domestic toy market. The best of the best was well represented. Here are some of the highlights!
5. Hasbro’s Nerf:
Nerf had two new major roll-outs: A layout of full-sized inflatable Nerf Bunkr Battle Zones for competitions featuring large inflatable pieces to create multiple blaster battlefields for use with Nerf blasters, (we are thinking this would make the ultimate birthday party!). Coming soon: Halo and Fortnite themed blasters that replicate the ones seen in the popular video games.
4. Bubbles and Foam
The latest offering from Gazillion Bubbles toys is the Bubble Rush, the next generation bubble machine that blows the most bubbles ever, available spring 2020. Little Kids Fubbles will release convenient bubbles in an easy-carry pouch, perfect for portable bubble-fun on the go. We visited Uncle Bubble, Big Mouth, WHAM-O, Mr. Bubble and Foam Alive for the very latest in Foam and Bubble Party accessories and concepts. We can’t wait to present our all-new Summer 2020 programs!!!
3. Compounds!!! Slime, Putty, Dough, Scrunching Foam, Kinetic Sand…
Versions of this sensory manipulative spanned the entire expo in varying colours, scents and textures. Some have tiny toys hidden in them, and some have glitter and gemstones. One thing is for sure, there is a huge demand for this type of inexpensive, tactile stimulation among kids and adults alike!
2. Hasbro’s Animatronic Baby Yoda
From the wildly popular Mandalorian series on Disney+, you’ll be seeing Baby Yoda themed toys everywhere by this spring. From the new Baby Yoda themed game of Trouble to Hasbro’s posh $300USD animatronic Baby Yoda that coos and moves in adorable ways, Baby Yoda stole the show and is clearly going to be a huge trend this year.
1. Our #1 Favourite Product Line *drumroll* will be featured at all of our upcoming events as quickly as they can fulfill our humungous order. Be prepared to be amazed! Pictures to follow! (We are soooooo excited!!!!!).
What an exciting time to play!! Check out our websites to see how we’re implementing the hottest trends in fun and entertainment!
Paula Presswood is a former teacher turned entrepreneur. She can mostly be found blogging, doing yoga, drinking tea, chasing around after her three teenagers and sampling delicious appetizers with her crazy magician husband. She is Co-founder of Presswood Entertainment and The ThoughtFull Board. Follow Paula on instagram