When you go toy shopping for your little one, what influences your decisions? Price? Quality? What your child has asked for? What you like? A combination of all of these?
Toy retailer Toys"R"Us keeps a watchful eye on toy buying trends throughout the year and today released a report that identifies four key factors that will influence holiday toy shopping.
Not surprisingly, the company predicts the economy will have a big impact on what people buy toywise. People aren't afraid to spend money -- as long as they are getting quality in return. Other considerations from the report:
- Retro Rewind: Perhaps longing for simpler times, many parents are increasingly looking to introduce their little ones to toys they cherished when they were children. Whether in its original form or an updated version of an old favorite, many toys of yesteryear are back again, bringing fun and smiles to a whole new generation of kids. Think Sesame Street The Original Tickle Me Elmo from Fisher-Price, Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café from Hasbro, Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition from Little Tikes and bop it! from Hasbro.
- Designed By Me: More and more adults are embracing the do-it-yourself movement. Perhaps inspired by these adult influences, today's kids have put their own stamp on this trend and are designing personal creations. Toys in this category include Harumika Runway Showstopper Set from Bandai, Ultimate Jewelry Kit from Totally Me, Bendaroos Amazing Flexible Building Sticks from Allstar Products Group and Paperoni Deluxe Studio from Spin Master.
- Tiny Treasures, Teeny Prices: Toys that are small in size, but provide big fun at petite prices, are proving to be one of the year's most dominant trends. Today's focus on all things frugal has certainly influenced this trend, but to kids, these toys are miniature must-haves. Top toys under $12 are Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster from Cepia, Hexbug Nano from Innovation First International, Gogo's Crazy Bones Blister 5-Pack from iToys, Inc. and Bakugan Battle Brawlers.
- Investing in the Future: Even as parents resist splurging on themselves, they are making investments in toys they believe will help their children build skills for the future. These products stimulate learning, encourage budding architects, unlock the talent of musical geniuses and teach computer prowess. These toys start at $79.99, but are expected to last a long time. Zippity Learning System from LeapFrog and Disney, Electric Guitar from First Act, Disney Netpal from ASUS and Lego City Construction Site.
What influences your toy buying?
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