Top toy lists are especially prevalent this year. Maybe that has a lot to do with the demise of Toys R Us and everyone fighting for position.
So, now even Time’s Money section made a top toy list for this holiday season. And once again, we see some popular names in it.
The magazine created the list with the help of toy industry experts. “There is no shortage of great toys this holiday season for every age kid and there are lots of retailers getting ready for a busy holiday season,” says Juli Lennett, senior vice president and toy industry advisor at market research firm The NPD Group.
So, which toys made the list? As mentioned, Scruff-A-Luvs did. The small and cute furry animals come as stray pets which kids “rescue”. “You put it in water and it becomes an animal — you’re adopting and nursing it back to health,” says Adrienne Appell, trend specialist for The Toy Association.
The Scruff-A-Luvs combine the caring element of the Hatchimals, the rescue theme from other toys from Melissa & Doug and a lot more.
Interactive “pets” ie plushies are also quite popular. The Fingerlings Hugs for example also make the list. They are tall, cute, interactive and love hugs. They really do love hugs. Plus, there are several characters to pic from.
Another popular category is the Collectibles. The original Fingerlings for example fit here. They now have new characters, including dinosaurs.
Of course the LOL Surprise packs are still going strong. They are best sellers in several markets and the trend of blind bags with surprises will continue. Plus, they are relatively cheap and simple, so this makes them easier on parents’ wallets.
STEM and Digital toys are also here. Nintendo Labo debuted earlier this year and slowly, but surely it has become quite popular. There’s also the Ozobot Bit Coding Robot, Kano’s Harry Potter Coding KIt and a lot more. There’s someone for everyone.
