 |  News10.09.2018 // Customisation – the future of toys or a perpetual niche?Many trend analysts thought customisation via mass adoption of the internet would become a massive future trend. The hype cedes ground. Today, the toy industry racks its brain if 3d printing supersedes the internet mass adoption. First steps: mass adoption of the internet
Way back at the start of the noughties Hasbro offered customised Monopoly board games via the internet. With My Monopoly you could write in customised street names online, order via the website and then receive a customised Monopoly board game delivered to your home. This seems very straightforward today, but back then in the infancy of mass adoption of the internet this was seriously cutting edge – it was at the time a very complicated project and the web development aspect was new to everyone involved. Many trend analysts thought this would be a massive future trend, of consumers having things created bespoke to exactly the way they wanted, all via the ground-breaking facilitation of the internet. Clearly there were considerations back then that this could be a whole new paradigm in consumer products, and if you had done a SWOT analysis back then, you may have added customisation of consumer products as a major threat to the existing way of getting mass market consumer products to market. Fast forward to today, and it doesn’t look like the customisation trend has truly had much of a cannibalisation effect on mass market toys at all. For sure the internet overall has revolutionised the way that toys are chosen and purchased by consumers – with online retail, social media and unboxing videos becoming equally as important as the traditional distribution channels and marketing platforms. But customisation doesn’t seem to be the ‘category killer’ it has occasionally been feared to be by over paranoid toy marketers. Next chapter: 3d printing customisation
One of the major potential disruptors that have come to the fore in the last few years is 3d printing. A few years ago, this nascent but impressive technology had many people in the toy business worried, as the conceptual offer of customisable toys created via an online interface but printed off in the consumers home could have been a major threat to the existing toy business. However, 3d printing has yet to have any noticeable effect at all on the global toy market. (Non 3d printed) toy sales are increasing globally, with no evidence of any substantial cannibalisation. So what happened? Where did this threat go, and why haven’t consumers flocked to 3d printing to create these fully customised toys? I believe there are several reasons why 3d printed toys have not been mass adopted thus far, and why they are not likely to be a major threat in reality, at least not for some time: Efficiency of 3d printers
Even now, a few years after the introduction of commercially available 3d printers, if you speak to anyone who uses a 3d printer, it is a far from perfect process. Frankly put, 3d printers are not yet easy or efficient enough. Hardware cost
The cost of buying the printer will put many consumers off. In summer 2018 the cheapest 3d printer available in a couple of mass market retailers in the UK market – the price of the cheapest items (on clearance offers) was around €150, with some above €800. This is not a viable mass market offer for what remains at this point a gimmick! Ease of purchase toys at low price points
Consumers now tend to see toys as more of a ‘throwaway’ gift purchase than ever before. Toys are comparatively cheap, so why would I invest € 150+ in a hardware item to produce toys? Missing consumer benefit
What is the actual consumer benefit of customising your own 3d toys? Having conducted more than 1,200 focus groups with kids and families on toys in general, there is not any gap in consumer needs and wants that such customisation actually fills. At best this looks like a fun gimmick to consumers, but then why would I want to buy expensive hardware, deal with mind numbing software and hardware set up and have to buy consumable (i.e. plastic) replacements? Individual customisation remains a niche
The reality is that customisation is inevitably a niche, because it is about very specific personalised wants. This is not to say there is no business in 3d printing or in customisation overall – far from it, there are many very successful and profitable businesses in their own niche spaces, but they are definitely niche. As such, it is hard to argue that customisation is any more likely to become the category killer we once worried about with 3d printing than it was with the advent of mass adoption of the internet. Crowd funding promotes collective customisation
The only caveat on customisation is crowd funding. Crowd funding is in effect a grouping together of people supporting the same thing. This product or activity they support can be very niche, but in effect as a group they can influence and therefore collectively customise the product. This has the potential to be far more impactful and disruptive than personal customisation, because in this way consumers become the ultimate arbiter of whether something will sell enough and in what volume versus the old model of manufacturers and retailers deciding what would end up on shelf for consumers to choose from. | 03.09.2018 // Ukraine celebrates Knowledge Day!Children and their parents across the country celebrate Knowledge Day, followed by the First Bell Day for first-graders and the first school day in schools, universities and other educational institutions. On this day, traditionally in schools people arrange solemn lines, concerts, other events. The universities also celebrate this day solemnly. They hold concerts, invite famous graduates, state, and public figures and so on. Freshmen in many educational institutions undergo the so-called initiation rite. The Day of Knowledge is widespread in the countries of the former Soviet Union, and in many European countries, for example, it is not celebrated at all.  | 30.08.2018 // Eco-friendly toys will play key role in educational sector's 11 per cent growth over next four yearsTechnavio projects an 11 per cent growth in educational toys market over the next four years, and green toys will be playing a key part in the growth. A rise in sustainable, eco-friendly friendly toys is expected to help drive the educational toys industry to its projected 11 per cent growth over the next four years. According to the market analysts, Technavio, the global educational toys market is expected to post a CAGR of more than 11 per cent during the forecast period of 2018 to 2022. Smart toys are tipped to be the biggest driver in the market growth, alongside the increased consideration that parents, educators and vendors are taking surrounding the topic of sustainability. According to Technavio, manufacturers are increasingly opting for sustainable product development in a trending lean towards the products that cause less harm to the environment. Companies such as 4M have already started offering eco-friendly educational toys, including recycled Paper Beads Kits and 4M Eco Science Toys. "Due to the steady growth in the global eco-friendly educational toys market, several start-ups are increasingly entering the global educational toys market," said a senior analyst at Technavio. "Luke’s Toy Factory is another start-up that offers eco-friendly educational toys. These advances in green toys will most likely drive the market during the forecast period." This week, LEGO starting upping the ante on sustainability with the launch of its new plant-shaped bricks built from sugarcane plastic. The Danish toy giant detailed the move earlier this year, announcing the reformulated, eco-friendly building blocks were set to hit shelves. LEGO plans to roll out the bricks across most products by 2030 as part of efforts to overhaul its manufacturing processes to prioritise plant-based materials and recycled sources. | 27.08.2018 // Age-Appropriate Toys for KidsLooking to buy new toys for the kids? It is important to buy age-appropriate toys for kids throughout their lifespan. Children learn new skills and show different interests during different stages of development. Finding an age-appropriate toy means to find a toy that is a good match for their age, interest and the skills they are learning. It is also important for safety when children are young, so they are not exposed to toys that are to small and could result in a choking hazard. Here's a guide to picking the right age-appropriate toys for kids, depending on the child's age. Appropriate Baby Toys for Newborns Through 6 Months.
Baby toys at this stage will stimulate the senses, particularly the senses of sight, sound and touch. Baby toys are colorful, textured, easy to hold, and often make noises. Rattles, bouncer seats, playmats, teethers, soft toys, and sleep toys are some of the best age-appropriate toys for babies. Appropriate Baby Toys for Ages 6-12 Months
A baby in the 6-12 month age range is engaging more through laughing, babbling, sitting, rolling, crawling, pulling to stand at furniture, and maybe very close to taking their first steps! Age appropriate toys for babies at this age include cause and effect toys, which are often battery operated toys that play music or complete fun actions with the push of a button. Babies at this age also start dump and fill play, putting large toys in and out of containers. Toys for Toddlers Ages 1 to 3 Years
Toddlers at this stage are full of energy, eager to explore everything around them. They love all kinds of physical activities like pulling, pushing, lugging, knocking down, emptying and filling. Toddlers are curious, and enjoy touching and investigating everything they see. It's a wonderful age to learn, explore and discover. Age appropriate toys for toddlers are musical toys, outdoor toys, ride-on toys and simple construction toys like building blocks and puzzles. Age-Appropriate Toys for Preschoolers Ages 3 to 5 Years
Preschoolers love toys that stimulate the imagination and offer a challenge. Innovative use of technology in toys has ensured hours of fun for this age group. Age appropriate toys for preschoolers include a wide range of choices like simple board games, bikes, arts and crafts activities, construction toys, educational tablets, and pretend play sets that feature their favorite television characters. The Best Toys for Kids Ages 5-8
Kids in their early elementary school age years are very curious, want to explore, invent, create and conquer. The holidays are magical. Age appropriate toys for elementary school age kids allow them to use their imagination, but many still enjoy dolls, superhero action figures, tablets and board games. Tween Toys for Ages 9 to 12
Children grow up so fast, don't they! Age appropriate toys for kids 9 to 12 allow children to demonstrate their personality. Kids love playing fast-paced games, learning to play musical instruments, are efficient at using tablets, like listening to music and playing silly party games. STEM toys and games that allow children to use complicated problem solving skills to build robots are also popular. Toys for Teens Ages 13 and Over
Teens often prefer electronic toys like mobile phones, tablets, and video games, but there are many other hot, new toys that appeal to them, too. It is popular for teens to want to ride electric scooters, sing karaoke with their friends, fly drones, construct LEGO sets, collect movie memorabilia, code robots to follow their every command and engage in active NERF blaster games with their friends and family! | 15.08.2018 // Global toy sales grow 4 per cent to hit $18.4bn in first half of 2018The NPD Group now forecasts the global toy market to reach $99 billion by 2022 as collectables, gaming and social media reign supreme. Global toy sales have risen four per cent to reach $18.4 billion in the first half of 2018, according to the latest insight from The NPD Group. The increase has been witnessed across the 13 international markets tracked by the global information company, in which Mexico grew the fastest, up 15 per cent, followed by Brazil that posted an 11 per cent growth. The US market has seen a seven per cent growth while Europe posted a on per cent decline as growth in Russia, Germany, Italy and Spain was offset by slight declines in other regions. Collectables and social media has been cited as leading trends in the growing global market within the first six months of the year. These are expected to accelerate over the course of the remaining year. "More than entertainment, brands have been an important trend to move the needle for the industry so far this year," said Frederique Tutt, global toys industry analyst at The NPD Group. "Some key themes have also emerged or have been increasing in popularity, such as dinosaurs and unicorns on the one hand, and slime or toilet humour on the other." LOL Surprise has been highlighted as a trailblazer in the collectables market, ranking as the number one toy property in all 13 countries combined. Globally, sales of collectables increased by 26 per cent and now account for 1 per cent of dollar sales in the total toy industry. Led by Fingerlings, the youth electronics segment grew by 29 per cent and sales of miscellaneous toys grew by 12 per cent, with major drivers being Soft n Slow Squishies, Major League Baseball cards and Panini Russia 2018 World Cup stickers. Tying into the ‘kidult trend’ the games segment grew by 12 per cent with Monopoly, UNO and Exploding Kittens among the contributors to its success. According to NPD, the global toy industry has been growing steadily since 2012, as well as the global spend per child. North America remains the largest region driven by the US, while Asia is the strongest growth prospect, having grown by 21 per cent in the last five years. The NPD Group now forecasts the global toy market to reach $99 billion by 2022. "As domestic markets become more and more mature, manufacturers and retailers are looking at new territories to find growth," said Tutt.
 | 09.08.2018 // A Toy Safety Checklist for Parents
How do you know if your child's toys are safe?
This toy safety checklist will help parents and gift givers keep in mind important safety tips when it comes to buying toys for their children to play with.
Toys are fun. Many offer opportunities for learning. Sometimes to save money we might buy used toys. Relatives might have bins of old toys in their home that they keep for young children to play with. There are a lot of hidden hazards concerning toys, that as parents we might not realize. It is important to be aware of what children are playing with and beware of potential dangerous situations.
First Find The Recommended Age
Always make sure the toy or game is right for your child's age, especially if your child is under the age of 3. All new toys will have a recommended age or age range listed on the box or packaging.
Warning Labels Must Be Read and Followed
Please make sure that you read and follow all warning labels associated with the toy you are buying. = Rectangular boxes with pictures alert adults to warnings.
There are warning labels for small toys for kids under 3. There are also warnings where toys might make children at risk for falling, where toys might contain magnets or sharp edges.
Check For Sharp Edges and Points
Check all toys for sharp and pointed edges. This is especially important for younger children, since they have a tendency to put things into their mouths or into their eyes. There is always a danger of falling on top of the toy while playing, which also may cause injury if an older brother or sister does not put the toy away.
Check if the Toy Has Cords or Strings Attached
If the toy you are planning to buy has cords or strings attached to it, please be careful that it does not have a long cord. There is always a danger of the cord getting entangled into a loop which could wrap around the child's neck and strangle them, not allowing them to breathe. Older, antique toys definitely have cords that are long.
Avoid Toys With Small Parts
Never buy a toy which has small or loose parts that can come unattached and give it to a child under the ages of 3 to play with. Younger kids have a tendency to swallow things, which can pose a danger. Also check if the toy or stuffed animal has loose parts like eyes, noses which can be pulled off and placed in a child's mouth.
Make Sure the Toy is Sturdy and Strong
It is important to check to see if the toy you are buying is sturdy and built of strong shatter proof material. In case of any falls or accidents, the toy should not break into pieces with sharp edges as this can cause bodily injury to the child.
Is the Toy Loud?
In case the toy you are buying has sound, check to make sure the noise levels are not to loud. Many toys now have volume control and an off-button. Toys that are really loud could permanently damage the sensitive hearing of children.
Make Sure the Toy is Non Toxic
If you are buying toys like crayons, art supplies, toys with liquids or sensory activities, make sure that the toys do not contain toxic chemicals. You can check the labels to make sure they are safe in case of accidental ingestion.
Does Your Child Have Food Allergies?
Many kids like to bake with a tabletop cooking oven to make cookies and other sweet treats. If your child has food allergies, check the ingredients lists on any baking toys.
Does The Toy Have Magnets?
Newer magnetic toys are fun and safe. These toys now have magnets safely encased in plastic. However, you should be mindful of toys with magnets in case parts become lose because they are very dangerous if swallowed.
Make Sure That the Toy is Not Recalled
You can check on the internet on various sites provided by the government like Consumer Product Safety Commission where you can find more toy safety information and check the list to see if any of the toys that you have bought have been on any toy recall lists.
 | 02.08.2018 // What is a STEM Toy?
STEM toys fall into one (or more) or four categories.They are:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
Basically, any toy that teaches or fosters one of these subjects can be classified as a STEM toy.
Many parents and teachers like to use STEM toys to reinforce important learning traits in a fun way. When children are having fun, they usually don’t even realize they are learning!
What is a STEM Toy?
Let’s take a look at a further breakdown of the STEM category and example products in each section.
Science Toys
Anything that deals with teaching weather, space, dinosaurs, or any other science concept falls into this category. Many children love science kits and chemistry sets, and parents love that they are learning great concepts while they play.
Technology Toys
Even if you found this page by wondering, "What is a stem toy," you no doubt have seen the emergence of tech toys for kids. Tablets, watches, robots, and other devices are all over the place. My older son has had an iPad since 5, and the 3-year-old just got my old one for learning apps. With technology becoming essential in the world, it’s important your children are exposed to these STEM toys.
Engineering Toys
These are your construction sets and building toys. Perhaps some of the most popular STEM toys in this category are LEGOs. There are so many ways to use your imagination and skills to build with those blocks! Knex and Magformer are two other examples of toys here.
Math Toys
This is probably the category of STEM toys with the most overlap. For example, LEGOs can be considered math toys if used in counting, addition, or subtraction lessons. There are many other toys that deal with numbers to reinforce math skills. This category would also include your play cash registers or number games.
The Benefits of STEM Toys With children having so much access to screens and devices these days, it’s important that STEM toys be introduced as an alternative. Kids can still have fun but they will be learning at the same time.
Additionally, a lot of great skills and traits are built when playing with the best STEM toys.
These include: Problem Solving Cognitive Development Engagement Overcoming Challenges Teamwork Cooperation Patience
So, take a look through our site to find more ideas and suggestions for your children! | 24.07.2018 // Spielwarenmesse begins search for 2019's biggest toy trendsIn its mission to keep retailers’ business buoyant, the main trends will be revealed from mid-October this year before being showcased in the TrendGallery at the Spielwarenmesse from January 30 to February 3. The Spielwarenmesse has commissioned the international TrendCommittee to deep dive into the industry and pluck the latest trends for next year’s show. In its mission to keep retailers’ business buoyant, the main trends will be revealed from mid-October this year before being showcased in the TrendGallery at the Spielwarenmesse from January 30 to February 3. The Spielwaremesse’s TrendCommittee is composed of 11 interdisciplinary toy experts: market researchers, trend scouts and journalists who track market trends around the world, from the US and Europe, across to China. Axel Dammler, market researcher inconkids and youth international research, said: “trends are really important especially for toys. Toys can be incredibly inclusive and help children and teenagers bond, particularly when several members of a group own the same toy. “In addition, toys will often merge that are based on a similar theme, giving rise to an overriding trend.” The focus this year is on medium-term industry trends that are starting to make their mark and look set to influence the toy industry in the near future. Their international appeal is an important factor. Christian Ulrich, director of marketing at Speilwarenmesse, explained: “Our trends have international viability and are not limited to any one country.” | 17.07.2018 // Two major toy safety CEN standards have now been revisedDeveloped by CEN/TC 52, the revisions are expected to be cited in the Official Journal of the European Union over the summer. Two major revisions of CEN standards on toy safety have been published. Developed by CEN/TC 52, the revisions are expected to be cited in the Official Journal of the European Union over the summer. EN 71-1 sets out requirements and test methods for the mechanical and physical properties of toys in order to reduce, as far as possible, hazards not evident to users. The published amendment (A1) includes, for example, an expansion of the scope to include certain flying toys as well as toy slings and toy catapults supplied with projectiles. Additionally, the sections addressing projectile toys were revised as well as those for cords and drawstring toys. Meanwhile, EN 71-3 standard specifies the maximum migration limits for the following categories of toy materials in order to minimise child exposure to certain potentially toxic chemicals. Category one is dry, brittle, powder like or pliable materials, category two is liquid or sticky materials and category three is scraped-off materials. The published amendment (A3) aligns the migration limits in line with the revised limits in the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC and new limits apply from November this year. | 11.07.2018 // World Chocolate Day World Chocolate Day, celebrated annually on July 11, which was allegedly the day in 1550 when chocolate was introduced into Europe.
Ten things you never knew about... chocolate.
1. The ancient Mayans used cocoa beans as currency. Their cultivation was restricted to prevent inflation.
2. Chocolate melts at just below human blood temperature, which is why it is so mouth-meltingly satisfying.
3. It takes about 400 cacao beans to make one pound of chocolate.
4. The official world record for eating two pounds of chocolate candy bars is six minutes.
5. In 2013, Belgium issued over 500,000 postage stamps with the smell of cocoa and covered in a varnish to look like chocolate.
6. Under US law, 100gm of chocolate must not contain more than 60 insect parts on average.
7. Research has shown that hot chocolate tastes best in orange coloured cups.
8. "To a Coffee-house to drink Jocolatte, very good." (Samuel Pepys diary, November 24, 1664).
9. Last year, the British ate more chocolate per person than any other nation.
10. According to Wikipedia, World Chocolate Day celebrations "include the consumption of chocolate". What a good idea!!!  |
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