Expert predicts the toys to be hot sellers this year
WANT to know which toys kids will be going crazy for this year? Robot monkeys and scented plush toys are set to be among the top 10 future bestsellers, a toy trends expert predicts.
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WANT to know which toys your kids will be begging for this year?
A toy trends expert has shared some hot seller predictions with the Herald Sun.
The latest Confetti Pop version of LOL Surprise! mini dolls, which have taken the world by storm, top the list.
A new range of Fingerlings interactive monkeys and other animals are also destined to be a hit, according to Australian Toy Association director David Hendy.
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Mr Hendy said the LOL Surprise! brand had successfully tapped into the enormous popularity of toy unboxing videos and reviews on YouTube.
“It’s the biggest change I have seen in many, many years. Kids are looking at toys being unboxed in videos and unwrapping layers fascinates them,” Mr Hendy said.
“It’s a modern take on pass the parcel.”
Pikmi Pops characters hidden in a lollipop-shaped package also capitalised on the “element of surprise” and appeal of collectables.
Youngsters were hooked on the “cuteness” of Fingerlings, which could fit into a child’s hand.
Mr Hendy said the pre-school brand PJ Masks would also be popular, along with traditional favourites LEGO and Barbie.
Australians are expected to spend up to $2 billion on toys this year.
Mr Hendy said action figure and plush toy sales over the past three months were up compared with the same period a year earlier.
However the arts and craft category was down, and sales of electronics such as maths and spelling games were flat.
THE NEXT 10 MUST-HAVE TOYS
L.O.L. Surprise! Confetti Pop
Age: 5+ RRP: $19.99
Available: March
A surprise party in every ball with nine new dolls ready to be revealed.
Pikmi Pops
Age: 5+ RRP: $8
Available: August
Each one pops open to reveal all-new sweetly scented plush characters. Dozens to collect.
The Chow Crown
Age: 8+ RRP: $39.99
Available: September
Players try to bite off food from dangling, spinning forks without using their hands before the music stops.
PJ Masks Transforming Figure Set
Age: 5+ RRP: $24.99
Available: July
Includes a daytime kid persona and night time hero persona, and one transforming play set.
Barbie Pizza Chef Doll & Playset
Age: 5+ RRP: $39.99
Available: March
Pizza shop play set that lets kids make their own doll-sized pizzas.
Lego Mia’s Camper Van
Age: 5+ RRP: $79.99
Available: Mid-2018
Modern camper van with kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and folding canopy, plus a sporty tent, dinghy and friendly horse.
Nella the Princess Knight Talk and Sing
Age: 3+ RRP: $50
Available: April
Has the trappings of a princess but is also a knight. With the help of friends she breaks barriers, challenges expectations, and fights for justice on every adventure.
Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash
Age: 7+ RRP: $59.95
Available: July
Interactive, skill-based set drives problem-solving with exciting action as kids try to launch cars without crashing out.
Fingerlings (new range)
Age: 5+ RRP: $20
Available: late March
Interactive robotic monkeys, sloths and unicorns that love to hang onto your finger and move and react to sight, sound and touch.
The Amazing Annoyatron
Age: 9+ RRP: $69.95
Available: March
Teaches electronics and coding with 20-plus cool creations that can be built and rebuilt to prank friends and family.
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