Hottest toy trends of 2022 reveal old favourites still sell

A deep dive into this year’s toy trends shows the popularity of one toy has soared by 300 per cent.

To celebrate the first day of its annual Toy Mania event, Big W has released this year’s most popular toy trends.

According to data compiled by a team of toy experts, Jurassic Park toys are set to be the top selling item this year, with sales skyrocketing by 300 per cent.

With the new film in the franchise released this month, Big W’s chief toy buyer, Christine Faulkner, said the Jurassic range of toys is sure to continue to soar in popularity.

Big W Toy Mania chief toy Officer Jimmy Rees with one of the hottest selling toys of all time. Picture: Adrian Lander

“Our customers are loving the new range of dinosaurs,” she said.

Nostalgia is the flavour of the year, it appears. Along with the top selling Jurassic Park and Toy Story toys, Ms Faulkner said a firm favourite for more than 50 years is still one of the most sought after playthings.

“Lego is always a favourite; with over 20 new products, they’re going to be very popular this year,” she said.

For pandemic-fatigued parents, toys which encourage activity and interaction have been the most popular items. In particular, backyard toys like cubby houses and slides have been consistent top sellers after the Covid-19 lockdowns forced a lot of families inside and online.

“Parents are really encouraging their kids to get off screen time and get outside and into the fresh air,” Ms Faulkner said.

Another toy trend to emerge from the last two years of forced family time has been a return to classic group toys such as puzzles and boardgames.

Another old favourite which remains one of the biggest sellers is Hot Wheels’ range of cars.

Ms Faulkner said Big W data shows the impact of the pandemic and the increasing cost of living on spending.

“We know that with Big W every year, customers are looking for value – and this year more than ever, so we have plenty of products $10 and under,” she said.

The chief toy buyer said millions of Australian families would be looking to the Toy Mania event to capitalise on the bargains, including half price on some toys. Big W will have 1,300 toys and games on offer in its “bigger than ever” sale event over four weeks.

Toy Mania chief toy officer Jimmy Rees said the event would provide the best value for customers.

“You can stock up on presents for birthdays and Christmas, and there are so many of the latest and favourite toys on offer,” he said.

Big W’s chief toy buyer, Christine Faulkner, analysed the hottest toy trends of 2022.

For those families struggling with the rising cost of living, online lay-by is available. However, some families are upset about a service fee of $15 for each online item on lay-by.

Big W also has a cancellation fee of $20, should families be unable to continue their lay-by payment plan.

The Toy Mania event launched exclusively online on Tuesday morning and will head in-store on Thursday for four weeks.