Toowoomba Toy Mania: Big W reveals most in-demand toys

The retail giant has shared the most in-demand purchases, revealing the top toy trends of the year and Toowoomba parents are loving the sales, stocking up for Christmas.

Toy mania for Big W Grand Central staff Corinna Pilling (left), Destiny Teakle and Keiran Jannusch with popular toys in the 2021 Big W Toy Sale, Thursday, June 24, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Each year thousands of Toowoomba parents shop Big W’s annual Toy Mania sale, to not only treat their children but also make the most of Christmas lay-by offering.

The sale started last week and runs until Wednesday, July 14.

BIG W is expecting a 30% increase in online lay-by this year, as shoppers stock up on bargains for Christmas 2021.

Store manager Keiran Jannusch said it was an exciting time in-store for both customers and staff.

“We spend a lot of time making the in store experience fun and engaging, like dressing up in our favourite toy costumes and talking about all the best deals, and the hottest toys kids will be wanting this Christmas,” he said.

Bluey is a popular brand in the Big W Toy Sale. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“This year in particular, we know that families have missed out on travelling and holidays, but they are telling us they are having more fun at home and we’re really seeing that in our sales – outdoor play category and items like outdoor play sets, cubby houses, scooters and bikes are extremely popular.”

The retail giant has shared the most in-demand purchases, revealing the top toy trends of the year.

The Toy Mania report reveals LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, L.O. L Surprise! And Vtech are set to dominate the annual toy celebration.

It’s also no surprise to parents of little ones that Bluey is the top selling brand for the past 12 months, up 250% from last year.

Harry Potter and Lego are popular in the Big W Toy Sale. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TOP TOY TRENDS

1. School yard fun

Schoolyard classics like Beyblades, Bakugan and Loom Bands are hot property this year with the ever-popular Pokemon brand seeing a 64% sales growth year-on-year. The new Beyblade Speedstorm Battle Set ($69) and exclusive Bakugan Fusion Bundle ($49) are two hot items.

2. Holidaying at home

Outdoor play sets, cubby houses, scooters and bikes have seen huge growth, with the category up 39% on last year. Scoot into outdoor fun with a Huffy Alloy Inline Scooter ($39) or snap one of this year’s must-have items; the new and exclusive Bluey trampoline ($129).

LOL Suprise is a popular brand in the Big W Toy Sale. Picture: Kevin Farmer

3. Going solo

This year, dolls and play sets, action figures, cars and construction sets are making up four of the top five fastest growing categories, based on year-on-year data. Imaginary play will come to life this Christmas with the exclusive Bosch Work Bench ($49), new LEGO Batman vs The Joker ($39) and Hot Wheels Super Ultimate Garage ($169).

4. Big kid collectors

From Star Wars to Marvel, Harry Potter and Barbie, collectables is BIG W’s fastest growing category this year. BIG W has fanatics covered with the new Avengers Thor & Loki collectibles ($29) and limited-edition picks from Care Bear Hopeful Heart Bear ($39) and My Little Pony Pinkie Pie ($39).

5. Small screen

TV shows like Bluey and LEGO Masters are exploding on screens across the nation, with kids snapping up toys to match. With YouTube Kids and TikTok inspiring fun and gaming remaining a firm favourite, tech toys like the DGTEC 7-inch tablet ($29) that get kids plugged in, or playing, like the Nintendo Switch Lite ($289), are tipped to fly off shelves.