Toys : Trending Facts & Insights

The toy market is an exciting and ever-evolving industry of products that meet the needs of both children and adults for entertainment, education, and artistic taste. The categories fall under the classic realm of toys, like dolls and board games, to the ultra-modern high-tech stuff like robotics and augmented reality toys. The current boisterous market is fueled by increased discretionary spending and growing awareness of the educational advantages of toys, while popular media and their franchises continue to fuel the toy fever.

Today, the valuation of the worldwide toy market stands at close to $120 billion by 2024, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%. It will surpass $170 billion by 2030. Demand for collectibles, adult games, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys fuels the market.


Global Toy Industry


Overview

The toy market is an exciting and ever-evolving industry of products that meet the needs of both children and adults for entertainment, education, and artistic taste. The categories fall under the classic realm of toys, like dolls and board games, to the ultra-modern high-tech stuff like robotics and augmented reality toys. The current boisterous market is fueled by increased discretionary spending and growing awareness of the educational advantages of toys, while popular media and their franchises continue to fuel the toy fever.

Today, the valuation of the worldwide toy market stands at close to $120 billion by 2024, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%. It will surpass $170 billion by 2030. Demand for collectibles, adult games, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys fuels the market.

Types & Definition

The toy industry is involved in the designing, making, marketing, and distribution of plays, learning, entertainment, and recreational products. These services cater to a diverse range of consumers, including infants, toddlers, teenagers, and adults, and are essentially designed with educational, recreational, and entertainment market values in mind.

1. Infant and Preschool Toys: Rattles, teething toys, and soft play items.

2. Action Figures and Dolls: Action figures of upper age groups are very much in demand, as well as customizable regular dolls.

3. STEM Toys: Robots, robotics, and coding toys.

4. Outdoor Toys: Playhouses, trampolines, and sports equipment.

5. Board and Card Games: Monopoly, Scrabble, and collectible card games.

6. Electronic Toys: Smart toys, virtual pets, and gaming consoles.

7. Arts and Crafts: DIY kits, painting sets, and creative tools.

8. Plush Toys: Stuffed animals and cuddly companions.

Industry Trends

1. Sustainability Focus: Adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials.

2. Tech-Enhanced Toys: Growth in AI-powered and app-integrated toys.

3. Customization: Personalized toys tailored to individual preferences.

4. E-commerce Expansion: Online sales platforms dominate toy retail, offering convenience and variety.

5. Social Media Influence: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok drive toy trends and purchases.

6. Cross-Generational Appeal: Products designed for family play and adult collectors.

Facts & Insights

- STEM Dominance: Educational toys focused on STEM learning are among the fastest-growing categories.

- Adult Collectibles: The rise of nostalgia has fueled demand for action figures, model kits, and premium collectibles aimed at adults.

- Eco-Friendly Toys: Sustainable and biodegradable materials are increasingly being used in toy production.

- Franchise Impact: Popular movies, TV shows, and video games drive demand for licensed toys.

- Digital Integration: Augmented reality and app-connected toys are reshaping the play experience.

- Inclusive Design: Toys that promote diversity and inclusion, such as differently-abled dolls, are gaining attention.

Market Segment

1. By Product Type: Action figures, dolls, educational toys, outdoor toys, and more.

2. By Age Group: Infants, preschoolers, school-age children, teenagers, and adults.

3. By Distribution Channel: Online retail, specialty toy stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets.

4. By Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Industry Leader

1. LEGO Group for its innovative building sets and collaborative collections with major franchises.

2. Mattel, Inc., known for some of the most desired brands, such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price.

3. Hasbro, Inc., adorning Transformers, Nerf, and Monopoly.

4. Bandai Namco, a leader in action figures/collectibles, particularly within anime IPs.

5. Spinmaster, again for its innovative and interactive toys and games, including PAW Patrol and Hatchimals.

6. Vtech Holdings is the expert in electronic learning toys and gadgets.


Frequently Asked Questions

Growing annual disposable income, the demand for educational and STEM toys, and the influence of popular movie franchises are the main drivers of growth.
The industry caters to all age groups, with school-age children being the most significant category, and the number of adult collectors increasing.
Numerous smart toy technologies occupy interactive toys, augmented reality apps, or connected play through the app.
Companies have to implement biodegradable materials and adopt sustainable manufacturing methods due to the pressure of eco-minded consumers.
The Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions are showing considerable growth rates on the back of rising income levels and middle-class population expansion.