Santa opens his bag for business
THERE are just two months left before Christmas and while we may not know what Santa is planning to stash in his bag of jolly treats, we have the lowdown on what toys parents should be thinking about stocking up on for their kids.
Toy manufacturers have released their top toy prediction lists for 2017, a selection of toys which include electronic, interactive, collectibles and gaming.
According to Toys R Us marketing manager Nicole Annells, popular television series are driving toy sales this year, with big-screen blockbusters accentuating the popularity.
Annells said trendy classics such as dolls, cars, play sets, figurines and educational toys have proven to remain firm favourites year after year.
“Technology and gaming remains a leading toy trend while toys inspired by popular animated television series and blockbusters continue to propel the industry. We are seeing more television series-inspired toys topping the charts this year,” she said.
“We are making way for exciting toy lines in South Africa this year, which will prove to be hugely popular. These include: Hatchimals, LOL, Nintendo Switch, Happy Places, the new Shopkins range and PJ Masks.
“The release of a toy list allows parents a chance to budget and plan ahead in order to purchase the items that their children want most.
“Our top picks and in-store selection feature toys for all ages and budgets.”
The top 20 toys – with estimated prices – are:
● Baby Born Interactive Girl and accessories (R999.90);
● Barbie Dolphin Magic Mermaid (R499.90);
● Shimmer and Shine Doll Assortment (R343.93);
● Happy Places Shopkins Pool & Sundeck (R499.90); ● LOL Surprise Doll (R199); ● My Little Pony Movie Project Twinkle Scene Packs (R165);
● Disney's Moana Maui’s Magical Fish Hook (R190.29); ● Hatchimals Surprise (R1 000); ● Paw Patrol Look Out Playset (R550.37);
● PJ Masks Transforming Figure Set (151.25);
● Lego Ninjago 70625 Samurai VXL (R599.90);
● Nickelodeon™ Blaze and the Monster Machines™ Light Rider Assortment (R123.73);
● Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster (R176.69);
● Lego Boost Creative Toolbox (R2 693.75);
● Shox Raptor Drone Camo (R412.74);
● Nintendo Switch Console Grey/Neon Red/Blue Joy Control (R4 128.69); ● Fingerlings (R399.90); ● Ben 10 Rust Bucket (R999.90); ● Fisher-Price Think & Learn Teach ‘n Tag Movi (R987.59); and
● Lego Dimensions Starter Pack PS3, PS4, X1, X360 (R688, R825.63, R688, R825.63).
Overseas trends are much the same as local. Amazon lists Hatchimals, Lego, Nerf and the cute little finger monkeys Fingerlings as its most popular.
Argos has also stuck with the pet trend of Hatchimals and Fingerlings, adding a variety of dolls and racing cars to the list too.
A statement released by the USbased Toy Industry Association (TIA) earlier this year, the top toy trends for this year announced at The New York Toy Fair include collectibles, robotics and movie mania playthings.
The top six trends are made up of a variety of collectibles, which include both basic and higher-priced ranges; up and active, which include outdoor ride-ons; technology trends, such as virtual reality toys or drones; classics, including wooden toys; movie mania, which features toys from the likes of the Lego Batman movie, and a stream of educational toys which teach children concepts such as science, technology and engineering.
“With more room for innovation and a greater willingness to take risks, toy-makers are pulling out all the stops to create highly groundbreaking products, reinvent play patterns, and refresh classic brands with cutting-edge technologies and exciting new licences,” the TIA said.
“Best of all, these toys build children’s developmental skills through collaborative, hands-on and imaginative play,” said Adrienne Appell, a leading trends expert at the association. —