Oct 14, 2016

The Toy Insider names top toy trends for Holiday 2016, introduces online Wish List feature

The Toy Insider, the go-to source for product information about children’s toys, tech and entertainment, recently revealed its 2016 holiday gift guide, highlighting the hottest items that will top kids’ wish lists this year. Today, the experts at The Toy Insider share the top trends that will rule the toy box this year, and introduce a new online wish list feature for parents and gift givers.

While browsing the holiday gift guide online, parents can read in-depth reviews and easily add items that their children would like to a virtual wish list with the click of a button. Wish lists can then be shared with friends on Facebook, emailed to family members, or printed for easy in-store shopping. To learn more about using The Toy Insider wish list, click here.

With more than 275 toys on its online gift guide, The Toy Insider names the hottest trends in toyland this year.

“We’re seeing some trends from recent years holding strong, plus some exciting new ones we’re very excited about. Tech toys are unsurprisingly still topping kids’ wish lists, and tiny collectibles, like Shopkins and MagicMeeMees, continue to be a huge hit among kids who love to collect and trade them,” said Laurie Schacht, co-publisher and Chief Toy Officer, The Toy Insider. “We’re excited to see a new trend toward toys that teach coding, an increasingly important skill for all ages. We also love the renewed focus on girl power this year, with a number of toys that promote confidence and show girls that the sky is the limit no matter what their interests are.”

The Toy Insider‘s 2016 Top Toy Trends:

Coding 101: Coding is the language of the future and an important part of STEM curriculum in schools. With an increasing number of in-demand jobs involving coding, it’s never too early to start learning. Toy companies are teaching kids the basics through items that break down these complicated concepts into fun toys and games that are rooted in cause and effect.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Think & Learn Code-a-pillar (Fisher-Price), Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set (Learning Resources), CodeGamer (Thames & Kosmos), Meccasaur (Spin Master).

Collect Them All: Often packaged in blind boxes or bags that give kids a fun surprise, these tiny, inexpensive items are popular for their collectability and affordability. Kids love to build a collection and swap these toys with their friends. Plus, the expanded play sets encourage imaginative play.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Gift ’ems (Jakks Pacific), Squinkies ‘Do Drops (Blip Toys), Shopkins Happy Places Happy Home (Moose Toys), MagicMeeMees (Future of Play)

Tiny Techies: Today’s kids are learning how to swipe a touchscreen before they can walk, so tech toys are a given for this generation. From toys that teach kids robotics and building skills, to fun and mess-free tech pets and “me-too” items such as kid-friendly drones and smartwatches, toy companies are coming up with all sorts of ways to “wow” kids and parents alike.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: CHiP (WowWee), Air Hogs Helix Sentinel Drone (Spin Master), BoseBuild Speaker Cube (Bose), Kurio Watch (KD Interactive)

Focus on Family: Toys are not just for kids – there are plenty of toys and games that will get the whole family involved. Nostalgic toys will remind parents of the things they played with as kids, while building toys and arts and crafts sets encourage everyone to work together. And, of course, there’s nothing like a great family game night to get everyone laughing together.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Pie Face Showdown (Hasbro), Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin (K’NEX), Strawberry Shortcake Rag Dolls (The Bridge Direct), Spirograph Shapes (Kahootz Toys)

Girl Power: Girls can do anything, whether they want to grow up to be engineers or fight crime as a superhero. Toy companies are giving girls incredible new toys that provide them with positive messaging to help them build confidence, including STEM-focused activity sets and a new Latin American princess who can change the world through the power of music.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Disney My Time Singing Elena of Avalor Doll (Hasbro), Roominate Cotton Candy Carnival (PlayMonster), Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow (Hasbro), Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital Care Cart (Just Play)

Up and At ‘Em: Outdoor and active toys get kids moving while having fun. From engaging play places for babies and toddlers to innovative ride-on toys and outdoor games for older kids, there’s something for every age and interest.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Disney Princess Carriage (Dynacraft), RipStik Electric (Razor), X-Shot Bug Attack Eliminator & 2 Predator TK-3 Combo (Zuru), Laugh & Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center (Fisher-Price)