Posts Tagged ‘Toy Retailers Association’
Toy Retailers Association this year’s top dream toys
The Toy Retailers Association has recently created a list of what it considers to be this year’s top dream toys. There is no question that there are some unusual toys making a list as well as new takes on all-time classics. One of the most unusual toys this year, which children seem to love, but parents are less fond of, is a dog that is able to poo.
This year the toy retailers Association seems to have chosen mostly toys that have a technological aspect and many retailers expect this type of toy to be very successful.
It seems that tablet PCs targeted at children are going to be very popular. Many of these devices are clearly designed to look similar to the Apple iPad, which is something that remains popular with many parents. The LeapPad Explorer is one of these toys and it will be retailing at just under £80.
The dream toys selection panel chairman is Gary Grant and he has commented, “This year has seen a great many technical advancements seen in the toy market. The toys are not necessarily entirely designed to target those who are a fan of technology, mostly they are utilising technology to make play more fun.”
Last year one of the bestselling toys was a digital camera designed for children by VTech. This year a zoom function has been added and it is expected that this toy will once again be a top seller.
This year was the first time that the toy retailers Association had conducted a survey of children to see which toys they think would be most popular. It seems that the children mostly agreed with the Association and many of them selected toys with a technological aspect. Many of these chosen toys were classics that had been given a new twist by the introduction of technology.
Mr Grant continued, “The use of technology is proving that the toy industry is a dynamic and innovative place. The addition of technology to classic toys just shows how the industry is constantly improving and coming up with new ideas. We are even seeing such classic toys like Mickey Mouse being brought up to date by technology.”
The defecating dog toy is called Doggie Doo, and is able to poo brown plasticine. The toy recently appeared on the Jonathan Ross Show and this has led to a gaining quite a lot of publicity and made it the star of the dream toys media launch which took place last Wednesday.
While children might think it’s hilarious when the dog poos and makes appropriate noises, the parents are less keen and ultimately they are the ones who are going to be deciding whether they pay for it or not.
2011 Top Christmas Toys Announced by Toy Retailers Association
As technology moves ever forward, our lives are becoming more connected and interactive than ever. These breakthroughs in technology are no longer restricted to adults either, more than ever before they are making an impact in the world of children’s toys. According to the TRA, or Toy Retailers Association the must have toys this year are some of the most innovative and interactive that we have ever seen.
Every year, the TRA releases a dream list which predicts what the best selling toys will be at Christmas and this year’s list is very exciting. The predicted best sellers are all great toys that have a technological twist to them, from the expected tablet computers for kids to dolls that double as lamps to toys that will converse with you.
This year, children have more opportunities than ever before to engage and interact with their toys, and here is the TRA Dream Dozen for 2011. They are listed in alphabetical order along with their manufacturer and their recommended retail price.
Doggie Doo John Adams RRP £22.99
Fijit friends Mattel RRP £54.99
Fireman Sam Pontypandy Rescue Set Character RRP £29.99
Kidizoom Twist Vtech RRP £49.99
LeapPad Explorer Leapfrog Toys RRP £79.99
Let’s Rock Elmo Hasbro RRP £69.99
Milky the Bunny Flair RRP £59.99
Monster High Lagoona’s Hydration Station Mattel RRP £39.99
Moshling Tree House Vivid RRP £18.99
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster Hasbro RRP £44.99
Ninjago Fire Temple Lego RRP £91.99
Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsabre Assortment Hasbro RRP £39.99
The chairman of the selection panel that put together this years TRA Dream Dozen is Gary Grant, and he has said of the list that this year has seen some of the most amazing advancements in technology as far as toys are concerned, and this list reflects the best of the bunch.
Go Go Pets already see massive Christmas sales
Go Go Pets are quickly becoming the must have toys for Christmas, given that they are charmingly interactive and furry without any of the mess that comes from real pets and need cages cleaned.
The new line of toys are actually battery powered hamsters that cost less than a tenner. At the moment stock of the funny animals are flying off the shelves in both America and the UK with a new market slowly developing on eBay as well.
In order to keep up with the demand, UK distributors of the popular toy, Character Group, are flying in new Go Go pets from China. The demand is so high that chief executive of the US toy store, Toys R Us stated that that the craze is about equal to the 80’s demand for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Last month, the Toy Retailers Association placed the line of toys in the ‘dream dozen’ for this year’s Christmas present, while Argos the retailer placed then in their top ten Christmas gift list.
One reason for the toys popularity may in part be its small price given the fact that many people are not willing or able to fork out a lot of cash for presents this winter, with the current economic conditions.
Managing director of Character Group, Jon Driver, stated that 600,000-700,000 of the accessory packs have also been sold in the UK along with the toys. He said that the craze is just incredible with many people making multiple purchases of everything that is related to the Go Go Pets brand.
Toy Retailers Association – Dream Toys 2008
The Toy Retailers Association (TRA) has today announced its annual ‘Dream Toys’ list, the only official prediction of Christmas bestsellers. Based on 50 years’ experience as the voice of toy retailers, the TRA produces its lists taking into account what consumers are requesting, what excites children and the latest trends in new products.
There is a definite trend towards music, film and TV inspired toys for the fame cravings of the next generation of rockstars and screen heroes. However there are also plenty of old favourites also making a comeback this year, reflecting the nation’s love for nostalgic characters and brands.
This year’s Dream Dozen, in alphabetical order:
BABY born® with Magic Potty, Zapf Creation® (RRP £33.99)
BakuganTM Starter Pack, Spinmaster (RRP £12.99)
Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix, Bandai (RRP £15.99)
Catcha Beast, Bandai (RRP £19.99)
Cupcake Maker, Character Options (RRP £29.99)
Elmo Live, Mattel (RRP £59.99)
FurReal Biscuit, My Lovin’ Pup, Hasbro (RRP £149.99)
High School Musical 3 Musical Dance Mat, Vivid Imaginations (RRP £22.99)
In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed, Hasbro (RRP £34.99)
My Life, Flair Leisure Products (RRP £49.99)
Rescue Pals Swim To Me Puppy, MGA Entertainment Ltd (RRP £29.99)
Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer, Hasbro (RRP £29.99)