The World’s Greatest Toy Store™ Identifies Trends Expected to Influence Holiday Toy Purchases Including, “Age of the Dinosaurs,” “Full STEAM Ahead,” “Lil’ Sous Chefs in Training” and “Pets with Personality”
WAYNE, NJ, 2015-10-1 — /EPR Retail News/ — After a year of tracking toy purchases across the globe, the team of experts at Toys“R”Us® has named four trends anticipated to impact toy-buying decisions this holiday season. This year’s trends reflect popular themes seen across screens both big and small, as well as a movement to encourage exploration and creative thinking – proving smart is the new cool. Influenced by pop-culture and cultural shifts, these trends are indicative of the types of toys kids will hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning.
Click to Tweet: Trend Alert: STEAM, Dinos, Pets and Lil’ Chefs! @ToysRUs predicts top toy trends for Holiday 2015! #TRUHotToyList http://toysr.us/PressRoom
“As the world’s leading dedicated toy retailer, Toys“R”Us leverages industry insights, monitors purchase patterns and observes culturally relevant themes to understand what parents and kids gravitate towards each year,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandise Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Whether it’s cooking up fun pretending to be a chef, caring for a technologically savvy pet or promoting curiosity and learning through play, these trends include some of the hottest new items for the 2015 holiday season.”
The following are the Toys“R”Us Top Trends, as well as select toys exemplifying each category, all of which can be found in stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com:
Age of the Dinosaurs
Inspired by new, hit movies, including the blockbuster, Jurassic World, and the highly anticipated release of The Good Dinosaur, as well as dinosaur-themed shows such as DINOTRUX, it is Mesozoic mania on toy shelves this holiday season. Kids of all ages will have a roaring good time with dynamic dinosaurs ranging from futuristic prehistoric pals and classic plush to giant multi-playthings and pint-sized dinos. The following creatures are extinct no more:
- DINOTRUX Mega Chompin’™ Ty Rux from Mattel®
- Imaginext® Ultra T-Rex from Fisher-Price®
- Jurassic World Hero Mashers Ultimate TRex from Hasbro®
- Zoomer™ Chomplingz from Spin Master™
- Zoomer™ Dino Jurassic World Indominus Rex from Spin Master™
Full STEAM Ahead
Play has always stimulated a child’s imagination, but recently toys that inspire interest in STEAM have emerged as one of the most popular trends among parents wanting to introduce the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math to children as part of playtime. These unique playthings are dedicated to advancing inquisitiveness while helping to spur strategic and creative thinking:
- Anki OVERDRIVE Starter Kit from Anki™
- Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo from Fisher-Price®
- Meccanoid GKS from Spin Master™
- Project Mc2 Dolls from MGA Entertainment
- Smart Toy Bear from Fisher-Price®
Lil’ Sous Chefs in Training
Cooking, baking, grilling, oh my! From pictures on social media to an entire network of celebrity chefs, the kitchen is the popular place to be. Whether emulating the culinary adventures of their moms and dads or pretending to be a cuisine connoisseur, kids can’t wait to tie on an apron and create their own lil’ bites. These crafty, delicious toys help spark imagination while creating personalized playtime experiences – not to mention satisfying a sweet (or salty!) tooth:
- Candy Craft Chocolate Pen from Skyrocket™
- Play-Doh® Cookout Creations from Hasbro®
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Oven from Wicked Cool Toys
- The Real Cotton Candy Maker from Cra-Z-Art®
- Yummy Nummies Mini Kitchen Party Sets from Blip
Pets with Personality
Kids have always found a friend in their favorite stuffed animal and now they are gravitating towards play pets that can interact with them. This year, an abundance of cuddly companions comes equipped with realistic movements and offers all the fun of traditional pets, minus the mess. The following toys are just a few of the playthings kids will be clamoring to adopt into their playroom:
- Chubbie Puppies Mega Set from Spin Master™
- Clever Keet from Moose Toys™
- FurReal Friends JJ, My Jumpin’ Pug from Hasbro®
- Little Live Pets Lil’ Mouse Deluxe Play Trail from Moose Toys™
- Zoomer Whiskers from Spin Master™
Those eager to shop items corresponding to these trends, or any of the 36 playthings named to the Toys“R”Us 2015 #TRUHotToyList, can check out Toysrus.com/HotToys for all their gift-giving needs. In addition, the company’s online Gift Finder allows shoppers to browse a vast array of toys grouped by age, toy category, current promotions and more. Toys“R”Us is THE destination for all the trending toys and for unique services like free shipping of online orders with a minimum purchase of $19, Price Match Guarantee and Free Layaway, as well as its Rewards“R”Us loyalty program.
For company news and updates throughout the season, please visit “R” Holiday Press Room.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 864 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 730 international stores and over 240 licensed stores in 38 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys at FAO.com. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 66,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus, Twitter.com/Babiesrus and Twitter.com/FAOSchwarz.
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Media Contacts:
Toys“R”Us, U.S.
Samantha Xenis
973-617-5306/646-366-8826
Samantha.Xenis@toysrus.com
Cheryl O’Brien
973-617-4380/646-366-8825
Cheryl.Obrien@toysrus.com