Are you ready for fun-filled toy adventures? Like a vibrant playground, the toy industry is constantly evolving to keep up with growing trends and catch the hearts of parents and children. With a forecasted market revenue of US$139 billion in 2025 and a CAGR of 4.84%, toys are expected to get much more fun and exciting in the upcoming years!
While digital screens have become many children’s choice of entertainment in this digital era, traditional toys have been finding ways to thrive alongside their technological counterparts. For example, some traditional toy manufacturers will integrate interactive digital elements to enhance gameplay or combine nostalgic elements to appeal to older consumers.
Explore the latest toy trends of 2025 – from nostalgic toys to high-tech innovations; there’s definitely something in store for everyone!
1. A Blast to the Past: Nostalgic Toys
Who said toys are only for children? Like the fashion industry, toy experts suggest nostalgic toys will make a massive comeback in the coming years. With the help of Gen Z and social media, many 80s and 90s toys are back in style — with some nostalgic toys doubling in sales within a year. Retro toys such as Tamagotchi, Legos, UNO, Pokémon, and Hot Wheels have also seen a recent influx of interest that exceeded prior years.
Apart from teens and children, 59% of parents have admitted to buying a toy or games for themselves in the last 12 months. The latest statistics show that ‘Kidults’ (a demographic trend of adults buying toys) have increased purchases and are responsible for US$9 billion in toy market sales annually.
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2. More Than Just a Game: Board Games
It’s time to take those dusty board games out of the cabinet and return them to your friend and family gatherings. In the current digital era, a craving for an offline social connection has never been stronger. Board games allow time away from digital screens and help develop social skills, soothe anxiety, improve cognitive functions, and address ADHD-related issues.
No matter for kids or adults, board games are getting increasingly creative, diverse and innovative. Newly developed games integrate cultural elements, engaging stories and exciting aesthetics into their creations – allowing players to enjoy an immersive gameplay experience with their friends and family.
3. Taking Over with Technology: Smart Toys
Nowadays, toys have transformed into friends with whom you or your children can chat, learn, and even play games together! As one of the fastest-growing items in the toy market, with a CAGR of 24.7%, smart toys are undoubtedly the future for the world of toys.
From AR and VR integration to AI-robot toys, they can help improve social skills, develop early learning skills such as critical thinking, and keep children company. Apart from AR or AI smart toys, some toys have even integrated IoT within them— such as smart toys for toddlers with built-in baby monitors that can provide parents with medical data to ensure their child is safe and healthy.
4. Play and Learn: Educational Toys
Toys are not just for fun; they can empower kids and make them smarter! With modern-day parents becoming increasingly focused on children’s education, finding a toy that improves their children’s knowledge and cognitive development while keeping them entertained is every parent’s dream.
Educational toys are fun for children and can help with memory retention, literacy skills, numerical capabilities, boost IQ, and improve problem-solving skills from an early age. In particular, educational toys focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) have especially intrigued the market – ranging from fun science experiment kits to 3D printing pen sets.
A Playground of Possibilities
While the toy industry is constantly changing, one thing that never changes is that parents always want to provide joy and happy playtimes for their children. For those looking to build business connections and find the next big hit, look no further! HKTDC’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair on 6-9 January 2025 is back with the latest trending toys and games. This fair is the solution to all your sourcing needs, from traditional to high-tech toys.
Reserve your spot and register today by clicking on the banner below:
Can’t wait to join the fun? Visit our e-Marketplace to find all sorts of exciting toys and game products today:
[1] https://www.globalsources.com/knowledge/global-toy-market-to-see-significant-boost-in-2025/
[3] https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/big-w-unveils-toy-trends/
[4] https://www.wearethereach.com/insights/kidults-a-growing-trend-of-adults-buying-toys
[7] https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/smart-toys-market-10813
[9] https://www.childpsych.co.za/the-importance-of-toys-in-a-childs-development/
