Tech Toys

Kids testing out the latest toys during the Canadian Toy Association’s (CTA) Hot Toys event reveal their wish list – a mix of traditional and high

16:27 28 March 2017

Canadian Toy Association’s (CTA) Hot Toys for the Holidays event has presented children a range of toys that they can test and rank based on their preference. The CTA has identified the top five trends in the industry: collectibles, tech toys, family-centric games, brain boosters and creator games. However, another theme was apparent: classic toys with a modern twist.

 

Margot Somerville, board chair for marketing communications with the CTA, said that family-centric toys, which have been around for years, are “still really hot,” citing Hasbro Gaming’s Simon Air, which uses touch-free technology to modernize a retro game.

 

“You have the Simon — which, back in my day, it was a big unit and you followed the colours, and now they just keep evolving that item,” Somerville said.

 

Among the toys presented to children include a stuffed dragon that breathes flame-coloured mist, a stuffed Elmo with more than 350 responses and a smart kitchen that connects to a tablet.

 

When ask what toys seemed to be the most popular, Somerville said: “It's a mix. Tech toys are definitely on the rise, whether it's a remote-controlled Ninja Turtle on a skateboard or a Barbie dollhouse that's completely teched out,” Somerville said. “But I also love the make-and-play toys. It's a great way for kids to not only make the creation but play with it. There's a stamp-maker where you actually mix the inks and then make the stamping marker. It actually takes them away from the tech side, so it's a win-win.”