The Toy Insider Experts Reveal Top Hot Toy Trends for Holiday 2017

"This year, retro toys from the '80s and '90s are making a comeback, as classic favorites such as Teddy Ruxpin and Tickle Me Elmo return in updated versions for a new generation. We've also seen a shift toward STEM toys that offer more creativity and engagement, while emerging tech continues to bring toys to life like never before, such as with the incredibly realistic Luvabella doll," says Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer, The Toy Insider. "Cute and affordable collectibles, including Fingerlings, slow rising squishy toys, and toys in blind packaging, will also continue to sell out this year."

The Toy Insider revealed its 2017 holiday gift guide (https://www.thetoyinsider.com/2017-holiday-gift-guide/) on September 19^th, highlighting the hottest and most coveted items that will make kids of all ages jump for joy this holiday season. With more than 380 toys in its online gift guide, The Toy Insider offers parents and gift-givers in-depth toy reviews and the ability to search for items by a child's age and interests using the handy skill development key. Parents can even help kids curate their own virtual wish lists at the click of a button.

With more than 20 years of experience, Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht leads a team of experts who attend major industry tradeshows and events throughout the year. The Toy Insider team talks regularly with toy makers, retailers and analysts to remain in-the-know about the hottest toys and trends. The independent organization reviews toys all year long to compile its annual gift guide, including its Hot 20, STEM 10 and Top Tech 12 toy lists. The Toy Insider's top toy trend selections are based on retail sales and extensive research, providing guidance for consumers as they look for the perfect gifts for the kids in their lives.

For high-resolution product photography and broadcast-quality B-roll footage of The Toy Insider toy trends, holiday gift guide and website, click here.

The Toy Insider's 2017 Top Toy Trends:

"When I Was a Kid": What's old is new again. Toys that were popular in the '80s and '90s are making a big-time comeback, with some modern updates for today's kids. These toys are sure to be an instant hit with parents and grandparents who grew up with the originals and now get to pass the fun on to the next generation.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Teddy Ruxpin (Wicked Cool Toys), Cupcake Surprise (Sunny Days Entertainment), Super NES Classic (Nintendo), Tickle Me Elmo (Hasbro), LatchKits Craft Kits (Kahootz), Disney Puppets (Folkmanis)

Mini Mania: Tiny toys, big play value. Collectible toys that are small enough to fit in your pocket and affordable enough for kids to buy with allowance money are hotter than ever. Often packaged in blind bags, each one is a sur­prise. These mini must-haves rank high with kids—and there are hundreds to collect, including rares, ultra rares, and coveted limited editions.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Hatchimals CollEGGtibles (Spin Master), L.O.L. Surprise Tots (MGA Entertainment), Shopkins Cutie Cars (Moose Toys), Cabbage Patch Kids Lil' Sprouts (Wicked Cool Toys), Mash 'Ems (Tech 4 Kids), Pikmi Pops (Moose Toys), Fingerlings (WowWee)

LOL Games: It's time to get silly. This year, the game aisle got a whole lot funnier. Zany new roulette-style, family, party, and strategy games will leave the whole family in stitches. These games are perfect for multi-generational play, bringing everyone together for a good laugh and lots of quality time.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Who's the Dude? (Identity Games), Hearing Things (Hasbro), Watch Ya Mouth Throwdown (Buffalo Games), House of Boing (University Games), Word Slam (Thames & Kosmos), Soggy Doggy (Spin Master)

Toys of Tomorrow, Today: The tech of tomorrow is finding its way into today's toys, resulting in more interactivity than ever before. Kids can choose from tech-infused robots, drones, gaming devices, and more, bringing toys to life in a whole new way.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Luvabella (Spin Master), Aura (KD Interactive), Merge Cube (Merge VR), Lightseekers (TOMY), Digiloom (WowWee), Meccano M.A.X. (Spin Master).

Squish This!: Smooshy, goopy goo. Kids can't get enough of toys that provide oddly satisfying squishes. Squishy collect­ibles are brand new and ultra hot, while pre-made and DIY slime kits provide big fun without breaking the bank. Thanks in large part to YouTube videos featuring slow-rising squishy toys and unique slime recipes, kids will be squishing and smashing into the holidays.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Make Your Own Unicorn SlimyGloop (Horizon Group USA), Compound Kings Makin' Station (WeCool Toys), Nickelodeon Slime (Cra-Z-Art), Smooshy Mushy (RedwoodVentures), OrbSlimy Elasti Plasti (ORB), Soft'n Slo Squishies (ORB), Squish-Dee-Lish (JAKKS Pacific).

#FitFam: Keep it movin'! Toys, games and ride-ons that keep kids active provide lots of play value as well as health benefits are big this year. The more kids move, the better they feel—and they can stay fit while having fun, thanks to innova­tions in active play.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: SoundMoovz (Cra-Z-Art), Avengers 12V 4x4 (Dynacraft), Razor X Cruiser (Razor), YGlider Deluxe (Yvolution), Ultra Dash (PlayMonster), Think & Learn Smart Cycle (Fisher-Price).

Stealthy STEM: Shhh! Don't tell them they're learning! When toys teach kids important concepts—such as science, technolo­gy, engineering, and mathematics—without them even realizing it, it's a win-win. Flashcards are so yesterday. Toy makers are getting creative with educational toys, implementing learning elements into engaging play things.
The Toy Insider's Favorites: Dance Code Belle (Hasbro), LEGO Boost (LEGO SYSTEMS USA), 3Doodler Robotics Pen Set (3Doodler), LEGO Worlds (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), VEX Robotics Battlebots (HEXBUG), Barbie Fundamentals Chemistry Set (Thames & Kosmos).

The Toy Insider holiday gift guide, including its Hot 20, Top Tech 12 and STEM 10 lists, can be found at www.thetoyinsider.com and in print in the November issue of Family Circle magazine, on newsstands now. To join in the holiday toy fun on social media this season, use #weknowplay and find @thetoyinsider on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.

About The Toy Insider
The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information about children's toys, tech, and entertainment. It publishes two annual gift guides—one for summer and one for holiday—and reviews toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. The Toy Insider's content is produced by an editorial team with more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry. The Toy Insider is published by Adventure Publishing Group, publisher of leading trade publications The Toy Book, The Toy Report, The Licensing Book, and Total Licensing Report. For more information, visit thetoyinsider.com.

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SOURCE The Toy Insider