Toys 'R' Us Predicts Holiday Toy Trends

Quirky stuffed characters are trending higher than traditional teddy bears and include Uglydoll plush from Pretty Ugly, KooKoo Zoo 6-inch KooKoo Birds from Jay at Play International, Smurfs plush from Jakks Pacific, 22-inch Lion (Jackson) from Plushalicious, and Annoying Orange Talking Fresh Squeezed plush from The Bridge Direct.

Reverse tech are traditional toys inspired by mobile applications and video games. Popular items will include the Angry Birds Knock on Wood game from Matte, Mario Kart Wii Bowser’s Castle Ultimate building set from K’nex, Need for Speed Porsche GT3 RS construction set from Mega Brands, Moshi

Some kids thrive on gross, and items on the top of their most-wanted lists will include The Trash Pack from Moose Toys, Incredible Edibles Fright Factory from Jakks Pacific,Doctor Dreadful Zombie Drink Lab from Spin Master and the Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker Creation Station from Jakks Pacific.

“Using various methods of testing and tapping into the extensive knowledge of all our toy industry resources, the trends we’ve identified reflect the way today’s generation of kids is interacting with each other and the world around them, while also expressing a desire to explore their imagination,” says Karen Dodge, senior vice president, chief merchandising officer, Toys 'R' Us, U.S. “Now that Christmas is mere months away, we’re excited to share our unique insights about the types of toys we believe will create big smiles on little faces and help ensure the thousands of moms and dads who shop with Toys 'R' Us this season become holiday heroes as kids open their gifts on Christmas morning.”