Because trouble comes in all sizes.
The New York Toy Fair, much like Spring, gives new life to one’s imagination. It wholeheartedly embraces the idea that human beings need play time. I always look forward to attending the event to discover innovative toys and gadgets.
You’ve waded through the growing pile of children’s toys in your home. Much like a bizzaro Santa Claus, you’ve entertained the idea of reclaiming your space by removing the whole lot. Yet, deep down, you recognize the long term trauma that would result from completely giving into your impulse. And yet, doing nothing will not solve the problem either. Enter Tom’s of Maine and TerraCycle with their #LessWasteChallenge to the rescue.
In this episode of The CuteMonster Show podcast, I interviewed Rhya Tamasauskas—entrepreneur, multi-disciplinary designer,and co-founder of Canadian based toy brand The Monster Factory. I first stumbled upon the brand at the New York Toy Fair. I checked out their website, had the opportunity to review a couple of their plush toys and have been recommending the brand for years. What’s always fascinated me has been the creative process behind a toy brand’s success. Rhya gives the inside scoop from her own personal experience on what it takes to make it in the toy industry.
Another Toy Fair has come and gone. In taking the time to process what I’ve seen I couldn’t help feeling we’ve collectively lost our way. Let me preface by stating I love technology. I’ve been fascinated by innovation for as long as I can remember. I’m old enough to have experienced life without the internet, cellphones or personal computers. Yet we had books, newspapers, theater, television (broadcast only), and movies to spark our imaginations. In the late 20th century, young Americans often discussed the topic of living in the 21st century. We were obsessed with the future—a transformative leap into a remarkable world with infinite possibilities. Yet here we are in 2016, torn at the seams between the digital and analog fabric of our lives. The NY Toy Fair suddenly becomes a checkpoint for society—a snapshot of what lies ahead.
Captivated yet deeply bewildered. That was my initial impression upon watching the first few scenes of Yo-Kai Watch. Based on a video game of the same name developed by Level-5, Yo-kai Watch is an extremely popular kid’s anime style animated series. Just how popular you might ask? The movie version of Yo-kai Watch beat out Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the top movie in Japan. The good folks at Hasbro sent me a set of Yo-kai Watch based toys and a dvd featuring episodes from season 1 of the anime style animated series. Myself, along with my in-house toy expert staff aka my children, couldn’t wait to find out if Yo-kai Watch lived up to the hype.
It’s been a busy week for tech toys and gadgets enthusiasts. The new Star Wars movie marketing push has begun in earnest and that includes merchandise and gizmos, namely the Sphero BB-8, beloved new droid in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Also announced were the latest and greatest from tech giant Apple. The timing of these notifications also signals the start of the holiday shopping season. Yes, it’s true, only 16 more weekends until Christmas [insert internal primal scream here].
The magic of the NY Toy Fair lies in the sights and sounds one experiences while gazing upon the latest and greatest the industry has to offer. Innovation and most importantly fun take top priority as toy manufacturers try to entice buyers and the press alike to fawn over their latest gizmo. For me, it’s an opportunity to be a kid again in the biggest toy store in the world.
It’s simply amazing how quickly a year races by but race by it did. The 2015 New York Toy Fair at the Jacob Javits Center opens on Valentine’s Day this year which suits toy lovers just fine. The anticipation has grown to a fever pitch as toy vendors make last minute preparations to ensure a successful debut at the Toy Industry’s premiere showcase event. For members of the media, the New York Toy Fair transforms into the biggest toy store in the world. For me, the allure lies in seeking out innovation at its finest.
You’re a last minute shopper. Somehow time has slipped away once again this year leaving you in panic mode about what to buy for the kids. Not to worry. We have a great short list of fun ideas for kids tech toys and gadgets. Read on and hurry!