ties, and pave the way for providing kids with the best possible opportunities later in life. The influence of STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) products have crossover application to this trend, since many of the skills learned through these products are life lessons, designed to be discovered and explored through hands-on experiences.
Retromania Retro is defined as the connection of childhood memories to favorite, classic, and nostalgic brands. The retromania phenomenon is often represented by a product that was previously a best-seller, which may have faded from retail shelves, and is reintroduced with a successful new design or improved features. Familiar looks from the past merge with the relevancy and possibilities that today’s kids embrace. Retro trailblazers can be rejuvenated as revamped products through product design details, the use of classic materials, and even the reintroduction of original packaging. Many classic characters celebrate key milestone anniversaries this year: Power Rangers celebrates 20 years, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
34 • THE TOY BOOK
Retromania Key Players: •Hello Kitty Cupcake Café (Cartwheel Kids, pictured) •Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures (Playmates) •Tamagotchi, Tamagotchi Friends, and Tamagotchi L.i.f.e. (Bandai) •Retro, Retro, Retro (White Mountain Puzzles) •Power Rangers Super Megaforce Deluxe Legendary Megazord (Bandai)
Mini Is King Key Players: •Nano Falcon mini-helicopter (Silverlit, pictured) •Crystal Panda (Blue Box Toy Factory) •Lego Minifigures from The Lego Movie (Lego) •Mini Lalaloopsy (MGA Entertainment) •Crashlings (Wicked Cool Toys)
round their 30th anniversaries, Hello Kitty marks its 40th year, and even Godzilla stomps into his 60th year of monster madness. Retro is hotter than ever since, as adults, we like to reminisce, remembering back to the familiar and proven products that we would like to pass on to our children. Retromania also embraces the warmth of wood and those products that remind us of a simpler lifestyle. As such, eco-friendly, wooden, and environmentally safe products that have the back-to-basics promise are included in this trend.
Mini Is King Mini Is King is devoted to the miniaturization trend, which mostly applies to the technical field, where it refers to the downsizing of technical components, but retention of their functionality. Certain terms, like micromechanics or nanotechnology, refer to this concept. Urbanization and the resulting shortage of space increase the interest in miniaturization in fields other than technology. Urban homes become smaller, but people still want to enjoy the usual comforts or familiar products. Numerous creative ideas and solutions that offer smaller packages or products with the right amount of
MARCH/APRIL 2014