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As Waldo and the Care Bears celebrate big anniversaries this year -- 25 and 30 years, respectively -- it's mind-blowing how much the toy industry has changed in the past few decades. Nowadays, Barbie takes pictures via a built-in webcam and displays it on her shirt, and some toys are even solar powered.
The 109th American International Toy Fair kicked off this week, and the floor was filled with flying gadgets, toy tablets and even a prototype that allows kids to text with others. TIA's trend expert Adrienne Appell said at a press event on Monday that among the biggest trends in toys this year is app-cessories and bridging the gap between the online and offline world.
"Toymakers continue to innovate at the speed of light to keep up with trends in other areas – from pop culture to technology – because they know that kids want to be a part of the mix and mimic what's happening in the world around them," Appell said.
Although physical toys continue to thrive among kids today, many companies have developed products that interact with popular devices that are already in so many homes, such as tablets, smartphones and TV. A new licensing deal with Jazwares and popular app Fruit Ninja brings the mobile experience to life with a wireless Plug 'N' Play version of the game that lets kids play on their TV screens. Kids hold a toy sword to slice virtual fruit -- no video game console necessary.
Meanwhile, digital-based brands are also taking the leap into the physical space, such as best-selling mobile app Cut the Rope which is stepping into the board-game business with Mattel. The company also unveiled an app-tivity game, allowing kids to use physical toys to interact with the screen of an iPad.