Trends in children’s toys come and go – and even Santa knows that while kids will always want those bright and shiny new playthings, there are still many “classics” that continue to pass the test of time.
Melissa Skelton, owner of The Commissary toy and gift shop at Renaissance in Ridgeland, has her finger on the latest toy favorites no matter what time of year, but especially at Christmas – and she has a good eye for what makes some toys become classics while others are forgotten in a matter of months.
“Playability” is Key
“I think the playability of a toy is what makes it become a classic toy,” she said. “As children play with any toy, the more imagination they use is what makes that toy special, and the child will continue not only to play with it but expose others to it, and therefore it becomes popular and stays around for a while. When a toy does only one thing or cannot be used to do something else, it will become passé and replaceable.”
With so many new choices popping up every year, Skelton is meticulous about what to look for when she goes to buyers’ markets.
“I look for toys that are multi purposed – things that can be used in many ways and in many places,” she said. “Toys that are multi-functional are usually more enjoyable over the long haul. For example, if I’m looking at a remote-control toy, it has to do more than go forwards and backwards. There should be multiple play options for the items I’m looking for.”
Special Needs Toys
She also keeps in mind how to choose toys that are made for children with special sensitivities.
While her shop carries several lines that offer toys just for children with special needs, Skelton believes most toy vendors carry products that can be useful for these children.
“I think anything that plays music, flashes lights, or is something they can manipulate in their hands can be considered as a brain-stimulating toy, and something as simple as putty can be used to soothe stress and have a calming effect.”
Toys for Boys, Toys for Girls?
One thing that has changed somewhat over the years is choosing appropriate toys for boys or for girls, as many are now considered of interest to all.
“I think the evolution of children’s activities has helped change the idea that certain toys are for boy or girls,” Skelton noted.
“Many famous chefs are men, and more dads are participating in the meal prep and childcare than they did 30 or 40 years ago. On the flip side, female athletes are more popular than before and we see lots of moms who are active and involved in sports, and. this of course flows down to the children. More moms work outside the home, and they are seeing family dynamics changing in their neighborhoods, on TV and even social media.
“This all affects how the children see themselves and what they want to do and how they want to play. The kitchen in our store draws as much attention as the piano. All kids love to play in a kitchen and make music!”
Toys Parents and Grandparents Are Looking For
“I find that most parents and grandparents want to buy creative play toys, like art easels, magnetic blocks, individual games, and easy science kits. – toys that will engage a child for a period of time, such as puzzles, drawing or writing tools are also popular,” Skelton said. “The same goes for toys for outdoor play, since our weather in Mississippi allows that almost year ‘round.”
Another popular, screen-free new item is Tonies. These child-friendly speakers for kids 3 and up help teach children songs, languages, and familiar stories. The Tonies start-up kit allows young children to download and listen to their favorite recordings themselves, and it comes with headphones, charging stations, and other accessories.
Personalized Items
With an artist staff working busily onsite every day, the shop offers a variety of hand painted doll cradles and highchairs, child-size furniture, step stools and many more items that allow children to role play while “playing house.” As a bonus, these pieces often become family keepsakes.
Among the most popular of these items are the hand painted wooden eggs, available year ‘round and personalized to mark a child’s milestones, from crawling and walking to sorority pledges, engagements, weddings and more.
“They are more than just Easter eggs,’ Skelton said. “They are basic favorite gifts made of wood and artistic talent. No bells, whistles, batteries, or screens required.”
For Christmas 2022, Skelton highlights and explains below what toys are trending – whether old or new!
Toys inspired by TV or Disney characters - CoComelon, Paw Patrol, Blues Clues, Sesame Street and Disney characters are very popular with younger children because they are so familiar with these characters. We do carry some of these licensed products.
Outdoors/sports/action, etc. - Large swings, pogo sticks, inflatable games and any sports games are always great, again because of our mild climate, children can be outside longer and enjoy those toys.
Dolls and accessories – Baby dolls that have variety are best sellers, especially bath babies. Doll furnishings and accessories continue to be big sellers, including strollers, changing tables, and highchairs. All these help these little moms and dads learn to nurture and how to help.
Board games and puzzles - Games and puzzles are strong sellers and many help with learning, strategizing, and reasoning skills. Classic games have made a resurgence, with Sorry, Monopoly, Candy Land all big sellers right now. It’s a resurgence of classic toys their parents may have played with!
Role play – This is a strong category for us. We have fire stations, farms and barns that encourage role play and stimulate imagination. One of our lines even has an ice cream trolly, tea cart and workbench.
As for costumes, Princess dresses are always the best sellers, especially Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Cinderella, and Snow White. The most popular occupational costumes are those for doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and firemen.
We are also selling more doll houses right now than we have ever sold.
Ride-on toys, wagons, scooters, etc. - Scooters are still very popular with parents and kids. We have a great line that offers a 3 in 1 scooter that a child can grow with. The giddy-up horses and unicorns are consistently popular, and the plasma cars sell out every year.
Science- inspired toys – volcanoes, excavation toys and anything related to dinosaurs are popular now.
Smart Max and Magna-Tiles magnetic building kits are very popular for younger children from 2 to 5-years old. For older children, the Bill Nye Virtual Reality Science Kit offers kids a peek at his virtual lab, complete with a science kit, goggles, videos and an interactive 50-piece STEM activity set.
Building/construction — Toys that encourage children to build something are always popular.
Being able to create and build with magnetic pieces helps instill patience and cognitive thinking even in the youngest of children. Magnetic build is also easier for the younger child, with much less frustration when the pieces automatically attach.
Musical toys - Musical toys and toys that light up and make music are great for younger children. These toys help stimulate brain activity. I can’t say that mom and dad will be really happy with them, but the kids love them.
Electronic toys - We don’t sell a lot if electronic toys, although we do have a few classic handheld games, like Pac-Man and Mrs. Pac-Man. We mostly sell those to dads who played them when they were kids!
