I know, it feels like 2012 just ended, but when it comes to toys, 2013 is well under way. The hot toys that the kids will be begging for in the 2013 holiday season, will actually go on display in February 2013, at the International Toy Fair in New York City. With that in mind we want to take a look back at the best reviewed toys of 2012 and peer into the future on what may be the best reviewed toys of 2013.
If you are thinking about attending the Toy Fair, maybe with the kids, think again. The International Toy Fair is a trade-industry only event and no kids are allowed. Yes, as crazy as that sounds, the Toy Fair takes place with only adults - no kids allowed. Before we try to guess what will be the hot toys of 2013, let's look back at what was big in 2012.
Another major trend in toys for 2012 was apps connected to toys. Or maybe we should say toys connected to apps. It is clear that toy manufacturers are worried about the amount of time kids are spending playing on their iPhone or iPad, and in 2012 they were looking for a way to capitalize on that market. We say endless toys that now have an app they work with. Everything from board games like Monopoly to classic toys like cars from Mattel.
Another key trend in the toy industry for 2012 was apps everywhere! More and more toys now have apps that go with it. We saw toy cars and even stuffed animals that now tie in with apps for your smartphone. The toy industry even had virtual games where you combine in-app play with real world play. In 2012, the line between games and real world became more blurred.
We have found the best way to appreciate a toy is to see it in action. For this reason, we like to search YouTube for honest toy reviews. The key is to find a toy review that is made by real parents and their kids - not just a marketing demo. Once you see toys in action, it is very easy to determine if it is a toy that your kids would love.
To help readers out, we will be following up with a Toy Fair 2013 recap article. We will report on the best toys in a wide range of categories. For now, enjoy the winter and get ready to be blown away by all the new toys for 2013 in a few short weeks.
If you are thinking about attending the Toy Fair, maybe with the kids, think again. The International Toy Fair is a trade-industry only event and no kids are allowed. Yes, as crazy as that sounds, the Toy Fair takes place with only adults - no kids allowed. Before we try to guess what will be the hot toys of 2013, let's look back at what was big in 2012.
Another major trend in toys for 2012 was apps connected to toys. Or maybe we should say toys connected to apps. It is clear that toy manufacturers are worried about the amount of time kids are spending playing on their iPhone or iPad, and in 2012 they were looking for a way to capitalize on that market. We say endless toys that now have an app they work with. Everything from board games like Monopoly to classic toys like cars from Mattel.
Another key trend in the toy industry for 2012 was apps everywhere! More and more toys now have apps that go with it. We saw toy cars and even stuffed animals that now tie in with apps for your smartphone. The toy industry even had virtual games where you combine in-app play with real world play. In 2012, the line between games and real world became more blurred.
We have found the best way to appreciate a toy is to see it in action. For this reason, we like to search YouTube for honest toy reviews. The key is to find a toy review that is made by real parents and their kids - not just a marketing demo. Once you see toys in action, it is very easy to determine if it is a toy that your kids would love.
To help readers out, we will be following up with a Toy Fair 2013 recap article. We will report on the best toys in a wide range of categories. For now, enjoy the winter and get ready to be blown away by all the new toys for 2013 in a few short weeks.
About the Author:
Like what you just read. Karen Khooly does toy reviews for various media outlets. If you want to watch some great hands-on toy reviews for 2013, then head on over to YouTube and just search "toy reviews".
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