Toy Association Promotes Hot Toy Trends, Genius of Play’s “Play All May” at TTPM Spring Showcase

April 26, 2019 | The Toy Association promoted hot toy trends of 2019 and The Genius of Play’s upcoming celebration of play, “Play All May,” at the TTPM Spring Showcase on April 25.

“Our participation at TTPM was a great way to further our goal of providing information on toy trends and the upcoming Play All May celebration to the industry, parents, and media,” said Ken Seiter, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “We continue to seek opportunities to share messages about all the great things The Toy Association is working on to support our members and communicate the important role of toys and play to consumers.”

Toy Trends

The Association created special cards to correlate companies’ products with the 2019 trends, which include Unboxing 2.0, Compound Crazy, Throwback Toys, Foodie Fun, Inspirational & Aspirational Play, and Explosive Entertainment. Exhibiting companies submitted product for review to The Toy Association’s trend team and toys that fit in with the top trends were given recognition. 

Play All May

To draw attention to “Play All May,” The Genius of Play’s first-ever month-long celebration of play and its many benefits, The Genius of Play sponsored TTPM’s event breakfast.

Jim Silver, CEO and editor-in-chief of TTPM, spoke to the audience during his opening remarks about the need to celebrate play, encouraging attendees to learn more about the month’s festivities via The Genius of Play’s website. Toy Association staff were also on site to talk to exhibitors and attendees about how they can join in on the fun.

Each day of May, The Genius of Play will share fun play activities and facts on its dedicated “Play All May” page and social media channels. In addition, daily toy giveaways donated by Toy Association members will be awarded to lucky winners. More than 50 online influencers will promote the initiative with social posts on their own channels and over 75 Learning Express stores nationwide will feature “Play All May” signage and host playful events for their local communities.

Toy companies are encouraged to share Play All May assets including PSAs and play inspiration ideas. Shareable content can be found on The Genius of Play assets page. Be sure to tag @GeniusofPlay on Facebook and Instagram and use #GeniusofPlay and #PlayAllMay.