What I've learned from Toy Fairs
What I've learned from of Toy Fairs
This time of year is a bit mad in the toy industry. The biggest toy fairs of the year happen just after the busiest sales period of the year. As soon as Christmas ends, we are all rushing around like crazy, visiting the main fairs in Hong Kong, London, Nuremberg and finally New York.
What I've noticed over the last few years is that there is definitely a trend of ' One Hit Wonders' - toys that are forgotten about almost as soon as they are unwrapped.
But while toy fads come and go, dolls have been around for thousands of years, and it looks like they are here to stay.
Benefits of doll play
The benefits of doll play have long been documented: role play with dolls teaches children empathy and compassion, as well as allowing them to safely explore feelings they might be uncomfortable expressing to an adult.
Dolls foster Creativity and Imagination
And that’s not all. Doll play fosters imagination and creativity, which can lead to an increase in a child’s vocabulary and leadership skills.
'I've always thought that dolls are such an important part of a child’s development; they allow children to safely act out their emotions without worrying about other's opinions.'
I've always thought that dolls are such an important part of a child’s development; they allow children to safely act out their emotions without fear of retribution or rebuke. A nurturing, caring side can be encouraged by doll play which is hard to mimic with other toys.
While I always love seeing the latest fads, classic toys are the ones that are remembered long after they have been put away, perhaps saved for the next generation of play.
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