The Next Big Thing--Are You Ready for the Major Toy Trends of 2022?

If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that we never know what the future holds. But even in a rapidly changing world, some things always stay the same, and one of the confusing constants is: kids just want to have fun. After riding a roller coaster in 2021, there's no doubt they deserve it.

So we took the pulse of the saying, polled the insiders, and guessed to predict the hottest gaming trends for the year ahead. Check out the toys you'll be hearing about in the coming months. . . .

Toy Trend 1: Toys That Go Pop! (and Click! and Squish!

in 2021 everything from the Nintendo Switch to at-home Covid testing has gone missing. And one thing that has never failed, unfortunately, is stress. So it's no wonder kids go crazy for all kinds of moves, from super-squishy, fun putty to twisty balls and physics-defying sand. And you can be sure that the popularity that dominated 2021 will continue – in fact, it's getting even more popular. Everything says: Stress, you were so in 2021!

Toy Trend 2: Toys That Help Kids Make Cool Stuff

With schools closed, holidays canceled, and the rules of things that used to be simple keep changing, the kids of 2021 don't have full control over their lives (heck, none of us!). They understandably crave the chance to be omnipotent - what better way to give kids the keys to the kingdom than to make something from scratch? With activity kits, craft kits, and toys hotter than ever, we predict the future of plumbing cleaners and pottery circles.

Toy Trend 3: Toys That Unleash Imagination

If there's one thing that makes isolation better, it's chocolate. Oh wait, we mean fantasy! (Put the two together and you'll really talk). Trapped kids crave adventure and there's nothing like open-ended pretend play. From mundane items (kitchenware!) to magic capes (Potterheads' magic cape! Tink lovers' fairy tale cape!), these toys are portal to another world. You may feel the need to dress yourself...

Toy Trend 4: Toys That Involve an Element of ... SURPRISE!

You might think that 2021 and beyond will be full of surprises for everyone. But here's the problem. You can't get enough surprises! It must have been Newton's forgotten laws of physics. And when those surprises are hidden in barrels, hidden under piles of sand or shaggy exteriors, or covered in layers of wrap, it's truly enchanting. Get out, unbox and get ready to relax!

Toy Trend 5: Toys That Give Kids the Glory of Being Grownup (Minus All the Boring Parts)

Despite all the evidence to the contrary, kids seem to think adults are having fun (don't they see us paying taxes? Pullies). We've all had the experience of searching top-down for keys/phones/coffee cups only to find toddlers clasped with fussy fingers, but soon enough, even older children will find carefully selected In 2022, there will be an explosion of 'kids' toys, from classics (a doctor's set that never goes out of fashion) to modern must-haves (like the Peloton Toddler). will increase exponentially.