Hottest Trends & Toys Revealed at Inaugural Play Date Event

March 9, 2023 | The Toy Association and Adventure Media & Events’ inaugural Play Date successfully brought together members of the media and influential toy companies at the first toy media event of the year. The one-day showcase was held March 8 in New York City, offering top-tier press a first look at toys and games coming out throughout the year.

More than 100 members of the media attended The Play Date, including those representing CNBC, CNET, Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, NY Mag, Parents, SHOP Today, The New York Post, Yahoo Entertainment, and more. Attendees were treated to hands-on demonstrations of the latest products from toy companies of all sizes, including Spin Master, Moose Toys, LEGO, Just Play, Jazwares, Toys “R” Us, WowWee, Battat, Melissa & Doug, Crazy Aaron’s, Funko Games, Crayola, Playmobil, and more.

Attendees also received access to insight and commentary regarding the state of the toy industry and trends for the upcoming year. The Association’s trends team presented its annual “Toy Trends Briefing” and announced the top 2023 trends predicted to impact toys, entertainment, and play throughout the year. They are: Back to Basics, Tween Takeover, Be Authentic, Macro to Micro, and Pop Culture Lifestyle. The full trend report is now available at toyassociation.org/trends and on The Toy Association’s YouTube channel. The conversation will reignite at Toy Fair™ 2023, taking place September 30 to October 3, as the global show kicks off the holiday season.

“The triumph of this first annual Play Date has further set the stage for the year of reimagination already underway," said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “Now, we invite the entire play community to ‘seize the play’ and mark their calendars for Toy Fair 2023.”