Toy Association Features 185 Members’ Products and Importance of Play in Media

September 15, 2020 | Toy Association trend experts have been hard at work positioning members’ products and play as important tools for learning and having fun at home. The team has tripled the number of companies they have been able to promote in TV segments in 2020 versus 2019.

“The pandemic may have limited our ability to physically travel, but the Association has been able to pivot and provide members with even more media opportunities that position their playthings as go-to learning alternatives and gift ideas during this time of uncertainty,” said Adrienne Appell, The Toy Association’s lead toy trends specialist. “Broadcasting remotely from our homes, we’ve seen huge growth in the number of broadcast opportunities we can present our members as well as the number of companies we have been able to feature this year vs. 2019 – up more than 400 percent.”

To date, The Toy Association has included 185 unique products – up 300 percent over 2019 – in broadcast segments across major markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Francisco, and more. Most recently, the trends team joined Good Morning Arizona over Labor Day weekend to share fun and engaging educational toys and games that families can use to supplement learning at home. Additional segments are already in the pipeline.

Toys that have been featured also align with the Association’s mid-year trend predictions, which highlight how parent-driven purchases and educational toys have been top of mind for shoppers throughout the pandemic.

“Toy companies are continuing to find new and innovative ways to incorporate key learning concepts into their products,” said Appell. “Now more than ever, it’s really critical to offer kids a wide array of toys that aid in their physical, cognitive, and social development and excites them to learn important skills for the future.”

The Toy Association is continually on the lookout for new playthings for upcoming broadcast and editorial opportunities. The Association is specifically seeking educational products as well as Halloween toys/trick-or-treating alternatives. Members interested in submitting toys for consideration may email Jennifer Lynch. Preference will be given to Toy Association members.

To view more TV segments promoting members’ toys and games, visit The Toy Association’s YouTube page and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.