Legos are one of the two most popular toys this year, according to local shopkeepers. And this is not a new trend. For quite a few years now, Legos have been a bestseller at multiple locations.
Stuffed animals and funky plush toys in shapes such as manta rays, octopi, banana slugs and butterflies are equally popular. This trend seems to have emerged since COVID, say toy shop owners. Jellycat is a prominent supplier, with a line of stuffed fruits and vegetables called Amuseables.
Speed Cubes are favorites this year, too. Similar to Rubik’s Cubes, they invite participants to compete at solving puzzles as quickly as possible.
Fidget toys are immensely popular as well, including slime and putty.
There’s also a big kawaii trend. In Japanese, the word means “cute” or “tiny.” Anything resembling this, even small stickers, are hot this year.
Additionally, say shop owners, Calico Critters are big sellers. These are miniature animal figurines that have homes, furniture and accessories.
Another critter-type toy that’s trending is the Bitzee — a digital, touchable, holographic, pocket-sized pet. Some project this to be the toy of Christmas 2023. It’s a technologically advanced version of the Tamagotchi, popular nearly three decades ago.
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