ToyTrends 2026
Trends that inspire
Discover the ToyTrends 2026! The international 12-member TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse has identified two groundbreaking trends for 2026 after intensive research: AI Loves (to) Play and Creative Mindfulness. At the central location of the fair "Mitte," you can experience the most exciting toy innovations hands-on in the Special ToyTrends area, try them out, and feel the impulses that are driving our industry forward.
Get inspired by AI technologies that are redefining play and creative approaches to greater mindfulness.
AI Loves (to) Play
Toys that not only listen, but also understand, that respond to children's questions, solve puzzles together, tell stories or learn how the child prefers to play.
AI is making its way into the nursery! AI Loves (to) Play stands for toys that think, feel and adapt individually. Whether interactive robots, talking dolls or smart educational toys: these products make it possible to experience technology through play and promote important future skills.
The best thing: Many AI toys work without a screen and create real, personalised play experiences - for children, parents and the whole family.
Creative Mindfulness
Who doesn't remember the feeling of being completely absorbed in a craft or painting project? For children, creativity is an adventure: they discover colors, shapes, and materials. For adults, creative
activities become a valuable break from everyday life.
Creative Mindfulness brings these special moments to life: With joy and curiosity, children and adults alike can create, try new things, and be fully present in the here and now.
Whether painting, tie-dyeing, pottery, or crafting – every creation is unique and fosters self-confidence, concentration, and mindfulness.
The ToyTrends of Spielwarenmesse provide retailers with guidance and an outlook on trends that they should definitely keep an eye on for their business success.
The following criteria must be met for a trend to become a ToyTrend:
- Mid-term industry trends that will influence the toy industry in the coming years
- Media relevance: Forward-looking media are already discussing our trends. After all, a trend that is not communicated does not exist
- Optimal timing: We showcase the trend when it is not yet everywhere, but has already been picked up by the first manufacturers
- International relevance: Our trends are relevant across countries and not just focused on a specific market
- Mass appeal: The trend must have the potential to spread and be strong enough for the mass market
The Trend Committee has been in the press
In its November issue, Spielzeug magazine writes in its ‘Follow-up’ column: Between high-tech and craftsmanship: why the 2026 ToyTrends are perfectly suited to today's world.
Two trends that, at first glance, could hardly be more different yet both aim to inspire children and adults to play. With 'AI Loves (to) Play' and 'Creative Mindfulness', the TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse eG once again demonstrates its keen sense of social trends and emerging needs. ...
das spielzeug 24 Nov 2025
The Toy Specials are always very interesting and enables us to get more visibility (we had 2 products in the toy trends area and 1 product in the toy kidults area this year, and lots of customers told us that they saw our products and were well displayed in the area).
Aurore Lambert, Export Manager Buki France
As newcomers, we are especially pleased about the additional opportunity to gain visibility. Noinoi is part of the ToyTrends and we had the chance to present our story on the big stage at Exhibitors on Stage. Many thanks to the fair for giving a completely new exhibitor this platform!
Carsten Lenerz, Product Owner Noinoi / TechniSat Digital GmbH
