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ToyTrends 2026

Trends that inspire

Discover the ToyTrends 2026! Presented in an impressive setting, the ToyTrends 2026 showcased their highlights and once again amazed visitors. At the central location of the fair, right at Entrance Mitte, the most exciting new toys could be touched, tried out, and visitors could feel the impulses that is driving the industry.

After intensive analysis of global developments and impulses, the international 12-member TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse identified the most important currents in the industry. From this, two pioneering trends for 2026 were defined: AI Loves (to) Play and Creative Mindfulness.

AI Loves (to) Play

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.

Want to know more?

Read this article by our TrendCommittee member Clara Blasco from Spain.

To the article


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.
 

Do you want to dive deeper?

Read the article by our TrendCommittee member Gabriela Kaiser from Germany.

To the articel

Want more insights?

In the Toy Business Forum our experts provided exciting insights into the toy trends of tomorrow.

What is a ToyTrend?

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


What our participants are saying

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

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