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The toy and games market is experiencing a shift driven by economic pressures and changing consumer preferences. Parents remain the key decision-makers in toy purchases, significantly influencing trends across various…
US
Leisure and Entertainment
Retail
simple
US Traditional Toys and Games Market Report 2026
"Toys and games are doing better than "two dolls at Christmas", but the K shaped economy hurts. Parents and fandom collectors are still hanging on, ready to engage."
Brian Benway, Senior Tech and Gaming Analyst
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Outlook for traditional toys and games
Parents shop for their kids, but that’s not the full story for toys and games
Three-way tie in best value, but maybe not necessarily all at once
Tie-in associated media is more effective than advertising or social media
Inflation is putting a damper on younger toy and game buyers’ spending
Opportunities
Safety and value driving family play needs
Collectors and premium DTC channel growth
THE MARKET
Snapshot – market size and forecast
Consumers and the economic outlook
Despite tariffs, there is continued growth in the US toy industry
Graph 1: total consumer spending forecast for games, toys and hobbies, 2015-25
Global toy sales reached $111.8 billion in 2024
Graph 2: toy industry category sales, 2019-25
LEGO’s massive popularity allows it to crossover with many other intellectual properties beyond its own homegrown brands and franchises
Saying hello and goodbye to Toys “R” Us all over again
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