Top Toy Trends of 2014 Announced by Toy Industry Association

Top Toy Trends of 2014 Announced by Toy Industry Association (TIA), the Official Voice of Toy Fair

"Larger than Life" ... "RC Rampage" ... "Full STEAM Ahead!" ... and "Frightfully Fun" Among Top Trends

NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2014 -- Supersized and classic toys, innovative RC vehicles, custom-built creations and zombie-inspired playthings are among the top industry trends of 2014, according to experts at the Toy Industry Association (TIA). The trade group unveiled this year's hottest playthings during a packed seminar for media and buyers at TIA's 111th American International Toy Fair.

"Personalization and open-ended play are definitely the buzz words of 2014," said Adrienne Appell, TIA trend expert. "Whether kids are building with classic blocks, designing their own dolls, playing in virtual worlds, or 'mashing up' play patterns, toymakers are giving them more freedom than ever to play exactly how they want. Best of all, these value-packed playthings come at a variety of price points – we are seeing a great selection of both splurge-worthy items and very affordable toys to fit any budget."

The toys, games and youth entertainment products revealed at today's "Toy Trends Tea" seminar will be appearing in stores now through the Holiday 2014 shopping season.

A summary of the six top trends follows:

About the American International Toy Fair (www.ToyFairNY.com)
Toy Fair is an annual event that is owned and operated by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). The show brings together more than 1,150 exhibiting manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents to showcase 150,000+ toy and youth entertainment products to 7,000+ unique retail outlets from 100 countries.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) (www.ToyAssociation.org and www.ToyInfo.org)
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages, representing more than 700 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. TIA is the owner and operator of the American International Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry; TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety and works with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.