Due to the cost of living crisis, a prominent spotlight has been shone on the Pocket Money & Collectibles category this year.
For our September issue, Toy World explored the category and found that it has boomed as both kids and adults focus on small treats through the cost of living crisis, reserving the larger, higher value products for special occasions.
As well as offering affordability, the collectability of lines in these categories adds play value and excitement to low-cost products, making them all the more attractive for consumers. Food has become something of a current craze in the world of collectibles, with MGA’s Miniverse Make it Mini Food Editions and Zuru’s Snackles taking top positions on the leaderboard.
MGA’s Miniverse appeals to all ages, especially kidults who have fuelled a viral social trend on TikTok. Michelle Lilley, vice president marketing EMEA believes that fans of the trend also want to use these quirky miniatures “as a form of self-expression and amusement”.
Zuru also revealed its own on-trend miniature food brand this year, merging two in-demand toy categories to bring something unique to the sector. With licensing a key mainstay of its overall business growth strategy, Zuru used this to its advantage for the new release.
Looking at ways to encourage impulse buys from consumers is one of the main factors for toy companies when coming up with the next collectible line. Colour, design and price are the top factors under consideration for One for Fun, the creators of Pushpoppers, according to CEO David Mordecai. He expanded: “There is also the cost of production, possible line extensions, colourways and connectivity, design and impulse buy appeal and increased play value.”
Also with a sensory element, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is an enduring pocket money line that has come back strongly in the UK market.
The feature goes into much more detail about these brands and more including Zapf Creation’s new Baby born Minis and PMI’s collectible licensed Pudgy Penguins and Piñata Smashlings lines. Click here to read the full feature.
