A new report from BIG W explores how toys and play have evolved over the decades.
Arriving alongside this year’s Big Whopping Toy Sale, the ‘2024 Toy Trends Report’ combines insights from BIG W’s team of toy experts along with a national survey of parents.
97% of surveyed parents say their children are playing with the toys they also loved when growing up, with LEGO (72%), UNO (43%), Monopoly (43%), Hot Wheels (40%) and Barbie (39%) the top five toys and games passed on from generation to generation.
Despite budget pressures, the report found three in four surveyed parents don’t want their kids to miss out on toys and play experiences. Seven in 10 are more involved in playtime with their children than their parents were when they were kids, with families most likely to play together with construction toys like LEGO (69%), outdoor play (67%), followed by board games (59%) and card games (57%).
“Over the past two decades families have turned to the BIG W Toy Sale for not only value but also guidance on the best toys for their children, friends, partners or even themselves,” says BIG W Chief Toy Buyer Christine Faulkner.
“It’s why each year we continuously look to extend our offers and range for customers and this toy sale is no different with over 500 products on offer and a 45% increase on new products.”
Toy trends for 2024
- Retro revival. Nostalgic toys are making their comeback with 83% of surveyed parents saying that seeing retro toys on shelves makes them want to buy them for their children.
- Kidults. Six in 10 (59%) surveyed parents admit to buying themselves a toy or game in the last 12 months. The most popular toy categories among the big kids include video games and consoles (30%), board games (26%), construction toys including LEGO (25%), car toys including Hot Wheels (17%) and soft toys (16%).
- Trending collectables. Novelty miniatures are taking social media by storm.
- Imaginative play. Ongoing growth in the doll and figurine category continues to support imaginative play.
- Wooden products. One in five surveyed parents consider toys that are eco-friendly and sustainable one of the most important factors when shopping for toys and games for their children.
- Outdoor fun. Getting the kids outdoors continues to be encouraged by Aussie families, with 67% of parents favouring outdoor play with their kids.