Sneak Peek

The 'next big thing,' this year's hottest toy, the 'must have' for 2003, the toys that will fly off the shelves are likely still under the radar—and definitely still under cover. But not too far under! Toymakers are about to take the wraps off their best efforts, their most creative endeavors and, in some cases, their hardiest retreads, hoping to grab the lion's share of the market's pocketbook as well as its fancy. And what a market fancy it is! Not only does it depend on parental approval—and these days, a generation of boomer grandparents—it depends as well on the whims of 6-, 7- and 8-year olds! There's a lot banking on this year's offerings—literally. The industry has been enduring one of the softest markets in years and many—retailers and manufacturers alike—have not been able to tough it out. So what's in store? Will the retro movement become firmly entrenched as a viable trend? Is the market for licensed toys rebounding? Will kid creativity find inspiration? Music? Art? Will Toy Fair be a sensory adventure? Although Toy Fair is still a short month away, PLAYTHINGS offers a first look at some of the newest toy fare. Let the games begin! Oh, and, of course, the construction, the collecting, the learning, the fantasy; all of it. Let it all begin again.