The 2011 Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair featured almost 100 exhibitors.
Another Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair has come and gone. While attendance at this year’s Fair was just under the expected 2,200 visitors — thanks primarily to an ill-timed winter storm – the event was a success in every other way. It featured almost 100 exhibitors — the majority, veteran vendors, showing a wide range of product from all the traditional categories. Exhibitors also included 17 first-time vendors and 14 inventors, several of whom came with professionally presented product that deservedly caught the attention of buyers and visiting media. Services and organizations, such as Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada, Health Canada, Safe Kids Canada, and recycling giant, Waste Management Inc., rounded out the roster.
The Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair, now in its 71st year, continues to attract buyers from a variety of retail sources — drugstore chains and hobby shops to dollar stores and daycares. But it’s Canada’s independent toy, gift and youth-product retailers who especially consider our annual Toy Fair a must-attend event. The Fair has a reputation for showcasing suppliers whose product targets the needs of specialty retailers and their more discerning clientele.
EDITOR’S NOTE. For video highlights see 2011 Canadian Toy & Hobby Fair in the gallery.
Popular Categories
As expected, several categories showed increased popularity or strength, this year, with many suppliers introducing product or expanding lines. Categories in greatest evidence: Activity toys including construction sets, science kits, fantasy playsets, role-play, and collectible figures; Crafts; Dress-up; Soft toys and dolls; Puzzles and games; and Active play. According to exhibitors who talked to Toys & Games, an increasing number of parents are pushing for products that redirect their children’s attention away from computers and electronics and more to imaginative pastimes that keep mind or body busy.
Sugar Baby dress by A Wish Come True from Brands in Balance.
Through 2010, recent stats show art and craft kits and supplies moved into the number-one selling category in North America – not surprising since it offers something for every age, gender, skill level and interest. These days, whether its a mini project or a party-activity pack, consumers want affordable kits that offer value for their money — meaning there’s enough components to create one or multi, usable projects, and themes that tap into modern kids’ lifestyles. Suppliers have stepped up with some incredible products for kids — preschool-age right through to tweens and teens.
Among the exhibitors showing excellent arts and crafts lines were RNS Sales with its Bead Bazaar line, Fashion Angels, Îlot 307 Inc. with its popular Djeco brand, British Columbia-based Pathfinders Design & Technology with its line of unique wooden-project kits, and Fire the Imagination, based in Guelph, Ontario. The company introduced the very nice Arttero line featuring an interesting selection of themes, components made from recycled materials (glass to metal), and hip eco-friendly packaging. Great for kids and adults.
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