New Trends in the Global Toy Market | ZHORYA at the 51st Hong Kong Toy Fair

Introduction

The 51st Hong Kong Toy Fair, held from January 6-9, 2025, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the global toy market. With over 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries, the event showcased the latest innovations and trends in the industry. For ZHORYA, being part of this vibrant exhibition was both an exciting opportunity to meet global buyers and an invaluable chance to observe the emerging trends that will dominate 2025. From eco-friendly toys to AI integration, the fair offered us deep insights into the future of the industry.

1. On-site Highlights: Buyer Growth and Global Participation

One of the most striking aspects of the 51st Hong Kong Toy Fair was its vibrant atmosphere. The exhibition halls were buzzing with activity, as buyers from over 40 countries actively engaged with exhibitors, exploring new products and discussing collaboration opportunities. According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, more than 200 buyer delegations attended, representing major e-commerce platforms, importers, retailers, and specialty stores.

For ZHORYA, this surge in buyer participation brought significant opportunities. Our booth was consistently crowded with visitors eager to learn more about our offerings. Buyers from North America, Europe, and the Middle East expressed strong interest in our innovative product lines. Many left with catalogs, pricing details, and plans for future collaboration.

2. Green and Sustainable Toys

The global emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness was a prominent theme at the 51st Hong Kong Toy Fair. This year, a dedicated "Green Toys" zone was introduced, where exhibitors showcased eco-friendly products crafted from sustainable materials like wood, recycled paper, and bioplastics. The number of exhibitors featuring eco-friendly products grew by 70% compared to last year, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainability in the toy industry.

While ZHORYA has always prioritized sustainability, this year’s fair offered valuable insights into how our peers are excelling in this area. Many exhibitors presented innovative ways of integrating eco-friendly elements into product design, from using minimal packaging to incorporating recycled or biodegradable materials without compromising durability. These efforts inspired us to refine our approach, ensuring that our green products remain not only environmentally responsible but also highly appealing to consumers.

3. Educational and STEM Toys

Educational toys continued to dominate buyer interest at this year's fair. With a 7% increase in booth space, the “Educational and STEM Toys” section demonstrated how crucial it has become to blend play with learning. Companies showcased products designed to enhance children's problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging.

ZHORYA showcased several STEM toys designed to inspire curiosity and innovation. One of the highlights was our "Coding Bot" series, which introduces young learners to programming concepts in a hands-on, interactive way. Another favorite was our "STEM Building Lab," a modular construction set allowing children to create and experiment freely. Feedback from buyers emphasized the importance of these toys in preparing children for the demands of a technology-driven world.

4. Expanding Toy Audiences

The toy industry is no longer limited to children. An increasing number of products are now targeted at teenagers, adults, and seniors, reflecting the evolving demographics of play. At the fair, toys designed for stress relief, mindfulness, and family bonding were especially popular. From puzzles for adults to strategy-based board games, the diversification of audiences is reshaping the industry.

This shift in focus broadened our perspective on what toys can be and who they can serve. At ZHORYA, we’ve always centered our efforts on creating high-quality products for children, but the fair highlighted exciting opportunities to expand our audience. By exploring toys that cater to teenagers’ hobbies, adults’ relaxation needs, and even seniors’ cognitive health, we realized that the market for play is much larger and more diverse than we had previously imagined. This insight has encouraged us to innovate further, designing toys that bring joy and value to all age groups.

5. AI-Powered and Tech-Integrated Toys

This year, the "Electronic and Remote-Controlled Toys" section grew by an impressive 40%, reflecting the rapid adoption of cutting-edge technology in the toy market. From toys equipped with voice recognition to those featuring AR and VR integration, exhibitors demonstrated the limitless possibilities of tech-driven play.

At ZHORYA, we have been actively exploring new possibilities with our current range of smart toys. From interactive robots to app-enabled learning devices, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology-driven play. However, the innovative products showcased by our peers at the fair served as a powerful inspiration, highlighting areas where we can improve and accelerate our development. Seeing how AI and advanced technologies are transforming the industry has motivated us to enhance our offerings, ensuring that our products stay at the forefront of this exciting evolution.

Conclusion

The 51st Hong Kong Toy Fair was more than just an exhibition; it was a microcosm of the trends shaping the global toy market in 2025. For ZHORYA, the event reaffirmed our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. From green toys to AI-powered innovations, the insights gained at the fair will guide our future endeavors as we continue to bring joy to audiences worldwide.