Top toy manufacturers & companies and popular toy brands. The toy industry is a mature industry today, and not surprisingly its target segment includes kids. Here we take a look at the op toy brands and companies.
Toys may seem like just child’s play but it’s actually big business all over the world. The industry manufactures and sells a wide range of toys. There are several reasons and occasions to gift these to kids, and thanks to the growing population (in some countries) and increasing consumerism, the global toy industry is growing.
Most of the toys that flood the various markets are manufactured in Asian countries like China, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia.
As the demand for toys keep increasing, the competition among toy companies has also increased as they work out strategies to capture market share. The top toy companies use innovation, efficient production and distribution, outsourcing, marketing, and advertising to stay competitive in the industry.
Here we take a look at the top toy-makers, and some of the most popular toy brands.
Lego
Lego, one of the leading toy makers in the world, is a Denmark based toy maker, best known for its Lego-brand toys that consist mostly of interlocking plastic bricks. The word ‘LEGO’ is basically an abbreviation of two Danish words “leg godt”, which means “play well”.
Website: Lego.com
Playmobil
German based Playmobil is another leading toy company that are quite for their Playmobil figures. Playmobil range of toys include human figures, animals, vehicles that are based on all kinds of themes.
Website: company.playmobil.com
Read: Top German Toy Companies & Brands
Mattel
Mattel is an American toy manufacturing company, and one of the largest in the world. Mattel owns several popular brands such as Barbie, Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and more.
Website: Mattel.com
Fisher-Price
The Fisher-Price brand is owned by Mattel. Based in New York, Fisher-Price is a well known toy maker and produces a range of toys for different age groups. The company has a huge test play lab where kids can play with their toys, thus providing with their designers with cues on how to make the toys better.
Website: fisher-price.com
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels metal cars are a hit with children, especially boys. This brand is also owned by Mattel and they have the licenses to produce toy replicas of famous cars. The company also makes limited edition cars for the adult toy collector.
Website: hotwheels.mattel.com
Barbie
Barbie, a favorite with girls, is also owned by Mattel, The Barbie fashion doll was first created in 1959, ais said to be inspired by a German doll named Bild Lilli. You can find several variations of the Barbie – princess, astronaut, president, which inspires young girls to dream big.Website: barbie.mattel.com
Hasbro
Hasbro is another American toy company, and among the largest, that makes a range of toys, board games, and media assets. The company makes provision for children and family leisure time through a portfolio of brands and entertainment properties. Products include Play-Doh, G.I, Mr Potato Head, Joe, My Little Pony and Nerf Balls etc.
Website: Hasbro.com
Ty
Founded by American businessman Ty Warner, Ty is among the largest manufacturers of stuffed plush toys in the world.
Website: Ty.com
Little Tikes
Little Tikes is an American manufacturer of children’s toys aimed at kids in the age range 0 to 8 years old. Their product range includes kid’s toys, playhouses, ride-on cars, and more. It’s a well-known brand known for making playful, engaging and some iconic products that children around the world love to use.
Website: LittleTikes.com
Hedstrom
Hedstrom is best known for its play balls that are fun for kids of all ages. They provide hours of fun with popular characters from all of our favorite licenses. Some of the Hedstrom balls are also great toys for children’s exercise as it promotes coordination, balance, and exercise. Hedstrom now makes snow, water and sporting goods as well.Website: Hedstrom.com
VTech
VTech, a Hong Kong-based toy company, is well-known for their range of educational toys, including electronic ones. With several decades of experience, the company continues to make innovative toys. Their toys are available worldwide.
Website: vtechkids.com
Marvel Toys
Marvel Toys (formerly Toy Biz) is a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment (later acquired by Disney). Disney and Hasbro are strategic partners; Hasbro holds the master toy license for Marvel and Star Wars. The company produces action figures and role-playing games of various licensed brands and characters.
Website: marvel.hasbro.com
Nerf (By Parker Brothers)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam – Action Figures / Toy Figures & Playsets
Read: Toy Industry: Trends & Analysis
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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