High-tech educational toys that are connected to the internet are gaining popularity among a growing number of tech-savvy consumers. A smart toy has its own intelligence and is powered by on-board electronics and embedded sensors. Because of their specialized instructional approach and ease of use, smart toys are preferred above conventional learning toys, even with their high price tag. Over the course of the projection period, there is expected to be a significant global demand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) toys due to the growing adoption of these smart toys. STEM toys are made to encourage children's creativity and problem-solving abilities in an entertaining and captivating way.
The educational toys market has undergone significant transformations driven by shifts in parenting philosophies, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on early childhood development. One noteworthy trend is the integration of technology into educational toys, offering interactive and engaging learning experiences for children. Smart educational toys often incorporate features such as touchscreens, sensors, and connectivity to enhance cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. This technological trend aligns with the increasing prevalence of digital devices in daily life, providing children with interactive and dynamic educational tools.
Sustainability has emerged as a prominent trend in the educational toys market, reflecting a broader societal awareness of environmental concerns. Manufacturers are incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics or sustainably sourced wood, into the production of educational toys. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on packaging sustainability, with brands opting for recyclable and minimalistic packaging. This trend responds to the demand from environmentally conscious parents who seek toys that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The rise of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education has influenced the educational toys market, leading to the development of toys that specifically target these core areas of learning. STEAM-focused toys encourage hands-on exploration and experimentation, fostering skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. This trend reflects a broader recognition of the importance of preparing children for a future that requires proficiency in these key disciplines.
The diversity and inclusivity trend has impacted the design and content of educational toys, with a focus on representation and cultural sensitivity. Manufacturers are developing toys that feature characters from diverse backgrounds, address various learning styles, and incorporate inclusive narratives. This trend acknowledges the diverse identities of children and aims to create an inclusive learning environment that resonates with a wide range of families.
Collaborations between educational toy manufacturers and popular media franchises have become prevalent, leading to the creation of toys inspired by beloved characters from children's books, TV shows, and movies. These licensed educational toys leverage familiar characters to make learning more engaging and relatable for children. The collaboration trend recognizes the influence of media and popular culture on children's interests and preferences, incorporating entertainment elements into educational play.
Educational subscription services have gained popularity as a trend in the market, providing parents with a curated selection of educational toys delivered regularly to their doorstep. These subscription boxes often include age-appropriate toys, books, and activities designed to support specific learning milestones. The subscription model offers convenience to parents, introducing them to a variety of educational resources while catering to their child's developmental stage. This trend aligns with the desire for hassle-free access to educational materials in a rapidly changing market.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of e-learning and remote education, influencing trends in the educational toys market. Parents seeking supplementary educational resources for home-based learning have turned to educational toys that complement virtual classrooms. STEM kits, coding toys, and educational games have become particularly popular, providing children with interactive learning experiences while at home. This pandemic-driven trend underscores the adaptability of the educational toys market to meet the evolving needs of families during unprecedented times.
Educational toys designed to enhance social and emotional learning (SEL) skills have gained recognition as an important trend. These toys focus on fostering skills such as empathy, communication, and relationship-building, addressing the holistic development of children. SEL-focused toys often include scenarios and activities that encourage emotional intelligence, helping children navigate social interactions and understand their own emotions. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the significance of social and emotional development in early childhood education.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have found their way into educational toys, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. AR and VR educational toys provide children with virtual environments where they can explore, learn, and engage with educational content. This technological trend adds a layer of excitement to learning, capturing the attention and curiosity of young learners in a digital age.
Open-ended and flexible educational toys have gained popularity, encouraging creativity, imagination, and independent play. These toys, such as building blocks, art supplies, and construction sets, allow children to explore and create without predefined rules or outcomes. The trend towards open-ended play recognizes the importance of fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, providing children with the freedom to express themselves and develop a sense of autonomy.
Educational toys designed for specific developmental milestones have become a focus within the market. Manufacturers are creating toys that target cognitive, motor, and language development at different stages of a child's growth. This trend aligns with the understanding that children progress through various developmental milestones, and age-appropriate toys can support and enhance their learning experiences accordingly.
Educational Toys Market Size was valued at USD 79.78 Billion in 2024. The Educational Toys market Distribution Channel is projected to grow from USD 88.16 Billion in 2025 to USD 216.58 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% during the forecast period (2025 - 2034). Expanding government measures to promote the local toy production sector and expanding number of parents concentrating on enhancing the problem-solving skill and creativity in children, are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Internet-connected educational toys with high-tech advances are becoming increasingly popular among an expanding population of tech-savvy consumers. A smart toy operates through embedded sensors and on-board electronics and has its own intelligence. Despite their high costs, smart toys are favoured above other learning toys for their ease of use and tailored instructive approach. The increased acceptance of these smart toys is projected to produce a strong demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) toys worldwide over the forecast timeframe. STEM toys are designed to promote the problem solving skills and creativity in youngsters in an intriguing and engaging manner. With a rising number of parents focusing on making their children future-ready by purchasing smart toys, STEM toys are likely to witness a robust over the forecast period.
Government support within the toy manufacturing market is projected to encourage industry expansion over the projection timeframe. Led by India, the worldwide market is likely to witness significant government support across countries, with an increased desire to enhance local toy manufacturing and increase usage. For instance, in February 2020, the Government of India (Gol) approved the construction of eight toy clusters in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. This measure demonstrates the government's goal to develop the local toy manufacturing sector in the foreseeable future.
Learning and educational toys are a type of toys that play a key part in the growth and development of children. They are vital for brain growth as studying educational toys acquire logical and reasoning skills and facilities to get spatial reasoning. Playing with toys and board games aids children in learning and building social and communication skills. The increasing demand for strategy-based & educational-based toys among children supports the growth of the learning and Educational Toy Market. Trending variables such as new artificial intelligence toys for S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, growing 3D shapes in toy designs, and surging green educational and eco-friendly toys will drive the Educational Toy Market globally in the following years. Moreover, the rising range of online consumers is a driving factor for the Educational Toy Market during the forecast period all throughout the globe.
Developments in the childcare sector and the discovery of new technology are the key drivers that drive the growth of the industry. The availability of new digital and Al quality educational toys is the cause to promote the expansion of the worldwide Educational Toy Market. There is an upsurge in demand for toys with innovative functionalities. Thus, driving the Educational Toys market revenue.
The Educational Toys Market segmentation, based on Type, includes Arts & Crafts, Role Play, Games & Puzzles, Motor Skills, Musical Toys, STEM Toys, and Other Toys. Motor skills segment dominated the global market in 2022. Motor skills toys are popular owing to several benefits such as hand-eye coordination enhancement, shape identification, color recognition, improvement of problem solving skills, gross & fine motor skill development, and cause & effect knowledge. Motor skills toys are probably going to use magnetic components more frequently for simplicity of use as toy manufacturers concentrate on establishing product distinction. A wide array of motor skills toys are easily available across all distribution channels, ranging from local toy shops to specialist stores and e-commerce websites.
The Educational Toys Market segmentation, based on Age Group, includes 0-4 Years, 4-8 Years, and Above 8 Years. The 0-4 years segment dominated the Educational Toys Market in 2022. The increasing need to increase children's intelligence quotient (IQ) from a tender age is surging the demand for educational toys in the 0-4 years segment. From a production aspect, choking is a primary issue while making these toys for children in the age group of 4-8 years.
The Educational Toys Market segmentation, based on Distribution Channel, includes Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, E-commerce, and Others. Supermarkets & hypermarkets segment dominated the global market in 2022. Supermarkets & hypermarkets are the most popular distribution channels for learning toys. Hypermarkets such as Walmart are growing more aggressive in the toys area by offering huge discounts, especially during holiday seasons. The speciality retailers segment is projected to enjoy tremendous growth in the future years. The increased popularity of specialised stores is attributed to the mushrooming growth of company-owned brick-and-mortar stores.
Figure 1: Educational Toys Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific Educational Toys market dominated this market in 2022 (45.80%). A sizable client base is what propels the regional market. The Asia Pacific market has been witnessing significant developments in the toys space over the years. In August 2020, the Government of India (Gol) stated its goal to build India into a global toy hub. Such initiatives will encourage other countries to enhance their domestic learning & education toys manufacture. Moreover, China’s Educational Toys market held the largest market share, and the Indian Educational Toys market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: EDUCATIONAL TOYS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The North America Educational Toys Market is expected to register significant growth from 2023 to 2032. The North America market is primarily driven by the increasing levels of demand from consumers/shoppers and merchants alike for 'Made in USA' learning & education products. Further, the U.S. Educational Toys market held the largest market share, and the Canada Educational Toys market was the fastest growing market in the North America region.
Europe Educational Toys market accounted for the healthy market share in 2022. The market for educational toys in Europe is expanding as a result of the growing acceptance of green and ecologically friendly items. Due to the health risks/problems linked with synthetic materials, educators and parents in the region, led by nations like the U.K. and Germany, are expected to contribute to the adoption of greener products. Further, the German Educational Toys market held the largest market share, and the U.K Educational Toys market was the fastest growing market in the European region
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Educational Toys market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, Educational Toys Industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global Educational Toys Industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Educational Toys Industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Educational Toys market, including Mega Home Appliances, Big Ass Fans, Hunter Fan Company, Crompton Greaves, and Del Mar Fans & Lighting, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
In order for all children to discover themselves, their interests, and their purpose, Melissa & Doug produces educational toys and children's goods that spark their curiosity and sense of wonder. Through independent, big-box, and e-commerce retail channels, the company sells toys for babies and toddlers, puzzles, stuffed animals, arts and crafts supplies, and educational toys throughout the United States. A U.S.-based firm named Melissa & Doug introduced Timeless Toys in June 2021 with the goal of reaching more parents and introducing them to its items through digital channels like Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon.
For the casino, interactive, and gaming industries, Everi Holdings Inc. offers entertainment and technological solutions. Both the Games and Financial Technology Solutions (FinTech) segments make up its business. Gaming technology products and services from Enveri Games include gaming machines, slot machines, leased gaming equipment, as well as other goods and services for gaming operators. Enveri FinTech offers financial technology products and services to gambling operators, including tools and services that make it easier for casino visitors to acquire cash at gaming facilities through ATMs, point-of-sale debit card purchases, and other methods. For an undisclosed sum in January 2022, Atlas Gaming Pty Ltd and Atlas Gaming Technologies Pty Ltd have agreed to sell some of their assets, including their intellectual property and game development technology, to Everi Holdings Inc., a US-based provider of land-based and online casino gaming content and products.
Educational Toys Industry Developments
January 2019: The German toy firm Simba Dickie Group purchased Jada Toys, a U.S.-based producer of preschool toys. The goal of the action was to establish a foothold in the American toy market. Significant market players are anticipated to use mergers and acquisitions as their primary competitive strategy in the upcoming years given the escalating level of competition in this market.
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