Certain sex toys have been designed with couples in mind. This includes remote controlled devices and insertables. Other sex toys can stimulate other erogenous parts of the body like the clitoris or ejaculatory tube.
Some are just plain silly. Imagine an Lite-Brite that can also be used to create art. Adults are re-discovering their childhood toys for different reasons.
Children aren't the only ones who play with toys.
Many toys are created for kids, but those with a little more zing tend to be designed for adults. Lego for instance, has been around for decades however the new model, modeled on a Batmobile is designed to appeal to collectors who are older. The toy industry refers to these toys "adults' versions"--and they have a huge following.
Adults are enthralled by the imaginative and social advantages of toys however, they're also a significant source of income for the companies that manufacture them. Many adults are inclined to spend their disposable income on toys that let them express their inner child, and some brands even offer a line of adult-centric products.
Razor is one such company which has designed a new version of their popular scooters. The new model looks more like a motorbike than a scooter and can reach speeds up to 18 miles per hour. The product was a huge success, and the company created the same ride-on model to appeal to kids.
Toy sales are growing for many reasons. In addition to the demands of adults, there are lots of people on the internet who like sharing their toy-playing adventures on social media. Some of these influencers even earn a living from their videos. For example Ryan ToysReview, which is a YouTube channel that is run by two college students, has gathered over 7 million subscribers.
They are buying them for themselves.
Adults are becoming more attracted to toys that were previously considered toys for children. Companies are tapping into this market by creating products that appeal to nostalgia as well as stress reduction.
The capacity of toys that can trigger a happy exclamation from children can help to reduce anxiety in adults by stimulating the brain and triggering dopamine release, which is a feel good hormone that promotes feelings like satisfaction and gratification. Toys and games also offer adults with a chance to build bonds with others by playing with each other, encouraging trust and empathy.
This trend is driven by a variety. The nostalgia for childhood favorites like Tamagotchis and Teddy Ruxpin has been a major factor, as well as adult fans of popular TV shows and movies who want to be connected with the younger versions by purchasing toys related to them. McFarlane Toys, for example released a line of toys that was based on Avatar and Basic Fun, in time for the season of shopping which is a high-tech take on the classic Lite Brite toys that are marketed to adults.
The pandemic may also have played a part in this, as people who have to be indoors for a good period of time have discovered their inner child. As the virus fades away, it's likely that adults will continue to embrace their toys for both nostalgia and stress-reducing reasons.
They are giving them away to other people.
Some toys are bought by "kidults" however a large percentage are given to other people as gifts. It could be a gift from a spouse or family member going through difficulties.
Toys can be an attractive gesture. Sex toys are a great way to add excitement to sex or to spice up a relationship. The most popular sex toys are vibrators, dildos and artificial vaginas.
Adults are loving the resurgence of toys for adults and are driving the growth of the industry. Some companies are even modifying their traditional products geared towards children to create new products designed for adults, such as a Lite-Brite set inspired by Stranger Things that can be hung on the wall to display as art. The company wants to attract adults who are usually price-conscious by offering products that are more affordable.
They're getting nostalgic.
Many adults are taking on their inner child with toys. They play with childhood favourites like Lego sets and buy toys for themselves. This trend is known as "kidults" and will be a major driver in toy growth by 2022. This group accounts for 60 percent of the growth in the toy market even though they only account for 25% of the total sales.
Toy manufacturers have tapped into the popularity of kidults by creating lines that appeal to them. For instance, Lego has more than 100 kits that are explicitly made for adult fans. These toys are often tied to nostalgic entertainment properties, such as Star Wars or Marvel. Toymakers have also modified old toys into adult versions such as the Lite-Brite Set. Basic Fun and Netflix teamed together to create a bigger version that can be hung on the wall for display as art.
The rise of adult-themed toys is alarming from all non-economic perspectives. It is a sign of our fascination with mimicking childlike behaviours and objects. The trend towards kidults is troubling because it undermines the process of becoming an adult. This involves being able to stand on its own and dissociating from objects that don't bring value to one's life. It's also problematic because it promotes the idea that adults should not enjoy toys. For many adults toys are a way of self-care which can help people relieve stress and feel satisfied.