7 First-time ASTRA Exhibitors You Don’t Want to Miss This June – Gifts & Decorative Accessories

Retailers know that trade show visits are precious and require a specific plan: making a schedule to reorder from their regular vendors, while setting aside time to walk the floor and see whats new. To help buyers maximize their trek to this years ASTRA Marketplace (June 11-14), we zeroed in on first-time exhibitors and found out what products theyll have on display. And because tapping into marketplace trends is especially important in todays retail environment, we paid close attention to how these companies are keeping current, so you can stay relevant in your own business.

Heres a sampling of who to check out while youre at ASTRA. Be sure to stop by and welcome them to our community!

Buzzy/Dantoy (Booth #1845): Sustainable living has become a popular buzzword in our cultural zeitgeist, including during playtime. This line of recycled, eco-friendly toys, teethers and kid tableware from Denmark speaks to the Toy Associations Be Authentic trend. The Blue Marine Bucket Set is fashioned from repurposed nets, ropes and other maritime gear, while the Garden Mini Greenhouse Set is made from sustainable recycled materials and encourages young children to explore nature through role play.

Crated With Love (Booth #1815): Kidults, which were once deemed a trend, have quickly morphed into their own product category. This companys line of board games speaks to this movement with date night titles designed for ages 18 and up. Mix It Up Date Night Generator lets couples choose from over 100,000 ideas for enhancing dinner and movie suggestions. Out on the Town Date Night Scratch Off Cards, also aimed at ages 18 and up, offer up fun alternatives for together time while on the go.

HyperTile (Booth # 110): Construction sets that saw a resurgence during the pandemic continue to resonate with kids of all ages. To promote family togetherness comes a line of connectible tiles in different shapes that can be linked together. A departure from traditional building sets, these non-linear tiles use special connectors that enable shapes to rotate, offering a creative spin on construction play.

Kiddy Crawler (Booth # 1849): Parents looking for an engaging way to entertain an active baby can check out the Crawligator. This developmental crawling toy in the likeness of an alligator provides tummy time support, while boosting gross motor skills. The lightweight design enables easy transport for vacations or visits to Grandma.

Merk Games (Booth # 1843): Family game night gets a reboot with a crop of new titles that test players knowledge and quick thinking. Among this exhibitors releases are the fast-paced Wise & Witty aimed at ages 17 and up and two editions of Rapid Around (Childrens ages 7 and up and Family age 14 and up). Each party game offers fast-paced play with plenty of opportunities for laughter.

Soft Notes Toy Company (Booth #1855): An eye-catching line of musical-themed decorative pillows is music to retailers and kids ears. The idea for the company came to light when a violinist who couldnt find a violin-shaped pillow for his daughter decided to sew one of his own design. The plush line also includes a guitar, amplifier, grand piano and eighth note, and fits into the Tween Takeover trend of display-worthy toys.

Soothing Snuggler (Booth #1841): With social-emotional learning gaining ground in the classroom and at home, toys that speak to a childs overall well-being are becoming more prevalent. The Soothing Snuggler, a talking plush bear, helps teach self-soothing skills to little ones. Designed by a child psychologist who sought to assist her own young son, this toy guides kids through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques simply by touching his paw.

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7 First-time ASTRA Exhibitors You Don't Want to Miss This June - Gifts & Decorative Accessories