2016 color, fabric trends bleed into toys

Toys will revive an iconic look from the 1970s, be all soft and natural or shiny and futuristic.

Toy Industry Association attended NY Now at the Javits Convention Center to learn the latest lifestyle product, giftware, home furnishing and decor trends that will influence children's DIY sets, dolls and accessories, and infant toys in 2016.

Here are the key trend takeaways:

1. Urban Nomad: Urban Nomad modernizes 1970s hippie influences such as flowing fabrics, fringe, leather and macramé, and the hippie styling show up in fashion doll outfits, and items for the tween and teen demographic. Varying shades of cool green, hot pink, purple, orange and burgundy will be popular.

2. Blush & Plush: Blush & Plush capitalizes on the sense of touch, one of the musts for baby toys, and arts and crafts kits. Natural and soft materials such as felt, feathers and velvets in a light and neutral color palette offer a welcome respite from technology.

3. Surfaces: Surfaces is a complete antithesis to Blush & Plush, embodying innovation and technology. Galactic and techno shades of purple, teal, bronze and gray give an otherworldly feel. Other than its futuristic vibe, the trend also makes full use of present-day technologies, particularly 3D printing and digital capability. The two combine to allow children to create and personalize their toys.

See a comparison table of plush toy suppliers on GlobalSources.com