Play is more than just a pastime – it is creativity, discovery, enthusiasm. We showcase play ideas and products that appeal to children and adults alike: well thought-out, high-quality and fun.
Toy pet – the digital chameleon with remote control
It is not always the most complex concepts that remain in the memory the longest on the toy shelf. Sometimes all it takes is a simple idea, a clear mechanism and a harmonious inter... Electronic pet: Robo ChameleonRacing car with cockpit camera – Carrera
For decades, Carrera has been synonymous with racetracks that bring speed and technology into the living room. At the trade fair, an approach was presented that takes this familiar... Racing car with cockpit camera – CarreraRecoil as an outdoor alternative to video games from Goliath
When it comes to action-packed games, many parents first think of screens, controllers and long afternoons spent sitting down. The term ‘glorification of violence’ quickly comes to... Getting gamers away from the screen?Sommerkind Lotti – Handmade dolls made from natural materials
At first glance, Summer Child Lotti looks like a classic cloth doll. But after just a few minutes of conversation, it becomes clear that this figure is based on a carefully thought... Summer Child Lotti cloth dollPolar Smash skill game from HCM Kinzel
At first glance, little polar bears, penguins and a wobbly igloo look like a friendly scene from a toy world. But behind Polar Smash lies a game principle that goes far beyond mere... Polar Smash game of skillEco-friendly soft toys: natural materials instead of synthetic fibres
Amidst bright colours, comic-style designs and ever-changing characters, some plush toys appear surprisingly understated at first glance. Muted colours, calm shapes and a deliberat... Plush toys made from natural materialsBaby bottle with teat – the beer mug for children
What at first glance appears to be a loving joke turns out, on closer inspection, to be a well-thought-out product with a clear idea behind it. The baby bottle combines two very fa... Beer mug as a classic baby bottleThe Deep Nekton play figures: Mag Knight as a highlight – Simba
Simba has been one of the defining names in the toy industry for decades. The company stands for a wide range of products, including classic play ideas as well as products based on... The Deep – Nektons play figuresModel lorry – kit from Tamiya instead of finished product
Anyone standing in front of a detailed model lorry that resembles its larger counterpart down to the smallest component will quickly realise that this is not a toy in the tradition... Model lorry: kit instead of finished productRailway in a suitcase – compact train layout from NOCH
For decades, railways have been one of the most enduring themes in toys and collectibles. Hardly any other hobby combines technology, design and nostalgia as consistently as model ... Model building, slowing down and everyday lifeMini Flip baby walker – convertible children's vehicle from Wishbone
Anyone visiting the Spielwarenmesse will see many familiar things: balance bikes, push cars, rockers. This makes a product that cannot be clearly assigned to one of these categorie... Baby walker as a convertible children's vehicleLicensed costumes of superheroes from film and television
When you enter the stand, you are immediately transported into a familiar world of images. Hulk, Yoda, Batman and the characters from The Incredibles are examples of a range that f... Iconic superheroes as costumesChildren's products from changing bags to school bags
Children's products that are used every day have to meet different requirements than classic toys. The focus is on function, durability and a design that is accepted by children. T... Children's products suitable for everyday useKullerbü marble run play world: Car park wins ToyAward
A good toy can often be recognised by the fact that children not only discover a single function, but constantly find new ways to use it. The Kullerbü car park demonstrates precise... Ball track play world: Kullerbü car parkCreative play: play objects without a fixed function – Moluk
It's raining outside, but there's immediate movement at the exhibition stand. There are no classic play figures, no clear role models, no explanatory signs in front of the table. I... The principle of open play spacePlaying fulfills far more than just an entertaining function. For children, it is a central part of their development, promoting motor skills, creativity, and social skills. For adults, on the other hand, playing often stands for relaxation, shared experiences, or conscious breaks from everyday life. The articles in this category show how diverse the concept of play is today – as a learning process, a leisure activity, and a connecting element between generations.
Games are increasingly being developed in a differentiated way to cater to different age groups and interests. While age-appropriate requirements and safety are the main focus for children, aspects such as sophistication, design, and shared experiences play a greater role for adults. Typical topics covered in the entries include:
In addition to the pure game principle, quality and design are becoming increasingly important in games. High-quality materials, well-thought-out concepts, and durable products are gaining in importance—both for parents and adult users. The contents explain how to recognize good play value and why durable, well-designed products are often more sustainable than short-lived trends.
Playing games brings people together. Whether in a family setting, among friends, or across generations, playing games together promotes exchange, communication, and cohesion. The focus is not on the result, but on the shared experience. The articles show how games can help to facilitate such experiences and bring different age groups together.
Toys are a central component of many play worlds. Brands such as Lego and Disney in particular demonstrate how versatile modern toys can be. Whether classic sets, themed accessories, or detailed action figures – toys appeal to different age groups and cover a wide range of interests. In addition to plastic products, there are also wooden versions that deliberately focus on durability and haptics, placing toys in a sustainable context. A large selection of toys makes it possible to find the right toy for individual preferences – from creative building to collecting well-known character worlds.