Play – toys and play ideas, a wide selection for children and adults

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.

Play ideas and toys from model trains to cuddly toys

Pustefix soap bubbles: Bubblegator

Pustefix soap bubbles have been one of the best-known outdoor play ideas for decades. Hardly any other product is so closely associated with movement, lightness, and spontaneous fu... Pustefix Bubblegator


Slimy Dough Genius – Spielwarenmesse 2019

Slimy modeling clay expands the well-known Slimy range with a significantly more malleable material type. In contrast to classic slime variants, the focus here is less on pulling o... Slimy: Dough Genius


Steiff: National Geographic

At the toy fair, Steiff wild animals represent not only high-quality plush toys, but also a clear statement. The focus of the presentation is a new partnership with which Steiff is... National Geographic - Steiff


Steiff Zotty Bear – Spielwarenmesse 2019

The Steiff Zotty Bear is one of those figures that is closely linked to the history of the brand. At the toy fair, it is not presented as a mere nostalgia object, but as a delibera... Zotty bear - Steiff


Ludwig Köppen: Penta Ludea

Penta Ludea is not a classic board game with interchangeable origins. Behind the game lies a very personal story, linked to a long journey back to life. It was developed by Ludwig ... Strategy game Penta Ludea


Carrera RC: Super Mario Scooter

Transforming well-known characters into movable RC products requires a different approach than classic vehicles. In this case, the focus is not on technology, but on immediate fun ... Super Mario Scooter


Carrera Slot Car Track: Racing, Technology and Models

The Carrera slot car track has always operated on a clear principle: control your speed, take the bends cleanly, win the duel. A motorsport duel in the living room with a slot car track


eBall 360° riding on the ball

"What is that? We have to go there" - that was the spontaneous reaction of our Messe.TV team led by presenter Klas Bömcke at the Spielwarenmesse 2016 in Nuremberg. And it is - the ... eBall 360° riding on the ball


Carrera RC Vehicles – Copter, Turnator and Buggy

The Carrera brand has stood for speed on the racetrack for decades. However, a look at current developments shows that the range has expanded significantly. RC vehicles on land, on water and in the air


Playmobil new releases featuring a football stadium and a cruise ship

The Spielwarenmesse demonstrates year after year just how much classic play concepts can be developed further. At Playmobil, too, it is clear that familiar characters and worlds ar... From sporting concepts to classic fairy-tale worlds


Lego Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator Model with Functions

Lego Technic is officially aimed primarily at children and young people aged between seven and 16. At the same time, the range has long since become appealing to older users as wel... Construction set with 3,927 pieces – engineering, mechanics and patience


Nuremberg Toy Fair showcases trends in the toy market

The Nuremberg Toy Fair is one of those events where sheer scale speaks for itself. Crowded aisles, lively discussions, international exhibitors and a virtually endless variety of p... One million products and around 75,000 new items


Jazwares’ interactive soft toys and robots

At the International Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, Jazwares demonstrates just how much toys are evolving between classic forms and new technology. Toys bridging the gap between classic design and new technology


John Spielwaren: Balls and Licensed Products Range

The Spielwarenmesse regularly brings together companies that have established themselves in the market over decades. The family-run business John is one such stalwart. Over 50 years of play and sports balls


Käthe Kruse - Play dolls + cuddly toys

Messe.TV meets Tobias Vorbach, Managing Director of Käthe Kruse, today at the Spielwarenmesse 2016 in Nuremberg. Presenter Klas Bömecke sets off to find out what's new at the stand... Käthe Kruse - Play dolls + cuddly toys


LEGO City and Duplo Novelties 2016

Messe.TV dives into the world of LEGO at the Spielwarenmesse 2016. LEGO City with a volcano expedition and everything that goes with it, a fire department world and many other real... LEGO City and Duplo Novelties 2016


Lego Nexo Knights combines play with a digital app

The Spielwarenmesse regularly demonstrates the direction in which the toy market is heading. In conversation with Lego, it becomes clear that classic building concepts are increasi... Lego between physical and digital play


Razor RipSurf Board for a surfing sensation on the street

At the Spielwarenmesse, Razor is showcasing a product that deliberately positions itself between familiar modes of movement. Board design with two movable platforms


Lego Star Wars models and sets with features

Star Wars is one of the most eye-catching licensed themes at the Spielwarenmesse. For Lego, however, this is not a short-lived trend, but has been an integral part of the range for... The Force Awakens in the children’s bedroom


Wonder Tech - Drone with GoPro camera

Drones are finding their way into more and more of our lives, so of course they should not be missing at the 2016 toy fair in Nuremberg. Wonder Tech has opted for a very high-quali... Wonder Tech - Drone with GoPro camera


Robotics construction kit with modules and Powerbrain

A construction kit that introduces children to robotics at an early age is the centrepiece of Tinkerbots’ presentation at the Spielwarenmesse. Construction kit for robots, vehicles or mechanical structures


Steiff Teddy bears + cuddly toys

We were greeted by a large polar bear and were mightily impressed. But when we stood in front of the biggest teddy bear in the world, we were quite astonished. You probably already... Steiff Teddy bears + cuddly toys


Silverlit Toys – Spielwarenmesse 2017

Learning to program as a child - the robots from Silverlit are designed to make this possible. Stephen Chi from Silverlit shows us how it works. You can program up to 50 instructio... Silverlit Toys


Schleich animal figures

Messe.TV presenter Felix Rother's eyes light up when he sees the new jungle research station from Schleich. The manufacturer of truly authentic, hand-painted animal figures also of... Schleich animal figures


Schildkröt Dolls – Spielwarenmesse 2017

Schildkröt combines tradition with modernity. Schildkröt has been producing dolls from 1896 to the present day, making it the oldest doll manufacturer in the world. Schildkröt Dolls


Playmobil Ghostbusters + Dragons

Now it's off to Playmobil. There, presenter Simone Dericks goes in search of the new products for 2017. One new theme world is Ghostbusters. Based on the 1984 film, Playmobil has c... Playmobil Ghostbusters + Dragons


Oi-Blocks Wooden construction kit

Anyone who wants to encourage creative play in children and attaches great importance to sustainability and ecology will be delighted with the wooden building set from Oi-Blocks. F... Oi-Blocks Wooden construction kit


NICI Cuddly Toys – Spielwarenmesse 2017

Messe.TV visits the NICI stand, which is showing us its latest cuddly toys at the Spielwarenmesse 2017. Managing Director Thomas Pfau gives us a little insight into the latest tren... NICI Cuddly Toys


Menderes Bağcı on gaming fun, tactics, and the appeal of bluffing

The board game Cockroach Duel by Schmidt Spiele is one of those titles that provokes at first glance but then provides a surprising amount of gaming fun. The game was presented at ... Menderes Bagci in a cockroach costume


Märklin model railroads

The hobby of model railroading or model trains accompanies many enthusiasts throughout their lives. We don't know whether the word Märklin is already a synonym in the dictionary, b... Märklin model railroads


Cockroach Duel - Strategy board game

Cockroaches! Time to call the exterminator? No - time for a cockroach duel. At Schmidt Spiele, Désirée Nick and Menderes Bagci fight a cockroach duel in a cockroach costume. Presen... Cockroach Duel - Strategy board game


ITCRAFT Augmented Reality App

The digital gaming experience is an issue for many toy manufacturers. The company ITCRAFT has recognized this and offers exactly that with an augmented reality app. All that is req... ITCRAFT Augmented Reality App


Ernst Kick Interview – Spielwarenmesse 2017

How are things going at the Spielwarenmesse 2017? The best person to answer this question is the "boss" himself. We talk to CEO Mr. Ernst Kick from Spielwarenmesse eG about this ye... Ernst Kick Interview – Spielwarenmesse 2017


imagno wooden building blocks with digital connection

At first glance, imagno looks like a few classic, beautiful wooden blocks. But these have it all. They can be used to build various animals using magnetic points and sensors. But t... imagno wooden building blocks with digital connection


Helga Kreft wooden toys

Jolly Popcorn is considered the most beautiful rocking horse in the world. It is made by Helga Kreft from pure beech wood. The rocking horse also comes with matching equipment cons... Helga Kreft wooden toys


GraviTrax by Ravensburger

There are a large number of marble runs, but they tend to be aimed at younger children - is it different with Ravensburger? Here is a marble run that looks quite challenging: Gravi... GraviTrax by Ravensburger


Fischertechnik: Modular system for technical understanding

Fischertechnik's trade fair appearance clearly shows why the company has held a special position in the field of technical toys for decades. Fischertechnik stands for a modular sys... A highlight for children who love technology


Self-balancing Scooter eball 360

The self-balancing scooter eball 360 represents a development process that goes far beyond cosmetic adjustments. Since the first prototypes, the concept has undergone significant t... Self-balancing scooter


Jazwares: Musical instruments for children and adults

Jazwares' presence at the toy fair stands out noticeably from the classic toy environment. Instead of figures, vehicles, or building sets, the focus here is on musical instruments ... A playful introduction to music


Désirée Nick - Interview in a cockroach costume

We wouldn't have expected to see Désirée Nick at the Spielwarenmesse 2017. But as a jungle queen and all-round luminary, she is of course just the right person to present the game ... Désirée Nick - Interview in a cockroach costume


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Toys: games as part of development and everyday life

Playing 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.

Play ideas for different age groups

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:

  • Toys that promote creativity and motor skills
  • Board games for playing together with family or friends
  • Construction and educational toys with a playful appeal
  • Products for active indoor and outdoor play
This overview of games illustrates how broad the spectrum of play ideas is today.

Quality, design, and play value

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.

Games as a shared experience

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.

Lego and Disney as established names in the world of play

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.