AMAZON AUSTRALIA UNVEILS TOP 100 HOLIDAY TOYS OF 2022
In partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, Amazon Australia has released its annual Top 100 Holiday Toy List
Amazon has also announced a stop-motion film featuring some of the toys, Hi-5 star Charli Robinson, Aussie entertainment legend Johnny Ruffo and the Playmakers: Amazon’s official toy testers and now, movie creators!
For every toy purchased from the movie during this year's Black Friday, Amazon Australia will donate an additional $1 to Starlight up to $45,000, to help bring happiness to seriously ill children.
Amazon reveals toy trends for the holidays including ‘90s to Noughties Nostalgia’ and ‘Rainy Day Fun’
Amazon Australia has today revealed its highly anticipated Top 100 Holiday Toy list and the hottest new toy trends for the holiday season, with the help of its newest official toy-testers, the Amazon Playmakers.
The Amazon Playmakers are ten kids who are beneficiaries of Starlight’s programs or services, who have been sent a selection of the top 100 toys to test and review to help Australians with their holiday shopping ahead of the Black Friday sales event, which will feature amazing deals on a huge range of toys.
From Toy Testers to Toy Movie Makers
This year, the Playmakers were given a new role and a chance to let their imaginations run wild by creating a stop-motion movie featuring some of the toys from the top 100 Holiday toy list. The Playmakers were asked to create characters behind the toys; a plot which the toys would star in; and the dialogue to share the joy of the Holidays and deliver smiles to children across Australia.
In the film, toys such Hatchimals Pixies, the Rubix Cube and Hot Wheels Jurassic Dino, become the characters, and are voiced by the Playmakers alongside well-loved Australian talent. Former Hi-5 children’s TV star Charli Robinson will be the voice behind a somewhat mischievous Interactive Mama guinea pig, and Aussie entertainment legend Johnny Ruffo will lend his renowned voice to the character of a naughty pirate from the TOMY Pop Up Pirate Action Game.
Following the film’s release in mid-November, Amazon Australia will donate an additional $1 to Starlight for each purchase of a toy featured in the Playmaker’s short film up to $45,000, in addition to $55,000 worth of toys, games, crafts and much deserved funds. These funds will allow 1,600 sick kids to enjoy the fun and laughter of Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room, as well as help grant five much-needed Starlight Wishes.
Ian Bradley, Head of Toys, Amazon Australia said: “The Playmakers have done a stellar job of arguably the best job in the country - testing and reviewing the top 100 holiday toys to help Aussies choose the best gifts for the little ones in their lives. I have loved seeing the Playmakers’ incredible imaginations brought to life through their stop-motion toy movie. We’re proud to once again support and deliver smiles to the Playmakers and the Starlight Children’s Foundation this year.”
Matt Geraghty, National Partnerships Manager, Starlight Children’s Foundation said: “Now in its fourth year, the Amazon Playmakers initiative is something Starlight
Watching the kids getting creative and imaginative, making up storylines for their toys and Amazon bringing their movies to life, has been incredible. The Amazon Playmakers campaign helps support Starlight in our mission to brighten the lives of sick kids with fun, joy and laughter, because happiness matters”.
Amazon.com.au has also released the top toy trends of 2022:
· 90s to Noughties Nostalgia:
From the reboots of early 90s and 2000s TV series, to throwback accessories including the bejeweling come-back. Bringing back nostalgic pastimes has become a big post-pandemic mood, from Pokemon and an epic Barbie Dream House in a classic 2000’s pastel pink colour, to modern remakes of classic arcade machines and even Home Alone LEGO - this toy trend is one that Millennial parents are sure to get involved with.
· Toys on a Budget: Australians are looking for value more than ever this year, with savvy shoppers on the hunt for budget friendly options. From Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and Cocomelon Roto Plush Snacktime JJ Doll, to Eraser Maker, these are games which can be enjoyed by all for under $50*.
· Rainy Day Fun: After a year of unpredictable weather, and another wet summer expected ahead for much of the country, kids have learnt to adapt by moving outdoor play inside with the help of trusty favourites including Nerf, John Deere Dump Truck and Little Live pets.
· When I Grow Up: Toys are often a child’s first foray into a passion, hobby, or activity that stays with them as they grow into adults. Parents are recognising this and looking for toys that encourage children to discover their talents and passions through the world of make believe and role play. With a DJ Beat Boxer toy, Emma’s Art School and a Horse Show Trailer, kids can be whoever they want to be and experience the most exciting of adventures.
· To the MetaVerse and Beyond: With the meteoric rise of games such as Roblox and Minecraft, coupled with a fascination in alternate and virtual universes, families will no doubt be adding tech, gaming and space-based toys to their child’s wish lists this year. From KidiWatch and MineCraft games to LEGO Star Wars building sets and the Space Academy Game, watch your kids take off into orbit as they go forth to discover the next universe.
· Curious Kids: With play-based learning tools becoming an increasing favourite amongst parents and teachers, a rising number of new toys are being developed to support children’s development. From a talking microscope featuring Bindi Irwin to a coding starter kit compatible with an iPad, these games are bound to keep the kids busy and wanting to learn more for hours.
Aussie entertainment legend Johnny Ruffo said: “Having partnered with both Amazon Australia and Starlight on the Playmaker campaign for a number of years, it was amazing to see the huge smiles that these toys bring to the kids’ faces. This initiative is something that is super close to my heart, as I know how far having a laugh and being silly can go for these amazing little heroes on their treatment journey.”
Former Hi-5 star Charli Robinson goes on to say: “I leapt at the chance to be part of this year’s Amazon Playmakers campaign as it brought me right back to my days at Hi-5. As a mum and kids’ entertainer I was blown away by the Playmakers’ creativity as movie makers, and loved acting as the voice of the naughty character! I can’t wait for everyone to see the stop motion film they helped create and hope it brings a smile to Aussie kids these holidays.”
Playmaker Amelia, 7, from NSW was asked about her experience as an Amazon Playmaker: “My favourite toy was the Hatchimals Pixies, which I know my friends at school will also like to play with. I also liked going with Mum to meet with Johnny and Charli to help make the toy movie!”
The full Amazon Australia Top 100 Toy List and 2022 Trends can be viewed at www.amazon.com.au/
