Online toy retailer Gift Giant have seen a recent rise in the sale of Kidult toys as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The culmination of lockdown, furlough and more time in doors have contributed to more spare time, with many looking to old hobbies from childhood as a source of comfort and entertainment.
Times of hardship typically result in a spike in sales for ‘kidult’ toys, such as Lego, model train sets and puzzles such as the Rubik’s Cube or jigsaws. Often these toys are retro or hark back to pop culture, tv shows or comics from when adults were growing up. These toys are then passed down from grandparents and parents for a new generation to discover, adding to a surge in sales of hobby products and toys.
Playmobil plans to release their version of iconic comic book and movie character Asterix following the success of the launch of Scooby Doo. Hornby also reported that sales were up 28% compared to March 2020.
A spokesperson for Gift Giant said, “Reconnecting with old toys can be comforting, evoking nostalgia of childhood. It is a form of escapism for many. Similarly, we have seen a rise in the sales of plush toys. When people are going through a tough time, cuddly creatures offer comfort, particularly to those isolating or caring for loved ones.”
The online retailer expect sales of Kidult toys to remain buoyant throughout the remainder of 2021.
