Top 15 Lucrative Toy Business Ideas [2024]

toy-business-ideas

Have you ever considered launching your own business based on your toy business ideas? Many toys that kids love to play with today were once just a dream of inventors; hence, creativity in this business goes a long way.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just starting, this article is your key to success in the fast-paced toy industry. Keep reading, and you will find the top 15 toy business ideas to transform your toy-selling business into a thriving and playful enterprise.

Let’s have a glimpse at what this article will transfer:

  • Overview of the toy industry
  • 15 Unique toy shop business ideas
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1. Overview of the toy industry

So, is selling toys a good business? 

The toy industry is a dynamic and exciting field where entrepreneurs can find a lot of opportunities. When it comes to toys, there are a variety of categories, such as action figures, dolls, board games, puzzles, video games, and educational toys

overview-of-the-toy-industry

 

The toy market has seen an increase in growth because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more families are looking for ways to entertain themselves while staying at home during lockdowns. This indicates a huge demand for toys, and starting a toy business can be lucrative if done correctly.

According to Statista’s statistics, the global toy market generated about USD 103 billion in revenue in 2022. The revenue is still growing at a 5.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

Although it’s potential for you to enter the toy business, it requires careful planning and choosing the most suitable toy business ideas, which will be covered below.

2. Top 15 unique toy business ideas

Considering how to start a toy business? Here are 15 helpful ideas for you to refer to:

2.1. Educational toy store

Having your own educational toy store can be a fulfilling and profitable business venture. It allows you to contribute to the growth and development of children while providing them with engaging and educational toys.

You’ll need to curate a collection of toys that align with educational standards, promote positive learning experiences, and are fun and engaging for children. This means sourcing toys from reputable suppliers and ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. 

The examples of these educational children’s toys are as follows:

  • Flashcard
  • Puzzle
  • Wisdom box
  • Tetris beam 
girl-playing-with-puzzle-educational-toy-business-ideas

 

2.2. Tech-integrated toys

Do you love toys and technology? Do you want to turn your passion into a beneficial business? If so, start a tech-integrated toy business from home!

Children’s increasing exposure to technology increases the demand for tech-integrated toys to enhance their learning and play experiences.

Tech-integrated toy business ideas vary, from smart dolls and robots to interactive learning apps that teach children various skills and subjects.

When selecting technology-based toys, make sure they are age-appropriate and user-friendly.

a-product-blending-traditional-creative-play-with-technology-toy-manufacturing-business-ideas

 

2.3. Niche collectibles

Regarding niche collectibles, there is a market for almost anything. Aside from a passionate customer base, you can benefit from unique products and low start-up costs.

If you’re looking for some small business ideas relating to niche collectibles, consider these options:

Vintage video games: you can sell Atari, Nintendo, and Sega video games.

Comic books: there are some genres like superheroes, sci-fi, and fantasy.

Coins and stamps: coins and stamps from 195 countries and many historical periods.

Vinyl records: classic albums, singles, and EPs from various artists and genres, as well as turntables, and speakers.

2.4. Eco-friendly toy line

Nowadays, people are more conscious of environmental problems. It’s no surprise that eco-friendly products and services are increasingly popular. This trend has spilled over into the eCommerce toy market, where many businesses provide eco-friendly choices.

hands-holding-wooden-trains-toys-selling-business

 

An eco-friendly storyline can help sellers stand out from the competition, and appeal to the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers. It also helps create a positive brand image.

2.5. DIY toy kits

Starting an online store for DIY toy kits gives you the chance to share your love of crafting and express your creativity with others.

DIY toy kits could include wood, fabric, paint, and other craft supplies for kids to assemble toys.

DIY toy kits are prevalent among parents who want to encourage their children to immerse in imaginative play, build their creativity, and develop their motor skills. 

Consider collaborating with local toy stores or online marketplaces to reach a wider audience.  

rainbow-unicorn-DIY-toy-kit-how-to-start-a-toy-business

 

2.6. Outdoor adventure gear for kids

If you’re interested in starting an eCommerce business focused on outdoor adventure gear for kids, you’re in luck! 

Entrepreneurs can capitalize on increasing outdoor play and exploration with outdoor adventure gear for kids. The more families get their kids off their screens and outside in nature, the more potentially your market grows. 

Exploration kits and camping sets are popular options. Still, consider selling items like binoculars, bug catchers, and outdoor games.

kids-wearing-adventure-gear-toy-shop-business-ideas

 

2.7. VR toys

With VR toys, children can see, touch, and feel objects vividly in the virtual world. VR produces an exciting and dynamic experience that will draw them in.

The trend of selling VR toys on eCommerce platforms is here to stay. As VR technology advances, there will likely be even more opportunities for eCommerce businesses to offer exciting and innovative VR toys to customers worldwide.

2.8. AR-enhanced toys

Through the creation of AR-enabled toys, businesses can meet the increasing consumer demand for creative and entertaining toys. 

AR-enhanced toys combine physical and digital elements to create an interactive and immersive play experience. These toys typically involve a mobile app interacting with the physical toy to create a virtual world. 

Children can explore this world, interact with characters, and complete challenges, all while using the physical toy as a tool. 

kids-playing-AR-enhanced-devices-toy-business-ideas

 

2.9. Robotics and coding toys

Today, 34% of Americans advise high school students to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. Skilled professionals in mathematical sciences are expected to see a 28.2% growth rate. The average growth rate for all other occupations is 6.5%.

As the demand for these skill sets increases, it is helpful to introduce coding and robotics to children early on. Therefore, the need for STEM toys is soaring. 

ECommerce companies can profit from this trend and give parents and educators a useful resource by offering robotics and coding toys. 

chart-showing-STEM-jobs-grow-faster-than-others 

 

2.10. Toy rental business

Children often have an affinity for new toys, but constantly buying them can be challenging for parents. New purchases can be expensive, and old and unwanted toys may take up space in the house. 

As a result, finding a more economical and environmentally friendly way to keep their children entertained is necessary. That’s why the toy rental business came up.

This business model benefits not only parents but also the environment. Renting toys instead of buying them means less waste and fewer resources are needed for production.

2.11. Customizable toy workshop

kids-and-adults–customizable-toy-workshop-toys-selling-business

 

What about offering customizable workshops for children’s birthday parties and special events? 

The process is simple. Customers can choose from various toy templates and then use the workshop’s tools and materials to customize their toys. They can add their personal touch, such as a name, color, or design, to make it their own.

It is an innovative addition to the toy industry. It will delight children and adults as well.

2.12. Specialized sensory toys

The market for specialized sensory toys is booming and with good reason. 

These cutting-edge toys support kids with sensory processing disorders by stimulating their senses and enhancing their hand-eye coordination, social skills, gross and fine motor abilities, and sensory integration.  

As more parents and caregivers become aware of the benefits of specialized sensory toys, demand for these toys is soaring.

playing-with-pop-it-toy-manufacturing-business-ideas

 

2.13. Online toy marketplace

Owning an online toy marketplace has several advantages over a traditional brick-and-mortar toy store. 

Firstly, it has low overhead costs, and entrepreneurs can operate it anywhere worldwide. Additionally, it is a platform for toy sellers to reach a broader audience of consumers, thereby increasing the sales volume. 

Moreover, the most attractive thing is that sellers can earn a commission on every sale made through the platform. 

💡Tip: You can draw inspiration and even business ideas from discovering big names on the market. Check out our list of best shopify toy stores to learn about biggest competitors, what they’re doing well, and best practices you can use for your own toy store

2.14. Toy repair and restoration service

Many people have sentimental attachments to their childhood toys and want to keep them in good condition. However, as toys age, they can crack, lose parts, or become discolored. It’s a good occasion for you to start repair and restoration services. 

You can offer services like repairing cracks or broken parts, cleaning and restoring toys to their original color, and replacing lost or damaged pieces. Let’s help customers preserve their beloved toys for future generations to enjoy. 

teddy-bear-before-and-after-repair-service-how-to-start-a-toy-business

 

2.15. Subscription box service

Subscription box services have grown in popularity because they give consumers a fun and practical way to try new things. One such service that has gained traction in the toy industry is a monthly subscription box delivering a variety of curated toys to customers’ doorsteps. 

The box can include a mix of popular and unique toys, games, puzzles, and crafts tailored to fit different age groups and interests.

how-subscription-box-service-works-starting-a-toy-business

 

3. Conclusion

We hope this article on toy business ideas will help you understand how to start a wholesale toy business. 

Go through more articles on eComStart.io for deeper information and advice, or contact us to discuss the topic of business ideas in more detail.

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4. FAQs

 

Author:
Kathy Ella is an eCommerce expert with nearly 5 years of experience helping businesses start and grow online stores. She gives simple advice to make launching and managing an online store easier for everyone. See her LinkedIn profile here

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