Toys bring joy to children, and this holiday season, communities across the United States are coming together to spread cheer, even as troubling trends of thefts emerge. One notable incident involves a major toy heist at a Walmart store in Gastonia, North Carolina, where over $4,000 worth of LEGO sets were stolen.
According to Channel 3 in Charlotte, the theft occurred between November 20 and December 11. Employees reported seeing someone enter the store, head straight for the toy section, and resort to some cunning tactics. "Employees reported an unknown person would come... to scan the toy box used to conceal the sets," said the report. This reflects not just isolated incidents, but suggests a troubling nationwide pattern of toy theft. Earlier this year, California suffered over $300,000 worth of LEGO thefts, indicating there could be organized efforts behind these thefts. According to KGW8, "LEGO Sets are easy to sell and hard to trace," making them prime targets for thieves.
On the brighter side of the holiday spirit, 17-year-old Tilly Peet from Falmouth, Massachusetts, is leading initiatives to make the holidays brighter for children in need. At Gillette Stadium, Peet has organized her own toy drive, asking New England Patriots fans to donate unwrapped toys, dolls, and games. For Peet, this effort is personal, stemming from her family's experiences during hard times. "I hope they feel they deserve this and understand how important they are," Peet reflected, emphasizing the emotional aspect of gift-giving during the holidays.
Motivated by her past experiences when her brother faced mental health challenges, Peet seeks to pay forward the kindness her family once received. She also established toy collection efforts at the Sturgis Charter School, working with her school's Key Club to aid families receiving assistance from Hands of Hope, which operates out of Hyannis. Peet even initiated bake sales to help fund the purchase of more toys.
While thefts are on the rise, demand for holiday gifts is skyrocketing, driven by the latest toy trends. According to Amazon’s 'The Playmakers,' this year’s hot-ticket toy is the Despicable Me 4 Ultimate Fart Blaster, boasting 15 different fart sound effects and the ability to shoot 'fog fart rings.' Currently priced around $49 on Amazon (down from $60), it is rapidly gaining popularity among children eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival. The review teams favored the Ultimate Fart Blaster along with Barbie’s Dream House and various LEGO sets as key favorites this holiday season.
Amazon's toy expert, Avneel Narayan, notes sport-themed toys are also trending, partially influenced by major sporting events throughout the year. "Kids are adding AFL footballs and cricket sets to their wish lists," Narayan stated. From soccer kits to roller skates, active play items are expected to fly off shelves as parents look to get their kids moving and engaged.
Animated characters also capture children’s hearts this season, with toys related to popular shows like Bluey and Spider-Man. Narayan emphasized this category's immense popularity, stating, “The stand out toys... are the despicable Me 4 Ultimate Fart Blaster... as well as the NERF Super Soaker and NERF N Series Pinpoint Dart Blaster which are great value.”
Group-focused toys and games are favored too, with offerings like Hot Wheels and the Exploding Kittens card game making headway, as families look for ways to keep everyone entertained during gatherings. The rise of edu-play products, which balance fun and education by stimulating children's cognitive development, is another trend highlighted this year. Retailers have recognized the demand for toys such as Play-Doh and other development-focused options.
Meanwhile, some traditional favorites like LEGO remain popular among kids, with specific sets showing great promise as gifts. Notable mentions include LEGO sets crafted to help children build imaginative habitats like castles or vehicles, nurturing creativity and storytelling.
While instances of thefts cast shadows on the season, the community spirit is alive with initiatives like Peet's toy drives, aiming to make holidays special for every child. Parents and children alike are gearing up to celebrate this festive season with toys embodying fun, play, and togetherness. With this confluence of generosity and toy trends on the rise, it seems this holiday season WILL be one for the books.
