From Bobby-Cars to Barbie dolls
Each year Nuremberg hosts the largest toy trade show in the world. This year 2,750 exhibitors from 61 countries are expected. DW presents an overview of 2014's gaming and toy trends.
A classic gets a facelift
The game "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" - or literally - "Man, don't get angry!" sounds like it could be a German social commentary. In reality, the classic boardgame, similar to Ludo and Aggravation, traces its roots back to the Indian game Pachisi. The game's latest reissue is called "Wall Hopper," a name that seems even more German-appropriate.
Cool caps
If things seem to be suspiciously quiet around the house, then no doubt the latest trend has arrived at your doorstep: Myboshi-beanies. The do-it-yourself crocheted caps may look like grandma's latest invention, but directions are explained in quick Youtube videos. Each set includes wool and a crochet hook.
Historical hotrod
Here's something for Dad or Grandpa from German toy manufacturer, Schuco: the Magirus O6500 coach bus. The 1954 German national soccer team rode around in this beauty. Holding up the model is Sepp Maier, Germany goalkeeper in the 1970s.
Knights, nobles and robbers
... are still relevant - as long as they're just 8 centimeters tall. The mini-figures have existed for 40 years. Today, the Playmobil family has expanded to include nearly all types of careers, cars, animals and sports. There's just one thing the manufacturer leaves out when it comes to the figurines: a nose.
Pretty in pink
Ferrari red is a thing of the past. The Bobby-Car, a push-along car for babies that nearly every German has driven once in his or her life, has now hit the sidewalks in hot pink.
Building an empire
The connectable building blocks from Simba Dickie were nominated for this year's "Toy Award" at the expo. The toy company has generated more than 615 million euros ($841 million) in sales making it the market leader in Germany.
Kids in the kitchen
Patterend after the latest trends in actual kitchen design, the Tefal StudioXL kitchen produced by Smoby incorporates realistic cooking sounds into the appliances. The set targets future sous chefs ages three and up.
Home improvements
Beyond building blocks, Simba Dickie also produces a DIY tool kit for little ones. Big profits are being built elsewhere, though, as this year's growth has hovered around a modest 2 percent.
Urban threads
If Barbie were real, her chest would be 91 cm (36 in), her waist 45 cm (18 in), and her hips 83 cm (33 in), calculated illustrator and blogger Nickolay Lamm. Lamm produced a doll with proportional human dimensions called "Average Barbie," which is not endorsed by Mattel. While a Barbie like that is not in the works, fans can expect the release of street-savvy Deluxe Fashionista Barbie this year.
A flip of the skirt
...and these fairies turn into flowers. About 73,000 toy trade professionals are expected from around the world. These visitors will help determine which toys will be popular with wee ones this season.