AI Toys "Sprouting" in the Multi-Billion Trendy Toy Market

The multi-billion trendy toy market, once dominated by collectible figurines, blind boxes, and IP-derived plush toys, is now experiencing a profound disruption as AI toys "sprout" and thrive, injecting new vitality into the sector. This transformation is not a mere addition of technological elements but a complete redefinition of the trendy toy consumption experience—shifting from passive collection to active interaction, from short-term novelty to long-term companionship. In 2026, as AI technology becomes more accessible and consumer awareness matures, AI toys are set to become a mainstream force in the trendy toy market, bridging the gap between entertainment, education, and emotional connection, and creating a new growth curve for the entire industry.

The integration of IP and intelligent technology has become a key strategy for AI toys to break into the trendy toy market. Traditional trendy toys rely heavily on IP appeal, such as cartoon characters, anime franchises, or celebrity collaborations, to drive consumer demand. AI toys are taking this a step further by infusing beloved IPs with interactive capabilities, turning static collectibles into dynamic companions. For example, Xiaomi's ecosystem has launched an AI-enabled "Doraemon" robot that not only retains the iconic image of the popular anime character but also engages in voice conversations, assists with homework, and even adapts its tone and content based on the child's personality. This "IP + intelligent hardware" model combines the emotional resonance of IPs with the practical value of AI, creating products that are both trendy and functional. Market data shows that such IP-integrated AI toys have a customer retention rate 30% higher than that of traditional trendy toys, as they maintain long-term appeal through continuous content updates and personalized interactions.

The rise of AI toys is also reshaping the consumer demographics and purchasing behavior of the trendy toy market. Historically, trendy toys have catered to a broad audience, including children, teenagers, and even young adults who collect them as hobbies. However, AI toys are focusing more on the core user group of 3-12-year-old children, with a clear value proposition for parents—the primary decision-makers. Parents aged 25-40, particularly in middle-class families in first- and second-tier cities, are willing to pay a premium for AI toys that offer educational benefits and safe, interactive experiences. A 2025 survey found that 78% of parents consider brand reputation when purchasing AI toys, and they are less sensitive to price as long as the product meets their expectations for safety and educational value. This shift in purchasing power has led to a polarization in the trendy toy market: while low-cost traditional toys continue to occupy the mass market, high-end AI toys are capturing the high-value segment, with average selling prices (ASPs) 2-3 times higher than that of traditional trendy toys.

Another key driver of AI toys' success in the trendy toy market is the emphasis on emotional interaction and personalized experiences. In an era of increasing digitalization, parents are seeking products that can foster real emotional connections between children and toys, rather than passive screen time. AI toys address this need by leveraging computer vision, voice recognition, and machine learning to adapt to each child's unique habits and preferences. For instance, a programmable AI pet toy can learn a child's feeding schedule, respond to its name, and even express "emotions" such as happiness or sadness based on interaction frequency. This level of personalization creates a sense of companionship that traditional trendy toys cannot match, making AI toys not just playthings but also tools for emotional development. Additionally, the rise of social media has amplified the trendiness of AI toys, as children and parents share their interactive experiences online, creating viral effects that drive further sales. In 2026, as technologies like embodied intelligence and haptic feedback become more mature, AI toys will offer even more immersive and emotional interactions, solidifying their position in the multi-billion trendy toy market and opening up new possibilities for the future of play.