Casdon Toys

Please provide a brief introduction to yourself and the company you work for

We’re a third-generation, family run business that was founded by my grandfather in 1946. The business has been going for over 76 years now so we like to think toy-making is in our DNA!

What is your favourite part about working in the toy industry?

At the risk of sounding cliché, for me it would have to be the people… I grew up in the toy industry, so I have met some amazing people along the way who have naturally become good friends of mine.

There is a real sense of community in the industry too, through events such as Toy Fair as well as the amazing charity contributions the industry makes. I’m very proud to be a part of it.

Give us the inside scoop, what products are you launching at Toy Fair 2023?

Obviously, we can’t give too much away just yet, but we do have 15 new lines to showcase at London Toy Fair 2023. We have made some updates to existing products which were in need of a refresh but most excitingly, we have some new (and innovative) products to add to the collection… all I can say is you’ll have to pop by the stand for a demo.

What trends do you predict for the Toy Fair industry in 2023?

In terms of product trends (outside of the traditional role-play categories which Casdon toys are centred around), I think we will continue to see growth in fidget and sensory play for 2023 – most likely also driven by social media channels such as TikTok and trends such as ASMR.

I also firmly believe we will see a trend towards more experiential activations (both in-store and online) which I am very excited for!

How many years have you exhibited at Toy Fair 2023? Any favourite memories?

I’m very proud to say we have attended every year since the show began (except for the year Covid got in the way of course).

2022 was a big year for us… we had a new team on board, we had new products to showcase (not to mention a brand new license too) and of course we rebranded! It will definitely go down as one of my most memorable year’s at Toy Fair and one which I am very proud of too!

What is your favourite toy?

As a child, my favourite toy would have been my Big Trak – a programmable electric vehicle (who’d have thought it!?) which resembled some kind of futuristic Sci-Fi tank…

It’s these types of toys which are not only great for inspiring imaginative play but which also support development in young children that have inspired us to create the toys we do today and which has always very much been my grandfather’s ethos since the conception of Casdon back in 1946.

What top tip would you give to a fellow exhibitor or visitor attending their first Toy Fair?

Definitely make appointments for visitors ahead of the day so that you can ensure you’re giving everyone a dedicated time to be shown around… even better is you can bring the team along with you to help support too!