The toy industry is evolving quickly, driven by nostalgia, collectibles, and stress-relief play. As schools and organizations look for profitable fundraising items, these same trends are shaping what students and families get excited about.
Here are the top toy trends of 2025 and how Scentco Fundraising products fit right into what is projected for 2026.
Nostalgia and Kidult Culture
Nostalgia continues to be one of the strongest forces in the toy market. Adults are buying toys that remind them of their childhood, while kids are discovering retro-inspired products for the first time. The Fart Monsters bring the classic gross-out humor back into the spotlight, tapping into the same kind of silly fun that defined toys of the 80s and 90s. Smencils, which became a favorite for elementary and middle school students in the early 2000s, remain a nostalgic best-seller. They are both playful and familiar, making them perfect for multi-generational appeal in fundraising.
Collectible Charms and Keychains
Charms and small collectibles are exploding in popularity, often doubling as fashion accessories. Backpack Buddies align perfectly with this trend. Each scented charm attaches to a backpack, lunch bag, or keyring, blending the excitement of collecting with everyday use. Similar to the global rise of charm collectibles like Labubu, Backpack Buddies keep kids engaged through function, personal style and fun.
Stress Relief and Play for All Ages
As toys increasingly serve as tools for relaxation, products that provide a sensory break are thriving. Geladough delivers on this trend by combining soft, moldable dough with delicious scents, creating a hands-on stress reliever that appeals to both students and adults. Like the popularity of building sets and fidget toys marketed for mindfulness, Geladough fits naturally into the play-as-wellness space.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Experts expect these trends to continue growing. Adrienne Appell of The Toy Association notes, “Collectibles that fuel fan engagement and personalized play experiences reflect how play continues to bridge generations.” With Smencils offering a nostalgic bridge for today’s parents and kids, Backpack Buddies feeding into the collectible craze, Geladough supporting wellness play, and Fart Monsters delivering retro humor, Scentco products are well positioned to match what’s next.
Fundraising products that tap into current toy trends not only raise more money but also keep participation fun and exciting for students, families, and communities.
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