Edx Education UK

 

Tuesday Blog Post

 

Author: Heather Welch, General Manager at Edx Education UK

 

Introduction: 

 

Heather Welch, the General Manager of Edx Education UK, is a passionate advocate for the power of play in children’s learning and development. With a wealth of experience in the educational toy industry, Heather is dedicated to promoting play-based learning as a key to nurturing children’s growth and well-being. Her leadership at Edx Education has been instrumental in expanding the company’s reach, ensuring that children worldwide have access to engaging, high-quality learning resources.

 

Heather is also the author of Happy Children Play: Developing Children’s Mental Health and Well-being, a book that explores the critical role of play in building resilience, confidence, and emotional balance in young learners. Her work emphasizes the importance of providing children with open-ended play opportunities to foster creativity, social skills, and a love for learning.

 

At the London Toy Fair, Heather brings her vision and expertise, showcasing how Edx Education’s toys and resources support children’s holistic development. She is committed to helping parents, educators, and industry leaders understand the impact of play on mental health and well-being, making learning an enjoyable journey for all. Visit the Edx Education stand to meet Heather and discover how play can empower the next generation

 

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

For Heather Welch, the best part about working in the toy industry is witnessing the joy and curiosity that play brings to children’s lives. She loves knowing that the toys and resources from Edx Education can make a real difference in a child’s development, helping them learn in a way that feels natural and fun. Heather finds it incredibly rewarding to see children engage with educational toys, building their confidence, resilience, and social skills through play.

 

She also appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with educators, parents, and industry experts to create products that truly enrich a child’s learning journey. For her, being part of an industry that nurtures creativity and growth, while promoting the importance of play, is both inspiring and fulfilling. It’s this impact—seeing children thrive and the smiles on their faces—that makes every day in the toy industry worthwhile for Heather.

What trends do you predict for the Toy Fair industry in 2025?

The Toy Fair industry is expected to see several key trends in 2025, reflecting evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on education and well-being. Here are some predictions for the trends likely to shape the industry:

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Toys: Environmental consciousness will continue to influence consumer choices, with parents and caregivers seeking toys made from sustainable materials. Brands will focus on reducing plastic use, offering biodegradable or recyclable packaging, and using sustainably sourced wood and fabrics. Eco-friendly manufacturing practices will become a key selling point for many exhibitors at the Toy Fair.

STEAM and Educational Toys: The demand for toys that support science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education will keep growing. Parents and educators increasingly recognize the importance of fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity through play. Toys that integrate coding, robotics, and hands-on learning experiences will be highly sought after, reflecting the ongoing focus on preparing children for the digital future.

Focus on Mental Health and Well-being: The importance of supporting children’s mental health through play will be a significant trend. Toys that encourage mindfulness, emotional expression, and social and emotional learning (SEL) will gain popularity. Parents are looking for products that help children develop resilience, empathy, and self-awareness, emphasizing play as a tool for emotional growth.

Inclusive Play and Accessibility: Diversity and inclusivity will be at the forefront of toy design, with more products aimed at reflecting different abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Toys that cater to children with special educational needs (SEN), such as sensory toys or products adapted for children with physical challenges, will be more prevalent. Brands will strive to create play experiences that all children can enjoy, promoting acceptance and understanding.

Technology Integration and Augmented Reality (AR): Technology-infused play will continue to evolve, with more toys incorporating AR and app-based experiences. This allows traditional toys to become interactive, providing an engaging and immersive play experience. However, there will also be a counter-trend emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with hands-on, tech-free play.

Retro and Nostalgic Toys: Nostalgia will continue to be a driving force, with brands bringing back classic toys or reimagining them for a new generation. Parents and grandparents love introducing their favorite childhood toys to the next generation, offering a sense of shared memories and simpler playtime experiences. This trend is often coupled with a modern twist, blending familiar designs with new features.

Focus on Play-Based Learning: The idea that learning happens best through play will be more embraced than ever. Exhibitors at the Toy Fair will likely present products that are not only fun but also rooted in developmental benefits, such as promoting language skills, fine motor development, and early literacy. This aligns with a growing emphasis on school readiness and supporting children’s early educational needs through enjoyable, play-based methods.

These trends will shape how companies develop and market their products at the Toy Fair, responding to the increasing demand for toys that are both enriching and environmentally responsible. As the toy industry continues to innovate, 2025 promises to be an exciting year of growth and creativity

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

2 years

What’s your favourite Toy craze, past or present?

Heather Welch’s favorite toy is Rainbow Pebbles. She loves them because they perfectly embody the essence of open-ended, creative play that Edx Education champions. Rainbow Pebbles are versatile, allowing children to explore color recognition, counting, sorting, and pattern-making. They also encourage fine motor skill development as kids stack, balance, and arrange them in endless ways.

 

Heather appreciates how these pebbles invite children to use their imagination while learning foundational concepts in a hands-on and playful way. For her, Rainbow Pebbles represent the ideal blend of fun and education, making them a perfect tool for engaging children in learning through play.

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

Toy crazes have a way of bringing out the joy and excitement in children and adults alike! One of my favorites from the past has to be LEGO, a classic that has stood the test of time. It’s a toy that sparks creativity and imagination, allowing kids (and grown-ups) to build anything they dream of, from simple structures to intricate worlds. It’s amazing how these colorful bricks can inspire such endless possibilities and even connect people across generations.