Times change and so does the toy aisle

[Guest The Phantom]

I treat the products in the toy aisle like exhibits at a museum. It's interesting to go back to the franchises I used to know and love and see how they've evolved. The toys being marketed cater to what kids today are interested in, and it appears that characters from classic toy lines have gotten modern makeovers in favor of brighter colors and more cartoony features such as big heads and eyes. New franchises, such as Monster High and Shopkins also follow that trend. Times change, and the merchandise in the catalogs no longer appeal to me. I know my 11 year old self would be all over everything Disney Princess, along with many others. Now I prefer to be a more sophisticated princess. I don't need a pink glittery plastic crown to feel important, I have a more realistic toned down tiara for that.

[GeekyPastry]

I think it has everything to do with the popularity of certain toys. I remember when Bratz basically trumped Barbie for a long while, and even though Bratz aren't popular anymore, Monster High dolls look like Bratz except with slightly monstrous features. Of course this meant that Disney jumped on the band wagon, and gave their Disney Princess dolls the same make over. 

 

It seems to be sticking for now.