these interactive companions that are a hit before Christmas

Mothering, or the desire to pamper people, is growing among the youngest. And this will probably be seen at the end of the year and the long-awaited visit of Santa Claus. This year, we should find interactive companions at the foot of the trees. This soft toy market has already made an unprecedented jump of more than 40% this summer, thanks to the mascots of the Paris Olympic Games, the Phryges.

In one year, the animated toy market has grown by more than 11%, indicates Philippe Gueydon, boss of King Cadeau stores. : “In the top 3 of what sells the most, we have an interactive plush toy. The child can project himself into a relationship. He tries to create a one-on-one time, but part of the affect of the “Children can in fact carry on toys.”

On the shelves, we find in particular the companions of the Moose Toys brand. Among them, a plush toy that reacts like a baby doll, Mango. “This little friend is a baby monkey, and we're going to take care of himexplains the brand's marketing director, Karine Robin.

“It has sensors everywhere. Depending on where we touch it, we will discover a new reaction.”

Karine Robin

at franceinfo

“If he has eaten too much, we will hear him make slightly stranger little noises like burping or farting, which often makes children laugh. And then if we tickle him, he will laugh.” The interactive plush has 50 sounds and movements in total, enough to give the illusion of a real play buddy.

But some, like Disney, are also banking on the virtual side. Bitzee is an interactive hologram animal. It is presented in a box, like a piece of jewelry, yet it is indeed an interactive toy. And addictive, explains Angelina, saleswoman in a Disney store: “You really have to take care of them, be with them every day. Five to ten minutes a day is enough to give them the care they need.” But the owner is called upon to take care of it “as much as possible”.

Just as virtual, Punirunes is only an image, but it needs attention to live. This small device that fits in your pocket can be taken anywhere. And we can revamp it. “As time goes by, you will be able to add sunglasses, a little hat, a little coat. Something unique,” says Cécile Racine, at Spin Master.

We no longer talk about dolls or bathers, but about non-gendered companions. They are therefore aimed at both girls and boys and tend to develop what professionals call mothering. “This trend is more and more important, we share, we confide, we cuddle with the teddy bear or we take care of it like a pet”considers Frédérique Tutt, analyst for the Circana firm, specializing in the games industry.

“We're going to feed it, we're going to heal it. It's going to become the little brother or sister that we don't have, or the dog or cat that we would like. It's an ersatz in a way, a companion for the child.” According to sector specialists, these little companions sold between 35 and 70 euros will be the stars of this end of year.