One of my favorite trends revealed at Toy Fair NY this year is the inclusion of fine arts in toys. Jigsaw puzzles have always included fine art images, but mostly in adult puzzles. I saw fine art pieces included in all kinds of toys across Toy Fair and will be sharing some of them here.
Hape, already known for its high-end toys, has collaborated with The Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met”) to bring fine art images to children, even infants and toddlers. From building blocks to pull toys and, of course, jigsaw puzzles, Hape has brought charming menagerie of animals and landscapes to even the youngest children.
Faber Castell, a 250-year-old art supplies manufacturer produces pencils, pens, paints, etc., of course, but did you know they also offer art kits? Faber Castell’s Paint by Number Museum series offers several ways to recreate fine works of art. And just look at these beautiful paper fan kits, based on Japanese art, matching the theme with the form.
Spirograph has created kits of beautiful fine art pieces that you can recreate at home using different-sized spirograph wheels and colored pencils, which are, of course, included, so you get the exact right colors. Which of these would you choose?
Mattel has also combined fine art into its toys. From artist-inspired Uno games to the gorgeous Van Gogh Starry Night Barbie, the art world is very well represented. Even the Little People are in on the action with Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Andre Saraiva.
Mudpuppy has upped the painting game for kids with their Andy Warhol Painting Kit. Each page has its own paint palette, and your child (or you) can let their creativity work as they choose which colors go where on each page.
Honorable Mentions:
Galison, maker of puzzles, games, and more, has a Jonathan Adler Rainbow Hand jigsaw puzzle that is not only a colorful representation of design, but it comes in a gorgeous box that could be used to decorate your home when you’ve completed the puzzle.
Lego has added fine art kits to its considerable collection. While these kits are mainly aimed at adults, kids can do them, too, if they have the patience to work on larger kits. From pop art freestanding kits, like Robert Indiana’s LOVE and Keith Haring’s Dancing Figures, to classic wall-art kits, like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Hokusai’s The Great Wave, and Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies, there is something for everyone.
Now more than ever, it is possible to introduce children to fine art in an accessible and interactive way. The above examples are just some of many that I discovered and fell in love with at Toy Fair. I’ll be posting individual reviews of some of the above, so watch this space. Or, better yet, subscribe to Gay NYC Dad and you’ll receive an email notification when posts go live.
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