The Delectable Connection: How Food Trends Inspire New Toy Concepts
by Cheryl Ann Wong
Senior Writer
The world of food and toys might appear to be an unlikely pairing, like serving beer with an escargot-shaped toy car. But upon closer examination, it becomes evident that these two industries share a deep-rooted connection. History has shown that these two seemingly disparate realms often intertwine to create exciting new play concepts.
Food trends have long played a significant role in inspiring new toy concepts. There is, in fact, a fascinating relationship between food trends and toy concepts, as evidenced by iconic toys like Play-Doh, plastic food toys, and the Easy Bake Oven.
Historical Ties
Throughout history, food has been a source of inspiration for toy creators. Consider the culinary wonders of ancient civilizations, such as the intricate miniature food sculptures made from clay in ancient Egypt. These artifacts are not only a testament to human creativity but also illustrate the longstanding connection between food and play.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we find generational-defining toys like Play-Doh emerging as a response to food trends. In the 1950s, Play-Doh was initially designed as a wallpaper cleaner but quickly evolved into a popular modeling compound for children. Its malleability and ability to mimic various food items led to its use in culinary play, inspiring young imaginations to craft their edible fantasies. Play-Doh has transformed over the decades with truly inspired iterations of toys based on foods. It’s clearly proven itself as the ultimate moldable culinary experience.
Play-Doh’s pliable nature allowed kids to shape, mold, and create an array of imaginative items, including miniature food items, a trend itself that is back in the oven and baking full force with MGA’s Miniverse and Zuru’s Mini Brands. The link between Play-Doh and food play is evident in the countless tiny burgers, pizzas, and cupcakes children have crafted over the years. Food trends like the rise of fast-food culture in the mid-20th century certainly influenced children's play, with mini Play-Doh hamburgers and fries mirroring the foods they saw advertised and consumed. As food trends evolved, so did Play-Doh's culinary offerings, adapting to reflect changing tastes and preferences.
Plastic Food Toys: Imaginative Gastronomy
In the mid-20th century, plastic food toys began to make a significant impact on the toy industry. These meticulously crafted replicas of food items allowed children to engage in imaginative food preparation and play kitchen scenarios. From miniature hamburgers and pizza slices to complete kitchen playsets, these toys reflected the food trends of the era. The appeal of plastic food toys is their ability to reflect real-world culinary trends. As dietary preferences and food fads shift, toy manufacturers respond by creating new sets of plastic food items to keep children engaged and connected to contemporary food culture. For instance, sushi sets, avocado toast, and gluten-free options have made their way into plastic food toy collections, reflecting modern eating habits and culinary trends. Plastic food toys have a unique ability to educate children about different foods, cultures, and cooking techniques. They serve as a playful introduction to the world of culinary arts, sparking an early interest in food and cooking.
The Easy Bake Oven: A Gateway to Culinary Creativity
The Easy Bake Oven, introduced by Kenner in the 1963, serves as a prime example of a toy inspired by food trends with a transformative impact. This miniature working oven was a groundbreaking toy that brought the joy of baking into children's lives. Modeled after real ovens, it used an enclosed light bulb as its heating element to allow children to safely bake and enjoy small servings of real food items like cookies, cakes, and brownies. It not only stimulated creativity but also introduced kids to the art of baking, while finding joy in the anticipation of waiting and allowing a process to complete itself. Developmentally, the toy was a huge educator on so many fronts and became on the of the most popular toys for kids.
The Easy Bake Oven tapped into the mid-century fascination with convenience foods and packaged mixes, too, mirroring the rise of boxed cake mixes and other prepared foods during that era. It allowed children to participate in the kitchen, fostering an early interest in cooking and baking. Many culinary experts today can trace their passion for food back to the experiences they had with the Easy Bake Oven, showcasing how food trends in the past can shape future culinary enthusiasts.
Creating the Next Generation of Chefs and Culinary Experts
Incorporating food play into the world of toys not only sparks creativity but also serves as an educational tool. It can instill an appreciation for food, cooking, and nutrition from an early age, potentially leading to a future generation of chefs, food scientists, and culinary experts.
The synergy between food trends and toy concepts is a captivating phenomenon that has shaped the toy industry for generations. From Play-Doh's versatile modeling compound to plastic food toys that mirror contemporary culinary trends and the Easy Bake Oven's transformative influence on budding chefs, food has consistently played a central role in inspiring innovative toys.
Food-related toys not only serve as a source of entertainment but also as a gateway to understanding food, culture, and creativity. They have the power to inspire future culinary enthusiasts, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the art of food. As food trends continue to evolve, we can expect the toy industry to adapt, keeping young minds engaged and fostering a love for both play and cuisine.
