Toys decline in popularity for Children’s Day

In previous years, toys made in China seemed to be the only choice for parents who wanted to celebrate Children’s Day on June 1 with their children. Now, toys are no longer a favourite.

A lot of parents told VietNamNet that they do not plan to purchase toys for Children’s Day. They noted that they can buy toys at any time: on birthdays, at the school year’s end, or when children get good grades and listen to their parents. Therefore, they will choose other gifts this year.

Giang Huong has a four year old son and always purchases toys for him, even though toys are sometimes very expensive. The McQueen car or Disney stuffed animals, for example, cost tens of thousands of dong, while Veesano and Legos cost tens of hundreds of thousands of dong.

Huong noted that he would get bored with the toys, no matter how expensive or cheap, just after several days. Instead of toys, Huong has decided to bring her son to the theatre, the park and the supermarket on June 1. Huong has also considered music and martial arts classes.

Thuy and her husband in Dong Da district has decided to bring their children to Van Chai Resort to relax. Thuy said that the trip is an attractive gift that she promised her kids.

Going to the countryside, circus, theatre, park or zoo, as well as going shopping or buying books have become more popular choices for parents and children on Children’s Day. One website has a competition among families to find out which family has the best plan for Children’s Day.

A VietNamNet reporter took a stroll down around Hang Luoc, Luong Van Can, Hang Can and Hang Ma streets on May 28, and did not see any busy toy shops.

The owner of Lien Nguyen Shop at No. 83 Hang Luoc receives visitors every day, but the number of visitors is not higher than ordinary.

He admitted that sales are slower than in previous years. “There are now many choices for children, so many parents do not purchase toys on Children’s Day any more,” he complained.

Chinese toys are no longer popular. The toys on Luong Van Can are familiar models seen for many years. The toys for 2-4 year old boys are battery-run cars or remote control vehicles costing 500,000-700,000 dong. As for girls, the popular toys are still stuffed animals.

Tags: toys, toys for kids