Candies and toys

Types of candies and toys

Candies and toys are two distinct categories that are often found together, especially in retail settings targeted at children. Individually, they have various types:

• Candies:

  Candies come in many varieties, each with distinct flavors, textures, and ingredients. Some common types include:

  • Chocolate Candies: These candies are made primarily from chocolate. Examples include chocolate bars, truffles, M&Ms, and chocolate-covered nuts or fruits.
  • Hard Candies: Hard candies are solid and have a long shelf life. Examples include Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, and peppermint candies.
  • Gummy Candies: Gummy candies have a chewy texture and are usually fruit-flavored. Examples include gummy bears, worms, and fruit snacks.
  • Lollipop: Lollipops are candies on a stick. They come in various flavors and shapes, from simple fruit flavors to complex, spicy, and sour varieties.
  • Marshmallow Candies: These candies are soft and fluffy with a chewy texture. Examples include Peeps and marshmallow-filled candies.
  • Licorice Candies: Licorice candies come in flavors, including classic black licorice and fruit-flavored varieties.
  • Mint Candies: Mint candies are refreshing and often used to freshen breath. Examples include Altoids and Tic Tacs.
  • Sour Candies: Sour candies have a tangy flavor that is often followed by a sweet taste. Examples include Sour Patch Kids and Warheads.

• Toys:

  Toys also come in various types, catering to different age groups and interests. Some common types include:

  • Action Figures and Dolls: These toys are based on characters from movies, TV shows, and games. Examples include Barbie dolls and superhero action figures.
  • Building Toys: These toys involve assembling pieces into structures and shapes. An example is LEGO sets.
  • Board Games and Puzzles: These are interactive games that often involve strategy, luck, or problem-solving. Examples include Monopoly and jigsaw puzzles.
  • Educational Toys: These toys are designed to be both fun and instructive, helping children learn new skills or concepts. Examples include STEM kits and learning tablets.
  • Outdoor Toys: These toys are meant for use outside and often promote physical activity. Examples include bicycles, frisbees, and kites.
  • Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys: These toys are soft and cuddly, often resembling animals or fictional characters.
  • Electronic Toys: Electronic toys come with batteries and can include anything from simple sound-producing toys to complex robotic pets and interactive games.

How to choose candies and toys

When purchasing candies and toys for resale, business owners should consider age appropriateness. Ideally, candies and toys come in various designs suitable for different age groups. In this case, buyers should get candies and toys suitable for preschoolers, school-age children, and toddlers. Buyers should also look for options that can be used by older children. Also, they should ensure the toys don't have small parts that can be a choking hazard.

To create a unique stock, business owners should get candies and toys in various themes. For instance, candies with various flavors, colors, and shapes. Also, they can get toys in themed sets, such as superheroes, princesses, or monsters. Buyers should also get toys and candies that can be used during various holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine's Day. Candies and toys come in various designs. Therefore, business owners should choose options that can be used in various settings. For instance, candies that can be used during parties and toys that can be given as awards. Also, they can get toys suitable for outdoor and indoor play.

Candies are often consumed; thus, business owners should check the expiration date to avoid stocking expired products. When purchasing toys and candies, buyers should consider their budget and the potential profit margin. This will ensure they get products that will bring profit without straining their finances. Buyers should look for candies and toys with positive reviews. This will ensure they offer products that will satisfy the customers' expectations.

Buyers should get candies and toys suitable for different customers. For instance, those with a limited budget and luxurious options with unique features. Candies and toys can be used to commemorate special occasions. Therefore, business owners should look for custom or specialty options that can be personalized. Finally, buyers should get toys and candies that are easy to store and display in their shops.

Functions, features and designs of candies and toys

Candy and toy combinations are available in various styles, each with unique designs that enhance their appeal. Here are some popular styles and their design features:

• Gift Sets

  In most cases, candies and toys are combined in a single box or container. The design features include:

  • Packaging

    At times, they are presented in a decorative box, tin, or gift bag. The packaging is often colorful and eye-catching, making it suitable for gifts.

  • Variety

    Usually, the sets include a variety of candies and toys. This ensures that there is something for everyone.

  • Thematic Designs

    The packaging and included items are designed to match a particular theme. For instance, a beach theme may include a pail and shovel.

• Novelty Items

  These are unique combinations of candies and toys that come in special designs. Some of their design features include:

  • Interactive Elements

    The items may come with small toys that require some assembly or play. These elements keep the consumers engaged.

  • Edible Toys

    Occasionally, the combinations may include candies that are designed to be eaten together with small, edible toys. These toys are typically made from gelatin or sugar.

  • Surprise Inside

    Some items may be designed to include a hidden toy inside the candy. The design adds an element of surprise and excitement.

• Rescue Candy

  These are candies that come with a toy in a rescue theme. Their design features include:

  • Flavorful Candies

    Generally, the candies are available in fruity flavors. Also, they may come with sour or sweet options.

  • Collectible Toys

    The toys are created to be collectible, usually with different characters or designs. This encourages repeat purchases.

Safety and quality of candies and toys

The safety and quality of candies and toys should be the main consideration for buyers when sourcing products for their business. Here are some key points to consider.

• Safety standards for toys

  Toys should meet the safety standards, which include:

  • Flammability testing
  • Non-toxic materials
  • Mechanical safety
  • Electrical safety

  Certifications like ASTM F963 and CE marking show that a toy passes various safety tests. The certification process involves independent testing labs that examine a toy for potential hazards. The testing includes sharp edges, small parts, toxicity, and more. The certification also requires regular retesting to maintain quality.

• Ingredient safety for candies

  The safety of candy ingredients is essential. Candies should avoid harmful additives like:

  • Trans fats
  • Sodium benzoate
  • Artificial colors
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Asbestos

  Certifications like FDA approval, HACCP, and GMP ensure the safety and quality of candy manufacturing.

• Quality control processes

  Toys and candies should go through quality control processes that include:

  Regular inspections during production

  Testing samples for quality assurance

  Ensuring consistency in meeting safety standards

• Packaging and labeling

  Proper packaging and labeling play a crucial role in safety. The packaging should be:

  Durable to prevent breakages

  Childproof to deter young kids from accessing dangerous parts

  Sealed to ensure freshness and hygiene for candies

• Company reputation and certifications

  Choosing products from reputable companies with certifications and positive feedback is essential. Buyers should look for companies with:

  ISO certification

  Quality management systems

  Certifications specific to the industry

• Recall history

  A company's recall history can indicate its commitment to safety and quality. A company that often has recalls indicates poor quality and safety. A company with a clean recall history shows it values consumer safety. Companies that have recalls should be examined to see if they address the issues and improve their safety practices.

Q & A

Are there any specific safety considerations for candies and toys?

Yes, there are important safety considerations for candies and toys. Candies should not contain harmful ingredients, allergens, or unhealthy additives like high levels of sugar. They should be produced in clean environments and packaged securely to avoid contamination. Toys should be made of non-toxic materials, free of small parts that could pose choking hazards for young children, and should meet durability and safety standards to prevent injuries. Both candies and toys require careful labeling, supervision for young users, and adherence to safety regulations to ensure consumer safety.

Can retailers offer candies and toys as part of a promotional bundle?

Yes, retailers can offer candies and toys as part of promotional bundles. Combining candies and toys in a single promotional bundle can enhance the value and appeal of the offer, attracting customers with an extra incentive to purchase. Such promotional bundles can be customized in various ways to suit the target market and occasion. For instance, in a typical scenario, a store might offer a special deal during a holiday season, such as Valentine's Day, including heart-shaped candies and stuffed toys at a bargain price. Promotional bundles that integrate candies and toys create a unique shopping experience and can boost sales and customer satisfaction.

How can retailers effectively display candies and toys in-store?

Retailers can effectively display candies and toys in-store by creating eye-catching, thematic displays that engage customers' senses and evoke nostalgia. Combining candies and toys in a single promotional bundle can enhance the value and appeal of the offer, attracting customers with an extra incentive to purchase. Such promotional bundles can be customized in various ways to suit the target market and occasion. For instance, in a typical scenario, a store might offer a special deal during a holiday season, such as Valentine's Day, including heart-shaped candies and stuffed toys at a bargain price. Promotional bundles that integrate candies and toys create a unique shopping experience and can boost sales and customer satisfaction.