Every so often I go through phases of thinking 'designer toys' have hit a real buffer only for an amazing piece to come out the following month (for example Brandt's Dead Bunny), to then be followed by yet more generic toys that offer very little artistic merit. The recent and very open debate around Kidrobot on blogs answered in part by Paul Budnitz's interview, the launch of Kidrobot Black and various others bits of news got me thinking about where we're at now we're in the second decade of designer toys.

So having looked back on the last few years, here's my personal wish list for 2010 and beyond:

1. Platform toys: Please, please stop it now. Generic, blobby shapes are dull, lifeless and offer nothing other than wasting plastic and oil that would be spent not slowly destrying the planet. We got Qee, we got Munny and friends, Teddy Troops etc we don't need more.
2. Urban designz: Really does this toy need rubbish clothing and some vaguely hip hop connection? We've been here before only last time Eric So and others did it far, far better. And frankly, you're no So or Lau so lets do everyone a favour, leave it be and not pretend this thing is all urban and gangsta.
3. Quelle surprise aka the custom show line up: Custom show time...Brilliant lets see what's on offer. Oh it's the same 10 people again! If you have a custom show coming up, please do some research - it's pretty easy - and find people with talent and vision rather than just the same old names.
4. The De ja Vu Conundrum aka, I've seen this design before: You know the ones! Seriously producers, stop asking for the same designs from known artists or have the guts stop accepting recycled crap that never made it on to something else, or worse has already been on at least two pieces, and be original. Artists...have a bit of self-respect and stop pushing the same old, same old just because you can see some $ signs - you'll be better off in the long run.
5. I'm sick of dusting: Slightly left field this one...Can IKEA or someone please produce a decent, nicely designed cabinet for my collection? Detolfs are ugly and let in dust and I don't want a bookcase with a door on it.

I hope none of this comes across as overly negative but you and I both know the talent is out there - it's on the various boards and blogs for all to see. That's why when any of 1-4 happens I sigh and wonder whatever happened to the "art" in "art toys". Lets hope 2010 brings plenty of pleasant surprises, quality toy releases and more debate.