The press room at the New York Toy Fair was packed to overflowing last Monday, but not because it was break time. The journalists were there to listen to Reyne Rice outline what Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts have identified as the big 2011 toy trends. Here are the four main trends she identified:

Simply Social: Social Networks, Social Face-to-Face, and Socially Aware - Engaging with playmates either through e-connected toys, cooperative game rules and enthralling pro-social play products. There are lots of apps based on classic toys, but increasingly 'physical' toys are being introduced that orginated with - or will work with apps - including virtual worlds and toys that have an online component. Board games are seeing a trend to 'all-play' games that reduce the ;wait time' (while other players take their turn) and engage competitors throughout the game experience. And a steadily increasing number of toys are teaching kids about the world around them and how to be a good citizen. 

Cent-Sational - Parents have begun loosening their purse strings abit following the recession, but affordability and the "Pennies-per-Play" model are still a big priority for parents. In response, the toy industry is expanding affordable collectible items, offering mini toys (smaller versions of existing products) ate mini price points. and broadening product lines to include toys for every wallet size. 

Performance Play - Thre is a mounting desire among parents, heathcare officials and government initiatives to counteract childhood obesity by getting kids up and moving. The toy industry is repsponding with more toys that promote active play and brain-challenging toys that exercise both body and mind. 

Desgn, Discover, and Learn: Camouflage Learning, Geek Chic, and Constructibles - The idea is to offer toys that make learning buth fun, and cooler than ever. There is a particular focus on toys and games that challenge kids to think spacially, eg. a ost of new construction sets and an increasing number of 3D game play options. 

Other Trends include toys celebrating significant anniversaries; classic toys and games that remain popular year in and year out; entertainment properties taht span blockbuster movies or brands; and tech toys that incorporate online worlds and social networking.