Stefanie Eskander, a toy designer, discusses her experience designing wrestling buddies and other toys. She talks about the emotional attachment and nostalgia that wrestling buddies have for fans, as well as the importance of nurturing and imaginative play in childhood development. The conversation also touches on the topic of gendered toys and the need for a variety of options for children. Stefanie will be hosting a meet and greet event at the Houston Toy Museum on May 18th.

Learn more about Stefanie Ecksander at stefanieecksanderdesign.com.

Learn more about The Houston Toy Museum at houstontoymuseum.com.

Takeaways

1.) Wrestling buddies have a strong emotional attachment and nostalgia for fans.
2.) Nurturing and imaginative play are important for childhood development.
3.) There should be a variety of toy options for children, including both traditionally gendered toys and gender-neutral toys.
4.) Toys should foster creativity and imagination, rather than just being collectibles.
5.) Children should be encouraged to be their authentic selves and have control over their own imaginations.

Chapters

01:21 The Inspiration Behind Wrestling Buddies
09:14 The Importance of Nurturing and Imaginative Play
13:22 The Debate Over Gendered Toys
18:50 Encouraging Children to Be Their Authentic Selves
22:18 Meet and Greet Event at the Houston Toy Museum