Celebrate International Day of Play with the Weirdest (and Most Wonderful) Toys of 2025

Play with Personality: Why Weird is Wonderful

Celebrate International Day of Play with Weird Toys That Build Real Confidence.

This International Day of Play (11 June), flip the script on cookie-cutter toys with a celebration of self-expression, silliness and everything strange.

Fugglers new to South Africa, are adorably weird plush creatures with wonky teeth, mischievous grins and a whole lot of attitude. More than just toys, these unconventional companions are proving that weird is not only wonderful, but also essential to childhood development.

At a time when kids face increasing social pressures to “fit in,” imaginative play offers a vital space for emotional growth. Research shows that children who engage in imaginative play show improved emotional regulation, empathy and problem-solving skills. The new Fugglers range takes this even further, encouraging children to explore their identities, laugh at the absurd, and find comfort in their quirks.

“Fugglers have a unique way of disarming kids; they’re cheeky, unpredictable, and totally different,” says Christiane Schwarz, Senior Marketing Executive at ZURU. “And that’s exactly why they work. They allow children to say, ‘It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be weird. In fact, it’s awesome.”

The Role of Weird in Emotional Development

Studies show that open-ended, imaginative play strengthens not only creativity but also confidence. According to the Play Well Study, 86% of children say play helps them feel more confident. Fugglers, with their deliberately ‘imperfect’ design, invite children to let go of perfectionism and embrace the weird, the wild and the wonderful.

By normalising difference, Fugglers are powerful tools for:

• Confidence building through non-conformist play;
• Humour development as a tool for resilience;
• Identifying exploration through character creation and storytelling.

Schwarz adds that in a world of polished social media filters and “perfect” portrayals, Fugglers are the ultimate rebellion, a reminder that authenticity beats perfection every time.

With over 8 billion toys sold across 120 countries, ZURU continues to push the boundaries of the toy industry. Ranked among the Top 10 Toy Companies in the World, ZURU is known for disrupting traditional categories with innovation and bold design and Fugglers are no exception.

“Originally a cult internet phenomenon, Fugglers have grown a passionate global fan base for their unapologetically weird aesthetic and offbeat humour,” she says. “Whether kids or adults are creating backstories, filming skits, or staging Fugglers’ latest chaotic adventures, the brand invites full-throttle imagination.”

“Play should be as unpredictable as childhood itself,” adds Schwarz. “Fugglers remind us that toys don’t have to be tidy, sweet, or symmetrical to be loved. The messier the better.”

Celebrate the Strange This International Day of Play

This June, ZURU encourages parents, educators, and caregivers to say yes to the weird. Whether it’s a wonky-eyed Fuggler named Kevin or a Gaptooth McGoo, these offbeat toys are more than laugh-out-loud funny; they're mental wellness tools disguised as plush mischief-makers.

Because when kids play with personality, they learn that being different isn’t something to hide. It’s something to celebrate.