The Hess Toy Truck has been a beloved and popular toy among generations of families. What started out back in 1964 as a thank you to loyal gas station customers up and down the East Coast is now a 53-year-strong top-selling holiday toy across the entire country boasting sold-out status each holiday season.
Each year the latest toy truck is “back and better than ever” and, with the newest model, that’s as true as ever. With over 350 parts, this “first of its kind” is heavier and more elaborate than any prior trucks in the fleet.
Retro brands and classic styled toys are in vogue. And so are science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) toys. This year, Hess is making available for free download a STEM curriculum with 8 lessons featuring the 2017 Hess Toy Truck to help kids better grasp basic concepts of math and science. The curriculum, which was developed in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine, can be used by teachers and parents as a learning tool to help teach core STEM concepts, such as gravity, friction, leverage, velocity – all while taking a break from digital screen time. The curriculum released this past spring featuring the 2016 toy truck is already being used by hundreds of teachers and principals across the country.
The Toy Industry Association named classic toys, STEM toys, and collectible toys as three of the top 2017 holiday season toy trends. No toy fits all three of these trends better than the iconic Hess Toy Truck. This year’s holiday truck will retail for $33.99 with free standard shipping and five Energizer® batteries included.
Justin Mayer is general manager of the Hess Toy Truck. He successfully balances the rather strong product and marketing suggestions from his 8-year old son and 7-year old daughter who are two of Hess Toy Truck’s biggest fans.
