Name: Alex Thorne.
Age: 12 years old and full of energy.
In his official role as Chief Play Officer for Toys”R”Us, Alex spends his days testing the newest toys, noting what makes each one stand out, and sharing ideas that spark imagination. He travels across Canada and the United States to meet kids, film demonstrations, and explain toy trends on TV and radio. His work helps families discover playful options that spark creativity and joy in everyday life.
This profile traces how he earned the dream role and reveals his favorite toys as the holiday season approaches.
Describe your job in your own words.
In his role, Alex gets a steady stream of new toys from Toys”R”Us, tests them, and notes what makes each item engaging for kids. He explains why play matters and how imagination grows through simple games. He shares these insights on television and radio, discussing new releases and trends with audiences across Canada and the United States.
How did he land this kind of job?
The company held a contest inviting kids aged 11 to 13 to fill the Chief Play Officer post. Applicants submitted videos explaining why they would excel in the role. Ten finalists advanced to interviews, and Alex was chosen as the winner.
Among the toys he has tested, which stand out as favorites?
Two toys consistently stand out for him because they mix suspense, active play, and outdoor fun. Boom Boom Balloon challenges players to inflate a balloon in a stand while rolling dice and inserting sticks. The balloon can pop at any moment, which adds a jolt of laughter when it happens. For outdoor play, Phlat Ball wins praise for transforming from a flat disc into a ball and back again. Players throw, catch, and chase the ball, never knowing exactly when it will revert to its spherical form.
What, in his view, makes a good toy?
To Alex, good toys are unique and interactive. A standout toy invites curiosity, fuels imaginative play, and keeps kids engaged beyond a single moment. He cites Furby Boom and Furblings as examples of toys that connect with apps or other Furbys, showing how physical play can blend with digital experiences. Above all, it must be FUN.
How does he prepare to review toys and games that he would not normally choose?
When he encounters items outside his usual preferences, he puts himself in someone else’s shoes. For a toddler toy, he considers what his three-year-old cousin would enjoy, then tries to imagine the toy’s appeal from that child’s perspective. This empathy guides his assessments and helps him recommend toys that would delight different kids and families.
What has been the best part of the job at Toys”R”Us?
The best part is the joy that toys bring and the chance to share that joy with others. Alex has donated several toys from his collection to Footprints4Autism and finds meaning in helping families access play experiences. He also loves traveling to appear on TV across the country, where people value his thoughts and enthusiasm as a young reviewer.
Thank you, Alex.
Alex”s story shows how imagination and play can shape a young life and invite others to join in.