But exhibitors and researchers said people were tending to play old-fashioned board games or invest in educational software in the economic downturn when budgets are tight and expensive outings have to be rationed.

"When times are bad, people turn to nostalgia and remember good old times. We are actually pleased with the recession, because when the world is falling apart, everyone recalls their childhood memories and buys marbles," said Sarah Campbell, a sales manager at the House of Marbles.

"The whole family can play board games and spend quality time together. People now pass their board games on from generation to generation to save money and inherit something beautiful."

They said parents were increasingly turning to brands they remember from their own childhood.