While video game software, hardware, and consumer electronics ranked high as products requested by kids, apparel and accessories experienced the most growth in the first quarter of 2012, according to The NPD Group’s Kids Industry Data Service report.

In total, US$24 billion was spent on products for kids ages zero to 14 and apparel/accessories increased 1.3% to more than US$8.9 billion versus the same period last year.

The apparel/accessories category was also one of the lowest ranking for products requested by kids second only to baby/infant products.The report also found that growth in product categories was driven by kids ages six to eight and 12 to 14. All other age ranges experienced sales declines.

Arts and crafts, consumer electronics, health and beauty, and sporting goods were additional categories all experiencing increases.

Licensed product sales for kids grew from US$5.6 billion to US$5.8 billion, while non-licensed products declined to US$18 billion from US$18.1 billion for same period last year.

Properties showing the most growth for kids in alphabetical order are: Cars: The Movie, Hello Kitty & Friends, Mickey and Friends, and Transformers.