The Toy Insider Trend Experts Announce Hottest Summer Toys of 2017

TISS17The Toy Insider, the leading consumer resource for toy news, reviews and parenting tips, released its 2017 Spring and Summer Gift Guide online at thetoyinsider.com. Featuring nearly 200 toys in six different categories, the Toy Insider’s list includes toys, games, tech, and more for kids of all ages, from newborns to teens.

Top trends in summer toys include family activities that will keep multiple generations engaged and having fun together, outdoor toys that encourage active play, creative DIY kits that let kids customize original works of art, and educational toys that get kids interested in nature and STEM concepts. The guide is also loaded with toys from kids’ favorite blockbuster films and hit TV shows, including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Cars 3, Despicable Me 3, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Never separated by gender, the Toy Insider’s gift guide is broken down by age group and play category. Each play category includes a variety of products across a wide range of price points:

  • OUTDOOR TOYS: It’s time for kids to get off the couch and head outside for some unplugged playtime. When it’s time for some fun in the sun, these toys will help kids have a ball while exploring the great outdoors. Families are sure to love Blip Toys’ new line of TwisTime outdoor games, especially the Ball Toss and Tower Crash.
  • WATER TOYS: These toys will make a splash with kids this year, while helping them keep cool in the warm summer sun. From quick-filling water balloons to pool toys and games, families will love all the wet fun in store, especially the new Egged On game, from Hasbro.
  • TRAVEL TOYS AND GAMES: Summer is the perfect time to hit the road! Avoid hearing “I’m bored” from the backseat by keeping kids entertained with awesome travel-friendly toys and games. A great option for creative kids is Kahootz Toys’ Travel Fashion Plates.
  • PHYSICAL/ACTIVE TOYS: It’s important for kids to stay active, and there are lots of fun toys that encourage them to get up and start moving. From outdoor games to exciting ride-ons, these toys will definitely keep kids on their feet. Zuru’s X-Shot Bubble Balls are sure to be one of the hottest toys of the summer.
  • NATURE & EDUCATIONAL TOYS: Learning doesn’t have to stop just because kids are out of school. Keep kids engaged with toys that reinforce STEM concepts and that bring them closer to nature. These toys are so much fun, kids won’t even realize they’re learning! Check out Thames & Kosmos’ new Ooze Labs kits, which are perfect for fun, quick, and easy STEM learning.
  • ENTERTAINMENT TOYS: Kids feel a special bond with their favorite characters from TV shows, video games, and movies, and love to play with these characters even away from the screens. From wish-granting twin genies, to loot-stealing pirates, to a Beauty and a Beast, adorable characters take the form of dolls, action figures, and bubble wands this summer. Some of the best toys in this category include Just Play’s PJ Masks Deluxe Vehicles and Jada Toys’ Mickey Transforming Roadster Racer R/C.

The Toy Insider team is composed of a panel of industry experts who review thousands of products throughout the year. The team reviews each product to evaluate its features and overall value, taking into consideration five main criteria: play value, originality, skill building, product integrity, and fun factor. In addition to the Spring and Summer Gift Guide, the Toy Insider reviews toys 365 days a year. Visit http://www.toyinsider.com to read reviews, find the latest in toy news, enter fun giveaways, and get the latest parenting tips.

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About the author

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik was the Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book from 2020-2022. She was also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider.

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