Kids will be on the move with innovative ride-ons; stay busy with new crafts for rainy days; and get grossed out with toys based on snot, slime and No. 2.
The Toy Insider, the leading consumer resource for toy news, reviews, and parenting tips, released its 2018 Spring and Summer Gift Guide online at thetoyinsider.com. Featuring more than 250 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.
“Summertime is all about outdoor play, and this year gives us a range of new toys that will get kids up, moving and having fun in the sun. From developmental and travel toys that engage toddlers, to energizing outdoor games and ride-ons for tweens and teens, our guide runs the gamut of what’s cool for the summer,” says Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht.
Top trends in summer toys include family games that will have multiple generations laughing together, outdoor toys that encourage kids to get active, craft kits to ignite kids’ creativity and educational toys that immerse the whole family in nature and STEM. The guide is also loaded with toys from kids’ favorite blockbuster films and hit TV shows, including Marvel Avengers Infinity War, Peppa Pig, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Vampirina and Disney•Pixar The Incredibles 2.
Never separated by gender, the Toy Insider’s gift guide is broken down by age group and play category. Each category includes a variety of products across a wide range of price points:
- OUTDOOR TOYS: These toys provide unplugged playtime that will get kids outside and away from those screens. When it’s time for some fun in the sun, these toys will help kids have a ball while getting some fresh air. Kids are sure to love Jakks Pacific’s Morf Board and Zing’s Glove-A-Bubbles.
- WATER TOYS: Make a splash with these toys that will keep kids cool in the hot summer sun, from slime-filled water slides to super fun pool toys. Families will love Imperial Toy’s Kaos Splash Tank and YULU’s Watermelon Smash.
- TRAVEL TOYS & GAMES: Summer is the season of travel! Avoid road trip monotony and “Are we there yet?!”s with this selection of awesome travel-friendly toys and games. Favorites include PlayMonster’s Moluk Oogi and ALEX Brands’ Breakaway Ballz.
- 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 moving. From outdoor games to exciting bikes and scooters, these toys will definitely keep kids on their feet. All-new bikes from Dynacraft are sure to get kids active.
- NATURE & EDUCATIONAL TOYS: School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean kids have to stop learning. Kids can continue to explore the world around them with toys that teach STEM concepts and bring them closer to nature. These toys are so much fun, kids won’t even realize they’re learning! Check out the Nintendo Labo Kits and Thames & Kosmos’ Ooze Lab Slime Kits.
- ENTERTAINMENT TOYS: Kids love to expand the worlds of their favorite characters from TV shows, video games, and movies away from the screens. From a family of superheroes, to an island full of dinosaurs, to classic Disney favorites; dolls, action figures and outdoor toys featuring characters kids love are abundant this summer. Some of the best toys in this category include the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Jurassic World Dino Racer and Jazwares’ line of Peppa Pig toys.
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 & Summer Gift Guide, the Toy Insider reviews toys 365 days a year. Visit www.toyinsider.com to read reviews, find the latest in toy news, enter fun giveaways, and get the latest parenting tips.
