In the old days, kids wanted to play with the characters that they saw on TV or in the movies. Now, as entertainment has grown into a cross-platform affair that spans screens of every shape and size, the new wave of toys reflects that with fun products inspired by the stars of YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and mobile gaming. These are just a few of the hot items that kids will be asking for in the months ahead!

CATS VS. PICKLES HUGGERS

The plush assortment inspired by the YouTube sensation Cats Vs. Pickles gets even bigger this year with Cats vs. Pickles Huggers. Kids can hug and snuggle with 20-inch plush characters, including Water-Meow-Lon, Kitty Dog, Starla, Pepper, Candi Nana, and a pickle named Big Dill. The plush assortment inspired by the YouTube sensation Cats Vs. Pickles…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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CRYSTALINA

Each of the four characters embodies a crystal element and aura, which passes back and forth between the doll and included amulet in the form of LED light patterns. Kids can also wear the amulet. Each of the four characters embodies a crystal element and aura, which passes back and forth between the doll and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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LOVE, DIANA MYSTERY MUSIC TRUNK

Kids can unlock the ultimate princess dress up set with this trunk featuring 17 hidden accessories inspired by the “Princess of Play.” Kids can use the included key to unlock the top and sides of the trunk to discover a secret wand that opens hidden compartments to reveal a music box and surprises such as…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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ORBEEZ #CHALLENGE

This mess-free, tactile compound play space is the first-ever Orbeez playset. #OrbeezChallenge has more than 12 million views on TikTok, and kids can recreate similar effects with six unique tools and 2,000 Orbeez. This mess-free, tactile compound play space is the first-ever Orbeez playset. #OrbeezChallenge has more than 12 million views on TikTok, and kids…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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RYAN’S WORLD WORLD TOUR HOT AIR BALLOON

The Ryan's World World Tour Hot Air Balloon takes kids on a globetrotting adventure. Inside the hot air balloon-shaped case, kids will find 12 of the 80 available country-specific micro figures, a passport book, and a DLC card for the Tag with Ryan app. This product will be available exclusively at Target beginning March 1.…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99; $59.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 3+

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VLAD & NIKI SUPERHERO SURPRISE

With this complete unboxing experience, kids can bring the included comic book and story to life. Each features more than 20 surprises, including a mask and a cape, Super Hero Vlad and Niki figures, slime eggs, and more. With this complete unboxing experience, kids can bring the included comic book and story to life. Each…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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