TOY INSIDER
FUN FINDS
2026 CALENDAR
The Toy Insider’s Fun Finds program is a slate of featured mini gift guides that includes themed Shoppable Gift Lists, specialized Fun Finds e-blasts, and social outreach!
Larger digital and social media marketing packages are available. For marketing opportunities, please contact James Devin, Stephanie Katz, and Jackie Breyer.
| PUBLISH WEEK OF | THEME | PRODUCTS FOR CONSIDERATION | SUBMIT TO |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 19 | Must-Have Snow Toys | • Sleds and snow tubes • Snow toys • Snow-friendly R/C | Samantha Connell |
| January 26 | Valentine’s Day Toys | • Special-edition Valentine’s items • Toys featuring red, pink, hearts • Toys focused on love and/or friendship • Small, impulse-style toys | Nicole Savas |
| February 2 | Black History Month | • Black-owned businesses • Inclusive toys | Ali Mierzejewski |
| February 9 | Indoor Toys to Beat Cabin Fever | • Games & puzzles • Play sets • Craft/DIY sets • Playroom active toys | James Zahn |
| February 16 | National Day of Unplugging | • Screen-free toys | Samantha Connell |
| February 23 | International Women’s Day | • Women-owned businesses • Inclusive toys | Annie Marino |
| March 2 | Easter Toys | • Easter-themed/egg-shaped toys • Toys with an MSRP of less than $10 • Collectibles, fidgets, small crafts | Marissa Silva |
| March 9 | Top Toys to Watch in 2025 | • ALL categories • Post-toy fair roundup of our favorite picks | Taylor Battle |
| March 16 | Ride-ons for Spring | • Electric ride-ons • Bikes • Scooters • Rockers • Helmets & protective accessories | James Zahn |
| March 23 | Autism Awareness | • Sensory-friendly toys • Fidgets, impulse & novelties • Puzzles | Nicole Savas |
| March 31 | Earth Day | • Eco-friendly toys/games • Toys/games that educate kids about the planet • Toys/games made from recycled materials | Annie Marino |
| April 7 | TBD | ||
| April 13 | Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Toys | • Outdoor toys with MSRP of less than $50 | Marissa Silva |
| April 20 | Mental Health Awareness Month | • Toys that help with social-emotional development • Toys/games that help reduce anxiety | Annie Marino |
| April 27 | AAPI-Heritage Month | • AAPI-owned businesses • Inclusive toys | Stephanie Szulborski |
| May 4 | Best Backyard Playsets | • Playsets and swing sets • Play houses • Sand boxes • Active play sets • Outdoor family toys and games • Grill & kitchen play sets | Marissa Silva |
| May 11 | Best Bubble Toys | • Toys that feature bubbles | Annie Marino |
| May 18 | Toys to Explore Nature | • Toys that educate and encourage kids to explore outside | Stephanie Szulborski |
| May 25 | Best Travel Toys | • Small/compact toys/games • Toys designed for on-the-go use • Toys with little to no mess | Katherine Hill |
| June 1 | Best Beach Toys | • Sand and water toys | Ali Mierzejewski |
| June 8 | Top Soccer-Themed Picks | • Soccer toys and games • World Cup-licensed gear • Gifts for soccer fanatics | Taylor Battle |
| June 29 | Best Pool Toys | • Pool toys and games • Floats, rafts and safety gear • Splash pads, sprinklers, and water parks • Water blasters | Samantha Connell |
| July 6 | Best Rainy Day Toys | • Arts and crafts kits • Art supplies and tools • Family games • Puzzles • Activity kits • Building sets | Marissa Silva |
| July 7-11 (exact date TBD – will align with sale dates) | Amazon Prime Deal Day | • Toys/games with Amazon Prime Day Deals | Ali Mierzejewski |
| July 13 | Harry Potter 25th Anniversary | • Officially licensed Harry Potter toys, games, and more | Annie Marino |
| July 20 | Christmas in July | • All categories • Hottest holiday toy preview | Stephanie Szulborski |
| July 27 | Best Active Toys | • Ride-ons • Outdoor games • Indoor/Outdoor play sets • Games that encourage movement | Katherine Hill |
| August 3 | Back-to-School Toys & Gear | • Backpacks and supplies • DIY accessories kits • Books • Educational toys • Social-emotional toys | Taylor Battle |
| August 10 | Best STEM Toys | • Science, technology, engineering and math-based toys | Samantha Connell |
| August 17 | Best Preschool Learning Toys | Educational toys for kids ages 3-5 | Natalie Miller |
| August 24 | Best DIY Kits | • DIY kits • Arts and crafts • Art supplies | Annie Marino |
| August 31 | TBD | ||
| September 7 | Hispanic Heritage Month | • Toys that educate kids on hispanic culture • Hispanic-owned businesses • Spanish-speaking toys/games | Natalie Miller |
| September 14 | TBD | ||
| September 21 | TBD | ||
| September 28 | Best Toys for Girls | • Dolls • Plush • Dress-up • Tech pets | Katherine Hill |
| September 28 | Best Toys for Boys | • Blasters • Role-play • Action figures • R/C | Natalie Miller |
| October 6 | Halloween Toys | • Halloween-themed toys/games • Spooky/Monster-themed products • Murder Mystery games • Impulse/novelties • Toys with an MSRP of less than $10 | Ashley Pelletier |
| October 7-8 (exact date TBD – will align with sale dates) | Amazon Prime Big Deal Days | • Toys/games with Amazon Big Deal Days Deals | Ali Mierzejewski |
| October 12 | Baby’s First Year: Products to Hit Key Milestones | • Products to help with tummy time, sitting up, walking • Books to help with early language development • Sleep aids • Fine motor skill development • Gross motor skill development • Mealtime/first foods • Infant travel toys • Teethers • Cribs, strollers, car seats, bassinets, other travel and/or convertible items | Samantha Connell |
| October 19 | Big-Ticket Gifts | • Large-scale playsets • Playroom upgrades • Toys with an MSRP of $100 or more | Natalie Miller |
| October 26 | Best Dolls | • Fashion dolls • Baby dolls • 18-inch dolls • Plush dolls • Collectible dolls • Doll accessories and playsets | Annie Marino |
| November 2 | Best Family Games | • Party games • Strategy games • Licensed games • Classic games • Toyetic games | Taylor Battle |
| November 9 | Best Plush | • Plush toys of all styles | Nicole Savas |
| November 16 | Last-minute Gifts | • Toys/games with retail available right up until Dec. 24 | James Zahn |
| November 20 | Black Friday/Cyber Monday | •Toys/games with Black Friday Deals | Ali Mierzejewski |
| November 30 | Holiday-themed Toys | • Christmas- and Hanukkah-themed toys/games | Katherine Hill |
| December 7 | Gifts for Kids at Heart | • Action figures and collectibles for adults • Board games for adults • Retro/nostalgic brands | Ashley Pelletier |
| December 14 | Stocking Stuffers | • Collectibles • Impulse/novelties • Toys with an MSRP of less than $10 | Stephanie Szulborski |
| December 21 | Family New Years Eve In | • Family games • Crafts/activities | Nicole Savas |