New year, new toys! Toymakers everywhere are already preparing to launch brand-new products that will become the most sought-after toys of 2021 — and we’ve rounded up our favorites that are launching all throughout the year for you below!
You can check out the full list of some of the toys we predict will be hot, hot, HOT this year — or browse them by trend in the links below.
THE TOY INSIDER’S TOP TOYS & TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2021
To Infinity … and Beyond!: STEM-focused toys have been big over the past few years, and with more space-related activity happening IRL, we’re seeing huge interest in toys that are getting kids excited about space exploration, NASA, and alien life! It’s Easy Being Green: Many companies are making efforts to move in an environmentally sustainable direction, both with their products and the lessons they teach. Manufacturers are teaching kids about recycling, creating toys made from sustainable materials, and even using sustainable packaging that is incorporated into the play pattern to minimize waste. Home Is Where the Fun Is: Take at-home fun to the next level with new toys that bring incredible experiences to your backyard, living room floor, or kitchen table. From themed items that bring events like the carnival right to your home, to activity sets that take creativity and imagination to new heights, kids can have a blast all year long while still staying safe in the comfort of their own homes. Family Game Night: Party games have been on the rise in the past few years, but gamemakers are now catering more to families’ needs by offering family-friendly games geared toward smaller groups. These titles are fun for both kids and adults, combining luck, strategy, humor, and even some toyetic elements into the gameplay. In My Feelings: It has been a tough year for everyone, and toys can be great tools to help kids process everything that’s going on. We’re seeing a lot of toys that are designed to promote Social Emotional Learning (SEL), help kids stay calm and relaxed, and teach them how to manage their feelings. Going Viral: Both kids and parents are more digitally connected than ever before. This new way of life is reflected in toys based on viral trends, videos and internet stars, along with new toys encouraging kids to become creators themselves or even enhance the videos and content they’re already making.See below for the Toy Insider’s 2021 Top Toys Sneak Peek!
PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3. AQUA SPLISH SPLASH WATER PARK
This playset features a lazy river that kids can move by turning a crank, a center pool with calmer waters, floating rafts, and sea animals. Toddlers can develop cognitive, fine motor, and language skills while engaging in water play.
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3DOODLER CREATE+ LEARN FROM HOME PEN SET
With this set, at-home learners can make art, design objects, and build real working models that demonstrate their understanding of STEAM concepts. It includes a 3Doodler Create+ pen, a power source, more than 200 strands of colorful Doodling material, a Doodle Pad, nine challenge cards of varying difficulty level, and an easy-to-clean carrying pouch.
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BEYBLADE BURST PRO SERIES ELITE CHAMPIONS PRO SET
Kids can compete like the elite using the authentic Japanese Beyblade Burst battle system. The Beyblade Burst Pro Series tops, launchers, and Beystadium offer authentic components and battle performance features. The tops feature premium deco and die-cast metal for a competitive edge in battle. Kids can compete like the elite using the authentic Japanese Beyblade…
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BIG FEELINGS PINEAPPLE!
A pineapple with a lot of feelings! Kids can explore emotion identification and expressions by playing with this tropical friend's 26 changeable pieces, such as mouths, eyes, eyebrows, and hands. A pineapple with a lot of feelings! Kids can explore emotion identification and expressions by playing with this tropical friend's 26 changeable pieces, such as…
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BLUE’S CLUES & YOU! BEDTIME BLUE
Kids can snuggle up with Blue as they fall asleep. This plush features Blue in her star-patterned pajamas and holding her bedtime lovey Polka Dots. When kids press Blue's paw, Polka Dots glows and plays music. Kids can snuggle up with Blue as they fall asleep. This plush features Blue in her star-patterned pajamas and…
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CALM MINDFUL NATURE SCENE 300-PIECE PUZZLES
In partnership with the sleep and meditation app Calm, this line of puzzles includes six different zen landscapes. It comes with a 30-day subscription to the Calm app, which pairs a puzzle scene with related meditation audio. This product will be available in the fall. In partnership with the sleep and meditation app Calm, this…
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CANDY CLAW MACHINE
Build a working model of the classic arcade game. Learn how the gears, levers, belt, screws, hydraulics, linkages, cranks, and claws work together to pick up, move, and drop prizes. Includes 10 lollipops and decoys to grab. Build a working model of the classic arcade game. Learn how the gears, levers, belt, screws, hydraulics, linkages,…
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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…
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CIRCUIT EXPLORER
Circuit Explorer combines simple circuits and big imaginations! Construction play meets electrical engineering in this snap-together building system that comes in three different playsets! Kids line up the circuitry graphics on the oversized pieces and snap them together to build a fully powered, large-scale, space-themed world. Connect the pieces to make out-of-this-world custom, light-up builds.…
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COCOMELON MUSICAL TRACTOR
This brightly colored tractor comes with an exclusive 3-inch JJ figure. Press on the grill of the tractor to hear “Old MacDonald," plus animal and tractor sounds, and the CoComelon theme song. This kid-powered tractor also features rolling wheels and brings the fun of the CoComelon nursery rhymes to life.
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COSMIC COWS
Players will face off to see who can abduct three Cosmic Cows first. Roll the dice to determine the movement of the cow figurines, then must pull the cows toward their spaceship or away from their opponents. The first player to collect three cows in their zone is the winner. Players will face off to…
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CRAYOLA PAINT AND CREATE EASEL CASE
This dual-sided, portable art case makes it easy to keep supplies protected and organized on-the-go. Young artists can try new painting and coloring techniques with more than 65 pieces, including tools, paints, pencils, crayons, and more. This dual-sided, portable art case makes it easy to keep supplies protected and organized on-the-go. Young artists can try…
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CREATIVITY FOR KIDS SENSORY BINS
Each uniquely themed sensory bin is a self-contained, hands-on, tactical play experience that helps kids explore, learn, and create while engaging their senses. Themes include Outer Space, Ocean & Sand, Dinosaur Dig, and more. Each uniquely themed sensory bin is a self-contained, hands-on, tactical play experience that helps kids explore, learn, and create while engaging…
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CRY BABIES MAGIC TEARS STORYLAND STORY HOUSE SERIES
Kids can find the rainbow key to open the capsule to find one of seven fairytale-inspired Cry Babies characters, a pet, and 10 accessories, such as a fabric outfit and a baby bottle. Kids can find the rainbow key to open the capsule to find one of seven fairytale-inspired Cry Babies characters, a pet, and…
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CRYSTAL SPACE TERRARIUM
This craft kit includes ready-to-grow crystals, sparkling space rocks, a squishy UFO, space gems, and colorful stickers that kids can use to decorate and grow a glowing crystal terrarium. The plastic jar also features a light-up lid (batteries not included). This craft kit includes ready-to-grow crystals, sparkling space rocks, a squishy UFO, space gems, and…
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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…
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DE.BORED PUZZLES
This new line of puzzles is designed to help teens and adults de-stress and solve boredom through colorful, strategic, and repeat puzzle play. The puzzles range from 500-1,000 pieces and there are four different puzzles available featuring modern, trendy designs and bold color palettes.
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DESIGN & DRILL BOLT BUDDIES FIRST RESPONDERS
This line includes three vehicles inspired by frontline workers: a fire truck, a helicopter, and a police motorcycle (each sold separately). Snap the pieces together and use the kid-friendly drill to attach colorful bolts. Features eco-friendly packaging. This line includes three vehicles inspired by frontline workers: a fire truck, a helicopter, and a police motorcycle…
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RAYA WARRIOR DOLL
From the new film Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon this doll features Raya in her story-inspired outfit, complete with a removable cape, hat, and sword. It features 11 points of articulation, allowing kids to recreate their favorite movie poses and action moves. From the new film Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon this doll…
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DREAM SEEKERS
These soft, 14-inch dolls feature wings, long hair, “dream marks” on their wrists, and removable skirts and accessories. The reusable packaging features a seat and a secret wish pocket where kids can write their dreams. These soft, 14-inch dolls feature wings, long hair, “dream marks” on their wrists, and removable skirts and accessories. The reusable…
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FISHER-PRICE LAUGH & LEARN PUPPY’S MIXTAPE, BUSY BOOMBOX, LIL’ GAMER
This trio of retro-inspired toys (each sold separately) lets babies get in on the fun of '80s and '90s entertainment. Each toy features tons of interactive elements and will help little ones learn numbers, the alphabet, colors, shapes, and more while engaging in hands-on play. This trio of retro-inspired toys (each sold separately) lets babies…
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FOAMO FOAM MACHINE
This set includes everything kids need for a backyard foam party, including an 18-gallon bin, a power blower, a pump, tubing, and foam solution. Just add water to create up to two hours of foam fun. This product will be available later this month. Adult supervision recommended. This set includes everything kids need for a…
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FOR KEEPS
This fashion doll line promotes positive affirmations. Each doll includes interchangeable clothes, accessories, a unique hairstyle, and more. The dolls help inspire meaningful communication through messages of love, acceptance, empowerment, and inclusivity. This fashion doll line promotes positive affirmations. Each doll includes interchangeable clothes, accessories, a unique hairstyle, and more. The dolls help inspire meaningful…
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GAME FACE
Players take turns drawing cards that each list a challenge event and the number of seconds they have to complete it, varying from 15-60 seconds. The timer on the headgear will beep to countdown each second, intensifying once there are only 10 seconds left. As the timer runs out it will speak words of encouragement…
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GLAMCRUSH
These 3-inch collectible dolls are each based on a makeup brush, such as highlighter, powder, and contour. The dolls come packaged in a makeup brush-shaped case and kids can push up on the bottom of the case to reveal which chic Crush-It Girl is waiting inside. Each individual doll comes with a natural bare face…
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GUJO ADVENTURE MISSION TO MARS ROCKET
Kids can build a 2.5-foot tall rocket with four levels, including a flight deck and an engine room. The 245-piece set includes plastic connectors and panels, two astronaut figures, and space-themed accessories. The entire set is waterproof and washable.
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H2OGO! JUMBO GIRAFFE INFLATABLE SPRINKLER
This inflatable giraffe sprinkler stands more than 6 feet tall for backyard fun in the sun. Adults and kids can run, jump and play under the cooling mist. This sprinkler set includes ground stakes to keep the giraffe securely in place. This product will be available in April. This inflatable giraffe sprinkler stands more than…
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HEXMODS PRO RACER PACK
HEXMODS is a line of customizable, hobby-grade R/C model cars. Thanks to the cars' chassis, the builder can swap hardware like spoilers, side skirts, hoods, and suspensions and speed up to 30 feet per second (20 mph). The Pro Racer Pack is a larger bundle that includes a wider assortment of modifications and more performance…
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HOT WHEELS CITY SPEEDWAY HAULER
This semi-truck is full of surprises. Store and showcase more than 20 Hot Wheels cars, then unfold the hauler into a 6-foot-long racetrack. Unused cars stay visible under the track, while the truck's cab converts into a dual launcher that sends two cars in an epic head-to-head battle. This semi-truck is full of surprises. Store…
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JUST MY STYLE MOODJOY STELLAR STARDUST MOOD BOARD DECOR SET
Kids can create and embrace a sense of calm with this kit that is inspired by the ethereal beauty of the sky. Collect the inspiring items on the board, then decorate it with the included quartz crystals, satin fabric, sequins, and shapes. Kids can create and embrace a sense of calm with this kit that…
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KOOSH SHARP SHOT
The brand that spans generations is back with an interactive target game that tests kids' aim with three different modes. Kids can choose Target Toss, Criss Cross, or Lightning Flash modes and shoot the target areas as prompted. The brand that spans generations is back with an interactive target game that tests kids' aim with…
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LEAPFROG CHOPPIN’ FUN LEARNING POT
The Choppin' Fun Learning Pot comes with 14 accessories kids can use to cook up pretend meals. The interactive pot features lights, sounds, and color-change effects and helps kids learn about food, colors, and more. This toy will be available in the fall. The Choppin' Fun Learning Pot comes with 14 accessories kids can use…
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LEGO CREATOR FLOWER BOUQUET
Each detail of the bouquet is made from LEGO components. The build is completely customizable to create a unique display. Part of the LEGO Botanical Collection for adults, this set includes several elements made from a plant-based plastic, produced using sustainably sourced sugarcane. Each detail of the bouquet is made from LEGO components. The build…
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LITTLE LIVE PETS MY PET PIG PIGGLY
Kids can take Piggly the pig for a walk on her leash or feed her from her bottle, then watch her ears and nose wiggle. Piggly features soft, stretchy skin and 25 sounds and reactions.
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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…
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MOJI THE LOVEABLE LABRADOODLE
Moji is a soft, cuddly dog that responds to kids' voices and touch with more than 150 reactions. His smart collar features a color screen that displays animated emojis that communicate his puppy thoughts. Moji is a soft, cuddly dog that responds to kids' voices and touch with more than 150 reactions. His smart collar…
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MY SQUISHY LITTLE DUMPLINGS
Squish and pull these little dumplings that are perfect for active hands. Squeeze their cheeks to pop out their unique personalities, with more than 50 possible reactions. Watch them light up and make sounds. Squish and pull these little dumplings that are perfect for active hands. Squeeze their cheeks to pop out their unique personalities,…
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OK BOOMER
Get the generations together for this hilarious party game that puts your age gap to the test. Separate into teams: Old School vs. New School. From slang words to cartoon characters, the New School guesses trivia questions about the Old School and vice versa. Get the generations together for this hilarious party game that puts…
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OODLES OF ALIENS SORTING SAUCER
Coming in the fall, this sorting game features a dice popper, tri-grip tongs, and a two-piece spaceship that opens to reveal six colorful compartments filled with 30 squishy alien counters. Kids will practice color recognition, sorting, counting, and fine motor skills while playing. Coming in the fall, this sorting game features a dice popper, tri-grip…
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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…
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PAWZ, THE CALMING PUP
Pawz encourages kids to bring awareness to their thoughts and feelings with auto-adjusting lights and three guided breathing patterns: square breath, four-by-four breath, and laddered breath. It also doubles as a night light. Pawz encourages kids to bring awareness to their thoughts and feelings with auto-adjusting lights and three guided breathing patterns: square breath, four-by-four…
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POP UNDER PRESSURE
Flick the spinner to determine the letter, then race to fill in the categories before the inflating balloon bursts in this fast-paced family game. The player with the most points is the winner. Flick the spinner to determine the letter, then race to fill in the categories before the inflating balloon bursts in this fast-paced…
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POP2PLAY
Parents can assemble these pop-up playsets in less than five minutes and fold them flat for easy storage. Each set is made with a durable, eco-friendly, StrongFold cardboard material that can hold up to 50 pounds. These playsets will be available in the spring. Parents can assemble these pop-up playsets in less than five minutes…
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ROCKET BALL AIR STACKER
Toddlers can stack the tubes together in numerical order to build a 3-foot-tall rocket. Once stacked, toddlers can place the ball into the base and turn on the fan to make the balls launch to the top of the rocket. When toddlers place the lid on top of the rocket, the ball will sink back…
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PAW PATROL ROCKY REUSE IT TRUCK
PAW Patrol's Rocky encourages kids to recycle the included materials and turn them into tools, including a brush, a claw, and a hammer. Then, kids can pretend to use their new tools on their rescue missions with Rocky. The truck is equipped with rolling wheels and moving arms to lift the dumpster and empty the…
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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.…
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SHIMMER ‘N SPARKLE 5-IN-1 ULTIMATE KNITTING STATION
Kids can knit their own mini earbud purse, scarf, hat, and more with this set. It comes with yarn and five different knitting looms, including a two-sided spool loom. This product will be available in the spring. Kids can knit their own mini earbud purse, scarf, hat, and more with this set. It comes with…
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SMARTIVITY DO-IT-YOURSELF STEAM ACTIVITY KITS
All of the Smartivity sets are made from re-engineered, laser-cut wood and feature mess-free assembly using rubber bands. They are recyclable and sustainable and teach kids fundamental principles of STEAM concepts as they build. There are three Smartivity sets to choose from: RoverBot, Stunt Demon, and Periscope. All of the Smartivity sets are made from…
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SNEAKY, SNACKY SQUIRREL GAME! SPECIAL EDITION
The game that reinforces color learning, matching skills, strategic thinking, turn-taking, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills celebrates its 10th birthday this year with a special edition. This version features a fuzzy, flocked Squirrel Squeezer and a package featuring fuzzy flocking on Sneaky, gold foiling on the text and acorns, and a 10th Birthday Edition…
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SORT & RECYCLE RIDE-ON TRUCK
Made from 90% reclaimed plastic, little ones can hop on this ride-on truck and learn about recycling and reusing everyday objects. They can sort pieces that represent plastic, metal, and paper into the correct bin and take quizzes that reinforce learning. Made from 90% reclaimed plastic, little ones can hop on this ride-on truck and…
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SPIKE THE FINE MOTOR HEDGEHOG SENSORY TREE HOUSE
Kids can open the treetop to find five little hedgehogs inside. Each critter has a different textured top for tactile play. Kids can practice fine motor skills, shape matching, color identification, and more as they stack, count, and hide the hedgehogs. This will be available in the fall. Kids can open the treetop to find…
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SPY NINJAS PROJECT ZORGO VOICE MORPHER
Kids can record their own custom messages, disguise their voices, or play several preprogrammed project Zorgo's phrases and sound effects. This set includes a Project Zorgo ID card and pencils. The Voice Morpher will be available March 1. Kids can record their own custom messages, disguise their voices, or play several preprogrammed project Zorgo's phrases…
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SQUEAKEE THE BALLOON DINO
This interactive toy is part balloon animal and part dinosaur, with new tricks, games, and more than 70 sounds and reactions. Squeakee Dino comes with removable headphones and a bone squeaker accessory. This interactive toy is part balloon animal and part dinosaur, with new tricks, games, and more than 70 sounds and reactions. Squeakee Dino…
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UNO TRIPLE PLAY
This game is a new, premium, electronic extension of the classic UNO game. Players are allowed to use whichever of the three discard piles are lit up during their turn, but if one of the piles overloads on a play, that player will have to draw 2-6 cards. This game will be available in the…
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UNSOLVED CASE FILES: JAMIE BANKS
In this game designed for true-crime enthusiasts, players work to unravel the mystery of what happened to 18-year-old Jamie Banks on the morning of November 20, 1992 using the investigator's original case file, including newspaper clippings, crime scene photos, and more. Players can play solo or with a group! In this game designed for true-crime…
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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…
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VTECH KIDIZOOM PRINTCAM
This kid-friendly digital camera lets kids create instant black and white photo printouts. It also features special photo effects, and takes panoramic photos. Kids can print out and color their own comic strips, games, cards, characters, play money, and more. The lens even flips up for selfies. This product will be available in the fall.…
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WORDS OVER EASY
Kids can pop the letter eggs into the egg sorter to see which letters they can use to spell words. Use the “good” letters on the green side, but be careful not to use any of the “rotten” letters on the red side. Kids can pop the letter eggs into the egg sorter to see…
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WORLD OF GEMSTONES DIG KIT
Teaching the concept of culture and how our differences make us unique, kids can dig up gemstones and learn relatable, cultural facts about each country where the gemstones are found. The reusable package turns into a World Culture display box for kids to teach others about how gemstones are used worldwide. This product will be…
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YOU’RE ON MUTE
Take turns being “On-Screen” — a literal screen that magnifies your mouth — to give your teammates clues to guess the key words. Each game uses the same key words for all three rounds: Strong Signal, in which players can say anything when giving clues; Weak Connection, in which they can only use one-word clues;…
