As this wild and crazy year comes to an end, we want to say thank you to all of our readers for sharing our love of toys!
We’re grateful that you take the time to visit our website, read our reviews, enter our giveaways, watch our videos and TV segments, say hi on social media, and even party at our virtual events.
So, what were your favorite posts of the year? From our gift guides and toy reviews to the latest in kids’ entertainment, let’s take a look back on our 10 most-read stories of the year at thetoyinsider.com.
1. The Toy Insider’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
We spent countless hours testing thousands of toys to bring you the 15th annual Toy Insider holiday gift guide, featuring the best toys, games, and gifts for every kid on your holiday shopping list! This year’s guide includes our Hot 20 list of the hottest toys sure to top kids’ wish lists; the STEM 10 list, featuring some of the coolest toys that will teach kids as they play; and a new 12 Under $12 list, featuring budget-friendly toys and collectibles that will provide lots of play value without breaking the bank.
2. Get Cozy and Comfy with Happy Nappers
Snuggle up with Happy Nappers for a sleepover, movie night, or rainy afternoon! Happy Nappers are “the Perfect Play Pillow” that pulls open to a sleepy sack surprise. When it is snapped up, it is a plush pillow. When it is unrolled, it is a lightweight sleeping bag blanket. Read our review of these plushy pals.
3. Six Zoom Backgrounds Kids Can Use During Their Next Virtual Playdate
Due to COVID-19, parents are using video conferencing platforms like Zoom to stay in contact with their kids’ friends and teachers. From online learning to virtual playdates, Google hangouts, Zoom, and Skype have become our window to the world, helping ease the stress of social distancing. Here are six downloadable backgrounds to jazz up your virtual space!
4. Prep for Snuggle Weather with New Holiday Squishmallows
The people have spoken: You love your Squishmallows! Kellytoy is helping fans of the squishy plush toys get into the holiday spirit with festive characters that include Carol the Christmas tree, Norma the eggnog ice cream-loving gnome, and more. Check out the new holiday-themed characters that joined the Squishmallows squad this month!
5. Sensory FX Is What ASMR Dreams Are Made Of
ASMR has sparked millions of YouTube videos and hashtags all over Instagram that many people listen to and watch for relaxing and de-stressing. And, with Just Play’s new line of Sensory FX ASMR-themed toys and collectibles, kids can make and get that satisfying feeling anytime, anywhere. These sensory fidget toys are made for kids ages 4 and up and have various textures to activate different sounds.
6. Jazwares’ New Line of BLACKPINK Collectible Dolls Are Here
Jazwares released a line of collectible dolls based on the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK in June. The line includes Micro Pop Stars, Broken Heart Superstars, and a Light-Up Plush Heart. Read all about it to live out your pop star dreams.
7. Preschool-Favorite CoComelon Is Now Available on Roku
CoComelon — a popular YouTube channel for preschoolers — expanded to the Roku Channel this year, helping teach kids letters, numbers, nursery rhymes, colors, and more educational content at home. Families can find more than 20,000 TV episodes and movies on Roku’s Kids & Family experience.
8. The Toy Insider’s 2020 Spring & Summer Toy Guide
Our Spring & Summer Toy Guide features more than 200 of the best, brightest, and coolest spring and summer toys, ready to help you and your kids have a blast during the sunny season! We added two new categories of toys to our gift guide this year: Activities and Games features some of the best boredom-busting crafts, games, and more to keep families busy; and Budget-Friendly Faves includes incredible toys that cost less than $25. Additional categories include Outdoor, Water, Travel Toys & Games, Physical/Active Toys, Nature & Educational Toys, and Entertainment Toys.
9. The New L.O.L. Dolls Your Kids Need: O.M.G. Lights!
The L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Lights collection includes O.M.G. fashion dolls, glitter dolls, and pets that stand out under normal light and a special black light. Kids can use the included black light to reveal additional surprises that make their dolls really shine. Each doll comes with surprise fashion looks and accessories that kids can unbox.
10. Get Rugged with the Realtree UTV
The Dynacraft 24V Realtree UTV is the rugged set of wheels decked out in custom Realtree graphics. Riders can use the front rack and rear cargo storage compartment to haul and store materials needed for their adventures. Then, little riders can use the MP3 input to blast some tunes over the terrain.
