In my previous post from Toy Fair New York (TFNY), I wrote about trends and my individual top picks from the event. In this post, I’ll be covering some of my favorite companies and licensed product lines (listed alphabetically). Generally speaking, I tend to prefer teaching toys and just about anything STEAM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
CRAYOLA
Crayola has moved way beyond crayons and has incorporated technology into their craftwares. In addition to integrating coloring play with airbrushing and tablet technology, Crayola continues to produce quality colored pencils, markers, crayons and crafting books and activity packs, as well. Star Wars fans will love these special-edition crayon boxes.
For more photos of Crayola’s new items for 2016 (including their Trolls movie line), click here or see the gallery below.
DISNEY
Disney Tsum Tsums are taking the toy world by storm. There are plushes, games, collectibles, stationery (including a line of scratch-n-sniff items). I was on the lookout for new movie items, too, and found plenty of FINDING DORY and THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS merchandise and even MOANA merchandise, though that was harder to find.
For more photos of new DISNEY items for 2016, click here or check out the gallery below.
FUNKO
A perennial Adventures by Daddy favorite, the FUNKO booth was full of adorable new items, including a collaborationg between Funko and Playmobil; the new Barbie series, which includes the new Barbies in various body shapes; and, of course, your favorite characters POP!ed and more.
For more photos of new FUNKO items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
HASBRO
I was able to attend a special event showcasing new HASBRO toys. The new baby My Little Pony, Flutter Heart, was revealed, along with a full line of Trolls toys (the sparkly one is my favorite), and Play-Doh’s Town line. HASBRO has also created the first FROZEN fashion dolls with features that match the film characters’. HASBRO has an extensive line of Disney products, including MOANA, Princess, and Descendants.
For more photos of new HASBRO items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
JAKKS PACIFIC
JAKKS PACIFIC makes my new favorite collectibles: vinyl Disney Tsum Tsums in three sizes, starting small and getting smaller from there and they’ve introduced a series of mystery packs that include accessories. JAKKS PACIFIC also has a line of Star Wars collectibles, LEGO costumes, and a hands-on construction play set that lets children saw and hammer in soft, yet sturdy material for a real feel without the danger. The mini Disney Princesses are cute, too.
For more photos of new JAKKS Pacific items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
LEGO
LEGO has some great new kits coming out this year, including some very special licensed products. Did you know there’s going to be an Angry Birds movie? LEGO’s got us covered, of course. We can look forward to new kits in just about every line, including Star Wars, Disney Princess, Elves, and more. I found quite a few LEGO-licensed products around TFNY, too. The stationery and lights are practical and fun.
For more photos of new LEGO items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
MATTEL
MATTEL has a wide variety of toys coming out this year. The new Barbie figures were on display and are varied, as expected, not just in body type, but in style, fashion, and career, too. Megabloks has partnered with American Girl to release a new line of building kits with the American Girl dolls (miniaturized, of course) as the central figures. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were there in full force (literally), examining their new toys. I loved all of the cross-licensed brands – Spongebob Squarepants Thomas the Tank Engine cars; Star Wars Hot Wheels; the DC Super Hero Girls and more.
For more photos of new MATTEL items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
STAR WARS
As expected, Star Wars was ubiquitous at TFNY. You’ll be able to find Star Wars toys, stationery, books, games, puzzles, collectibles and more. Your kitchen can be Star Wars-themed from counter to drawer. My favorite Star Wars items are destined for kitchens around the world. Kotobukiya has released hard-boiled egg and pouch sandwich presses! One of these days, my breakfast will consist of a Stormtrooper-shaped hard-boiled egg and a toasted BB8 peanut butter sandwich.
For more photos of new STAR WARS items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
UNCLE MILTON
UNCLE MILTON is known for science-based toys, including the Ant Farm, dinosaur and science exploration, and the toys that explore the science behind Star Wars. I think my favorite are the Star Wars paper airplanes.
If you saw the picture of my ant farm in my previous TFNY post, you should see how far they’ve come now!
For more photos of new UNCLE MILTON items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
WONDER FORGE
WONDER FORGE is one of my favorite board game companies. Eye Found It and Pictopia are family favorites. The Disney Tsum Tsum games look like they’ll be so fun! (There’s only a picture for one of the games, because the other is still pending approval from Disney, but that’s the one I’m more excited about!) I can’t wait for them to come out. There’s a new game based on Disney’s The Lion Guard (Protect the Pridelands) and several Star Wars games, too.
For more photos of new WONDER FORGE items for 2016, click here or see the gallery below.
Two additional new items to look forward to:
Monkeying Around will be releasing The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 3 later this fall, but you can download their app from the Apple App Store now. I’ve got it and it’s really well made.
Scrub Bugs will change the way your kids wash their hands and, hopefully, encourage them to wash more often. Scrub Bugs are basically child-friendly surgeon’s hand scrubbers. They’re currently running a Kickstarter campaign and should be on the market by summer.
There are so many new toys and games coming out that I can’t include all of them, so here’s a bonus album of some of the toys that stood out to me. As always, I’m happy to answer any questions. Just leave a comment and I’ll do my best to get an answer for you.
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