Hot New Toys for Spring and Summer: Fun Finds from The Play Date

I recently spent a day in New York City checking out some of the hottest new toys of the season. The Play Date was made possible by The Toy Association, The Toy Book and The Toy Insider (where I once served as a contributor for their Parent Panel!). As a mom, writer, former educator, and proud kidult, I take toys seriously! So I've gathered some of my favorites to share with you in a quick round-up. Stay tuned for my Easter Gift Guide, where I'll share all of my picks for the best baskets ever!!

Disclosure: I attended The Play Date in New York City but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some toys were given to me as samples so I could see up close and personal how they work.

Don't forget to Pin this post for future reference! Everyone needs good toy suggestions!

Remember that some toys may be available now, but most are coming either Spring or Summer ("July" seemed to be the overall magic month for many toy releases). Check with the manufacturers for exact release dates. 

Captivz Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Surprise Eggs & Hatchlings Buildable Dinos

Captivz celebrates the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park with their surprise eggs and cute Hatchlings. Find out all of the details and styles at https://www.captivz.com/

Tee Turtle Plushie Tote Bags 

No need for plastic bags when you have this adorable reusable plushie tote bag from Tee Turtle (available in different styles of plushies, too). I also loved their fanny packs, bags, keychains, and more.

LEGO Disney's Pixar UP House 

LEGO blew me away at the show with their amazing model designs. The Pixar UP House and the Disney Celebration Train (in honor of Disney 100) will be available 4/1. Also look for new Jurassic Park 30th anniversary builds, a stunning Lord of the Rings Rivendell set (available now) and more builds to beautify your home. 

Zuru's Smitten Kittens 

Zuru's Smitten Kittens (available this July) actually purr and feel like real fur!! I totally fell in love with them. Also noteworthy are their upcoming Gross Minis, new Mini Toy Brands, STEM kits like their Mega Dino Fossil Find, and Smashers Monster Truck Surprise. New Rainbocorns and Smashers coming soon, too. 

Rubik's Re-Cube 

Spin Master will be offering a Rubik's Cube made from 100% recycled plastic, as well as a fun card game version of Dumb Ways to Die. Also coming are adorable Harry Potter puzzle builds, Paw Patrol play sets, and more.

Madame Alexander Centennial Celebration Dolls

Madame Alexander is celebrating their 100th anniversary with beautiful collectible and every day dolls. Their It's All Me line highlights all of the qualities that make us unique and special. 

Step 2 Adventure Camper

The Step 2 Adventure Camper promises hours of fun and pretend travel. Featuring classic pretend barbecue foods/accessories and even a working doorbell. Available now! Find it on Amazon or the Step2 website. 

image at right from Step 2

Squishmallows, Bum Bumz, Adopt Me!  

Jazwares showcased new Squishmallows styles like Queen Bee and Pokemon, and Big Fat Yarn Kits for kids to make hats and scarves for their Squishmallows! New Adopt Me! plush toys and collectibles coming soon, as well as Squishmallows CocoMelon Hug Mees. Also check out their new additions to the Bum Bumz plush collection.

My Puppy's Home and Cookeez Makery

Mark my words, these will be some of the hottest toys of the year. Cookeez Makery allows kids to "bake" their own plush in an adorable play oven, and My Puppy's Home enables kids to put together a mini dog house and wait for their plush pup to "magically" appear. 

Fingerlings

Fingerlings are back! WowWee's popular critters are headed back to stores soon so get 'em when you can. With 70 sounds and reactions and all new styles to collect, dare I say that they're even cuter than they were before?

image on right via WowWee

Walt Disney Studios Animated Game, POP! Puzzles and More

You can never go wrong with the beautiful games and puzzles from Funko Games. Coming soon is the stunning Animated board game, as well as Sinister Spoons featuring your fave Disney villains. Also look for a Cars Launch n' Race board game, more new POP! puzzles, and new Something Wild card games. 

Arcade 1Up Infinity Game Table

You'll never want a regular board game again after checking out Arcade1Up's Infinity Game Table. You'll also see deluxe (full-sized, no risers) versions of their popular arcade games like Pac-Man and Ms. PacMan (coming soon) and a smaller version of the Infinity Game Table, the Infinity Game Board (coming soon- check out their website for details). 

Disney Doorables Squish'Alots

Fans of Disney Doorables will love their new Squish'alots, with so many different characters and squishy styles that fit right in the palm of your hand. Find more info at JustPlay.com

Luna the Calming Kitty and Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set

Luna the Calming Kitty (coming soon from Learning Resources) helps kids learn breathing techniques and ways to self-soothe, just like her predecessor, Pawz the Calming Pup. Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set is available now and features everyone's favorite pineapple with more faces, more feelings and more fun. 

Crayola Multi-Color Light Board and HD Coloring Kits

The possibilities are endless with Crayola's multi-color light board. Its small size makes it perfect for a desktop, too. And their HD Coloring Kits make it easy for everyone to be a color artist! Coming soon. Look for them at Crayola.com.

Cake n' Bake Challenge

Ready...set...bake! It's all about who can build their cake the fastest with this fun game from Hey Buddy Hey Pal. 3 ways to play and fun tactile sensory pieces for kids ages 4 and up (2-6 players). Currently available, you can find it on Amazon here. 

Playmobil My Figures

You can finally create your own personalized Playmobil figure with their new My Figures kits. Change outfits, hair, hats, accessories and so much more! Available now with different themed kits to choose from. Find them on Amazon here.