Buying toys is never limited to one season, be it various holidays or birthdays, and as children keep growing, their needs and desires change constantly. So how are you supposed to keep up? We're here to help. While it's still early in the year, recent trends are already cropping up for what children really want when it comes to toys [1] in 2018. STEM activities, Legos, and cool new interactive toys will keep them occupied for hours. Here are some of the best toys of 2018 so far.
LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit
Star Wars is undeniably huge with little ones. Now, with LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit [2] ($99), children can make their own custom droid. This is definitely the droid you are looking for.
Thomas and Friends Adventures Robot Rescue Playset
This Thomas and Friends Adventures Robot Rescue Playset [3] ($25) brings STEM and imagination play together. Thomas is tasked with saving a baby robot, but when the track suddenly ends, children need to help Thomas figure out how to complete the rescue.
Hatchimals Surprise — Peacat
You know what's better than one Hatchimal? Two Hatchimals! This Hatchimals Surprise — Peacat [4] ($55) lets children experience the joy of twins.
Lego Classic Bricks on a Roll
Lego Classic Bricks on a Roll [5] ($30) is the retro throwback your children need. The wheels let your children create exciting designs that go where their imagination can truly run wild.
Radio Flyer Folding Trike
I have an old-school Radio Flyer for my son, and while I love it, it's hard to take it places because it takes up a lot of space. I wish I had the Radio Flyer Folding Trike [6] ($40) instead. Considering that it folds up for easy transportation and storage, it makes the perfect trike for small spaces and city living.
Fingerlings — Interactive Baby Unicorn
The hit toy of last holiday season has some even more adorable options. This Fingerlings — Interactive Baby Unicorn [7] ($15) is as magical as it looks with interactive responses and and a majestic tail.
Disney Lightning McQueen Pedal Go Kart
For the kid who is on the go, the Disney Lightning McQueen Pedal Go Kart [8] ($83) is a great option. Lightning McQueen has never looked better, and kids will love zooming off as they race down the street.
Lego Batman Movie The Bat-Space Shuttle
This Lego Batman Movie The Bat-Space Shuttle [9] ($64) really has it all. Action figures, Legos, and a space shuttle mean that children will be entertained for hours as they get to make this intricate world.
Delta Children Sesame Street Chair Desk With Storage Bin
Little ones will adore this Sesame Street desk. The Delta Children Sesame Street Chair Desk With Storage Bin [10] ($40) gives kids a place to color, learn, and eat while hanging with their favorite characters. An extra bonus is the storage bin under the seat to help keep mess at bay.
Fisher-Price BeatBo DLX
The Fisher-Price BeatBo DLX [11] ($34) is the baby toy of the future! It plays more than 120 songs, sounds, and phrases that help teach your little one everything they need to know as they grow. This interactive toy teachers colors, counting, and the alphabet, making it a great addition to any nursery.
Barbie A Wrinkle in Time Mrs. Who Doll
To celebrate the release of the movie based on the classic children's novel A Wrinkle in Time, Disney has released a Barbie A Wrinkle in Time Mrs. Who Doll [12] ($50). Children will love playing with their favorite characters, and this would look great as part of a collection.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
STEM is huge, and Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope [13] ($33) will definitely help encourage children to love and explore science. This talking microscope explains the slides and gives children the chance to explore their entire world.
Velocity Toys 2-in-1 Rolling Cart and Workbench
For the child who wants to build, Velocity Toys 2-in-1 Rolling Cart and Workbench [14] ($60) is all you need. Pretend tools are just the beginning, for this work bench also comes with a rolling cart. This means that playtime can go anywhere.