Independent toys are becoming increasingly popular among parents tired of shopping at overpriced big box stores, and looking for something slightly different for their kids. Independent toys are often far more imaginative and thought-provoking than their big box counterparts, while occasionally appealing to moral standards associated with environmentalism and fair trade.
A lot of independent toys are unabashedly quirky and extremely niche. Toys with this sort of character are not created as often by big-name toy companies simply because they don't have the same mass appeal and won't sell as prodigiously.
Therefore if your kids' toy interests are more niche, or you're a parent simply looking to stimulate their kid by giving them different kinds of toys, you might want to scope out the independent toy landscape.
13 Independent Toys
From Giant Round Stuffed Animals to Cheeseburger Monster Toys:
Rahul Kalvapalle — Oct 20, 2014 — Life-Stages

13
Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys
Friendly Toys Creates Organic Options that Educate and Evoke Emotions

12
Felt Food Toys
CreationByM Crafts a Diverse Range of Plush and Educational Dishes
11
Diabetes-Teaching Teddies
This Educational Teddy Bear Shows Kids How To Monitor Their Disease
10
Giant Round Stuffed Animals
Squishable is a New York Start-Up that Capitalized on Social Media
9
Plush Fantasy Novels
The Quiet Book and the Ring is a Soft and Interactive Literary Toy
8
Empowering Crochet
Fair Trade 'Pebble' Baby Line Employs Women in Bangladesh
7
Interactive Toddler Tales
Storybook Blocks Allows Children to Actively Play with Favorite Books
6
Modernized Old-Folks Games
Hipster Bingo Will Make a Night at the Bar More Fun & Eventful
5
Crowdfunded Photography-Based Coloring
This Photograph Coloring Book Uses a Photographer's Work
4
Inspiring Educational Dolls
The Miss Possible Doll Toys for Girls Feature Enpowering Role Models
3
Kid Safety Cycling Devices
MiniBike's Remote-Controlled Bike Brake Makes Cycling Safer for Kids
2
Public Toy Shares
Erez Uman's Jerusalem-Based Toy Library Aims to Bring Children Together
1
Cheeseburger Monster Toys
This Glow in the Dark Burger Toy Makes a Wonderful Collector's Item
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Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys
McDonald's Japan Unveils New Functional Sanrio Happy Meal Toys
AI-Powered Toy Attachments
The App-Paired ToyPal One Brings Soft Toys to Life for Screen-Free Fun
Show-Inspired Collectible Dolls
Netflix and Mattel Introduces Squid Game Collectibles
Show-Inspired Miniature Toy Sets
The Stranger Things Polly Pocket is an Adorable Playset
Miniature Vinyl Collectibles
The itSmol™ Figurines are Whimsical and Perfect for All Ages
Kid-Friendly 3D Printers
The Kidoodle MiniBox A1 Bolsters Creativity & STEM Learning
LNY-Inspired Toys
LEGO's Lunar New Year Collection Offers Celebration and Creativity
Makeup-Themed Dog Toys
Rare Beauty Introduces Playful Dog Toys Inspired by Its Makeup
Baked Goods Plushies
Tim Hortons Turned Fan-Favorite Menu Items into Collectible Soft Toys
Aesthetic-Driven Dog Toys
These Karim Rashid for Ubbi Dog Toys Come in Three Styles
Lifesize 90s Doll Experiences
Airbnb Presents 'Playdate at Polly Pocket’s Compact'
Family Board Game Promos
Hasbro and Birds Eye Teamed Up to Encourage Family Bonding
Outdoor Anime QSR Toys
These McDonald's Japan Pokémon Happy Meal Toys Come in Eight Styles
Interactive Pixel Plushies
Eolo Toys' Pixel Hugs are Cuddly Plushes Enhanced with Tech Features
Whimsical Gnome Toys
My Gnome On The Roam® is an Interactive Toy Range for All Ages
Whimsical Doll-Inspired Accessories
Pidgin Fashion Dolls Launches a New Accessories Collection
Doll-Inspired Movie Launches
Mattel Plans to Release More Movies Following 'Barbie's' Success
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Multipurpose Children's Pillows
Kid Cubes are the Playful Pillows Every Child Will Love
Imaginative Soft Toys
Blabla's Little Monster Soft Toys Promote Listening, Curiosity and Dreams
Educational Climate Change Toys
The 'Habitat' Educational Toy Brick Sets Come in Two Options
Gen Alpha Barbie Launches
Barbie Announces New Doll Lineup Targeted Towards Older Fans
Minimalist Play Furniture
Blueberry and Third Specializes in Slick and Stylish Toys
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Cuddly Costumed Dolls
The Barbie Cutie Reveal Care Bears Series Shares Fun Surprises
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
GenAI Storybook Illustrators
Storybooks Turns Kids' Beloved Toys into Main Characters
Easter-Ready Toy Plushies
Jazwares Launches a Whimsical Squishmallows Collection Ahead of Easter
Anxiety Soothing Toys
Hugimals Anti-Anxiety Plushie's are Comforting
Candy-Scented Squish Toys
These New Squishi Products Were Created with Mondelēz International
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Sensory Stimulated Toy Cars
Hot Wheels' Flippin’ Fast Die-Cast Cars are Made with ASAN
Next-Gen Hatching Toys
Spin Master is Reinventing Hatchimals with a Reimagined Egg
Kids' Interactive Sensory Toys
Storypods Debuts Interactive and Multisensory Toys
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Viral Video Content Toys
Bonkers Toys Received Licensing for 'Skibidi Toilet' Toy Lineup
Soothing Yeti Plush Toys
Pony MTL's Anxiyeti is Available in Three Sizes
Interactive Screen-Free Games
Spin & Play® Encourages Physical Activity and Cognitive Development
Squishable Construction Toys
Squishmallows x BLDR Playsets Feature Soft Belly Pieces
Mutating YouTuber Toys
Moose Toys Collaborated with MrBeast on MrBeast Lab Figures
Crowdfunded Circular Childrens Toys
Tiny Earth Toys is Launching a Kickstarter for 'Tiny Spaces'
Superhero Chocolate Products
Kinder, DC and Funko Collaborated on Limited Edition Products
Runway-Inspired Fashion Dolls
New York Fashion Week Designs Inspire the L.U.V. Fashion Doll Styles
Family-Friendly Interactive Museums
LEGO's Superpower Studios is Devoted to Hands-On Play
Bouncy Plush Collectibles
Beanie Bouncers Support Active Play and Endless Imagination
Toy-Themed Jelly Beans
Jelly Belly and Mattel Partnered on Two Toy-Inspired Products
Screen-Free Music Toys
Loops Lab Lowers the Barrier of Entry to Music Creation
Multisensory Toy Boxes
The Janod Boxes Stimulate Sight, Touch, Hearing and More
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Sensory Dough Toys
Play-Doh 6 Variety Compounds are Uniquely Textured & Scented
Kidult Cougar Plushies
Build-A-Bear's "After Dark" Valentine's Day Collection Has Cuddly Cougars
Fishy Tabletop Card Games
Unstable Games Launches Fishy Squishy Crusty Quirky at Target
Kid-Friendly Plant-Based Food Ranges
Veggy Kids Products Come in Recipes Tailored for Children
Modeling Dough Fashion Dolls
Hasbro and Mattel Created the Play-Doh Barbie Collection
Interactive Educational Toy Lines
LeapFrog Debuts Its Latest Collection at Toy Fair 2025
Anxiety Relief Plush Toys
The Worry Monster Teaches Kids to Express Their Feelings
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Auto Cartoon Plushies
TeeTurtle Dropped the 'Transformers Reversible Plushies'
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Kid-Focused Packaging Updates
The Frubes Re-Launch Brings Interactive Fun to Lunchboxes
Limited Edition Diaper Prints
The Honest Company Blends Style and Practicality
Phygital Fairy Toys
The HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern Mixes Physical and Digital Play
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences
Plush Toy 'MediTATE' Promotes Kids' Mindfulness
Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives
LEGO Replaces its Plastic Bricks with a Eco-Friendly Options
Anthropomorphized Bath Products
Uoga Uoga Kids' Packaging Can Be Customized with Stickers
Kid-Friendly Squeezable Dips
Litehouse Kids Shares Flavors Inspired by Favorite Characters
3D-Printed Appliance Ornaments
Aldi's Specialbuys Inspired Limited-Edition Christmas Baubles
Award-Winning Magnetic Building Sets
MAGNA-TILES® Affirms Itself as a Leader in Educational Toys
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Holiday-Ready Toy Product Lilnes
Crayola Has Unveiled Its 2025 Holiday Product Lineup
Mix-and-Match Scented Bracelets
Jelly Bands Simplify Jewelry-Making with Snappable Beads
Kid-Inspired Learning Programs
Staples Has Announced the Expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play
Easter-Themed Animation Merch
CandyRific Gabby's Dollhouse Products Will Arrive in the Spring
Dream-Centric Toy Guides
The LEGO Group Calls Attention to Its Dream Crafting Concept
Colorful Kid's Toy Lines
Battat and Walmart Introduce a Line of Preschool and Pretend Play Toys
Glow-in-the-Dark Collectible Creatures
Smiski Hippers are Designed for Decorating Your Space
Festive Memory-Making Toys
Slumberkins' Yeti to Shine Helps Kids Embrace New Holiday Traditions
Wholesome Fun-Focused Snacks
Get'ems from Gerber Turns Kids' Snacktime into Moments of Discovery
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Discarded Toys-Created Homes
Wallmakers Designs the Toy Storey Home with Repurposed Toys
Surreal Dark Comedy Toys
Moose Toys Created a Line for YouTube-Viral Amazing Digital Circus
Emotional Well-Being Dolls
Kid Kreations' Heartfuls Support Self-Belief and Resilience in Children
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Gamified Children's Care Products
DEEEZ Developed Interactive Games for the BabyFirst Brand
Doll-Inspired Kids Collections
The PatPat x Barbie Collection Features About 60 Unique Styles
Living Condition Awareness Dollhouses
IKEA's UNWELCOME HOME Doll House Brings Awareness
Sustainable Seasonal Chocolate Treats
PLAYin CHOC Christmas ToyChoc Boxes are Eco-Friendly
Cartoon Turtle Figurines
Teljesnegyzet Turns the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to LEGOs
Magnetic Building Playsets
Moose Toys' Tile Town Has Dynamic Action Tiles to Spark Imagination
Good-Natured Mischief Toys
Slumberkins' Vlad & Frank Midnight Mischief Set Teaches Responsibility
Furry Fidget Companions
Tangle's Furry Fidget Friends are Soft, Tactile and Bendable
Hand-Knit Finger Puppets
Blabla's Finger Puppet Mushrooms are Sold in a 5-Piece Set
Interactive Monster Collectibles
Zuru's Smashers Horror House Comes in Coffin-Shaped Packaging
Spring-Themed Toy Collections
MGA Entertainment Emphasizes DIY Creativity, Surprises & Pastel Hues
Kid-Friendly Customizable Bags
Pop ‘n’ Swop Bags Can Be Decorated with Badges, Handles & More
Interactive Plush Toys
Furlings are Whimsical Creatures that Feature More than 80 Responses
Planet-Friendly Organic Clothing
Toby Tiger Offers Ethical and Affordable Kids Clothing for All
Christmas Shopping Centers
Staples Canada Launches Holiday Gift Centre for Personalized Shopping
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Stations
Studio Eggi Revolutionizes Kids’ Playrooms with Thoughtful Design
Easter-Themed Collectible Dolls
L.O.L. Surprise! Pastel Party is an Alternative to Chocolate Gifts
Friendship-Celebrating Doll Brands
Maison Battat's Hey Bestie™ Product Range Emphasizes Positivity
Fantastical Collectible Dolls
L.O.L. Surprise!'s Fantasy-Themed Dolls Share New Play Patterns
Adorable Inflatable Halloween Characters
Gemmy Industries Debuts a New BT21-Themed Inflatable
Miniaturized Doll Carriers
The Toy Tushbaby Doll Carrier Scales Down the Tushbaby Hip Carrier
Makeup-Focused Toy Dolls
MGA Entertainment Introduces the DIY-Informed Yummiland Doll Collection
Sticker Fashion Dolls
Decora Girlz Merge Creative Style Expression and Sticker Play
Long-Haul Flight Toys
Turkish Airlines Created My Travel Buddy for Young Travelers
YouTuber-Inspired Developmental Toys
Spin Master Unveils a New Ms. Rachel Toy Collection
Space-Inspired Toy Collections
Stomp Rocket® Debuts the Space Collection at Target & Toy Retailers
Children's Wearable Blankets
Super Blanky Encourages Adventure and Positivity
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Holiday Puzzle Designs
JIGGY Holiday Puzzles are an Artful Activity
Interactive Toy Experiences
ToyPal Brings Soft Toys to Life with Personalized, AI-Powered Stories
Kid-Friendly Portable Projectors
Little Tikes' Story Dream Machine Supports Early Literacy
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Developmental Bath Toys
The Your (Un)Ordinary Bath Toy Collection Encourages Sensory Exploration
Playful Puppet Baby Toys
Kids Preferred Taps Sesame Street for a Snuggly Baby Accessory Capsule
Personalized Bedtime Stories
StoryGenius Let's Parents Insert Their Children Into Books
Authentic Asian-American Dolls
The Jilly Doll Celebrates Heritage & Builds Confidence Through Play
Customizable Pen Kits
Clementoni's Pen Creator Studio Helps Kids Create Their Own Pens
3D-Printable Toy Ranges
MakerWorld 'CyberBrick' Has Reusable Electronics and 3D-Printed Models
Witty Plushie Toys
Punchkins are 'Punny' Collectibles with 3D Details
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
Charming Creepy Collectibles
Deddy Bears Unbox from Coffins with Autopsy Reports
Personalized Story Creators
TinkerTell Offers AI-Crafted Stories That Make Every Child the Hero
Collectable Sculptural Doll Collections
Inedible Doll Was Founded by Designer Stella Cheng
Christmas-Inspired Summer Campaigns
Toys for Tots Supports Children with Christmas in July
Personalized Toddler Tales
The Spark Book Creates Custom Stories with Your Toddler as the Hero
Holiday Icon Inflatables
Gemmy Unveiled its Grinch Decor to Capture the Essence of Grinchmas
Sci-Fi-Inspired Toy Lines
Jazwares Partners with Netflix to Release a Stranger Things Capsule
Special Birthday Promotions
Build-A-Bear Workshop is Celebrating Over 25 Million Birthdays
Gourmet Holiday Gift Shops
Bonnie & Pop Boasts a Diverse Range of Premium Gourmet Gift Boxes
AI Birthday Party Invites
Teddy Party Helps Parents Send Invites to Their Kid's Birthday
Skill-Building Play Kitchens
The Real Life Play Kitchen by Lovevery Safely Sharpens Motor Skills
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Child-Friendly Cartoon Art Lines
Peanuts and OOLY Unveil an Arts and Crafts Collection for Kids
Imaginative Children's Holiday Campaigns
Aretto and Hamleys Partner on an Engaging Campaign
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Dainty Children's Holiday Capsules
Janie and Jack Unveil a New Collection with American Girl