The March 2016 youth trends reveal that companies are taking note of the changing values of millennial parents. Not only are today's toys more rooted in education, but there is also a new focus on diversity and inclusivity.
While educational toys are nothing new, the March 2016 youth trends reveal that companies are moving beyond teaching basic concepts to fostering more specialized skills. Indeed, today's toys go beyond reading, writing and counting to focus on skills such as coding and entrepreneurship. Some examples of modern education-oriented toys include app-oriented STEM kits, code-teaching toy robots and empowering entrepreneurial toys.
In addition to education, millennial parents also place significant value on inclusivity. Brands such as LEGO have embraced this message by introducing wheelchair-using characters that children with disabilities can relate to. Doll companies such as Barbie and American Girl have also made an effort to highlight diversity by producing characters of different shapes, sizes and ethnicities.
Top 65 Youth Ideas in March
From App-Oriented STEM Kits to Diversely Shaped Dolls:
Katherine Pendrill — Mar 19, 2016 — Life-Stages
65
Mind-Stimulating Classroom Designs
This Kindergarten Interior is Designed with Learning Zones
64
Tablet Loom Toys
Wooky Entertainment's 'iLoom' Uses Tablet Technology for Bracelet-Making
63
Realistic Male Dolls
The Dad Bod Ken is in Response to the Latest Line of Barbies
62
Luxurious Kids Clothing Lines
The 'Balmain Kids' Line is Inspired by the High-End Designer Label
61
Barbecue Board Games
This BBQ Game Challenges Kids to Expertly Handle Simulated Sizzling Food
60
Movie-Inspired Coffee Cups
This Colorful Children's Cup Features Oversized Ears for Handles
59
Balancing Monkey Robots
Spin Master's Zoomer Chimp That Crawls and Balances on Two Wheely Feet
58
Kid-Friendly Go-Karts
The 'Arrow Smart-Kart' Gives Children the Opportunity to Experience Driving
57
Supernatural Teenage Games
The Oxenfree Game is a Unique Coming-Of-Age Adventure
56
Colorful Play Tablets
Boogie Board's Scribble n' Play eWriter Lets Kids Doodle in Color
55
Fishing Boat Toys
This RC Boat Can Catch Fish Up to Two Pounds
54
Flexible Toy Car Tracks
Lionel's Mega Tracks Create Courses for Cars That Defy Gravity
53
Solar-Powered Bottle Toys
This Solar PET Bottle Car Teaches Kids About Electronics and Upcycling
52
Kid-Friendly Snack Subscriptions
This Service Allows Parents to Create Custom Snack Boxes for Kids
51
Code-Teaching Toy Robots
The Kamibot Robot Makes it Easier to Teach Kids to Code
50
Balance-Practicing Toys
The Monkey Business Sports Stilt Walkers Let Kids Fine-Tune Motor Skills
49
Empowering Entrepreneurial Toys
Fashion Angels' 'It's My Biz' Toys Inspire Careers in Business
48
Edible Blowing Bubbles
These Candy Bubbles Taste Like Cherry, Grape, Bubble Gum or Tutti Frutti
47
Motorcycling Superheroine Toys
This DC Superhero Action Figure is the 'Deluxe Batgirl of Burnside'
46
Throwable Paintball Toys
The 'Goblies' Paint Toy Teaches Kids to Make Biodegradable Paint Balls
45
Multifunctional Web-Seated Swings
The Spider Web Playground Swing Has Multiple Options for Play
44
Custom Toy Printers
Autodesk and Mattel Relaunched the 'ThingMaker' as a $300 3D Printer for Kids
43
Civil Rights Era Dolls
This Historical Doll Teaches Young Girls About the Civil Rights Movement
42
Kids Sneaker Showrooms
This Sketchers Kids Showroom Displays the Entire Line
41
App-Connected Racetrack Toys
This Bluetooth Race Car Toy Works Alongside an Accompanying App
40
Online Privacy Children's Books
The Educational Literature for Kids Focuses on IoT Security
39
Empowering Youth Dolls
These Diverse Dolls Aim to Inspire, Educate and Empower Young Girls
38
Toy Marketplace Apps
KidsTrade is a Toy App That Allows Children to Swap Games and Goods Safely
37
Smart-Connected Dollhouses
The 'Hello Barbie Dreamhouse' Features Wi-Fi and Voice Recognition
36
Health-Conscious Kids Menus
The Ruggles Green Menu Introduces Children to Healthy Eating Habits
35
Selfie Singing Toys
The 'SelfieMic' Combines a Selfie Stick with Karaoke
34
Digital Note-Taking Devices
Boogie Board's Jot 4.5 eWriter Simplifies Digital Drawing and Writing
33
Diversely Shaped Dolls
The Latest Barbie Fashionistas Line Boasts Curvy, Tall and Petite Models
32
DIY Drawing Robots
Makers Toolbox Teaches Kids to Create a Functional 'Scribbler Robot'
31
Family Entertainment Theme Parks
The Mattel 'Play!' Entertainment Park Will Offer Fun Attractions
30
Feminine Archery Sets
The REBELLE PLATINUM Bow and Arrow Set Encourages Girls to Try Archery
29
Nightmare-Thwarting Devices
The 'Sleep Guardian Plus' Helps Reduce Children's Night Terrors
28
Swimming Turtle Toys
This Little Live Pets Toy Comes to Life on Land and in Water
27
App-Oriented STEM Kits
The 'MudWatt' Classic STEM Kit Enables Kids to Learn About Bacteria
26
Growth-Accommodating Desks
The VIVO Children's Heigh Adjustable Desk Grows with Children
25
Bedtime Math Apps
The Bedtime Math App Encourages Kids to Enjoy and Not Hate Math
24
Monster-Shaped Crayons
These 3D-Printed Crayons for Kids Benefit Abused & Neglected Children
23
Obesity-Preventing Game Platforms
FITSKO Uses Playful Mobile Games to Encourage Fitness For Kids
22
Wheelchair-Using LEGO Charcters
This LEGO Figurine Represents a Step Towards More Inclusive Toys
21
Preloaded Junior Smartwatches
The Kurio Kids Watch Provides Entertainment for Younger Users
20
Interactive Film Experiences
This Screening of the Muppet Movie Invites Kids to Sing Along
19
Hoverboard Barbie Toys
Mattel's Star Light Adventure RC Toy Takes Barbie to New Heights
18
Vocabulary-Enriching Dolls
VTech's Baby Doll Toy Teaches Kids Words and Phrases
17
Kid Fantasy Ads
Museum of Childhood's The Imaginary Friend Collection is Fun and Playful
16
All-Terrain Toy Drones
Takara Tomy's Earth Rider Flying Drones Conquer Land, Air and Water
15
Superheroine Toy Sets
The 'Girls Night Out 5-Pack' Features DC Superheroines and Villainesses
14
Bankruptcy Board Games
Monopoly Ultimate Banking Challenges Players to Make Others Go Broke
13
Child-Centric Mountain Bikes
These Carbon Fiber Mountain Bikes Are Designed For Children
12
Empowering Kids Shows
The 'Ready Jet Go!' Program Encourages Girls to Explore Careers in STEM
11
Ice Cream Truck Toys
Shopkins' Ice Cream Toy Truck is a Food Business Playset
10
Child-Ridesharing Apps
The HopSkipDrive App Lets Kids Get Rides From Trusted Adults
9
Mitten Pockets Hoodies
The Toasty Time Hoodie Has Built-In Mittens Where Pockets Would Be
8
Miniature Sprinkler Sets
This Kid-Friendly Sprinkler Helps Children Stay Cool in the Summer
7
Kid-Safe Citronella Stickers
This Insect Repellent for Kids Can Be Used on Outdoor Gear & Textiles
6
Childhood Adventure Games
The Knights and Bikes Game is Set In the Late 1980s
5
Peer Performance Apps
The 'Watch Me Learn' App Encourages Peer to Peer Feedback in Child Athletes
4
Child-Tracking Wearables
This Wristband Helps Parents Keep an Eye on Their Children at All Times
3
Prosthetic-Building Workshops
The Superhero Cyborgs Workshops Let Kids Build Their Own Prosthetics
2
Girl-Targeted Printing Programs
This Northern Illinois University Program Supports Girls in STEM
1
Childhood Investment Programs
Sesame Ventures is Offering to Fund Start-Ups that Support Learning
Related Ideas
Multi-Generational Anime Plushes
The Newest Build-A-Bear Sanrio Characters Captivate All Ages
AI-Powered Toy Attachments
The App-Paired ToyPal One Brings Soft Toys to Life for Screen-Free Fun
Show-Inspired Miniature Toy Sets
The Stranger Things Polly Pocket is an Adorable Playset
Kid-Friendly 3D Printers
The Kidoodle MiniBox A1 Bolsters Creativity & STEM Learning
Anniversary-Celebrating Toy Collections
The LEGO® Group & Hasbro Unveil LEGO DUPLO® PEPPA PIG Sets
AI Job Skill Tools
Dove Chocolate's Mom Experience Translator Helps with Reintering the Workforce
Miniaturized Doll Collections
The Mini BarbieLand Collection Makes Playing Portable
Emotive Youth Skincare
The Bubble Skincare x Disney Collab Integrates Inside Out 2 Characters
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
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
Neurodiverse Inclusion Initiatives
LEGO® Group is Championing Inclusivity With 3 New Initiatives
Inclusion-Focused Doll Collections
Barbie's New Doll and Capsule Celebrates the Visually Impaired
Doll-Inspired Personal Care Collections
Barbie™ x Lush Cosmetics Launches on August 9th
Doll-Inspired Wedding Collections
Mattel and Azazie Team Up to Debut a New Pink Wedding Collection
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
Eco-Friendly Racing Toys
VTech's Turbo Edge Riders Inspires Racing and Recycling
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Eco-Friendly Bath Essentials
Bebo Seeks to Reimagine the Packaging of Kid's Bath Products
Age-Appropriate Skincare Campaigns
Dove's #TheFaceof10 Addresses Unsafe Gen Alpha Skincare
Inspiring Role Model Dolls
Barbie Role Models Celebrate Women from Around the World
GenAI Storybook Illustrators
Storybooks Turns Kids' Beloved Toys into Main Characters
Playful Entrepreneurial Metaverses
e.l.f. UP! on Roblox Helps Gen Z & Gen Alpha Build Skills
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Electronic Plush Toys
The Furblet Mini Toys Have Over 45 Fun Tunes, Sounds, and Furbish Phrases
Introductory STEM Toy Sets
The Zig & Go from Djeco Combines Music and Forces in an Educational Toy
Next-Gen Hatching Toys
Spin Master is Reinventing Hatchimals with a Reimagined Egg
GenAI Doll Packaging
Mattel Used Adobe Firefly for the Barbie Signature 2024 Holiday Doll Box
Pinkish Toy-Inspired Tech Products
The Caviar #Barbiecore Collection is Opulently Pink
Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments
The Little Big Playmat Takes a Creative Path to Design Problems
Kids' Interactive Sensory Toys
Storypods Debuts Interactive and Multisensory Toys
AI-Enhanced STEM Toys
The Kidx Classbox Fuses Montessori Methods with NFC Tech & AI
Collectible Coloring Dolls
L.O.L Surprise! Loves Crayola Celebrates Creativity and Expression
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
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'
Early Development Toys
Spin Master Collaborated on the Educational Ms. Rachel Collection
Space-Exploring STEAM Toys
LeapFrog's Magic Adventures™ Line Arrives for Kids Five and Up
Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets
LEGO Super Mario is Sure to Capture the Attention of Fans
Family-Friendly Interactive Museums
LEGO's Superpower Studios is Devoted to Hands-On Play
Toy-Themed Jelly Beans
Jelly Belly and Mattel Partnered on Two Toy-Inspired Products
Sensory Surprise Dolls
Barbie Pop Reveal Shares Scented Dolls and Squishy Friends
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
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Social Media-Free Flip Phones
The HMD Barbie Phone Fuses Nostalgic Style with Digital Wellness
Playful AI Tools
Morrama Releases Concept Collection of AI Tools for Children's Mental Health
Interactive Play Experiences
LEGO's Superpower Academy Connects Families with the Power of Play
Autonomous Vehicle Kits
This Kit Teaches Kids How AI is Changing Transportation Dynamics
Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls
Mattel Creations Celebrates Keiichi Tanaami with Whimsical Designs
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Educational Plush Toys
Slumberkins' 'Dragon Egg Hatchlings' Toys Inspire Emotional Development
Tween Beauty Sticks
Talomi's Plant-Based Multi-Sticks Add Color to Eyes, Lips & Cheeks
Experiment-Based Playsets
Moose Toys' Beast Lab Reinvigorates Action Figure Category
Toy-Themed Ice Creams
These Two New Turkey Hill Ice Creams Come in Two Flavors
Gen Alpha Creativity Workshops
The LEGO Group Launched Free Creativity Workshops for Ages 6-12
Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives
LEGO Replaces its Plastic Bricks with a Eco-Friendly Options
Pink-Hued Furniture Collaborations
The Barbie x Kartell Chairs Mark the Toy's 65th Anniversary
Fuzzy Musical Collectibles
Furblets are Interactive Toys That Introduce Furby to a New Generation
Squishing Jellybean-Scented Toys
Jelly Belly Squishi Toys Come in 12 Different Scents
Dolled-Up Chip Packaging
Stacy's Pita Chips and Barbie Created Collectible Pink Packaging
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Brand-Led Global Studies
The LEGO Group Conducted a Study That May Inform Market Decisions
Kid-Inspired Learning Programs
Staples Has Announced the Expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play
Brick Builder Community Apps
The LEGO Play App Provides a Kid-Safe Space for Builders of All Ages
STEM Education-Focused Initiatives
DXC Technology Fosters Innovation and Inclusivity in the Sector
Gen Z-Focused Board Games
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together for Non-Competitive Gen Z Consumers
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Dream-Centric Toy Guides
The LEGO Group Calls Attention to Its Dream Crafting Concept
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Colorful Kid's Toy Lines
Battat and Walmart Introduce a Line of Preschool and Pretend Play Toys
Immersive EdTech Platforms
Discovery Education's Sandbox AR Platform Surpassed 1 Million Downloads
Playful Interactive Galleries
PLAY by American Express Platinum Reimagines Toys as Art Pieces
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Emotional Well-Being Dolls
Kid Kreations' Heartfuls Support Self-Belief and Resilience in Children
Branded Education Engagement Reports
The LEGO Education Report Offers a Look into the Classroom
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Toy-Specific Storage Systems
Step2 Debuts a Toy Storage Box for Developing Organizational Skills
Visually Impaired Puzzle Blocks
LEGO Presents Braille Bricks for an Inclusive Playing
Cognitive Toy Subscriptions
Lovevery is a Subscription that Delivers Developmental Toys to Kids
Play-Inspired Global Holiday Campaigns
Toys"R"Us Has Introduced a New Global Holiday, Play Day
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Festive Memory-Making Toys
Slumberkins' Yeti to Shine Helps Kids Embrace New Holiday Traditions
Comprehensive Math-Learning Experiences
Math Learner Uses Games to Make Math Fun for Young Kids
Gamified Children's Care Products
DEEEZ Developed Interactive Games for the BabyFirst Brand
Life-Size In-Store Countdowns
Toys R Us Asia and Craig & Karl Created an Advent Calendar for All
Doll-Inspired Kids Collections
The PatPat x Barbie Collection Features About 60 Unique Styles
Insect Habitat Toys
Smart Lab Toys' Insect Inspector Lab Bug Playground Encourages STEM Learning
Dynamic Immersive Play Museums
LEGO Group Presents the Superhero Studios Initiative in Paris
Youth-Focused Architectural Toys
The Freckled Frog's 'Happy Architect' Toy is for Curious Youth
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
Spring Holiday Candy Gifts
These M&M's Spring Gifts Come in New and Returning Options
Kid-Focused Educational Tablets
Smile Zemi Targets Elementary School Students
Baby-Focused Learning Toys
Matchstick Monkey's Playtime Toys Help Babies Develop Fine Motor Skills
Play-Inspiring Workshops
LEGO is Sharing a Free Workshop Series Featuring Renowned Creatives
Bilingual Baby Toys
Bebé Fuerte Explores Movement as Play
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
DIY Robotics Toys
The WindBots from Thames & Kosmos are Intricate Learning Toys
Gamified Digital Learning Platforms
Khired Kids Teaches Children Robotics, Coding, and More
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Resilient Play Platforms
Hot Wheels' Challenge Accepted Fosters a Growth Mindset in Kids
Peel-and-Stick Fashion Dolls
Style Bae Dolls Have 2D Bodies and 3D Heads
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Career Aspiration Doll Collections
Barbie introduces the New Dream Besties Lineup
Empowering Movie Industry Dolls
Mattel's 2024 Career of the Year Barbies Celebrate Women in Film
Creativity-Celebrating Week-Long Campaigns
Crayola Education Will Kick Off Crayola Creativity Week
Playtime-Encouraging Toy Capsules
Oreo Unveils the Art of Play Toys in Black and White
Diversity-Promoting Beauty Campaigns
e.l.f. Cosmetics Releases a Thought-Provoking Message
Mess-Free Sticker Stampers
Sticker WOW! Reimagines Play with Collectible, Refillable Stampers
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
Age-Inclusive Board Games
Hasbro Revamps its Classic Board Games to Accommodate Aging Consumers
Custom-Made Role Model Dolls
Mattel Canada's Barbie Honors Nine Influential Female Athletes
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
Early Literacy Campaigns
Leapfrog Launched the Everything Starts with Reading Campaign
Modern Baby Apparel Lines
Gerber Childrenswear Launches Modern Moments™ by Gerber® Lifestyle Brand
Stone-Like Supportive Toys
Play Maker Stapelstein Expands to the American Market
Comprehensive Summer Lifestyle Capsules
Jakks Pacific is Unveiling a New Lifestyle Collection
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
Personalized Child Education Apps
Sandbox Group Launches the PlayKids+ Application for Ages 2-12
Jelly Bean-Inspired Toy Collections
These Jelly Belly Toys Were Created with the Incredible Group
Authentic Asian-American Dolls
The Jilly Doll Celebrates Heritage & Builds Confidence Through Play
Celebratory Monochromatic Dolls
The 65th Anniversary Barbie Signature Doll Collection is Elegant
Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets
The Funphix' 'Standard' is an Educational Outdoor Playset
DIY Nail Art Printers
Preemadonna's DIY Nailbot Kit Gets Girls Interested in STEM
Magnetic Building Tiles
Magna-Tiles Introduces its 'MicroMags' Product Line for Young Builders
Learning-Focused Robotics Toys
The Robots In Motion Building Set Ignites STEM Interest in Youth
Phone-Style Counting Toys
Leapfrog's Chat & Count Emoji Phone Mimics a Real Phone to Teach Numbers
Virtual STEM Fieldtrips
Panasonic, Katie Ledecky & Discovery Education Spotlight STEM Innovations
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Playful Toy-Inspired Exhibits
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Debuts Toys & Play Exhibit
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Colorblind-Accessible Games
Mattel Commits to Creating Inclusive Play and Game Options