The top May 2016 toy ideas include a range of low-tech and high-tech toys that range from highly entertaining to extremely educational. There are plenty of kits that are designed to teach kids the basics of electricity, programming and physics, as well as ones that challenge kids to tap into their inner maker by learning to create something from scratch using their own two hands.
With the summer season fast approaching, there are a number of toys that are now being released to encourage outdoor play. As of late, these kinds of toys are reviving activities like fishing and archery that require skill.
Another prevalent theme in these toys is nostalgia, which can be seen in playthings that reintroduce old characters and concepts in an entirely new way for a younger generation.
Top 70 Toy Innovations in May
From Educational Electricity Kits to Plastic Pizza Frisbees:
Laura McQuarrie — May 29, 2016 — Life-Stages
72
Four-in-One Child Scooters
The Chicco Ride On Scooter Converts to be Fun for Multiple Age Ranges
71
Transformational Hoverboard Carts
The 'HoverCart' Turns an Electric Hoverboard into a Go-Kart
70
DIY Cardboard Toys
MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys
69
Home Jungle Gyms
LimiKids' 'Pegasus' Includes a Ladder, Monkey Bars and More
68
Indoor Playground Toys
'Solo' is a Small-Scale Indoor Playhouse with a Slide, Ladder & Chalkboard
67
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade Operates in an Unexpected Way
66
Adaptable Wood Toy Designs
TransBlock is a Sustainable and Imaginative Plaything for Preschoolers
65
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
64
Architectural Bathtub Toys
WATERSCAPE Lets Kids Build Floating Cities in the Tub
63
Transforming Pop-Up Books
This Transformers Pop-Up Book Features Paper Autobots and Decepticons
62
Dissected Superhero Figurines
These Justice League Dolls Showcases the Heroes as Partial Skeletons
61
Intuitive Juvenile Fishing Rods
This Self-Casting Fishing Pole Launches Lures 30-Feet in Distance
60
Educational Electricity Kits
The Squishy Circuit Kit Teaches Kids About Electrical Basics
59
Wooden Camera Toys
These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play
58
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
The Magic Time Titan Falls Inflatable Water Slide and Pool is Expansive
57
Pom-Pom Maker Toys
The PomPom Wow Helps Creatively Customize Personal Items
56
Transforming Tablet Toys
The Xiaomi 'Soundwave' Tablet Shifts from Device to Roboti
55
Kid-Friendly Festival Accessories
This Feather Crown Kit Helps Kids Make a Concert-Ready Accessory
54
DIY Doll Kits
Seedling's Personalized Doll Toy is Reflective of a Young Maker Culture
53
DIY Mask Kits
This Retro Toy Kit Lets Children Create a Personalized Superhero Mask
52
Inclusive Boy-Focused Dolls
The 'Melanites' Toy Company Creates Toys for Boys of Color
51
Kids Balance-Training Kits
The Kids Slackline Kit Encourages Children to Train with One Another
50
Emotional Intelligence Robots
Povi is a Storytelling Toy That Sparks Thoughtful Conversations
49
DIY Archery Kits
Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow
48
DIY Insect Robots
The 'Antbo' Insect Robot Can be Assembled and Programmed by Anyone
47
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
The 'Yibu' Gaming Platform Blends Real World Toys with Digital
46
Youth Doorframe Gyms
This Home Gym for Kids Can Be Set Up in Any Interior Doorway
45
AR-Enabled Dinosaur Board Games
The Dino Mundi Triceratops Adventure Board Game is Interactive
44
Paper Puppet Kits
These Eco-Friendly Toys are a Modern Take on a Retro Design
43
Mechanical 3D Puzzles
The Ukrainian Gears is a Dimensional Puzzle That Offers an Added Challenge
42
Nostalgic Film Board Games
The 80s Labyrinth Movie is Reimagined With Character Pieces and Cards
41
Cooperative Dice Games
The Lucky Dogs Dice Game Encourages Players to Work Together
40
VR Board Games
'Mask of Anubis' Combines Virtual Reality and Gaming
39
Transformative Play Slides
This Two-in-One Fisher Price Slide Doubles as a Toy Rocker
38
UV Protection Playpens
The Graco 'Pack 'n Play Sport' Baby Playpen Offers a Safe Place to Play
37
Friendship Bracelet-Making Kits
The My Friendship Bracelet Maker Helps Kids Make Shareable Crafts
36
Sailing Ship Kites
This Nostalgic Toy is Designed for a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
35
Two-Child Play Trikes
This Two-Seater Tricycle Bike Encourages Friends to Take Turns
34
Play-Oriented Wall Decals
The Decowall Wall Sticker Set Lets Kids Play without Damaging Surfaces
33
Share-Encouraging Swings
This Deluxe Platform Swing is Designed to Hold Two Swingers at Once
32
LEGO Grand Tourer Cars
The Porsche 911 Technic Model Features Individual Assembly Sections
31
Tabletop Soccer Toys
This Multi-Player Toy Encourages Collaborative Fun
30
Oversized Competitive Games
The Kick Croquet Outdoor Game Features Larger Components
29
Transparent Rocking Horses
The H Rocking Horse is Made from Three Pieces of Transparent Plastic
28
Revamped Retro Games
'Connect 4 Twist & Turn' Gives a Classic Game a Modern Update
27
Storybook Rabbit Toys
These Collectible Peter Rabbit Toys Introduce Characters from the TV Series
26
Randomized Paper Toss Games
The Gomipakkun Wild Trash Can Game Enhances Kids' Motor Skills
25
Timeless Toy Chests
This Noddy Toy Chest Features Eight Classic Books and a Puzzle Poster
24
Social Skill-Developing Games
The 'Say and Do' Social Skills Game Gets Kids Ready to Interact
23
Adult-Oriented Board Games
'Odious Lists' is an Outrageous Spin on a Classic Party Game
22
Physics-Teaching Kits
The Physics Simple Machines Kids Science Kit Teaches the Basics of Physics
21
Folklore-Inspired Kites
The Handmade Flying Dutchman Ship Kite is Crafted from Bamboo and Nylon
20
Bounty Hunter Action Figures
These Movie Action Figures Represent Tarantino's Hateful Eight
19
Nostalgic Rodent Toys
This Danger Mouse Toy Celebrates the Revival of a Classic 80s Character
18
Whimsical Plush Toys
This Popples Talk Plush Doll is a Modern Take on the Furbie
17
Tablet-Top Racing Games
The Pocket Racing Game Lets You Place a Toy Car On Your Tablet Screen
16
Creative Friendship Journals
This Friendship Activity Book Encourages Kids to Value Relationships
15
Virtual World Building Blocks
The Minecraft LEGO Set Brings the Blocky Digital World to Real Life
14
Cooperation-Promoting Board Games
The Feed the Woozle Game Encourages Children to Work Together
13
Retro Toy Cars
The Hot Wheels Retro Style Toys Include Classic Chevrolets and Toyotas
12
Cute Code-Teaching Robots
The 'Root' is a New Robot for Learning How to Code and More
11
Funky Friendship Jewelry Kits
The Beados Gems Friendship Jewelry Kit Includes Ample Supplies
10
Plush Talking Toys
This Tinky Winky Toy Talks To You When You Press Its Tummy
9
Emotive Pixel Toys
PIXL Characters Display Their Personalities on a Small 8-Bit Display
8
Kid-Friendly Yoga Games
Thinkfun's 'Yoga Spinner Game' for Kids Teaches Flexibility and Balance
7
Friendship Fashion Kits
The ALEX Toys DIY Tie Dye Fashion Kit is Designed for Best Friends
6
Literary Giant Toys
Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant is Being Sold as an Interactive Plush Toy
5
Smartphone-Controlled Building Blocks
The 'BlueSmartControl' Lego System Offers Enhanced Control
4
Two-Player Dress-Up Toys
The Melissa & Doug 'Abby & Emma' Dress-Up Set Provides Hours of Play
3
Plastic Pizza Frisbees
This Toy Disc is Designed to Look Like a Realistic Cheesy Fast Food Pie
2
Collaborative Kite Kits
Seedling's Box Kite Kit Can Be Customized by Creative Kids
1
Metropolitan Cardboard Puzzles
This Retro Puzzle Toy Celebrates The Spirit of London
Related Ideas
Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys
McDonald's Japan Unveils New Functional Sanrio Happy Meal Toys
Sci-Fi-Honoring Toy Puzzle Books
LEGO and Star Wars Unveils the Force of Creativity Book
Two-in-One Kids Scooter Designs
This Children's Electric Scooter Concept is Adjustable
AI-Powered Toy Attachments
The App-Paired ToyPal One Brings Soft Toys to Life for Screen-Free Fun
Anniversary-Celebrating Toy Collections
The LEGO® Group & Hasbro Unveil LEGO DUPLO® PEPPA PIG Sets
Family Board Game Promos
Hasbro and Birds Eye Teamed Up to Encourage Family Bonding
Video Game Meal Toys
The McDonald's Japan Mario Kart Happy Meal Toys Come in Two Sets
Outdoor Anime QSR Toys
These McDonald's Japan Pokémon Happy Meal Toys Come in Eight Styles
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
Comic Book Hero Collectibles
Mattel Celebrates Iconic Comic Book Heroes with a New Line-Up
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Educational Climate Change Toys
The 'Habitat' Educational Toy Brick Sets Come in Two Options
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Witty Toy-Brand Horror Posters
LEGO Presents a Range of Playful Horror Posters for the Season
Eco-Friendly Racing Toys
VTech's Turbo Edge Riders Inspires Racing and Recycling
Innovative Toy Creations
Fun In Motion Toys Launches TECTI, a Kinetic Building System Toy
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
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
Nostalgic Toy-Inspired Fashion Collections
rue21 is Collaborating with Barbie® and Hot Wheels®
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
Interactive Sensory Tables
The Fisher-Price Sensory Bright Light Station Offers Six Play Modes
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Nature-Inspired Pet Toys
A Team of Designers Create the Unique Triangle Toy for Pets
Virtual Pet Gaming Devices
Tamagotchi Unveils Three New Devices with Unique Finishes
AI-Enhanced STEM Toys
The Kidx Classbox Fuses Montessori Methods with NFC Tech & AI
Playful Restaurant Pop-Ups
The Play-Doh Restaurant of Imagination Turns Kids' Creations Edible
Snack-Themed Textbooks
FUNdamental Textbooks by Heinz Make Learning More Playful
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'
Nostalgic LEGO Roller Skates
The LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Girls Retro Roller Skate is Playful
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
Travel-Inspired Toy Catalogs
The Tennessee Playcation Catalog Shares the Joy of Travel
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
Digital Magnetic Toy Models
The Tenki Spliced Magnetic Attraction Toy is Educational
Meticulous Electric-Free Toy Cars
Anders Hermansen Designs the Grip Car for Teenage Engineering
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
Faux Christmas Candle Kits
LEGO Unveils its Festive Christmas Table Decoration Set
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
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
Kids' Entertainment Initiatives
Yoto x CF Shopping Centers will Offer Summer Programming for Kids
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Educational Plush Toys
Slumberkins' 'Dragon Egg Hatchlings' Toys Inspire Emotional Development
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Big Apple Toy Blocks
These Machi Town (New York) Blocks by kiko+ Encourage Creative Play
DIY Candy Jewelry Kits
Cricket's Candy Creations Boasts the Candy Jewelry Craft Kit
Experiment-Based Playsets
Moose Toys' Beast Lab Reinvigorates Action Figure Category
Phygital Fairy Toys
The HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern Mixes Physical and Digital Play
Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars
The 'Zerone 2' Teaches Kids Programming Basics in a Fun Way
Food-Based Toy Block Alternatives
LEGO Replaces its Plastic Bricks with a Eco-Friendly Options
Festive Drone Activities
Robolink Introduced the CoDrone EDU to Celebrate Heritage and Learning
Buildable Paper Playsets
Playper's Curious Kingdom: Castle Playset Encourages Creativity
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
Book-Themed Collectibles
Booksy's Tiny Books & Figures Inspire a Love of Reading in Kids
Kid-Friendly Telescopes
The LeapFrog Magic Adventures Telescope Shares Images Taken by NASA
Adventurous Outdoor Tool Concepts
Kazuya Washio Designs the Yamaha Outdoor Tools Concept
Kid-Inspired Learning Programs
Staples Has Announced the Expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play
3D Puzzle Popcorn Machines
Dimexart Creates an Intricate Popcorn Machine from LEGO Blocks
Summer-Ready Toy-Branded Clothing
The Mattel Barbie Film Merch Collection is Expansive
Dream-Centric Toy Guides
The LEGO Group Calls Attention to Its Dream Crafting Concept
Festive Memory-Making Toys
Slumberkins' Yeti to Shine Helps Kids Embrace New Holiday Traditions
Virtual Summer Camps
Camp Little Bites Gives Kids the Confidence to Try New Things
Video Game Travel Merchandise
The Nintendo Super Mario Travel Items are Arriving for Summer
Colorful Kid's Toy Lines
Battat and Walmart Introduce a Line of Preschool and Pretend Play Toys
Interactive Windmill Toys
HABA's Kullerbu Windmill 25 Piece Starter Track Set is Hands-On
3D-Printed Appliance Ornaments
Aldi's Specialbuys Inspired Limited-Edition Christmas Baubles
Smart Sensory Toys
Peel&Play Has Interlocking Pieces That Can Be Peeled & Rebuilt
Affordable Back-to-School Campaigns
Staples Canada Embraces the Theme of '90s Throwback Pricing
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
Weekend Excursion City Vehicles
The Playbox Urban Mobility Vehicle is Imagined for 2040
Expansive Toy-Inspired Amusement Parks
Mattel Adventure Park Will Open in 2024 in Arizona
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
Award-Winning Magnetic Building Sets
MAGNA-TILES® Affirms Itself as a Leader in Educational Toys
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
Christmas Shopping Centers
Staples Canada Launches Holiday Gift Centre for Personalized Shopping
Reprogrammable Robot Companions
Quarky Teaches Kids AI, Robotics and Programming Through Play
Sustainable Seasonal Chocolate Treats
PLAYin CHOC Christmas ToyChoc Boxes are Eco-Friendly
Insect Habitat Toys
Smart Lab Toys' Insect Inspector Lab Bug Playground Encourages STEM Learning
Magnetic Building Playsets
Moose Toys' Tile Town Has Dynamic Action Tiles to Spark Imagination
Youth-Focused Architectural Toys
The Freckled Frog's 'Happy Architect' Toy is for Curious Youth
Affordable Music-Making Devices
SummerTones Designs the EASYPLAY 1s for Music Production
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
DIY Robotics Toys
The WindBots from Thames & Kosmos are Intricate Learning Toys
Celebratory Puzzle Toys
The 50th Anniversary Rubik's Cube Commemorates Five Decades of Play
Resilient Play Platforms
Hot Wheels' Challenge Accepted Fosters a Growth Mindset in Kids
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Finger-Sized Throwing Games
Tactic Games Launches the New Mölkky Minipeli Skittle-Throwing Game
Multifunctional Building Planks
'KEVA Planks' are Diverse Building Toys for All Ages
Safe Play-Training Kids Toys
The TouchNot Ensures Children are Not Playing with Fragile Devices
Inspiring Entreprenurial Dolls
The American Girl 2025 Girl of the Year Speaks to Gen Alpha
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
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
YouTuber-Inspired Developmental Toys
Spin Master Unveils a New Ms. Rachel Toy Collection
Engaging DIY Electronics Retailers
SparkFun Electronics Lowers Costs with DIY Approach
Video Game-Inspired Outdoor Play
ROXs is Getting Kids Outdoors
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Stone-Like Supportive Toys
Play Maker Stapelstein Expands to the American Market
Comprehensive Summer Lifestyle Capsules
Jakks Pacific is Unveiling a New Lifestyle Collection
Kid-Friendly Aviation Programs
easyJet's Summer Flight School Challenges Gender Stereotypes
Family-Friendly Survival Games
Lego Debuts a New Fortnite Survival Crafting Game
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Mint-Tonal Retro Radios
Lego Launches a New Nostalgic Radio Design with Vintage Detailing
Jelly Bean-Inspired Toy Collections
These Jelly Belly Toys Were Created with the Incredible Group
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
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
Christmas-Inspired Summer Campaigns
Toys for Tots Supports Children with Christmas in July
Learning-Focused Robotics Toys
The Robots In Motion Building Set Ignites STEM Interest in Youth
Digital Dartboard Game Systems
The 'Pixeldarts' Electronic Throwing Game Offers Nonstop Fun
Kid's Felt Building Kits
KNOP KNOP Launches Creative Felt Building Kits for Children's STEM Play
Parental Gift Generators
The Parent Present Gift Generator Supports Gen Z & Millennial Shoppers
Light-Powered Racing Toys
Light’n Race Uses and Teaches Fundamental Physics Principles
Virtual STEM Fieldtrips
Panasonic, Katie Ledecky & Discovery Education Spotlight STEM Innovations
Playful Toy-Inspired Exhibits
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Debuts Toys & Play Exhibit
Play-Encouraging Intational Holidays
The UN Officially Marks the Inaugural Day of Play
Eco-Friendly Health-Conscious Dog Toys
These Cosmos Snack Shack Toys Come in Two Styles
Colorblind-Accessible Games
Mattel Commits to Creating Inclusive Play and Game Options
Skill-Building Play Kitchens
The Real Life Play Kitchen by Lovevery Safely Sharpens Motor Skills
Efficient Fact Generators
Facts Generator Can Produce Interesting Facts About Any Subject
Superhero-Themed Retail Toys
McFarlane Toys Launches Three New Target Exclusive Figures