Whether it is collaborating with others to complete different challenges or helping choose the features for a brand new toy, the October 2016 kids' trends reveal a major emphasis on ensuring that children pursue more immersive experiences that will provide lasting memories.
When it comes to playtime, parents are increasingly looking for products that will keep kids actively engaged, instead of letting them sit and passively absorb content. One example of this approach is the Hot Lava video game, which requires children to keep moving in order to win different challenges. Another example is Hot Wheels AI, which uses new technology to let kids build and race cars on their own virtual race tracks.
However, it is not just toys that are keeping kids active. As the October 2016 kids' trends reveal, parents are increasingly choosing immersive activities and trips that allow their children to help shape the experience. One such example is Build-A-Bear Workshop's recent promotion, which gave children an opportunity to DIY their own teddy bear.
Top 70 Kids' Ideas in October
From AI-Assisted Racing Toys to Annual Toy-Building Promotions:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 29, 2016 — Life-Stages
70
Diner-Inspired Playhouses
This Novelty Playhouse is Built to Resemble a Casual Restaurant
69
Toy Canine Carry-On
This Cute Kids' Luggage Serves a Second Function as a Plaything
68
Customizable Connected Night Lights
The 'ZOOCORO' Kids Night Light Comes in a Variety of Styles
67
Urban Kids' Clothing Collections
These Clothes Offer Excellent Back-to-School Looks for Children
66
Interactive AR Projectors
The 'Egger' Media Projector is Designed with Children in Mind
65
Two-in-One Snack Vessels
The 'Chalice' Snack Cup Keeps Drinks and Edibles in One Spot
64
AI-Assisted Racing Toys
'Hot Wheels AI' is a Modernized Version of the Classic Race Car Toys
63
Fantasy Film Drone Toys
Spin Master's Star Wars-Themed Drones Let Kids Shoot Down the Death Star
62
Oversized Toddler Crayons
The Ommo Kids Crayons Feature a Large Size for Little Hands to Grasp
61
Educational Cryptography Games
PocketBlock Teaches Adolescents About the Details of Cryptography
60
Connected Children's Wearables
The Brillar Smart Watch is Great for Both Kids and Parents
59
VR Puzzle Kits
Seedling's DIY Maze Kit Lets Kids Design Their Very Own Puzzle
58
Remote Control Bumper Cars
The 'Galaxy Zega' Toys Pit Miniature Tanks Against One Another
57
Superhero Science Kits
The Spider-Man Web Creator Lab Lets Kids Create Their Own Spider Webs
56
Protein-Rich Milk Products
The New Nesquik Protein Plus Beverages are Enhanced with Protein
55
Mind-Controlled Hologram Toys
The Force Trainer II Lets Kids Re-Enact Famous Jedi Challenges
54
Exotic Interactive Robot Pets
The Zoomer Hedgiez Robotic Pet Performs, Reacts and Plays
53
Celebratory Crayon Bus Tours
Crayola's '100 Years of Colour' Bus Tour Entertained UK Kids
52
Hackable Toy Kits
The Fuze Play 'Zubi Flyer' Lets Kids Build, Hack and Play
51
Crystal Growing Kits
The Lightsaber Crystal Growing Lab Allows Kids to Create Real Crystals
50
Modular Childhood Room Furniture
'Home Back Home' Makes Childhood Rooms Suitable for Adults
49
Educational Menstrual Cycle Games
This Board Game Shifts Tween Perspectives on Periods
48
Hide-and-Seek Stuffed Toys
The Hide-N-Seek Stuffed Panda Gives Clues to its Location
47
Retro Halloween Wall Masks
The 'Vac-tastic Plastic' Masks Reference 60s and 70s Costumes
46
Stylish Toy Rocking Animals
The Enko Creatio 'Enzoo' is Chicly Designed for Modern Homes
45
Commemorative Toy-Building Promotions
This In-Store Promotion Celebrates National Teddy Bear Day
44
Kid's Jack-o'-Lantern Sneakers
Nike Updated Its 'Foamposite' Model with a Playful Halloween Theme
43
Pachydermic Piggy Banks
The 'Elli' Piggy Bank is a Fun Way to Teach Kids to Save Money
42
Modular Refuse Robots
The 'Junkbot' DIY Robot Kit Turns Household Objects into Robotics
41
Robotics-Teaching Toy Cars
The 'Blinkgogo' Robotics Kit Incorporates STEM Education Fundamentals
40
Safe Children's Manicures
The Côte Salon Offers Kid-Friendly SPF Nail Treatments For Youngsters
39
Bubble Experiment Kits
Wonder Forge's Science Kit for Kids is a Finding Dory-Themed STEM Toy
38
Voice-Controlled Video Games
This Innovative Video Game is Controlled By Children's Speech
37
Detangling Kid's Shampoos
The 'Not a Knot' Chemical-Free Children's Beauty Product
36
Portioned Kids' Meals
'Little Dish' Offers Healthy Small Meals for Children
35
Kid-Friendly Drinking Chocolate
Cadbury's Freddo Chocolate is Now Available as a Hot Beverage
34
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
33
Fruity Shaved Ice Drinks
Kona Ice's New FruitFirst Products Serve as a Healthy Drink Alternatives
32
Biology-Inspired Candy Kits
These Treats for Halloween Take Cues from a Petri Dish
31
Smoothie Juice Boxes
Innocent Drinks Packages Kid Veggie Fruit Smoothies in Convenient Cartons
30
Single-Handed Wristwatches
The Minimalist 'Simpl One' Watch has Only One Hand and No Numbers
29
Vehicular Princess Seats
The Disney KidsEmbrace Booster Car Seat Gets Kids Excited About Safety
28
Interactive Reactionary Toy Cats
The FurReal Friends Bootsie Toy Responds to Cuddling and Treats
27
Kid-Friendly Fast Food Breakfasts
McDonald's is Rolling Out a Breakfast Version of Its Happy Meal
26
Inclusive Anti-Bullying Apps
'Sit With Us' Ensures That Kids Never Have to Eat Lunch Alone
25
Artisan Chicken Nuggets
Hip Chick Farms Produces All-Natural Poultry Products for Kids
24
Grilled Cheese-Inspired Snacks
Snikiddy's Baked Grilled Cheese Puffs are a Savory Snack Option
23
Programmable LEGO Drones
The Flybrix Drone is a Kid-Friendly Toy Built Out of Standard LEGO Bricks
22
Miniature Frozen Pancakes
Pillsbury is Making Whole Grain Mini Pancakes in a Small, Frozen Format
21
Bunny-Branded Beverages
This Vegetable Water Packaging Makes a Nutritious Choice Endearing
20
Kid-Friendly Healing Oils
'Ouch Ease' by Edens Garden Introduces Essential Oils for Children
19
Children's Language Tools
This Toy Was Designed to Encourage Children to Read and Write
18
Kid-Friendly Breakfast Combos
Juice It Up! is Pairing Its Healthy Smoothies with Tasty Snacks
17
Parent-Controlled Video Apps
Video Network Neptune is Designed for Kids and Made for Parents
16
Nostalgic Hot Dog Snacks
The New Bagel Bites Mini Bagel Dogs Serve as a Convenient Snack Option
15
Kid-Friendly Spelt Cereals
Rude Health's Cereal for Children is Made with Ancient Grains
14
Squeezable Snack Pouches
Sprout Organic SMASH is a New Line of Kid-Friendly Pureed Snacks
13
Hybrid Aerospace Toys
This Rocket Builder Toy Comes to Life in Mickey's Magical Math World App
12
Kid-Centric Museum Pop-Ups
The Interactive Exhibits at Mr. Men's 'Mini Museum' are "Child-Sized"
11
Aspirational Veterinarian Training Programs
The 'Vet Set Go' Veterinary Program is Tween-Focused
10
Kid-Friendly Diffuser Oils
Saje's 'Aroma Fairy' Diffuser Blend is Designed to Help with Sleep
9
Cafeteria Companionship Apps
The 'Sit With Us' App Helps Kids Avoid Having to Eat Lunch Alone
8
Children's Architecture Programs
The 'Little Architect' Program is Offered at AASA in London
7
Children's Environmentalist Manuals
Home Grown Books' Environmental Pack is an Eco Book Set
6
Complimentary Kids Meals
Chipotle is Now Letting Kids Eat Free Every Sunday
5
In-School Washing Machines
Whirlpool's 'Care Counts' Program Increases School Attendance
4
Lava Floor Video Games
'Hot Lava' Literalizes Children's 'The Floor is Lava' Game
3
Elaborate Video Game Compositions
RYANUKO's 'Please Come To Me' was Made in 'Super Mario Paint'
2
Empowering Tween Activity Groups
'Sole Girls' Brings Young Girls Together to Socialize and Train
1
Allergy-Friendly Seed Bars
Enjoy Life's Bars are an Allergy-Free Alternative to Peanut Butter Cups
Related Ideas
AI-Powered Toy Attachments
The App-Paired ToyPal One Brings Soft Toys to Life for Screen-Free Fun
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
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
Pump-Up Plush Toys
Little Biggies' Patented Pump Packaging Provides a Unique Unboxing Experience
Family Board Game Promos
Hasbro and Birds Eye Teamed Up to Encourage Family Bonding
Playful Cosmic Displays
The LEGO Group's Unidentified Playing Objects Speak to Curious Gen Alpha
Video Game Meal Toys
The McDonald's Japan Mario Kart Happy Meal Toys Come in Two Sets
Comic Book Hero Collectibles
Mattel Celebrates Iconic Comic Book Heroes with a New Line-Up
Talkative AI Toys
Bubblepal is a World-First Interactive Talking Toy Based on AIGC Technology
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
Sober October Campaigns
Kit NA Brewing Launched 'Under Your Own Influence Sober October'
Educational Climate Change Toys
The 'Habitat' Educational Toy Brick Sets Come in Two Options
Emotionally Rewarding Multiplayer Games
Toca Boca Days Helps Tweens Find a Sense of Belonging
Novel AI-Generated Product Designs
Arcade Introduced a Transformative AI Product Creation Platform
Innovative Toy Creations
Fun In Motion Toys Launches TECTI, a Kinetic Building System Toy
Youth Beauty Boutiques
Hamleys Boutique: Be You is an Inspiring Space for Kids Ages Four to 14
Sustainable Kinetic Sand Toys
Kinetic Sand Project Planet Encourages Ecosystem Protection
GenAI Storybook Illustrators
Storybooks Turns Kids' Beloved Toys into Main Characters
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
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
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
Streetwear Experimental Kids Capsules
The Ksubi 'Kids' Collection Arrives Ahead of the Holidays
AI-Powered Plushies
Curio and Grimes are Collaborating on Artificial Intelligence Toys
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
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
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
Toy-Themed Jelly Beans
Jelly Belly and Mattel Partnered on Two Toy-Inspired Products
Kid-Friendly Beauty Events
Beauty Explorer Day Sparks Kids' Interest in the Beauty Industry
Digital Magnetic Toy Models
The Tenki Spliced Magnetic Attraction Toy is Educational
Multisensory Toy Boxes
The Janod Boxes Stimulate Sight, Touch, Hearing and More
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Racing Car-Themed Supplement Collaborations
Hiya x Hot Wheels Present a Vibrant Refillable Bottle
Child-Friendly Camera Concepts
The Camera for Kids Concept Reimagines the Digital Camera
Candy-Themed Gaming Experiences
Sour Patch Kids and Roblox Partnered on a New Experience
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Playful AI Tools
Morrama Releases Concept Collection of AI Tools for Children's Mental Health
Family-Friendly LEGO Installations
The National Bank Open will Feature an Interactive LEGO Pop-Up
Adult-Targeted Plush Toys
Build-A-Bear After Dark Shares Gifts & Collectibles for "Kidults"
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
AI-Backed Family Toys
Mego Toys Showcases the New 2XL Cobot, an Interactive AI Toy for Kids
Self-Esteem Promoting Plushies
Bigfoot Kin Teaches Children How to Love Themselves
Sustainability-Oriented Kids Toys
Learning Resources Unveils a New Sustainable Toy Capsule
Educational Plush Toys
Slumberkins' 'Dragon Egg Hatchlings' Toys Inspire Emotional Development
Memory-Making AR Experiences
Rokid Celebrated Dads This Father's Day with AR & AI
Big Apple Toy Blocks
These Machi Town (New York) Blocks by kiko+ Encourage Creative Play
Phygital Fairy Toys
The HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern Mixes Physical and Digital Play
AI-Powered Toy Cars
Rocar is an Interactive Ride-On Robot Car for Kids Ages Two to Six
Gen Alpha Creativity Workshops
The LEGO Group Launched Free Creativity Workshops for Ages 6-12
Children-Catered Luxe Festive Collections
The New Louis Vuitton Holiday Capsule is Made for Kids
Lengthy Halloween-Inspired Events
Michaels Has Launched Its 100 Days to Halloween Campaign
Buildable Paper Playsets
Playper's Curious Kingdom: Castle Playset Encourages Creativity
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
Brand-Led Global Studies
The LEGO Group Conducted a Study That May Inform Market Decisions
Two-Way Kids Messaging Wearables
The BoT Talk Communicator Keeps Kids Connected to Parents
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
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
Personalized AI Bedtime Stories
Good Night Bedtime Stories Includes Your Child's Name & Interests
Personalized AI Stories
Magic Bookshelf Places Your Child at the Center of Personalized Adventures
AI-Powered Lullaby Apps
The 'Baby Bond' App Uses AI to Read Lullabies to Kids as Family Members
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
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Lego-Themed Escape Rooms
'Lost' Invites Players to Select One of Two Immersive Storylines
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
Hatching Duck Toys
Pets Alive's Mama Duck Surprise Hatches Ducklings and Fun Reveals
Kid Entrepreneur Carts
Allboss is a Creative Approach to Entrepreneurship for Children
Christmas Shopping Centers
Staples Canada Launches Holiday Gift Centre for Personalized Shopping
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
Cartoon-Adorned Parenting Bags
JuJuBe Partners with tokidoki on a Playful Bag Capsule
Socially Supportive Retailer Promotions
Wawa 'Buy a Kids Meal, Make an Impact' is Supportive
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
Festive Memory-Making Toys
Slumberkins' Yeti to Shine Helps Kids Embrace New Holiday Traditions
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
Magnetic Building Playsets
Moose Toys' Tile Town Has Dynamic Action Tiles to Spark Imagination
Physical Activity-Promoting Initiatives
Cadillac Fairview Joins the Canadian Olympic Committee
Sustainable Seasonal Chocolate Treats
PLAYin CHOC Christmas ToyChoc Boxes are Eco-Friendly
Baby-Focused Learning Toys
Matchstick Monkey's Playtime Toys Help Babies Develop Fine Motor Skills
DIY Robotics Toys
The WindBots from Thames & Kosmos are Intricate Learning Toys
Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks
LEGO Introduces the Dynamic Super Mario Kart Set
Gamified Digital Learning Platforms
Khired Kids Teaches Children Robotics, Coding, and More
Resilient Play Platforms
Hot Wheels' Challenge Accepted Fosters a Growth Mindset in Kids
Planet-Friendly Organic Clothing
Toby Tiger Offers Ethical and Affordable Kids Clothing for All
Award-Winning Magnetic Building Sets
MAGNA-TILES® Affirms Itself as a Leader in Educational Toys
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
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
Toy-Inspired Sportscar Apparel
The Wrangler x Hot Wheels Collection Features Pieces for All Ages
YouTuber-Inspired Developmental Toys
Spin Master Unveils a New Ms. Rachel Toy Collection
Video Game-Inspired Outdoor Play
ROXs is Getting Kids Outdoors
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
Block Puzzle Modular Dollhouses
Gavin Portillo and Mario Ledo Create a Dollhouse Concept
VR Buildable Biome Games
LEGO Bricktales is an Immersive Adventure Puzzle Game
Kid-Friendly Emotion Management Tools
Angry Kid Supports Children and Parents Navigating Feelings
Gender-Neutral Stroller Toys
Hart & Hero's Herotron Challenges the Gender Play Gap
Comprehensive Summer Lifestyle Capsules
Jakks Pacific is Unveiling a New Lifestyle Collection
AI-Powered Bedtime Stories
Sleepytales Creates Custom Bedtime Stories with Engaging Narrations
Family-Friendly Survival Games
Lego Debuts a New Fortnite Survival Crafting Game
AI Kid's Coloring Tools
ColorCraft AI Offers Educational and Engaging Art for Kids
Customizable Pen Kits
Clementoni's Pen Creator Studio Helps Kids Create Their Own Pens
Festive Collaborative Plush Workshops
Build-A-Bear Unveils the Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop
Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets
The Funphix' 'Standard' is an Educational Outdoor Playset
Child-Friendly AI Doodles
Dodoboo Uses AI to Turn a Child's Doodles into Art
Kid-Friendly Headphones
Tronsmart's Headphones for Kids are Foldable, Durable and Comfortable
Gamified Children's Productivity Apps
Kangaroutine Helps Kids Who Struggle with Routines
Child-Centric Online Safety Campaigns
Wondershare FamiSafe Engages Parents with a Contest
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
Child-Friendly AI Tutors
GPTKids is a Homework Helper That Supports Kids and Their Parents
Phone-Style Counting Toys
Leapfrog's Chat & Count Emoji Phone Mimics a Real Phone to Teach Numbers
Kid's Felt Building Kits
KNOP KNOP Launches Creative Felt Building Kits for Children's STEM Play
Personalized AI Storytelling Apps
Story Creator AI Takes Aspects From a Child's Personality
Special Birthday Promotions
Build-A-Bear Workshop is Celebrating Over 25 Million Birthdays
Custom AI Learning Stories
LearningStory Creates AI Topic-Based Stories to Engage Young Learners
Stuffed Toy Sports Partnerships
Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Kansas City Chief Work Together
AI Birthday Party Invites
Teddy Party Helps Parents Send Invites to Their Kid's Birthday
Light-Powered Racing Toys
Light’n Race Uses and Teaches Fundamental Physics Principles
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
AI-Powered Safety Training
UpSkill Teaches Children Safety with Scenario Based Training and AI
Colorblind-Accessible Games
Mattel Commits to Creating Inclusive Play and Game Options
Personalized Bedtime Story Generators
Bumble Stories Creates Bedtime Stories Featuring Your Child