Remember a few months ago when I was raving about attending the virtual Sweet Suite this summer? Well, the masterminds behind the event were back at it last week with the Holiday Of Play with The Toy Insider.
Like Sweet Suite, the set up and organization of the event was amazingly well done. I know we’re all pretty over Zoom these days, but trust me when I say that you’d gladly offer yourself up for a day of Zoom if it meant getting to meet with amazing brands in a well-organized event.
What is the Holiday of Play event?
Holiday of Play isn’t another Zoom presentation. No, it’s a toy party and it’s just as fun as a virtual event can be. Holiday of Play is hosted by The Toy Insider each year and the event is attended by the biggest names in play.
During the event, The Toy Insider team of play experts presented toy trend roundups, live Q&A sessions, real-time giveaways, and other fun activities that made it even more fun. Want to see all the fun? Check out @thetoyinsider on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook or check out the hashtag #sweetsuiteathome
The Toy Insider event: Holiday of Play
The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information about children’s toys, tech and entertainment. It is made up of a team of toy experts and each year they publish two gift guides. The first gift guide is published in Summer {I shared this with the Sweet Suite announcement} and another for the holiday season.
In addition to gift guides, they also review toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. The Toy Insider’s content is produced by an editorial team with more than 100 years of combined experience covering the toy industry.
And, when they are not reviewing and creating gift guides for the hottest toys of the year, they also throw events. I’ve been to quite a few events in person in the past, but this was my first year going digital with them. It certainly doesn’t replace in-person events, but it definitely comes close!
For more information, visit thetoyinsider.com and follow them on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
The Toy Insider’s 2020 Top Toy Trends announced at Holiday of Play
Game On
This holiday season will be different from any other. Social distancing and spending time at home are still key to keeping people safe. Playing games of all kinds is a great way to pass the time and make memories as a family.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Who’s the G.O.A.T.? (Big G Creative), T-Rex Rumble (Educational Insights), Burping Bobby (Goliath), Deer Pong (Hasbro), Drone Home (PlayMonster), The #UpsideDownChallenge Game (VANGO), Incohearent Family Edition (What Do You Meme?), Big Boggle (Winning Moves Games), Hands Full (WowWee), Break the Board (Yulu)
Screen-Free Learning
With many kids learning partially or completely at home this year, these incredible toys give kids a break from screen time. Plus, they feature lots of fun elements and have tons of educational value.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Blockaroo Windmill Set (Blue Marble), Apollo – A Game Inspired by the NASA Moon Missions (Buffalo Games), STEAM Paper Flower Kit (Crayola), Circuit Explorer (Educational Insights), Snap Circuits MyHome (Elenco Electronics), DIY Music Maker Science Lab (hand2mind), Speak & Learn Puppy (LeapFrog), Botley 2.0 (Learning Resources), Magformers Basic Plus 14Pc Set (Magformers), Mega Cyborg Hand (Thames & Kosmos)
At-Home Activities
With everyone staying at home this year, you’re going to need some toys and activities to pass the time. From craft kits to playsets, these toys provide a lot of open-ended play to keep kids busy — and most of them are screen-free!
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: K’NEX Architecture (Basic Fun!), GEMEX Gel Creations Studio (Cra-Z-Art), Jixelz Creator (Fat Brain Toys), Beyblade Burst Rise Hypersphere Vortex Climb Battle Set (Hasbro/ADK), Mixy Squish Tabletop Creativity Desk (Horizon), Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen (Mattel), Breyer Mane Beauty Styling Heads (Reeves), Chocolate Pen (Skyrocket), Lamaze 3-in-1 Airtivity Center (TOMY), 3D Build & Play (Wobbleworks)
Budget-Friendly Finds
Sticking to a budget is more important than ever before for millions of families across the country. Check out our favorite toys under $25 that will ‘wow’ kids without breaking the bank.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Anime Heroes (Bandai America), CurliGirls (Basic Fun!), Cats vs. Pickles (Cepia), Star Wars The Child Bluetooth Speaker (eKids), JUNKBOTS (HEXBUG), VIP Pets Series 1 (IMC), Kitten Catfe Series 3 Boba Purrista Girls (Jakks Pacific), Hairdorables Hair Art Series (Just Play), Ravel Tales (Sunny Days), 5 Surprise Mini Brands Series 2 & Mini Mart (ZURU)
Family Fun
Due to COVID-19, many families are closer than ever before. Toys, games and activities that the whole family can play with together to spark meaningful play experiences will be a big hit this year.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Plinko (Buffalo Games), Pizza Party Throwdown (Hog Wild), LEGO Adventures with Mario Starter Course (LEGO), Nintendo Switch (Nintendo), Back to the Future DeLorean (Playmobil), Relative Insanity See What I Mean?! (PlayMonster), Battle Academy (Pokémon), Present Pets (Spin Master), Tonies (Tonies), Marshmallow Blasters (ZING)
Mind & Body Builders
It’s been a stressful year for kids and adults alike. Toys to help kids de-stress, stay active, and keep healthy habits throughout the pandemic make great holiday gifts this year.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Up, In & Over Energetic Elephant Bouncer (Bestway), NCAA 6V Plush Ride-On Product Line (Dynacraft), Swingin’ Shoes (Fat Brain Toys), Sensory Fidget Tubes (hand2mind), Lullabrites (Jay@Play), Barbie Breathe with Me (Mattel), Wubble Rumblers (NSI), FLEX Kart (Rollplay), Kinetic Sand Sandswirls (Spin Master), Pinkfong Baby Shark Dancing DJ (WowWee)
Next-Gen Creators
From toys based on YouTube stars to products that help kids on their way to stardom, kids will be ready for their closeup in no time with these toys, play sets, and more.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Ninja Kidz TV GIANT Mystery Ninja Ball (Blip Toys), Ryan’s World Shadow Warrior Ninja Mystery Box (Bonkers), Trinity & Beyond – Mystery Heart Jewelry Box (Bonkers), Trolls World Tour DJ Trollex Mixer (eKids), Roblox Adopt Me Pet Shop (Jazwares), Collins Key Fake Food Mystery Challenge Wheel (Moose), FailFix Total Makeover Pack (Moose), Animal Crossing (Nintendo), KidiZoom Creator Cam (VTech), Insta Studio (WeCool)
Social Responsibility
Toys are teaching tools for kids, and it’s important they reflect the world around them. This year, toy companies are focused on creating toys that are culturally diverse, sustainable, and accessible, helping to instill strong values in kids.
The Toy Insider’s Favorites: Crayola Colors of the World (Crayola), Geomag 100% Recycled Panels 114 Pieces (Geomagworld), Zoe (Healthy Roots Dolls), Blippi Recycling Truck (Jazwares), LEGO Duplo Modular Playhouse (LEGO), Kindness Club 14″ Play Dolls (Madame Alexander), American Girl Doll of the Year: Joss (Mattel), Rescue Tales Adoptable Pets (MGA Entertainment), Real Rigs Recycling Truck (Pacific Cycle), Theo the Therapy Dog (Roylco)