As the site’s resident toy expert — I’m the writer behind the Strategist’s “Toy Store” and gifts for every age — I get an early look at the latest and greatest new toys, often before they hit store shelves. There are dozens of new releases every month, so leading into the holiday season I’ll be doing a toy-centric edition of “Don’t Dillydally.” Here are the launches I’m particularly excited about right now, including mini Magna-Tiles, bubble-tea Barbies, and a Spidey-inspired set of Lego Duplos.
Lots of Magna-Tiles, including a new mini size
Magna-Tiles recently launched several sets in addition to a brand-new tile size: microMAGS. The mini-pieces are 75 percent smaller than original Magna-Tiles — a microMAG square measures about 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches, compared to three inches by three inches on the O.G. version. The mini-tiles are compatible with the original pieces and come in a 26-piece travel set or a 70-piece deluxe set, as well as in a few deluxe combo packs. Other exciting new sets include a basic castle and a deluxe castle, both of which have a working draw bridge and a spiral staircase, and a space shuttle with double doors that open to store all of the set’s pieces.
Tiny, wearable Squishmallow Squish-a-longs
In keeping with the tiny trend, Squishmallows just launched a collection of cute collectible friends, Squish-a-longs. This is a departure for the brand as the one-inch-tall figures aren’t plush; instead, they’re made of smooth and squishy plastic, a lot like the trade-able “mochi” squish toys that are popular among elementary-school kids. This set comes with a mystery figure, accessories, and a ring base that lets you wear your Squish-a-longs at school or camp.
Mix-and-match Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Have you ever wondered what Donatello might look like with Shredder’s head and Michelangelo’s legs? This pizza van can show you. Place four of the six included TMNT figurines in the four rotating sections within, close the doors, and push the big green button to launch a brand-new mutated character out the side of the van.
So many new Barbies
Between now and the holidays, we will see dozens of new Barbie dolls, accessories, and play sets. But right now these three are the ones holding my attention. There’s the first-ever blind Barbie, a series of four bubble-tea-inspired Barbies that come with matching slime, and a BRATZ-ified line of Barbies that come with cell phones and laptops and are geared toward older kids.
Build-your-own motion sensing spider
Just in time for Halloween, this build-your-own motion sensor spider kit lets kids prank their family and friends. It also teaches them about electronics and engineering and even includes a few facts about arachnids.
Lego’s annual advent calendars
The advent-calendar industrial complex encompasses everything from beauty products and specialty jam to fancy stationery and toys. And among the toy calendars, Lego is king. So far this year the brand has opened up preorders for Disney, Harry Potter, and Star Wars calendars that include some delightful details like Olaf on a seesaw, gargoyles for each Hogwarts house, and a festive mug-toting princess Leia.
Spidey-, Ariel-, and Peppa-themed Lego Duplos
For Lego-curious younger kids, you can’t go wrong with Duplo. I like these new licensed sets featuring motorcycle-riding Spin from Spidey and His Amazing Friends, a Little Mermaid underwater café, and Peppa Pig at the supermarket.
Halloween Fluffy Stuffiez
While I admittedly think the way Fluffy Stuffiez work is weird — you “pluck” a top layer of fur to reveal a new character — this new set of little monsters is pretty cute. My favorite is the Frankenstein that turns into a vampire. But you can also get a mummy that turns into a skeleton and a candy corn that turns into a ghost.
Clixo’s glow-in-the-dark ocean pack
I’ve heard from lots of cool parents the Clixo building toys are excellent for encouraging creativity, and because they pack flat, they are great for travel. For the first time in a while, the brand has launched themed packs including this other-worldly glow-in-the-dark ocean creature set, a space mission pack, and two 15-piece grab-and-go packs. It comes with 24 pieces and instructions for making nine different animals.
Melissa & Doug’s ocean play gym
And for babies (or parents) who get a kick out of underwater animals, Melissa & Doug has a new ocean-themed play gym with a double-sided mat — high contrast on one side and full color on the other — plus five friendly sea-creature toys that chime, crinkle, vibrate, rattle, and squeak.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
