Toys
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The Best Lego Sets for Kids
by Signe Brewster and Joshua Lyon
Our kid testers, and their parents, loved these Lego sets.
Are Toy Subscription Boxes Worth It?
by Alexandra Frost
We tested three top toy subscription box services to figure out if they’re worth the fuss (and the cost).
The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults
by Wirecutter Staff
Looking for fun in the sun? Whether you're headed for the beach or the pool this summer, we've picked out the best toys to keep kids (and adults) entertained.
The Best Lego Sets for Adults, According to Our Staff
by Joshua Lyon
From a van Gogh piece to a retro radio, these are our favorite Lego sets for adults.
Some of the Best Online Learning Games for Kids
by Courtney Schley
We spent 40-plus hours testing more than 50 recommendations from educators, experts, and parents to find the best educational apps and games for kids.
The Best First Pedal Bike
by Laura Motley
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. Depending on the bike, the process can be either unnecessarily frustrating or, well, like a ride in the park.
31 Kids Birthday Party Favors That Aren’t Junk
by Marilyn Ong
We looked high and low for fun birthday party favors—including good-quality trinkets and special standalone items—that aren’t bound straight for the trash.
Board Games We Love for Kids and Families
by Courtney Schley and James Austin
These games can introduce kids to new genres, help them build skills, and offer provocative and age-appropriate challenges, engaging themes, and distinctive designs.
Jigsaw Puzzles We Love
by James Austin
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to pass time on a rainy day, during a screen break, or at a family gathering. These are a few of our favorites.
The Best Kids Scooters
by Katharine Gammon
We’ve compared 19 kids scooters over the past six years, and we’re confident that the popular Micro Maxi is a worthwhile investment in longtime fun.
The Best Tablet for Kids
by Ryan Whitwam and Andrew Cunningham
The best tablet for your kid is the old one you aren’t using anymore. If you’re buying new, Apple’s 9th-generation iPad has the best app selection.
The Best Tricycles
by Jenni Gritters and Katharine Gammon
Over the past six years, we’ve enlisted dozens of kids to try out 21 three-wheelers, and we have four top trikes to recommend.
What to Pack for Camping Trips With Kids
by Kalee Thompson
Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.
The Best Balance Bikes
by Jenni Gritters and Chris Dixon
We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages.
30(ish) Family-Friendly Games We Love Under $35
by Wirecutter Staff and Gabriella DePinho
Break out the board games! Here’s a selection of our favorite cheap(ish) picks for players of all ages.
The Best Bath Toys
by Ingela Ratledge Amundson
A top-notch bath toy is engaging and easy to clean, and it doesn’t surrender quickly to mold. We offer 15 options to keep your kids entertained in the tub.
The Case for Sleeping With Stuffed Animals as an Adult
by Sarah Gannett
Returning to the childhood habit of cuddling with stuffed animals is a tender, joyful way to relax and fall asleep.
The Best Electronics Kits for Kids and Beginners
by Signe Brewster
We tested electronics kits with kids ages 7 to 12 and got feedback from parents and makers to find the most engaging ways for kids to learn about electronics.
Toy Storage Ideas Your Kids Will Actually Use
by Rachel Hurn and Wirecutter Staff
Keeping toys and nursery items organized is a constant challenge for many parents. We have some time-tested solutions.
Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks for Babies and Kids of 2023
by Wirecutter Staff
These were some of the most popular Wirecutter picks for babies and kids in 2023.
These Über-Cool Mudpuppy Puzzles Make Inside Days Fun
by Kalee Thompson
Mudpuppy makes some of the most engaging jigsaw puzzles and games we’ve tried. And they’re all on sale right now for 30% off.
Why Wirecutter Parents and Kids Love Magna-Tiles
by Courtney Schley
Magna-Tiles have been a favorite among Wirecutter staff parents and kids for years.
Build the Best Blanket Forts Ever With These Inexpensive Clips
by Christine Cyr Clisset
If you’re in need of some reinforcements to secure your latest fort creation, these towel clips are a solid addition to any fort-building toolkit.
The Best Dolls
by Julie Kim
For some children, a doll will be the most treasured toy they own. We tested 25 dolls to help you find one that feels just right for the kid in your life.
These First Toys for Kids With Disabilities Have Universal Appeal
by Julie Kim
When you have a child with disabilities, the toy bin can become a tool box filled with items to help them grow—and bring them joy.
The Best Horror Board Games to Play at Home
by Joshua Lyon and James Austin
Halloween can be any time of the year when you’re playing our favorite spooky games.
Our Favorite Tools for a Tricked-Out Halloween
by Elissa Sanci
Here are our go-to ghoulish garnishes, including spooky smart lights, pumpkin-carving tools, and all the scary and not-so-scary stuff to have a happy Halloween.
How to Become an Adult Lego Master
by Joshua Lyon
Adult Fans of Lego, or AFOLs, are a growing number of enthusiasts who say that playing with Lego isn’t just for kids.
The Best Inflatable Kiddie Pool (That You’ll Probably Have to Trash at the End of the Summer)
by Elissa Sanci
Though most don’t make it past the end of the summer, inflatable pools bring fun to the comfort of your backyard. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Backyard Bounce Houses Seem Like Cheesy Monstrosities. But They’re Actually Great.
by Ben Frumin
They’re gigantic. They’re expensive. They’re the best thing to happen to my backyard.
5 Unexpected Things You Can Borrow From the Library
by Christina Williams
Tired of overspending on toys, sports gear, crafts, and family activities? Here are some of our favorite resources to help you save money by borrowing.
How to Clean Stuffed Animals and Dolls (Trust Us, They’re Gross)
by Julie Kim
That stuffed animal your kid’s snuggling? It’s probably crawling with boogers and germs. We can help.
Finished Today’s Wordle? Here Are 7 Focused Puzzles and Games That Are Just As Satisfying
by Elissa Sanci
Wordle can have a calming effect on some folks—here are a few other puzzles and projects that can mimic that feeling.
How to Clean Grimy Old Lego Bricks
by Joshua Lyon
Sticky Lego sets are no fun to play with, but it’s not difficult to get your Lego pieces back into like-new building shape.
The Best Kids Craft Subscription Boxes
by Jackie Reeve
After testing 14 craft subscription boxes with nine kids, we recommend the Koala Crate for preschoolers and the Kiwi Crate for early elementary students.
How to Make Space for Kids to Be Creative at Home
by Jackie Reeve
With families spending more time at home, designating a special zone where kids can get creative (and messy) can be challenging—but rewarding.