The March 2016 youth trends reveal that companies are taking note of the changing values of millennial parents. Not only are today's toys more rooted in education, but there is also a new focus on diversity and inclusivity.
While educational toys are nothing new, the March 2016 youth trends reveal that companies are moving beyond teaching basic concepts to fostering more specialized skills. Indeed, today's toys go beyond reading, writing and counting to focus on skills such as coding and entrepreneurship. Some examples of modern education-oriented toys include app-oriented STEM kits, code-teaching toy robots and empowering entrepreneurial toys.
In addition to education, millennial parents also place significant value on inclusivity. Brands such as LEGO have embraced this message by introducing wheelchair-using characters that children with disabilities can relate to. Doll companies such as Barbie and American Girl have also made an effort to highlight diversity by producing characters of different shapes, sizes and ethnicities.
Top 65 Youth Ideas in March
From App-Oriented STEM Kits to Diversely Shaped Dolls:
Katherine Pendrill — Mar 19, 2016 — Life-Stages
65
Mind-Stimulating Classroom Designs
This Kindergarten Interior is Designed with Learning Zones
64
Tablet Loom Toys
Wooky Entertainment's 'iLoom' Uses Tablet Technology for Bracelet-Making
63
Realistic Male Dolls
The Dad Bod Ken is in Response to the Latest Line of Barbies
62
Luxurious Kids Clothing Lines
The 'Balmain Kids' Line is Inspired by the High-End Designer Label
61
Barbecue Board Games
This BBQ Game Challenges Kids to Expertly Handle Simulated Sizzling Food
60
Movie-Inspired Coffee Cups
This Colorful Children's Cup Features Oversized Ears for Handles
59
Balancing Monkey Robots
Spin Master's Zoomer Chimp That Crawls and Balances on Two Wheely Feet
58
Kid-Friendly Go-Karts
The 'Arrow Smart-Kart' Gives Children the Opportunity to Experience Driving
57
Supernatural Teenage Games
The Oxenfree Game is a Unique Coming-Of-Age Adventure
56
Colorful Play Tablets
Boogie Board's Scribble n' Play eWriter Lets Kids Doodle in Color
55
Fishing Boat Toys
This RC Boat Can Catch Fish Up to Two Pounds
54
Flexible Toy Car Tracks
Lionel's Mega Tracks Create Courses for Cars That Defy Gravity
53
Solar-Powered Bottle Toys
This Solar PET Bottle Car Teaches Kids About Electronics and Upcycling
52
Kid-Friendly Snack Subscriptions
This Service Allows Parents to Create Custom Snack Boxes for Kids
51
Code-Teaching Toy Robots
The Kamibot Robot Makes it Easier to Teach Kids to Code
50
Balance-Practicing Toys
The Monkey Business Sports Stilt Walkers Let Kids Fine-Tune Motor Skills
49
Empowering Entrepreneurial Toys
Fashion Angels' 'It's My Biz' Toys Inspire Careers in Business
48
Edible Blowing Bubbles
These Candy Bubbles Taste Like Cherry, Grape, Bubble Gum or Tutti Frutti
47
Motorcycling Superheroine Toys
This DC Superhero Action Figure is the 'Deluxe Batgirl of Burnside'
46
Throwable Paintball Toys
The 'Goblies' Paint Toy Teaches Kids to Make Biodegradable Paint Balls
45
Multifunctional Web-Seated Swings
The Spider Web Playground Swing Has Multiple Options for Play
44
Custom Toy Printers
Autodesk and Mattel Relaunched the 'ThingMaker' as a $300 3D Printer for Kids
43
Civil Rights Era Dolls
This Historical Doll Teaches Young Girls About the Civil Rights Movement
42
Kids Sneaker Showrooms
This Sketchers Kids Showroom Displays the Entire Line
41
App-Connected Racetrack Toys
This Bluetooth Race Car Toy Works Alongside an Accompanying App
40
Online Privacy Children's Books
The Educational Literature for Kids Focuses on IoT Security
39
Empowering Youth Dolls
These Diverse Dolls Aim to Inspire, Educate and Empower Young Girls
38
Toy Marketplace Apps
KidsTrade is a Toy App That Allows Children to Swap Games and Goods Safely
37
Smart-Connected Dollhouses
The 'Hello Barbie Dreamhouse' Features Wi-Fi and Voice Recognition
36
Health-Conscious Kids Menus
The Ruggles Green Menu Introduces Children to Healthy Eating Habits
35
Selfie Singing Toys
The 'SelfieMic' Combines a Selfie Stick with Karaoke
34
Digital Note-Taking Devices
Boogie Board's Jot 4.5 eWriter Simplifies Digital Drawing and Writing
33
Diversely Shaped Dolls
The Latest Barbie Fashionistas Line Boasts Curvy, Tall and Petite Models
32
DIY Drawing Robots
Makers Toolbox Teaches Kids to Create a Functional 'Scribbler Robot'
31
Family Entertainment Theme Parks
The Mattel 'Play!' Entertainment Park Will Offer Fun Attractions
30
Feminine Archery Sets
The REBELLE PLATINUM Bow and Arrow Set Encourages Girls to Try Archery
29
Nightmare-Thwarting Devices
The 'Sleep Guardian Plus' Helps Reduce Children's Night Terrors
28
Swimming Turtle Toys
This Little Live Pets Toy Comes to Life on Land and in Water
27
App-Oriented STEM Kits
The 'MudWatt' Classic STEM Kit Enables Kids to Learn About Bacteria
26
Growth-Accommodating Desks
The VIVO Children's Heigh Adjustable Desk Grows with Children
25
Bedtime Math Apps
The Bedtime Math App Encourages Kids to Enjoy and Not Hate Math
24
Monster-Shaped Crayons
These 3D-Printed Crayons for Kids Benefit Abused & Neglected Children
23
Obesity-Preventing Game Platforms
FITSKO Uses Playful Mobile Games to Encourage Fitness For Kids
22
Wheelchair-Using LEGO Charcters
This LEGO Figurine Represents a Step Towards More Inclusive Toys
21
Preloaded Junior Smartwatches
The Kurio Kids Watch Provides Entertainment for Younger Users
20
Interactive Film Experiences
This Screening of the Muppet Movie Invites Kids to Sing Along
19
Hoverboard Barbie Toys
Mattel's Star Light Adventure RC Toy Takes Barbie to New Heights
18
Vocabulary-Enriching Dolls
VTech's Baby Doll Toy Teaches Kids Words and Phrases
17
Kid Fantasy Ads
Museum of Childhood's The Imaginary Friend Collection is Fun and Playful
16
All-Terrain Toy Drones
Takara Tomy's Earth Rider Flying Drones Conquer Land, Air and Water
15
Superheroine Toy Sets
The 'Girls Night Out 5-Pack' Features DC Superheroines and Villainesses
14
Bankruptcy Board Games
Monopoly Ultimate Banking Challenges Players to Make Others Go Broke
13
Child-Centric Mountain Bikes
These Carbon Fiber Mountain Bikes Are Designed For Children
12
Empowering Kids Shows
The 'Ready Jet Go!' Program Encourages Girls to Explore Careers in STEM
11
Ice Cream Truck Toys
Shopkins' Ice Cream Toy Truck is a Food Business Playset
10
Child-Ridesharing Apps
The HopSkipDrive App Lets Kids Get Rides From Trusted Adults
9
Mitten Pockets Hoodies
The Toasty Time Hoodie Has Built-In Mittens Where Pockets Would Be
8
Miniature Sprinkler Sets
This Kid-Friendly Sprinkler Helps Children Stay Cool in the Summer
7
Kid-Safe Citronella Stickers
This Insect Repellent for Kids Can Be Used on Outdoor Gear & Textiles
6
Childhood Adventure Games
The Knights and Bikes Game is Set In the Late 1980s
5
Peer Performance Apps
The 'Watch Me Learn' App Encourages Peer to Peer Feedback in Child Athletes
4
Child-Tracking Wearables
This Wristband Helps Parents Keep an Eye on Their Children at All Times
3
Prosthetic-Building Workshops
The Superhero Cyborgs Workshops Let Kids Build Their Own Prosthetics
2
Girl-Targeted Printing Programs
This Northern Illinois University Program Supports Girls in STEM
1
Childhood Investment Programs
Sesame Ventures is Offering to Fund Start-Ups that Support Learning
Related Ideas
Anniversary-Commemorating Toy Designs
Spin Master Introduced a New Line of Dora the Explorer Toys
Interactive K-Pop Film Toys
Furby Furblets KPop Demon Hunters Take After Favorite Characters
Gaming-Themed Chocolate Partnerships
Kinder Joy and Nintendo Partnered on a Limited-Edition Range
Inclusive Spellbinding Dolls
Moonspell Magic by Monster High Inspires Fans to Embrace Uniqueness
Ancient Goddess Dolls
The Olympia Doll Collection Revives Ancient Mythology Through Play
Movie-Themed Kids Meals
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal Launches with Collectible Toys
Easter-Themed Seasonal Doll Collections
Battat's Our Generation Debuts the Keepsake Collection
Plush-Inspired Sensorial Cosmetics
Ulta Beauty x Squishmallows is Full of Fun, Tactile Features
Spherical Surprise Dolls
Barbie Roll & Reveal Shares a Novel Unboxing Experience
Plush STEAM Dolls
Team Genius Squad's STEAM Dolls Introduce Kids to Exciting Topics & Skills
AI-Enhanced Play Experiences
Mattel Partners with OpenAI to Develop AI-Powered Toys
Sensor-Driven Play Blocks
LEGO Smart Bricks Introduce Responsive Building Toys
Sci-Fi Creature Collectibles
The Grogu Tiny But Mighty Series Figures Revsits On-Screen Looks
Hands-On Computer Science Programs
LEGO Education Computer Science & Ai Promises to Engage Kids
Bright Playful Sport Playgrounds
LEGO and Nike Reimagine Sports as Playful Learning in Shanghai
Cult-Favorite Animation-Inspired Stationery Collections
Sharpie and Elmer's Embrace Toy Story 5
Next-Gen 90s Dolls
Manhattan Toy is Reviving Groovy Girls for a New Generation of Kids
Digital Apparel Education Initiatives
Roblox is an Unexpected Platform for Fashion Education
Playful Oral Care Kits
The Build-A-Brush Starter Kit Turns Daily Brushing into a Creative Activity
Easter-Ready Toy Plushies
Jazwares Launches a Whimsical Squishmallows Collection Ahead of Easter
Play-Based Preschool Apps
LEGO Bluey Mobile Game Makes Screen Time into Building Play for Kids
Collectible Pop Culture-Referencing Toys
Mattel Debuts Its 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Showcase
Pony Character Crochet Kits
The My Little Pony x The Woobles Craft Recreates Applejack & More
Sensory Snoopy Plushies
Kids Preferred Expanded Its Peanuts Snoopy Collection for Their 75th Year
Treat-Themed Crafting Dolls
Far Out Toys' Pretty Sweets Invites Kids to Customize Mini Desserts
Collaborative Kid-Focused Sensory Balls
Biggest Little and Sundae Kids Debut 'Balls on Wheels'
Color-Changing Cooking Toys
The Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set Inspires Realistic Pretend Play
Pop Culture-Inspired Collectibles
Kinder Joy & Stranger Things Launch Funko Pop!® Collection
Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys
ThinkPsych Spotlights Its Line of Therapeutic Games & Tools
Family-Friendly Tech Accessory Designs
CASETiFY x Toy Story is Whimsical and Vibrant
Preschool Coding Toys
Codie Blocks and iCode are Preparing Young Kids for an AI Future
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Science-Backed High-Energy Toy Collections
Moose Toys Partners with Mark Rober on CrunchLabs
Anniversary QSR Toy Drops
Mcdonald’s Disneyland 70th Anniversary Toys Mark a Milestone
Doll-Inspired Jewelry Collections
Barbie Professions Collection by Alex + Ani Celebrates Ambition
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Inclusive Fashion Dolls
Mattel’s First Autistic Barbie Boasts Sensory Experiences & Support Tools
Art-Inspired Collectibles
The Mattel x MoMA Series Transforms Iconic Artworks into Toys and Games
Interactive Educational TV Games
LeapFrog LeapMove Has a Webcam-Like Design
Playful Learning Collections
IKEA Open House Miami Has Child-Focused Designs for Miami Art Week
Youth STEM Education-Supporting Partnerships
Otis Poland, FIRST Lego League & Future Minds Partner
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Chinese Toy Company Debuts
Kayou is Making Its Official Debut at the New York Toy Fair
Wooden Toy Lineups
Jasey's Toy Chest Debuted Its Mental Health-Focused Toy Line at Toy Fair 2026
Iconic Doll-Commemorating Stamps
USPS' Barbie Stamps Appeal to Youth and Nostalgia-Seekers
Community 3D-Printed Toys
3D Printing Elves Launches Free Toy Program for Children
Inclusive Diverse Board Games
Safehaven Presents the Where Hope Lives Board Game
STEM-Driven Building Block Kits
These LEGO Education Science Kits Come in Four Options
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 2026
Responsive Building Toys
LEGO SMART Play Integrates Technology That Reacts in Real Time
Pop Culture Chocolate Products
These New Kinder Products Embrace Collaborations
Comprehensive Easter-Inspired Collaborations
Peeps' 2026 Spring Collaboration Lineup is Impressive
Decor-Friendly Developmental Toys
Playcor's Design-Forward Toys are Made to Display
Children-Focused Tech Lines
MyFirst Specializes in Technology Products for Children
Bold Beauty Campaigns
IPSY Reframes Beauty as a Hobby with the 'I Play Beauty' Campaign
Youth-Safe Skincare Hubs
Cult Beauty's Gen A–Z Hub Educates and Empowers Gen Alpha and Gen Z
Sensory ASMR-Style Toys
Incredible Group's Squishi Toys Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Micro-Robotic Digital Pets
MicroPets Appeal to Digitally Native Kids and Kidults
Game-Inspired Collectible Toys
Mattel Creations Debuts Two Minecraft Collectibles
3D-Printed Fidget Toys
Jigglets are Produced with Less Waste Than Traditional Toys
Toy Kitchen Cookbooks
Melissa & Doug Announced Three Playable Books with Penguin Young Readers
Culture-Inspired Dolls
Katseye and Monster High Debut a Music Video & Inclusive Doll Collaboration
Anniversary Doll Capsules
Spin Master Celebrates 25 Years of Dora with an All-New Toy Collection
Creative Story Platforms
Imagine Tales Sparks Creativity In Kids With Safe AI Storytelling Tools
Multi-Brand Match Games
Mattel Match: Toybox Unlocked Unites Brands Like Barbie & Hot Wheels
Doll-Centric Festival Experiences
Barbie Dream Fest Brings the Iconic Doll to Life for Fans
AI-Powered STEM Camp Directories
AI is Optimizing a STEM Summer Camp Directory
Real-Life Doll Apparel
Barbie Debuts its First-Ever Fashion Collection with Edikted
Art-Inspired Toy Collections
Hape x The Met Makes Masterpieces Accessible & Play-Inspiring
Nostalgic Toy Brand Celebrations
Tamagotchi Marks Its 30th Anniversary at the New York Toy Fair
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Athlete-Inspired LEGO Sets
LEGO Launches Collectible Football Sets with Messi and Ronaldo
Cosmetics-Inspired Slime Toys
Glime Brings Elements of Beauty and Fashion to Sensorial Play
STEAM-Inspired Construction Toy Systems
Meekins Corp. Introduces Rail Cube to the US Market
AI 3D Printing Tools
Ai Doll Generates And 3D Prints Personalized AI Action Figures Instantly
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Kid-Focused Screen-Free Learning Kits
Bellybees is Expanding Beyond Baby Food into a New Category
Toy-Inspired Music-Themed Workshops
The LEGO Group Launches Its Final Creativity Workshop of 2025
Tech-Enriched Sports Equipment
The 'GOAL' Concept by Yewon Lee Encourages Physical Activity
Spring-Themed Toy Collections
MGA Entertainment Emphasizes DIY Creativity, Surprises & Pastel Hues
Hands-On STEAM Activity Kits
The Electricity Lab Experience Bundle is Neurodivergent-Friendly
Beauty Kiosk Playsets
Melissa & Doug's New Sort, Stock, Select Toy Explores Skincare & Makeup
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Open-Ended Exploration Toys
Melissa & Doug Entered Toy Industry Hall of Fame
Insightful Development Apps
KidHub Gives Parents a Look at Predictors of a Child's Success
Hybrid Indoor Play Spaces
Jumpin' Jellybeans Expertly Merges Play with Wellness
Hybrid STEM Activity Kits
Brainstorm's Science Activity Kits Pair Hands-On Play & Online Tutorials
Kids-Focused Space-Themed Collaborations
Crayola Interprets McDonald's Happy Meal
Screen-Free Interactive Toys
LEGO Pokémon Uses SMART Play Technology for Hands-On Fun
Printable Learning Tools
'A Learning Digital Resource' is a Library for Printable SEL Worksheets
AI-Powered Collectible Figurines
Personality-Packed HeyMates are Made for Modern Kidults
Infant Wellness Play Collections
Fisher-Price Introduces its Mini Me Moments Capsule for Babies
Tech-Driven Building Toys
LEGO Introduced Its New Smart Play Platform with Enhanced Technology
Expansive Action Character Toys
Blokees Debuts Its Range in Toy Fair New York 2026
Race-Inspired Puzzle Collections
LEGO and Formula 1 Launch a New Build the Thrill Series
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Supermarket-Inspired Slime Toys
Zuru Slime Mart Shares Baskets & Bags with Food-Like Sensory Toys
Whimsical Miniature Toy Campaigns
LEGO Celebrates Star Wars Day 2025 with a Free Grogu Toy
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Lowe's Turns MrBeast Fandom Into Kids Workshops
Doll-Themed Hockey Collections
CCM Hockey Joins Forces with Mattel's Barbie for a Co-Branded Line
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
Assistive Mobility Technology Initiatives
Toyota Partners with the MaRS Discovery District
Youth-Focused Technology Programing
COMPUCHILD is Inspired by the NASA Space Apps Challenge
Collectible Message Dolls
Momiji x TOMY Brings a Beloved Blind Box Brand to the US Market
Educational STEM-Focused Toys
hand2mind Launches Exclusive Back-To-School Collection at Target
Toy Brand Advisory Councils
Ted Kangaroo Ensures Its Sensory Products are Backed by Expertise
Modular STEM Displays
LEGO Celebrates the Evolution of STEM with an Architectural Set
Seasonally Themed Magnetic Toys
MAGNA-TILES Introduces New Thematic Toys at Toy Fair 2026
Annual International Toy Fairs
Spielwarenmesse is Running Its 75th Edition This Year
Mental Health Toy Curations
Timeless Toys' D.O.S.E of Play Helps Kids Manage Stress & Anxiety
AI Merit Badges
Scouts Can Now Earn a Merit Badge By Learning About the Uses and Ethics of AI
Snuggly Plush Toys
Jazwares Spotlights Giftable Squishmallows for the Holidays
Tactile Learning Board Games
Toddler Plus Teaches Sequencing Through Sliding Peg Movement
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Colorful Youth Fashion Collections
Joe Fresh and Life at Home™ Have Partnered with Crayola
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Kids Drawing Apps
Kids Coloring Drawing Book App Offers Interactive Learning And Creativity
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
Collaborative Color-Forward Toy Collections
Crayola and Ms. Rachel Debut Color Wonder Ms. Rachel
Real-Circuit Board Games
Reactor Rescue Uses Functional Electronics in Gameplay
Proactive Child Safety Platforms
Apple Unifies Parental Controls and Content Protections
Art-Focused Retail Capsules
Mattel and MoMA Partner to Craft a New Collaborative Collection
Interactive Story Platforms
Storytelling App Offers AI-Powered Stories To Engage And Support Kids
Interactive Themed Educational Boxes
Enlightened Generation’s Themed Boxes Serve Children
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Athlete Commemorative Dolls
Venus Williams Barbie Celebrates Equality and Athletic Legacy
Educator-Inspired Singing Toys
Nugget Partners with Ms. Rachel on The Ms. Rachel Nugget
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Music-Driven Coding Lessons
Amazon Launches the Inclusive Your Voice is Power Program
Active Play Fair Presentations
JOYIN Gears Up to Present at Spielwarenmesse 2026
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Gender Gap-Addressing Basketball Initiatives
Shoot 360 Hosted HER Month in March
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Encouraging Plush Companions
Slumberkins' Let's Grow Summer Series Encourages a Growth Mindset
Youth-Targeted Finance Campaigns
Little Learners, Big Earners Teaches Money Basics to Gen Alpha
Gender Gap-Addressing Education Initiatives
Organizations Emphasize the Need for Girls' Education
Preschool Learning Platforms
Effling Kids Makes Early Learning Interactive, Digital, And Paperless
Streaming-Inspired Toy Lines
Moose Toys Expands Netflix Stories Into Toy Collections
Delectable Career-Themed Ice Pops
Happy Pops Launches the Barbie Career Collection