With new products such as cooperation-promoting board games and inclusive male dolls, the May 2016 kids trends reveal a new emphasis on friendship and inclusivity. It seems that brands are not only emphasizing the importance of social interaction, but they are also trying to make sure that children of all races, genders and abilities feel included.
When it comes to promoting friendship, the May 2016 kids trends reveal an emphasis on toys and games that involve working together to reach a common goal. For instance, Seedling's box kite kit gives children an opportunity to work together on a creative DIY project. Similarly, a number of companies are producing board games that emphasize cooperation instead of competition, in order to promote friendships rather than rivalries.
As part of the focus on friendship, brands are also making a significant effort to create products that are more inclusive. For example, Melanites is an innovative toy company that creates dolls for boys of color. On a more broad scale, the cast of the Sesame Street Muppets recently expanded to include a character from Afghanistan who espouses strong feminist ideals. Both examples demonstrate the move towards greater diversity when it comes to products and content aimed at children.
Top 100 Kids Ideas in May
From Cooperation-Promoting Board Games to Inclusive Boy-Focused Dolls:
Katherine Pendrill — May 15, 2016 — Life-Stages
100
Prehistoric Popsicle Treats
This Popsicle for Kids Includes a Surprise Inside Its Frozen Core
99
Four-in-One Child Scooters
The Chicco Ride On Scooter Converts to be Fun for Multiple Age Ranges
98
DIY Cardboard Toys
MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys
97
Wooden Children Furniture
The IKEA FLISAT Series is at Once Simple and Playful
96
Home Jungle Gyms
LimiKids' 'Pegasus' Includes a Ladder, Monkey Bars and More
95
Indoor Playground Toys
'Solo' is a Small-Scale Indoor Playhouse with a Slide, Ladder & Chalkboard
94
Kid Art Jewelry
Etsy Shop CaitlynMinimalist Turns Children's Drawings into Pendents
93
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade Operates in an Unexpected Way
92
Monthly Sticker Subscriptions
Pipsticks Offers New Sticker Designs to Subscribers Each Month
91
Adaptable Wood Toy Designs
TransBlock is a Sustainable and Imaginative Plaything for Preschoolers
90
Kid-Friendly Design Books
This Children's Art Book is Designed to Teach Readers About Color
89
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
88
Children's Color-In Boots
Etsy's TheWoodsSecretGarden Provides a Template for Customizable Boots
87
Barbie Hotel Suites
The Hilton Panama's Barbie-Inspired Rooms Feature Doll-Themed Packages
86
Architectural Bathtub Toys
WATERSCAPE Lets Kids Build Floating Cities in the Tub
85
Intuitive Juvenile Fishing Rods
This Self-Casting Fishing Pole Launches Lures 30-Feet in Distance
84
Educational Electricity Kits
The Squishy Circuit Kit Teaches Kids About Electrical Basics
83
Playfully Printed Dinnerware
The 'Chil-Dish Project' Has Kids Create 3D-Printed Designs and Dishes
82
Interactive Vehicle Placemats
The Galaxy One-Piece Car Silicone Placemat Turns Food into a Vehicle
81
Wooden Camera Toys
These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play
80
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
The Magic Time Titan Falls Inflatable Water Slide and Pool is Expansive
79
Physical Education Smartwatches
The adidas Zone Targets Schools to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
78
Pom-Pom Maker Toys
The PomPom Wow Helps Creatively Customize Personal Items
77
Accessible Coding Devices
The FUZEBOX is a Coding Gadget That Can Be Used with Nearly Any Device
76
Rentable Toy Printers
Pley Helps Kids Rent Playthings and Machines That 3D Print Toys
75
Kid-Friendly Festival Accessories
This Feather Crown Kit Helps Kids Make a Concert-Ready Accessory
74
Mother-Daughter Tea Parties
The Eloise at the Plaza Event is Intended for Mothers and Their Kids
73
DIY Doll Kits
Seedling's Personalized Doll Toy is Reflective of a Young Maker Culture
72
DIY Mask Kits
This Retro Toy Kit Lets Children Create a Personalized Superhero Mask
71
Inclusive Boy-Focused Dolls
The 'Melanites' Toy Company Creates Toys for Boys of Color
70
Kids Balance-Training Kits
The Kids Slackline Kit Encourages Children to Train with One Another
69
DIY Archery Kits
Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow
68
DIY Insect Robots
The 'Antbo' Insect Robot Can be Assembled and Programmed by Anyone
67
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
The 'Yibu' Gaming Platform Blends Real World Toys with Digital
66
Youth Health Apps
The Juicebox App is All About Fornication
65
Conscious Clothing Boxes
For Each Subscription Purchased, Kidbox Donates Clothing to Kids in Need
64
Kid-Friendly Toothpaste Dispensers
These Novelty Oral Care Accessories are Inspired by The Minions
63
Imaginative Indoor Tents
The FiveJoy Kids Teepee is Easily Setup and Stored Away
62
Youth Doorframe Gyms
This Home Gym for Kids Can Be Set Up in Any Interior Doorway
61
Allergic Reaction Trackers
'Aibi' is a Wearable Device That Helps Children Monitor Their Allergies
60
AR-Enabled Dinosaur Board Games
The Dino Mundi Triceratops Adventure Board Game is Interactive
59
Educationally Entertaining Robots
The Makeblock 'Codeybot' Makes it Fun to Learn Coding
58
Paper Puppet Kits
These Eco-Friendly Toys are a Modern Take on a Retro Design
57
Modern Fairy Tale Books
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Features Frida Kahlo & Serena Williams
56
Educational Programming Kits
The Arduino Learning Board Has Over 15 Mini Projects to Perform
55
Cooperative Dice Games
The Lucky Dogs Dice Game Encourages Players to Work Together
54
Robotic Youth Coding Instructors
The Root Robot is Programmed to Educate Children on HTML
53
Animal Mask Notecards
This Playful Animal Stationery Doubles Masks That Can Be Worn
52
VR Board Games
'Mask of Anubis' Combines Virtual Reality and Gaming
51
Fashion Ambassador Programs
Nordstrom's Program Introduces Students to the World of Retail Fashion
50
Transformative Play Slides
This Two-in-One Fisher Price Slide Doubles as a Toy Rocker
49
Flotation Device Swords
The Star Wars Lightsaber Pool Noodles Allow Kids to Safely Duel
48
UV Protection Playpens
The Graco 'Pack 'n Play Sport' Baby Playpen Offers a Safe Place to Play
47
Child-Friendly Air Purifiers
This Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is Ideal For Children's Bedrooms
46
Friendship Bracelet-Making Kits
The My Friendship Bracelet Maker Helps Kids Make Shareable Crafts
45
Education System Apps
ClassDojo 2.0 Hopes to Eliminate Parent-Teaching Meeting All Together
44
Sailing Ship Kites
This Nostalgic Toy is Designed for a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
43
Two-Child Play Trikes
This Two-Seater Tricycle Bike Encourages Friends to Take Turns
42
Play-Oriented Wall Decals
The Decowall Wall Sticker Set Lets Kids Play without Damaging Surfaces
41
Share-Encouraging Swings
This Deluxe Platform Swing is Designed to Hold Two Swingers at Once
40
Sustainable Paint Sets
Eco Kids' Eco Paint Packs Features Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Children
39
Arboreal Crayon Boxes
Mon Petit Art's Pencil Crayon Tree is a Fun and Functional Decor Accent
38
Oversized Competitive Games
The Kick Croquet Outdoor Game Features Larger Components
37
Revamped Retro Games
'Connect 4 Twist & Turn' Gives a Classic Game a Modern Update
36
Storybook Rabbit Toys
These Collectible Peter Rabbit Toys Introduce Characters from the TV Series
35
Child-Centric Frozen Meals
Kiddyum's Frozen Meals Are Delicious and Nutritious
34
Education-Promoting Stationary Bikes
The Green Microcycle Allows Kids to Move as They Learn
33
Social Skill-Developing Games
The 'Say and Do' Social Skills Game Gets Kids Ready to Interact
32
Children's Needlepoint Kits
Fanny & Alexander's Crafting Kits are Inspired by Wildlife
31
Child-Designed Content Apps
The Sky Kids App Provides Content Streaming for Younger Viewers
30
Car-Coloring Advertisements
This Creative Car Print Ad from Nissan Pays Tribute to Mother's Day
29
Physics-Teaching Kits
The Physics Simple Machines Kids Science Kit Teaches the Basics of Physics
28
Interactive Gaming Toothbrushes
The 'G・U・M PLAY' Connected Toothbrush Improves Oral Care with Apps
27
Girls Coding Camps
Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie Kloss is Running a Summer Code Camp for Youth
26
Nostalgic Rodent Toys
This Danger Mouse Toy Celebrates the Revival of a Classic 80s Character
25
Kid-Friendly Festival Events
The UK's Curious Arts Festival Hosts Creative Workshops for All Ages
24
Whimsical Plush Toys
This Popples Talk Plush Doll is a Modern Take on the Furbie
23
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Apps
The BBC iPlayer Kids App Provides Suitable Content for Young Ones
22
Cultural Children's Characters
Zari is the Newest Sesame Street Muppet Hailing from Afghanistan
21
Creative Friendship Journals
This Friendship Activity Book Encourages Kids to Value Relationships
20
Kid-Friendly Hair Products
The Hip Peas Hair Styling Balm is Safe for Kids to Use
19
Shield-Inspired Children's Decor
These Children's Storage Units Resemble Medieval Motifs
18
Wholesome Chewing Gums
Real Good's Natural Gum Promises a "Gunk-Free" Formula
17
Cooperation-Promoting Board Games
The Feed the Woozle Game Encourages Children to Work Together
16
Cute Code-Teaching Robots
The 'Root' is a New Robot for Learning How to Code and More
15
Funky Friendship Jewelry Kits
The Beados Gems Friendship Jewelry Kit Includes Ample Supplies
14
Clamshell Mermaid Bedsets
The Circu Mermaid Girls Bed Ensures Dreams of Living Under the Sea
13
Emotive Pixel Toys
PIXL Characters Display Their Personalities on a Small 8-Bit Display
12
Inspiring Generosity Dolls
The Doll Kind's Huggable Toys Inspire Kids to Give Back
11
Kid-Friendly Yoga Games
Thinkfun's 'Yoga Spinner Game' for Kids Teaches Flexibility and Balance
10
Storytelling Memo Pads
Mon Petit Art's Memo Stories Help Children Develop Their Memory
9
Multicultural Kid's Festivals
This Event Celebrates International Children's Day in Toronto
8
Gamified Dental Devices
The Playbrush Turns Children's Toothbrushes Into Gaming Controllers
7
Friendship Fashion Kits
The ALEX Toys DIY Tie Dye Fashion Kit is Designed for Best Friends
6
Literary Giant Toys
Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant is Being Sold as an Interactive Plush Toy
5
Two-Player Dress-Up Toys
The Melissa & Doug 'Abby & Emma' Dress-Up Set Provides Hours of Play
4
School Buddy Benches
A Canadian School Introduces a Way to Ensure Kids Have Someone to Play With
3
Eco Modelling Clays
Eco Kids' Eco-Dough is a Sustainable Alternative to Similar Art Mediums
2
Collaborative Kite Kits
Seedling's Box Kite Kit Can Be Customized by Creative Kids
1
Informational Youth Networks
The Kidzworld Kid's Website Provides Social and Education Benefits
Related Ideas
Live-Streaming Aquatic Cameras
The 'FanCam' Fishing Camera Offers a Real-Time View into the Water
Unconventional Object Ads
These Print Ads Promote the IKEA Charging Furniture Pieces
DIY Cardboard Toys
MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys
Hi-Tech Smart Nightstands
Curvilux Elevates the Connected Home for Immediacy and Convenience
Inflatable Bed Abodes
The Campeggi is a Temporary Guest Bed That Provides Secluded Privacy
Gold-Plated Dream Cars
This Nissan GT-R Has Been Transformed into a Gold Car Using Paint and More
Personalizing Smart Beds
The Balluga Bed by Joe Katan Creates Ideal Sleeping Conditions
Dental Health-Monitoring Devices
The Toothscan Device Helps Users Track the Health of Their Teeth
Approachable Coding Apps
The Autocode Platform Makes it Simpler for Consumers to Enter into Coding
Starry Face Stickers
Face Lace's Products Celebrate the Growing Popularity of Stick-On Cosmetics
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade Operates in an Unexpected Way
Monthly Sticker Subscriptions
Pipsticks Offers New Sticker Designs to Subscribers Each Month
Kid-Friendly Design Books
This Children's Art Book is Designed to Teach Readers About Color
Streaming POV Pet Toys
The 'PlayDate' Dog Toy Features a WiFi-Connected Camera
Architectural Bathtub Toys
WATERSCAPE Lets Kids Build Floating Cities in the Tub
Transforming Pop-Up Books
This Transformers Pop-Up Book Features Paper Autobots and Decepticons
Dissected Superhero Figurines
These Justice League Dolls Showcases the Heroes as Partial Skeletons
Tomato-Growing Kits
Back to the Roots' Organic Self-Watering Planter Simplifies At-Home Gardening
Chromatic Mirror Decor
Bride & Wolfe's Rainbow Mirrors Feature Panels in Varying Hues
Educational Electricity Kits
The Squishy Circuit Kit Teaches Kids About Electrical Basics
Flagship Luxury Cars
This New Nissan Infinity Features a Supremely Advanced V6 Engine
Toddler Art Camps
My Artlab Hosts Kid-Friendly Art Classes and Camp Programs
Discreet In-Ground Trampolines
The In-Ground Trampoline Kit is a More Permanent Option
Autonomous Robot Lawn Waterers
The 'Growver' Watering System Detects What Section Needs Watering
Wooden Camera Toys
These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
The Magic Time Titan Falls Inflatable Water Slide and Pool is Expansive
Mother's Day Tea Parties
This Mother's Day Event Combines High Tea with a Floral Workshop
Architectural LEGO Creations
These LEGO Versions of Architectural Wonders Are Truly Awe-Inspiring
Chewable Tooth Cleaners
'Rolly' is a Portable Toothbrush That Works Without Toothpaste and Water
Accessible Coding Devices
The FUZEBOX is a Coding Gadget That Can Be Used with Nearly Any Device
Kid-Friendly Festival Accessories
This Feather Crown Kit Helps Kids Make a Concert-Ready Accessory
Robotic AI Assistants
The 'SmartAll' Home Robot Acts as a Butler for the Whole Family
Social Media Coloring Books
'Color Me Book' Turns Instagram Pictures into Adult Coloring Books
DIY Doll Kits
Seedling's Personalized Doll Toy is Reflective of a Young Maker Culture
DIY Mask Kits
This Retro Toy Kit Lets Children Create a Personalized Superhero Mask
Inclusive Boy-Focused Dolls
The 'Melanites' Toy Company Creates Toys for Boys of Color
Biodegradable Toothbrush Packaging
The GreenPanda Bamboo Toothbrush Comes in a Plant-Based Package
Emotional Intelligence Robots
Povi is a Storytelling Toy That Sparks Thoughtful Conversations
DIY Archery Kits
Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow
DIY Insect Robots
The 'Antbo' Insect Robot Can be Assembled and Programmed by Anyone
Mother's Day Gift Sets
The 1-800-Flowers Gift Set Includes a Mix of Roses and High-End Makeup
Knitted Taxidermy Kits
These Faux Taxidermy Creations are Inspired by Wildlife
Immediate Shopping Apps
Project September Allows Shoppers to Click an Image to Buy
AI Creative Directors
Advertising Agency McCann Japan Employed a Robot to Create Commercials
DIY Drone Kits
The Flexbot Kit Helps You Create and Assemble Your Own Quadcopter
Kid-Friendly Toothpaste Dispensers
These Novelty Oral Care Accessories are Inspired by The Minions
Content Contest Apps
Social Media Gaming Platform Wyrd Lets Users Vote for Creators' Posts
Pool Float Donuts
This Flamingo and Unicorn Donut Recipe is Inspired by Fun Flotation Devices
Radiant Toothpaste Packaging
Dentisse's Premium Toothpaste Products Come in Upscale Tubes
Educational Programming Kits
The Arduino Learning Board Has Over 15 Mini Projects to Perform
Robotic Youth Coding Instructors
The Root Robot is Programmed to Educate Children on HTML
DIY Robotic Lawn Mowers
The 'Ardumower' Can be Made Using Low-Cost Components from Scratch
Mature Teeth Toothbrushes
The Philips Sonicare 3 Series Rechargeable Toothbrush is Gum-Focused
Glow-in-the-Dark Classic Games
The 'REDUX' Capture the Flag Game Updates the Classic Pastime
Artisanal Oral Care Branding
Fig + Yarrow's Tooth Powder is Packaged in a Labeled Glass Bottle
Creamy Cookie Drinks
These Tassimo Pods Make Oreo Cookie Hot Chocolate
Energy-Saving Software Solutions
Eco Design Startup Greenspector Reduces Coding's Carbon Footprint
Smart Allergen Sensors
AlerSense's Device Provides Asthma and Allergy Alerts
Serum-Inspired Tooth Cleaners
Fat and The Moon's Tooth Soap is Made From Natural Ingredients
Play-Oriented Wall Decals
The Decowall Wall Sticker Set Lets Kids Play without Damaging Surfaces
Sustainable Paint Sets
Eco Kids' Eco Paint Packs Features Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Children
Arboreal Crayon Boxes
Mon Petit Art's Pencil Crayon Tree is a Fun and Functional Decor Accent
Allergy-Relieving Apps
The Hay Fever Relief App Advises Allergy Sufferers On Treatment Options
Storybook Rabbit Toys
These Collectible Peter Rabbit Toys Introduce Characters from the TV Series
Mother's Day Cooking Classes
This Event Teaches Moms and Their Children How to Make Brunch
Oral Care Wipes
SCRATCH Addresses Oral Care and Travel with Its Unique Mouth Sheets
Children's Needlepoint Kits
Fanny & Alexander's Crafting Kits are Inspired by Wildlife
Competitive Gaming News Apps
The Yahoo Esports App is Designed to Keep Gamers in the Loop
Bacteria-Inhibiting Teeth Cleaners
OraGuard’s Nano-b Toothbrush Boasts Gold and Bamboo Charcoal
Connected Oral Care Mirrors
The Oral-B Smart Mirror Uses Technology to Promote Better Brushing
Two-Week Toothpaste Tubes
Quip's Upscale Mini Toothpaste Packaging Boasts a Slender Form
Indoor Playground Workshops
Sprouts Kids Hosts Family-Friendly Fitness, Play and Dance Workshops
Physics-Teaching Kits
The Physics Simple Machines Kids Science Kit Teaches the Basics of Physics
All-Encompassing Wedding Apps
Appy Couple Helps Users Plan Every Aspect of Their Big Day
Robotic Maker Technology Kits
The Intel 'RealSense' Robot Development Kit Enables DIY Technology
Cultural Children's Characters
Zari is the Newest Sesame Street Muppet Hailing from Afghanistan
Cabinet-Shaped Home Robots
This Start-Up is Making a Jetsons-Style Smart Home Robot
Psychological Dating Apps
The 'String' Dating App is Inspired by a Psychological Study
Joy-Spreading Parcel Services
Positivity Pack Allows You To Send an Activity-Packed Happiness Kit
Therapeutic Anti-Allergy Devices
This 'Allergy Reliever' Uses Light Therapy to Reduce Symptoms
Green Lifestyle Festivals
The 'Green Festival Expo' Marked Earth Day in New York City
Pocket-Sized Oral Care Sets
The Sensimint Kit is Designed for Maximum Portability
Emotive Pixel Toys
PIXL Characters Display Their Personalities on a Small 8-Bit Display
Versatile Development Boards
These Internet of Things Development Board Encourages Creativity
Wearable Allergen-Detecting Devices
The Allergy Amulet Can Be Used to Test for Allergens on the Go
Storytelling Memo Pads
Mon Petit Art's Memo Stories Help Children Develop Their Memory
HIV Drug Delivery Apps
'Nurx' Now Delivers a Drug for People Who are at Risk of Contracting HIV
Gamified Dental Devices
The Playbrush Turns Children's Toothbrushes Into Gaming Controllers
Compostable Toothbrushes
Hydrophil's Sustainable Oral Care Tools are Vegan and Fair Trade
Coal Miner Coding Classes
'Bit Source' Employs Former Coal Miners and Teaches Them to Code
Adult Teeth Cleaning Kits
The Waterpik Complete Care Water Flosser and Toothbrush are Powerful
Trailer-Specific Movie Apps
The Trailer TV App Helps Users Figure Out What Movie to Watch
Pre-Pasted Toothbrushes
SmileSaver Makes a Single-Use Disposable Toothbrush That Only Needs Water
Mother's Day Scavenger Hunts
This Scavenger Hunt Serves as a Fun Way to Celebrate Mother's Day
Herbal Toothpaste Packaging
Sentinel Toothpaste Uses a Leaf Icon to Identify Itself as Homeopathic
Eco Modelling Clays
Eco Kids' Eco-Dough is a Sustainable Alternative to Similar Art Mediums
Oral Cleansing Kits
The Toothette Oral Cleansing Kit Reduces the Risk of Irritation and Infection
Metropolitan Cardboard Puzzles
This Retro Puzzle Toy Celebrates The Spirit of London