The top May 2016 toy ideas include a range of low-tech and high-tech toys that range from highly entertaining to extremely educational. There are plenty of kits that are designed to teach kids the basics of electricity, programming and physics, as well as ones that challenge kids to tap into their inner maker by learning to create something from scratch using their own two hands.
With the summer season fast approaching, there are a number of toys that are now being released to encourage outdoor play. As of late, these kinds of toys are reviving activities like fishing and archery that require skill.
Another prevalent theme in these toys is nostalgia, which can be seen in playthings that reintroduce old characters and concepts in an entirely new way for a younger generation.
Top 70 Toy Innovations in May
From Educational Electricity Kits to Plastic Pizza Frisbees:
Laura McQuarrie — May 29, 2016 — Life-Stages
72
Four-in-One Child Scooters
The Chicco Ride On Scooter Converts to be Fun for Multiple Age Ranges
71
Transformational Hoverboard Carts
The 'HoverCart' Turns an Electric Hoverboard into a Go-Kart
70
DIY Cardboard Toys
MacoshDesign Created Downloadable Templates to Make Eco-Friendly Toys
69
Home Jungle Gyms
LimiKids' 'Pegasus' Includes a Ladder, Monkey Bars and More
68
Indoor Playground Toys
'Solo' is a Small-Scale Indoor Playhouse with a Slide, Ladder & Chalkboard
67
Boomerang Remote Control Toys
The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade Operates in an Unexpected Way
66
Adaptable Wood Toy Designs
TransBlock is a Sustainable and Imaginative Plaything for Preschoolers
65
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
64
Architectural Bathtub Toys
WATERSCAPE Lets Kids Build Floating Cities in the Tub
63
Transforming Pop-Up Books
This Transformers Pop-Up Book Features Paper Autobots and Decepticons
62
Dissected Superhero Figurines
These Justice League Dolls Showcases the Heroes as Partial Skeletons
61
Intuitive Juvenile Fishing Rods
This Self-Casting Fishing Pole Launches Lures 30-Feet in Distance
60
Educational Electricity Kits
The Squishy Circuit Kit Teaches Kids About Electrical Basics
59
Wooden Camera Toys
These Retro and Handmade Toys Encourage Imaginative Play
58
Bouncy Backyard Waterparks
The Magic Time Titan Falls Inflatable Water Slide and Pool is Expansive
57
Pom-Pom Maker Toys
The PomPom Wow Helps Creatively Customize Personal Items
56
Transforming Tablet Toys
The Xiaomi 'Soundwave' Tablet Shifts from Device to Roboti
55
Kid-Friendly Festival Accessories
This Feather Crown Kit Helps Kids Make a Concert-Ready Accessory
54
DIY Doll Kits
Seedling's Personalized Doll Toy is Reflective of a Young Maker Culture
53
DIY Mask Kits
This Retro Toy Kit Lets Children Create a Personalized Superhero Mask
52
Inclusive Boy-Focused Dolls
The 'Melanites' Toy Company Creates Toys for Boys of Color
51
Kids Balance-Training Kits
The Kids Slackline Kit Encourages Children to Train with One Another
50
Emotional Intelligence Robots
Povi is a Storytelling Toy That Sparks Thoughtful Conversations
49
DIY Archery Kits
Seedling's Adventurous Toy Set Lets Kids Design Their Own Bow and Arrow
48
DIY Insect Robots
The 'Antbo' Insect Robot Can be Assembled and Programmed by Anyone
47
Toy-Incorporating Game Platforms
The 'Yibu' Gaming Platform Blends Real World Toys with Digital
46
Youth Doorframe Gyms
This Home Gym for Kids Can Be Set Up in Any Interior Doorway
45
AR-Enabled Dinosaur Board Games
The Dino Mundi Triceratops Adventure Board Game is Interactive
44
Paper Puppet Kits
These Eco-Friendly Toys are a Modern Take on a Retro Design
43
Mechanical 3D Puzzles
The Ukrainian Gears is a Dimensional Puzzle That Offers an Added Challenge
42
Nostalgic Film Board Games
The 80s Labyrinth Movie is Reimagined With Character Pieces and Cards
41
Cooperative Dice Games
The Lucky Dogs Dice Game Encourages Players to Work Together
40
VR Board Games
'Mask of Anubis' Combines Virtual Reality and Gaming
39
Transformative Play Slides
This Two-in-One Fisher Price Slide Doubles as a Toy Rocker
38
UV Protection Playpens
The Graco 'Pack 'n Play Sport' Baby Playpen Offers a Safe Place to Play
37
Friendship Bracelet-Making Kits
The My Friendship Bracelet Maker Helps Kids Make Shareable Crafts
36
Sailing Ship Kites
This Nostalgic Toy is Designed for a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
35
Two-Child Play Trikes
This Two-Seater Tricycle Bike Encourages Friends to Take Turns
34
Play-Oriented Wall Decals
The Decowall Wall Sticker Set Lets Kids Play without Damaging Surfaces
33
Share-Encouraging Swings
This Deluxe Platform Swing is Designed to Hold Two Swingers at Once
32
LEGO Grand Tourer Cars
The Porsche 911 Technic Model Features Individual Assembly Sections
31
Tabletop Soccer Toys
This Multi-Player Toy Encourages Collaborative Fun
30
Oversized Competitive Games
The Kick Croquet Outdoor Game Features Larger Components
29
Transparent Rocking Horses
The H Rocking Horse is Made from Three Pieces of Transparent Plastic
28
Revamped Retro Games
'Connect 4 Twist & Turn' Gives a Classic Game a Modern Update
27
Storybook Rabbit Toys
These Collectible Peter Rabbit Toys Introduce Characters from the TV Series
26
Randomized Paper Toss Games
The Gomipakkun Wild Trash Can Game Enhances Kids' Motor Skills
25
Timeless Toy Chests
This Noddy Toy Chest Features Eight Classic Books and a Puzzle Poster
24
Social Skill-Developing Games
The 'Say and Do' Social Skills Game Gets Kids Ready to Interact
23
Adult-Oriented Board Games
'Odious Lists' is an Outrageous Spin on a Classic Party Game
22
Physics-Teaching Kits
The Physics Simple Machines Kids Science Kit Teaches the Basics of Physics
21
Folklore-Inspired Kites
The Handmade Flying Dutchman Ship Kite is Crafted from Bamboo and Nylon
20
Bounty Hunter Action Figures
These Movie Action Figures Represent Tarantino's Hateful Eight
19
Nostalgic Rodent Toys
This Danger Mouse Toy Celebrates the Revival of a Classic 80s Character
18
Whimsical Plush Toys
This Popples Talk Plush Doll is a Modern Take on the Furbie
17
Tablet-Top Racing Games
The Pocket Racing Game Lets You Place a Toy Car On Your Tablet Screen
16
Creative Friendship Journals
This Friendship Activity Book Encourages Kids to Value Relationships
15
Virtual World Building Blocks
The Minecraft LEGO Set Brings the Blocky Digital World to Real Life
14
Cooperation-Promoting Board Games
The Feed the Woozle Game Encourages Children to Work Together
13
Retro Toy Cars
The Hot Wheels Retro Style Toys Include Classic Chevrolets and Toyotas
12
Cute Code-Teaching Robots
The 'Root' is a New Robot for Learning How to Code and More
11
Funky Friendship Jewelry Kits
The Beados Gems Friendship Jewelry Kit Includes Ample Supplies
10
Plush Talking Toys
This Tinky Winky Toy Talks To You When You Press Its Tummy
9
Emotive Pixel Toys
PIXL Characters Display Their Personalities on a Small 8-Bit Display
8
Kid-Friendly Yoga Games
Thinkfun's 'Yoga Spinner Game' for Kids Teaches Flexibility and Balance
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
Smartphone-Controlled Building Blocks
The 'BlueSmartControl' Lego System Offers Enhanced Control
4
Two-Player Dress-Up Toys
The Melissa & Doug 'Abby & Emma' Dress-Up Set Provides Hours of Play
3
Plastic Pizza Frisbees
This Toy Disc is Designed to Look Like a Realistic Cheesy Fast Food Pie
2
Collaborative Kite Kits
Seedling's Box Kite Kit Can Be Customized by Creative Kids
1
Metropolitan Cardboard Puzzles
This Retro Puzzle Toy Celebrates The Spirit of London
Related Ideas
Anniversary-Commemorating Toy Designs
Spin Master Introduced a New Line of Dora the Explorer Toys
Easter-Themed Seasonal Doll Collections
Battat's Our Generation Debuts the Keepsake Collection
Nostalgic QSR Miniature Experiences
McDonald's Introduces the Adorable Happy Meal Collectibles
Nostalgia-Driven Cereal Promotions
Kellogg’s Toy Story 5 Cereal Boxes Reintroduce In-Pack Toys
Wooden Figure Sets
Nintendo Unveiled 'My Mario' in 30-Piece and 3-Piece Sets
AI-Enhanced Play Experiences
Mattel Partners with OpenAI to Develop AI-Powered Toys
Sensor-Driven Play Blocks
LEGO Smart Bricks Introduce Responsive Building Toys
Pocket-Sized Fidget Toy
Slider-Gamemackey Combines Retro Gaming Buttons with Fidget Puzzle Action
Pocket Gaming Power Hubs
The Powerboy 2-In-1 Retro Gaming Console Plays Games and Charges
Adult-Focused LEGO Building Sets
LEGO Launched a New Mario Kart - Luigi & Mach 8 Series
Collectible Pop Culture-Referencing Toys
Mattel Debuts Its 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Showcase
Play-Based Preschool Apps
LEGO Bluey Mobile Game Makes Screen Time into Building Play for Kids
Elevated Kitchen Appliance Collections
SMEG Launches New Kitchen Appliances for the Summer Season
Treat-Themed Crafting Dolls
Far Out Toys' Pretty Sweets Invites Kids to Customize Mini Desserts
Screen-Free Play Companions
Fabli Creates an Immersive World of Storytelling, Music and Games
Collaborative Kid-Focused Sensory Balls
Biggest Little and Sundae Kids Debut 'Balls on Wheels'
AI-Powered Digital Gifting Experiences
Prezzee's Magical Moments Delight Kids, Family & Colleagues
Color-Changing Cooking Toys
The Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set Inspires Realistic Pretend Play
Psychologist-Designed Educational Toys
ThinkPsych Spotlights Its Line of Therapeutic Games & Tools
Toy-Inspired Jewelry Collections
Hot Wheels x ALEX AND ANI Drop a Jewelry Line Inspired By Toys
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
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Playful Film-Inspired Toy Lines
Spin Master Builds on the Excitement of PAW Patrol: the Dino Movie
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Inaugural Toy-Inspired Tournaments
BEYBLADE X Franchise is Expanding with BEYBLADE Day
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
Tiny Toy-Inspired Jewelry
Alex and Ani's Polly Pocket Pool Party Collection is Nostalgic
Playful Learning Collections
IKEA Open House Miami Has Child-Focused Designs for Miami Art Week
Viral Satisfying ASMR Toys
MGA Entertainment's Slime Life Turns Digital Trends into Physical Play
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Toy Brick Advent Calendars
LEGO Introduces All-New Advent Calendars for 2025
Community 3D-Printed Toys
3D Printing Elves Launches Free Toy Program for Children
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
Programmable Robot Toys
Robosen's MINI Robots Introduce a First-of-Its-Kind Smart Toy Platform
Responsive Building Toys
LEGO SMART Play Integrates Technology That Reacts in Real Time
Air-Powered Racer Toys
The Air-Power Turbo Racer Travels Up to 30 Feet at 13 Feet Per Second
Screen-Free Children's Audio Toys
Tonies Introduces Three New Products for Littles
Therapeutic Fidget Toys
Speks Magnet Balls Offer a Distraction from Everyday Stressors
Gen Alpha Animated Toy Promotions
MrBeast Launches YouTube Shorts Series to Drive Toy Sales
Arcade Race-Inspired Playable Blocks
LEGO Ideas Presents the Excitebike Playable Arcade Set
Dinosaur Tile STEAM Toys
Clixo's Dino Adventure Pack Encourages Screen-Free Holiday Play
Modernized Nostalgic Toys
Tin Can Offers a Novel Approach to Children's Communication
Screen-Free Music Toys
Loops Lab Lowers the Barrier of Entry to Music Creation
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
3D-Printed Fidget Toys
Jigglets are Produced with Less Waste Than Traditional Toys
Junior Kitchen Products
KitchenAid Kids Helps Children Participate in Age-Safe Cooking Experiences
Anniversary Doll Capsules
Spin Master Celebrates 25 Years of Dora with an All-New Toy Collection
AI-Powered STEM Camp Directories
AI is Optimizing a STEM Summer Camp Directory
Nostalgic Film Merchandise
Disney Celebrates the Toy Story 30th Anniversary with New Collectibles
Screen-Free Entertainment Toys
The Toniebox 2 Engages Kids with Stories, Sounds, Music & Games
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
Interactive Educational Toy Lines
LeapFrog Debuts Its Latest Collection at Toy Fair 2025
Modeling Dough Fashion Dolls
Hasbro and Mattel Created the Play-Doh Barbie Collection
Athlete-Inspired LEGO Sets
LEGO Launches Collectible Football Sets with Messi and Ronaldo
Seasonal Instrument Gift Guides
Gibson Brands Debuted a Comprehensive Gift Guide for the Holidays
Retro Plug-and-Play Games
Fizz Creations' Wireless Plug-and-Play Systems Appeal to Kidult Gamers
Backyard Electric Ride-Ons
Garvee Launched its 'Ride-On Toys Collection'
Award-Winning Educational Toy Brands
Learning Resources Earns 2026 Preschool Toy of the Year Award
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
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
Wind-Up Collectibles
Wind-Upz Revive Wind-Up Toys for a New Generation of Kids & Collectors
Sensory Dough Toys
Play-Doh 6 Variety Compounds are Uniquely Textured & Scented
Canadian Creator-Approved Campaigns
The Hacksmith and Mentos Launch a Fizz-Powered Innovation
AI Technology-Focused Training Campaigns
The Raspberry Pi Foundation Emphasizes Youth Empowerment
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
Holiday-Ready Toy Product Lilnes
Crayola Has Unveiled Its 2025 Holiday Product Lineup
Spring-Themed Toy Collections
MGA Entertainment Emphasizes DIY Creativity, Surprises & Pastel Hues
Creator Theme Parks
Makers Theme Park is a World-First for Hands-On Creativity
Electric Outdoor Grills
Current Launches Plug-In Grills Designed for Urban Living
Beauty Kiosk Playsets
Melissa & Doug's New Sort, Stock, Select Toy Explores Skincare & Makeup
Screen-Free Wooden Car Toys
Qubs' RasKars Feature Hidden Tech That Drives Vehicles Autonomously
Open-Ended Exploration Toys
Melissa & Doug Entered Toy Industry Hall of Fame
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
AI-Powered Collectible Figurines
Personality-Packed HeyMates are Made for Modern Kidults
Screen-Free Audio Toys
Qubitunes Helps Kids Create Their Own Audio Adventures
Crystal Floral Arrangement Kits
Cra-Z-Art's DIY Crystal Floral Kits Double as Decor for All Ages
Infant Wellness Play Collections
Fisher-Price Introduces its Mini Me Moments Capsule for Babies
Children's Beauty Products
Olive & June Expands into Kid-Sized Press-On Nails
Tech-Driven Building Toys
LEGO Introduced Its New Smart Play Platform with Enhanced Technology
Buoyant Toy Spots
Tom Holland Stars in LEGO's Imaginative 'Never Stop Playing'
Expansive Action Character Toys
Blokees Debuts Its Range in Toy Fair New York 2026
Child-Focused Handheld Games
The Game Boy-Inspired Kids Device is an Alternative to Tablets
Race-Inspired Puzzle Collections
LEGO and Formula 1 Launch a New Build the Thrill Series
Interactive Mealtime Plates
Tej Belkhode Designs the Platoo Interactive Sensory Meal Plate
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Cartoon-Inspired Camping Gear
LOGOS Unveils the New Pokémon Camping Collection
Energy-Generating Soccer Balls
PowerOn's Kinetic Energy Technology Powers Small External Devices
DIY Home-Centric Intricate Toolkits
Lainy Hedaya Hoffstein Designs the TINKR Toolkit
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
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
Vending Machine Toys
Melissa & Doug's Wooden Vending Machine Play Set is Screen-Free
Screen-Free 3D Building Puzzles
Maison Battat Inc. Has Introduced the Arkitec line
Brick Toy Revivals
LEGO’s new Game Boy set includes Mario & Zelda-inspired cartridges
Summerween-Themed Retail Ranges
These ALDI Summerween Products Embrace Warm Weather Autumn Vibes
AI-Powered Santa Toys
HeySanta Brings Artificial Intelligence into the Magic of Christmas
All-in-One Splash Pads
The Turtle Splash & Bubbles is a Splash Pad and Bubble Maker in One
Modular STEM Displays
LEGO Celebrates the Evolution of STEM with an Architectural Set
Creativity-Focused One-Day Activations
Crayola Canada Celebrates National Crayon Day in Toronto
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
Snuggly Plush Toys
Jazwares Spotlights Giftable Squishmallows for the Holidays
Dog Birthday Cake Toys
Lesure Embraces Whimsical Sensibilities with Its New Toy
Tactile Learning Board Games
Toddler Plus Teaches Sequencing Through Sliding Peg Movement
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Water-Activated Pet Toys
Luki Lab's Blossom Pets Reveal Vibrant Colors When Misted
Sensory Audio Companions
My First Tonies Combine Early Learning with Soft, Squeezable Characters
Real-Circuit Board Games
Reactor Rescue Uses Functional Electronics in Gameplay
Collectible Mini Cameras
The Photo Creator Mini Cam Lets Kids Snap Photos Without a Phone
Long-Haul Flight Toys
Turkish Airlines Created My Travel Buddy for Young Travelers
3D-Printable Toy Ranges
MakerWorld 'CyberBrick' Has Reusable Electronics and 3D-Printed Models
Interactive Pocket Torches
The LOOPDOT Flashlight Adds Gaming Features to a Compact Everyday Light
Interactive Toy Experiences
ToyPal Brings Soft Toys to Life with Personalized, AI-Powered Stories
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Cartoon-Inspired Card Games
Magic the Gathering x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arrives This Spring
Audio-First Science Adventures
Tonies' Science Museum: Discovery Crew Immerses Kids in Story
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Developmental Bath Toys
The Your (Un)Ordinary Bath Toy Collection Encourages Sensory Exploration
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Interest Discovery Tools
Hobby Finder Uses Email to Reveal Interests and Hobbies
Toddler Off-Screen Audio
Ms Rachel Tonie Offers Screen‑free Sing‑along Learning for Toddlers
Active Play Fair Presentations
JOYIN Gears Up to Present at Spielwarenmesse 2026
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Cognitive Play Platforms
Toddlr Offers Educational Games for Kids with Balanced Screen Time
Sci-Fi-Inspired Toy Lines
Jazwares Partners with Netflix to Release a Stranger Things Capsule
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
Craft Starter Kits
Noah Makes It Easy to Begin a New Hobby
Accessible Summertime Retailer Refreshments
The Latest Tesco Summer Food Range Has Over 230 Items
Delectable Career-Themed Ice Pops
Happy Pops Launches the Barbie Career Collection