Whether it is collaborating with others to complete different challenges or helping choose the features for a brand new toy, the October 2016 kids' trends reveal a major emphasis on ensuring that children pursue more immersive experiences that will provide lasting memories.
When it comes to playtime, parents are increasingly looking for products that will keep kids actively engaged, instead of letting them sit and passively absorb content. One example of this approach is the Hot Lava video game, which requires children to keep moving in order to win different challenges. Another example is Hot Wheels AI, which uses new technology to let kids build and race cars on their own virtual race tracks.
However, it is not just toys that are keeping kids active. As the October 2016 kids' trends reveal, parents are increasingly choosing immersive activities and trips that allow their children to help shape the experience. One such example is Build-A-Bear Workshop's recent promotion, which gave children an opportunity to DIY their own teddy bear.
Top 70 Kids' Ideas in October
From AI-Assisted Racing Toys to Annual Toy-Building Promotions:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 29, 2016 — Life-Stages
70
Diner-Inspired Playhouses
This Novelty Playhouse is Built to Resemble a Casual Restaurant
69
Toy Canine Carry-On
This Cute Kids' Luggage Serves a Second Function as a Plaything
68
Customizable Connected Night Lights
The 'ZOOCORO' Kids Night Light Comes in a Variety of Styles
67
Urban Kids' Clothing Collections
These Clothes Offer Excellent Back-to-School Looks for Children
66
Interactive AR Projectors
The 'Egger' Media Projector is Designed with Children in Mind
65
Two-in-One Snack Vessels
The 'Chalice' Snack Cup Keeps Drinks and Edibles in One Spot
64
AI-Assisted Racing Toys
'Hot Wheels AI' is a Modernized Version of the Classic Race Car Toys
63
Fantasy Film Drone Toys
Spin Master's Star Wars-Themed Drones Let Kids Shoot Down the Death Star
62
Oversized Toddler Crayons
The Ommo Kids Crayons Feature a Large Size for Little Hands to Grasp
61
Educational Cryptography Games
PocketBlock Teaches Adolescents About the Details of Cryptography
60
Connected Children's Wearables
The Brillar Smart Watch is Great for Both Kids and Parents
59
VR Puzzle Kits
Seedling's DIY Maze Kit Lets Kids Design Their Very Own Puzzle
58
Remote Control Bumper Cars
The 'Galaxy Zega' Toys Pit Miniature Tanks Against One Another
57
Superhero Science Kits
The Spider-Man Web Creator Lab Lets Kids Create Their Own Spider Webs
56
Protein-Rich Milk Products
The New Nesquik Protein Plus Beverages are Enhanced with Protein
55
Mind-Controlled Hologram Toys
The Force Trainer II Lets Kids Re-Enact Famous Jedi Challenges
54
Exotic Interactive Robot Pets
The Zoomer Hedgiez Robotic Pet Performs, Reacts and Plays
53
Celebratory Crayon Bus Tours
Crayola's '100 Years of Colour' Bus Tour Entertained UK Kids
52
Hackable Toy Kits
The Fuze Play 'Zubi Flyer' Lets Kids Build, Hack and Play
51
Crystal Growing Kits
The Lightsaber Crystal Growing Lab Allows Kids to Create Real Crystals
50
Modular Childhood Room Furniture
'Home Back Home' Makes Childhood Rooms Suitable for Adults
49
Educational Menstrual Cycle Games
This Board Game Shifts Tween Perspectives on Periods
48
Hide-and-Seek Stuffed Toys
The Hide-N-Seek Stuffed Panda Gives Clues to its Location
47
Retro Halloween Wall Masks
The 'Vac-tastic Plastic' Masks Reference 60s and 70s Costumes
46
Stylish Toy Rocking Animals
The Enko Creatio 'Enzoo' is Chicly Designed for Modern Homes
45
Commemorative Toy-Building Promotions
This In-Store Promotion Celebrates National Teddy Bear Day
44
Kid's Jack-o'-Lantern Sneakers
Nike Updated Its 'Foamposite' Model with a Playful Halloween Theme
43
Pachydermic Piggy Banks
The 'Elli' Piggy Bank is a Fun Way to Teach Kids to Save Money
42
Modular Refuse Robots
The 'Junkbot' DIY Robot Kit Turns Household Objects into Robotics
41
Robotics-Teaching Toy Cars
The 'Blinkgogo' Robotics Kit Incorporates STEM Education Fundamentals
40
Safe Children's Manicures
The Côte Salon Offers Kid-Friendly SPF Nail Treatments For Youngsters
39
Bubble Experiment Kits
Wonder Forge's Science Kit for Kids is a Finding Dory-Themed STEM Toy
38
Voice-Controlled Video Games
This Innovative Video Game is Controlled By Children's Speech
37
Detangling Kid's Shampoos
The 'Not a Knot' Chemical-Free Children's Beauty Product
36
Portioned Kids' Meals
'Little Dish' Offers Healthy Small Meals for Children
35
Kid-Friendly Drinking Chocolate
Cadbury's Freddo Chocolate is Now Available as a Hot Beverage
34
Interactive Math Apps
The 'Go Math! Go' App Improves Math Learning Through Positive Encouragement
33
Fruity Shaved Ice Drinks
Kona Ice's New FruitFirst Products Serve as a Healthy Drink Alternatives
32
Biology-Inspired Candy Kits
These Treats for Halloween Take Cues from a Petri Dish
31
Smoothie Juice Boxes
Innocent Drinks Packages Kid Veggie Fruit Smoothies in Convenient Cartons
30
Single-Handed Wristwatches
The Minimalist 'Simpl One' Watch has Only One Hand and No Numbers
29
Vehicular Princess Seats
The Disney KidsEmbrace Booster Car Seat Gets Kids Excited About Safety
28
Interactive Reactionary Toy Cats
The FurReal Friends Bootsie Toy Responds to Cuddling and Treats
27
Kid-Friendly Fast Food Breakfasts
McDonald's is Rolling Out a Breakfast Version of Its Happy Meal
26
Inclusive Anti-Bullying Apps
'Sit With Us' Ensures That Kids Never Have to Eat Lunch Alone
25
Artisan Chicken Nuggets
Hip Chick Farms Produces All-Natural Poultry Products for Kids
24
Grilled Cheese-Inspired Snacks
Snikiddy's Baked Grilled Cheese Puffs are a Savory Snack Option
23
Programmable LEGO Drones
The Flybrix Drone is a Kid-Friendly Toy Built Out of Standard LEGO Bricks
22
Miniature Frozen Pancakes
Pillsbury is Making Whole Grain Mini Pancakes in a Small, Frozen Format
21
Bunny-Branded Beverages
This Vegetable Water Packaging Makes a Nutritious Choice Endearing
20
Kid-Friendly Healing Oils
'Ouch Ease' by Edens Garden Introduces Essential Oils for Children
19
Children's Language Tools
This Toy Was Designed to Encourage Children to Read and Write
18
Kid-Friendly Breakfast Combos
Juice It Up! is Pairing Its Healthy Smoothies with Tasty Snacks
17
Parent-Controlled Video Apps
Video Network Neptune is Designed for Kids and Made for Parents
16
Nostalgic Hot Dog Snacks
The New Bagel Bites Mini Bagel Dogs Serve as a Convenient Snack Option
15
Kid-Friendly Spelt Cereals
Rude Health's Cereal for Children is Made with Ancient Grains
14
Squeezable Snack Pouches
Sprout Organic SMASH is a New Line of Kid-Friendly Pureed Snacks
13
Hybrid Aerospace Toys
This Rocket Builder Toy Comes to Life in Mickey's Magical Math World App
12
Kid-Centric Museum Pop-Ups
The Interactive Exhibits at Mr. Men's 'Mini Museum' are "Child-Sized"
11
Aspirational Veterinarian Training Programs
The 'Vet Set Go' Veterinary Program is Tween-Focused
10
Kid-Friendly Diffuser Oils
Saje's 'Aroma Fairy' Diffuser Blend is Designed to Help with Sleep
9
Cafeteria Companionship Apps
The 'Sit With Us' App Helps Kids Avoid Having to Eat Lunch Alone
8
Children's Architecture Programs
The 'Little Architect' Program is Offered at AASA in London
7
Children's Environmentalist Manuals
Home Grown Books' Environmental Pack is an Eco Book Set
6
Complimentary Kids Meals
Chipotle is Now Letting Kids Eat Free Every Sunday
5
In-School Washing Machines
Whirlpool's 'Care Counts' Program Increases School Attendance
4
Lava Floor Video Games
'Hot Lava' Literalizes Children's 'The Floor is Lava' Game
3
Elaborate Video Game Compositions
RYANUKO's 'Please Come To Me' was Made in 'Super Mario Paint'
2
Empowering Tween Activity Groups
'Sole Girls' Brings Young Girls Together to Socialize and Train
1
Allergy-Friendly Seed Bars
Enjoy Life's Bars are an Allergy-Free Alternative to Peanut Butter Cups
Related Ideas
Anniversary-Commemorating Toy Designs
Spin Master Introduced a New Line of Dora the Explorer Toys
Gaming-Themed Chocolate Partnerships
Kinder Joy and Nintendo Partnered on a Limited-Edition Range
Plush STEAM Dolls
Team Genius Squad's STEAM Dolls Introduce Kids to Exciting Topics & Skills
Sensor-Driven Play Blocks
LEGO Smart Bricks Introduce Responsive Building Toys
Hands-On Computer Science Programs
LEGO Education Computer Science & Ai Promises to Engage Kids
Toy-Doll-Starring Travel Spots
Expedia Debuts its 'Going Places with Ken' Campaign
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
Adult-Focused LEGO Building Sets
LEGO Launched a New Mario Kart - Luigi & Mach 8 Series
Sensory Snoopy Plushies
Kids Preferred Expanded Its Peanuts Snoopy Collection for Their 75th Year
Playful Oral Care Kits
The Build-A-Brush Starter Kit Turns Daily Brushing into a Creative Activity
Play-Based Preschool Apps
LEGO Bluey Mobile Game Makes Screen Time into Building Play for Kids
Playful Ai Companions
AI Bunny Turns Screen Time into Active Learning and Calm Engagement
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
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
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
Preschool Coding Toys
Codie Blocks and iCode are Preparing Young Kids for an AI Future
Science-Backed High-Energy Toy Collections
Moose Toys Partners with Mark Rober on CrunchLabs
Collaborative Toy Models
Hasbro's MONOPOLY and Mattel's Hot Wheels Join Forces
AI Companion Toys
Haivivi Announced the Launch of a Full Core Product Line and Brand-New Toys
Interactive Bedtime Apps
Lullaby Stories Lets Families Create Personalized Bedtime Tales
Voice-to-Sticker Printers
Stickerbox Supports AI-Powered, Safe, Independent, Creative Play
AI-Assisted Toy Design Tools
Hasbro Uses AI Peppa Pig Assistant to Design Toys
Decor-Friendly Developmental Toys
Playcor's Design-Forward Toys are Made to Display
Cute AI-Powered Companions
Luka AI Cube and the Luka Robot Take Center Stage at CES 2026
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Kid-Friendly Smart Cameras
Dr.LookAI Supports Early Education Through Photography
Inclusive Fashion Dolls
Mattel’s First Autistic Barbie Boasts Sensory Experiences & Support Tools
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
Thematic Basketball Experiences
Nike x LEGO Play Arena Returns to LEGOLAND California
Toy Brick Advent Calendars
LEGO Introduces All-New Advent Calendars for 2025
AI-Driven Art Toys
MOMOTOY Debuts in the Us at Toy Fair New York
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
Pop Culture Chocolate Products
These New Kinder Products Embrace Collaborations
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Screen-Free Children's Audio Toys
Tonies Introduces Three New Products for Littles
Gen Alpha Animated Toy Promotions
MrBeast Launches YouTube Shorts Series to Drive Toy Sales
Child Mobility Concepts
Toyota Unveils a Self-Driving Ev for Children That Challenges Conventions
Wooden Toy Lineups
Jasey's Toy Chest Debuted Its Mental Health-Focused Toy Line at Toy Fair 2026
Playful Holiday Tracking Platforms
Google Santa Tracker Returns for Its 20th Holiday Season
AI Learning Companions
SparkLing Creates Personalized Teaching Moments for Generation Alpha
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
AI-Powered Parenting Platforms
Bobo Debuts in the US with Predictive Child Development Technology
Junior Kitchen Products
KitchenAid Kids Helps Children Participate in Age-Safe Cooking Experiences
Toy Kitchen Cookbooks
Melissa & Doug Announced Three Playable Books with Penguin Young Readers
Creative Story Platforms
Imagine Tales Sparks Creativity In Kids With Safe AI Storytelling Tools
AI Learning Companions
SlowMo AI Teaches Kids 6-12 Safe AI Use Through Games
AI Kids Coloring Pages
Retro Launches Splat To Turn Family Photos Into Art
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
AI-Powered Plush Teddies
FoloToy's AI Teddy Kumma Holds Conversations and Tells Stories
Athlete-Inspired LEGO Sets
LEGO Launches Collectible Football Sets with Messi and Ronaldo
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
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 Brand Advisory Councils
Ted Kangaroo Ensures Its Sensory Products are Backed by Expertise
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
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Lowe's Turns MrBeast Fandom Into Kids Workshops
AI Desktop Companion Concepts
TCL Tbot is Designed to Pair with the TCK Kids Watch MT48
Screen-Free Interactive Gaming
tonies and Hasbro Turn Classic Board Games Into Audio Adventures
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
Family-Focused Resort Promotions
Beaches Resorts Has Launched Its Annual Fall Fam Jam Promotion
Kids-Focused Space-Themed Collaborations
Crayola Interprets McDonald's Happy Meal
Turbocharged Toy Beverages
Hot Wheels x AriZona Collaborated on Rad Berry and Watermelon Drift
Infant Wellness Play Collections
Fisher-Price Introduces its Mini Me Moments Capsule for Babies
Gaming Fandom Activations
LEGO® Code Break Arrives in San Diego with a Larger-Than-Life Vault
Children's Beauty Products
Olive & June Expands into Kid-Sized Press-On Nails
Educational STEM-Focused Toys
hand2mind Launches Exclusive Back-To-School Collection at Target
Voice-Based Adventure Games
Dora Star Explorer Features Motion-Based, Microphone-Enabled Play
Insightful Development Apps
KidHub Gives Parents a Look at Predictors of a Child's Success
Tech-Driven Building Toys
LEGO Introduced Its New Smart Play Platform with Enhanced Technology
Modular Camping Kits
The KIDO!T Modular Outdoor Adventure Kit Encourages Children to Build
Expansive Action Character Toys
Blokees Debuts Its Range in Toy Fair New York 2026
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Child-Focused Handheld Games
The Game Boy-Inspired Kids Device is an Alternative to Tablets
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
Play-Based Family Campaigns
Pirate's Booty Encourages Screen-Free Family Adventures
Kids-Focused Home Improvement Programs
Lowe's Debuts MyLowe's Rewards™ Kids Club
Bath Bomb Advent Calendars
The Momcozy × BIG HUGS 14-Day Advent Calendar Supports Seasonal Comfort
Screen-Free Interactive Toys
LEGO Pokémon Uses SMART Play Technology for Hands-On Fun
Seasonally Themed Magnetic Toys
MAGNA-TILES Introduces New Thematic Toys at Toy Fair 2026
AI Coloring Apps
Splat Turns Photos into Kid-Friendly Coloring Pages Using Generative AI
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
Digital Dinosaur Toys
Bitzee Jurassic World Helps Kids Nurture, Feed & Care for Baby Dinos
Constructable Kids Headphones
Morrama and Batch.Works Unveil the Kibu Headset for Children
Kid-Friendly Athlete Biographies
Yoto's Ultimate Football Heroes Collection Tells Players' Stories
Hybrid Educational Toy Designs
Fisher-Price Partners with Big Little Feelings
Interactive Collectible Games
The Make It Mini Mobile Game Engages Kidult Collectors
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
Interactive Themed Educational Boxes
Enlightened Generation’s Themed Boxes Serve Children
Iconic Customizable Plush Toys
Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop Expands
Gamified Discount Events
Build-A-Bear Uses Mystery Offers to Drive Engagement
Multi-Sensory Character Toys
Moose Toys Combines Scents, Sounds and Fog-Based Play
Sensory Construction Toys
MAGNA-TILES Introduces Ocean-Themed Magnetic Building Sets
Kids Drawing Apps
Kids Coloring Drawing Book App Offers Interactive Learning And Creativity
AI Storytelling Tools
Stories for Children Creates Custom AI-Generated Bedtime Stories
Kids Story Apps
Bear’s Bedtime Stories Creates Personalized Bedtime Adventures For Children
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
Proactive Child Safety Platforms
Apple Unifies Parental Controls and Content Protections
Real-Circuit Board Games
Reactor Rescue Uses Functional Electronics in Gameplay
Parental AI Insights Features
Meta Launches Its Insights Tab For Meta AI
Collectible Mini Cameras
The Photo Creator Mini Cam Lets Kids Snap Photos Without a Phone
Toy-Gifting Menu Promotions
Cracker Barrel Introduces a Limited Edition Menu for Young Guests
Inflatable Building Toys
AirBuilders Helps Kids Construct Large, Custom Play Structures
Behavioral Character Licensing
Hasbro Licenses Character Personalities for AI Interactions
Charitable Children-Focused Initiatives
Kidoodle.TV Concludes Its 'A Wish A Week'
AR-Enabled Oat Drink Packaging
Alpro and Appetite Creative Partnered for Interactive Packaging
Personalized Story Tools
Child PlayBook Creates Custom Storybooks Using Photos And AI Narratives
AI Story Creators
KidTales Turns Ideas Into Personalized Children's Stories Using AI
Gendered Building Campaigns
LEGO Brings the 'She Built That' Campaign to the CNE
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Interactive Learning Games
FamilyFunHub Makes Learning Engaging With Free Educational Games
Educational Sensory-Support Tools
Ted Kangaroo Increases Availability of Its Sensory Product Range
Children's Story Creators
Storypie Turns Children's Ideas Into Illustrated Storybooks In Seconds
Kid-Friendly Recipe Campaigns
Aldi Created a Series of Dishes with a 4-Year-Old TikTok Chef
Toddler Off-Screen Audio
Ms Rachel Tonie Offers Screen‑free Sing‑along Learning for Toddlers
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Custom Kid Storybooks
Storyhero Turns Your Child Into The Hero Of Their Own Story
Co-Branded Digital Summer Events
Crayola Partners with Paddington™ and STUDIOCANAL
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
Streaming-Inspired Toy Lines
Moose Toys Expands Netflix Stories Into Toy Collections
Family-Friendly AI Shopping Assistants
Duckymaze's New Tool Interacts with Voice & Text Prompts
AI Storytelling Platforms
DearBook Creates Personalized Children's Storybooks Powered by AI
Plush-Inspired Children's Series
Build-A-Bear's KABU Series is Racking Up Views on YoutTube
Learning Discovery Apps
Kinder Turns Swipe-Based Play Into Interactive Learning Experiences
Buildable Kids Headphones
The Kibu Headphones Introduce a Modular Audio Kit Made for Children
Children’s Story Platforms
TheKidsStory.com Offers Engaging Stories & Educational Content For Kids