Toys That Will Be Big in 2026

This wooden block set reflects a key toy trend heading into 2026: simple, tactile play designed to support early development without overstimulation. With stackable pieces that form animals and their habitats, it encourages toddlers to experiment, problem-solve, and invent stories as they build. The mix-and-match format supports creativity rather than fixed outcomes, aligning with growing parent interest in open-ended toys that adapt to a child’s imagination. Made from responsibly sourced wood and designed for small hands, it’s a strong example of how classic materials and modern play values are shaping the next generation of preschool toys.

Clixo is exactly the kind of toy poised to be big in 2026, as parents continue to look for screen-free play that blends creativity, learning, and portability. Its flexible magnetic pieces encourage children to experiment, problem-solve, and build freely, supporting STEM thinking without rigid instructions or fixed outcomes. The ability to create complex designs with fewer pieces reflects a growing shift toward open-ended toys that reward imagination over volume. Lightweight and travel-friendly, it fits modern family life while offering long stretches of focused, hands-on play — a strong example of where thoughtful, future-facing toys are heading.

K’NEX is set to remain a standout toy in 2026 as demand grows for hands-on STEM play that encourages real-world problem solving. With hundreds of snap-fit pieces, this set supports open-ended building, allowing children to design, test, and rebuild endlessly as their skills develop. The balance between guided models and free construction reflects a wider shift toward toys that grow with a child rather than offering one fixed outcome. Durable, adaptable, and deeply engaging, it’s the kind of classic construction toy being rediscovered by a new generation of families focused on creativity, engineering thinking, and screen-free play.

This expansion set fits squarely into toy trends shaping 2026, where modular play and system-based toys continue to grow in popularity. Designed to build on existing Magna-Tiles collections, it encourages children to experiment with motion, speed, and structure while extending play rather than replacing it. The focus on ball runs and racing introduces early STEM concepts in a way that feels intuitive and exciting, not instructional. As families increasingly invest in toys that evolve over time, add-on packs like this one stand out — supporting deeper creativity, longer engagement, and play that scales with a child’s curiosity.

Model Magic aligns perfectly with toy trends heading into 2026, as creative, sensory-rich play continues to gain momentum with parents and educators alike. This air-dry modeling material encourages hands-on exploration without the wait or complexity of traditional clay, making creativity feel immediate and accessible. The soft, lightweight texture supports fine motor development while inviting open-ended sculpting and imaginative expression. As interest grows in mess-free, adaptable art supplies that suit a wide range of ages and abilities, packs like this stand out — offering flexible, screen-free creativity that fits easily into modern family life.

barriers to making art. Blending the freedom of paint with the control of a crayon, they let children create boldly without mess, long drying times, or complicated setup. Their smooth, tactile feel supports sensory play and fine motor development, while the quick-dry formula suits shorter attention spans and busy households. As screen-free creativity and frustration-free art supplies grow in demand, paint sticks stand out as a modern, parent-approved way to encourage everyday making.

This preschool learning laptop fits neatly into 2026 toy trends that emphasise early digital literacy through imaginative, age-appropriate play. By combining keyboard and touch tablet modes, it mirrors the technology children see around them while keeping interaction simple and purposeful. The focus on letters, numbers, music, and role-play supports foundational skills without overwhelming young learners. As parents look for toys that feel modern but developmentally thoughtful, interactive learning tools like this stand out — offering a gentle introduction to technology that encourages curiosity, confidence, and playful learning.

This inventive coding kit reflects a growing 2026 trend toward screen-free robotics that blend engineering with imaginative play. By using physical action cards instead of apps, it introduces core coding concepts in a way that feels intuitive and tactile rather than digital. The responsive movements and color-changing features keep play engaging while reinforcing cause-and-effect learning. As parents increasingly seek toys that teach computational thinking without more screen time, interactive robots like this chameleon stand out — combining STEM skills, creativity, and hands-on experimentation in a format that feels genuinely playful.

Snap Circuits continues to stand out as a toy set to be big in 2026, as hands-on STEM learning becomes a priority for families looking beyond screens. This kit introduces electronics in a way that feels playful rather than technical, allowing children to build working projects while naturally learning how circuits function. The snap-together design removes frustration and safety concerns, making experimentation accessible and confidence-building. As interest grows in toys that teach real-world skills through exploration and curiosity, Snap Circuits remains a strong example of learning-led play that keeps kids engaged well beyond the first build.

This interactive globe reflects a strong 2026 toy trend toward learning tools that combine physical play with rich digital content. By blending a traditional globe with video, games, and guided exploration, it encourages curiosity about the world in a way that feels immersive rather than passive. The built-in screen brings cultures, animals, and habitats to life, supporting visual learners while keeping hands-on interaction at the center. As educational toys increasingly aim to deepen global awareness from an early age, tools like this globe stand out — helping children explore geography, culture, and discovery through play that feels expansive and engaging.

Lite-Brite is a perfect example of a toy set to be big in 2026, as nostalgic favourites return with renewed purpose for modern play. Combining light, colour, and hands-on creativity, it encourages children to design freely while developing fine motor skills and visual thinking. The balance of simple templates and open-ended creation reflects a wider shift toward toys that invite imagination without screens or rigid outcomes. As parents increasingly seek comforting, creative play experiences with lasting appeal, retro icons like Lite-Brite stand out — familiar, engaging, and perfectly suited to a new generation of makers.

This child-safe 3D pen reflects a growing 2026 trend toward creative tech toys that blend digital thinking with hands-on making. By allowing children to draw in three dimensions without screens or safety concerns, it bridges art, engineering, and spatial reasoning in a way that feels intuitive and playful. The tactile nature of building objects in real time supports problem-solving and experimentation, while keeping creativity at the centre. As families continue to seek tools that transform screen curiosity into real-world creation, 3D pens like this are set to become a staple of future-focused STEM play.

The Ms. Rachel interactive doll offers reassurance, familiarity, and gentle encouragement during early development. The recognisable voice, songs, and phrases provide a calming sense of consistency, helping young children feel safe, seen, and supported as they learn. Phrases like “I’m so proud of you” reinforce confidence and emotional security, while the sing-along elements encourage connection through shared routines. Thoughtfully designed with sensory needs in mind, it reflects a growing 2026 trend toward toys that prioritise emotional regulation alongside learning. Inspired by the trusted presence of Ms. Rachel, this doll functions as a comforting companion as much as a learning tool.

Buzz Lightyear works as more than an action figure — he becomes a familiar, reassuring presence during play. The recognisable voice, phrases, and movements offer consistency and comfort, especially for children who find security in well-known characters. Interactive features invite imaginative storytelling, which helps children process feelings, routines, and everyday challenges in a safe, playful way. As emotionally supportive toys grow in importance toward 2026, familiar characters like Buzz Lightyear offer something powerful: companionship, reassurance, and the sense that someone brave and friendly is always nearby, ready for the next adventure.

This limited-edition plush set offers familiarity, softness, and storytelling comfort in one thoughtful pairing. Plush toys continue to play an important role in emotional regulation, offering reassurance through touch and presence — especially during transitions, downtime, or quiet moments. By blending the gentle, nurturing spirit of Care Bears with the expressive world of Wicked, these characters invite children (and nostalgic adults) to explore feelings like courage, kindness, and belonging through imaginative play. The soft textures and recognisable personalities make them companions as much as collectibles — toys that comfort, reassure, and quietly support emotional expression.

These Who What Why conversation cards offer children a gentle way to understand feelings, situations, and social dynamics without pressure. By using friendly animal characters and familiar everyday scenarios, the cards create a safe distance that makes it easier for children to talk about emotions, mistakes, and misunderstandings. The open-ended questions encourage empathy and reflection while helping kids feel heard rather than corrected. As emotionally intelligent play becomes a key toy trend heading into 2026, tools like these stand out for supporting confidence, communication, and emotional safety through calm, guided conversation rather than instruction.

Don’t Go Bananas gives children a safe, structured way to explore big feelings without fear of getting things “wrong.” By gently guiding players to notice triggers, thoughts, and reactions, it helps emotions like anger, worry, or jealousy feel manageable rather than overwhelming. The semi-cooperative format reduces pressure and encourages empathy, showing children they’re not alone in how they feel. Played together with parents, teachers, or peers, it becomes a shared language for emotional understanding — reflecting a growing 2026 trend toward toys that support regulation, resilience, and emotional safety through calm, connected play.

The See My Feelings mirror helps children feel seen, understood, and safe as they begin to make sense of big feelings. By pairing real facial expressions with simple emotion labels, it gently encourages self-awareness without pressure or correction. Children can pause, look at themselves, and recognise that whatever they’re feeling has a name — and that it’s okay. Often used in calm-down corners or quiet moments, it supports emotional regulation through reflection rather than instruction. As emotionally nurturing toys grow in importance toward 2026, tools like this stand out for offering reassurance, empathy, and a steady path toward self-understanding.

This wooden tumbling tower reflects a more sustainable approach to play, crafted from responsibly sourced wood and designed to last well beyond a single phase or season. The sturdy blocks are made for repeated use, encouraging hands-on play without batteries or screens. Featuring familiar Bluey characters, it brings warmth and personality while supporting focus and problem-solving through simple stacking and balance. It’s a toy that values durability, mindful materials, and slower play — a thoughtful alternative to plastic-heavy games, rooted in quality, longevity, and everyday enjoyment.

This wooden train set is a strong example of sustainable toy design, made to be enjoyed for years rather than outgrown quickly. Crafted from durable, natural materials and stored in a reusable wooden box, it avoids the disposability of many plastic toys while encouraging mindful, hands-on play. The magnetic connections are simple and sturdy, supporting repeated building without wear or frustration. Designed to meet strict safety standards and built for longevity, it’s a thoughtfully made toy that values quality, reusability, and slower play — the kind of classic wooden set that can be returned to again and again.

This tea set reflects a more sustainable approach to pretend play, combining long-lasting silicone with solid, smooth-finished wood for durability and repeated use. Designed to withstand drops and everyday play, it reduces the need for replacements while encouraging slower, more intentional play. The reusable materials and simple, timeless design help it fit naturally into a playroom without feeling disposable or trend-driven. Easy to care for and made to last, it’s a thoughtfully made set that supports imaginative play while prioritising longevity, mindful materials, and a gentler environmental footprint.

This domino set reflects a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to play, designed for repeated use rather than quick consumption. The durable pieces are made to withstand countless builds and resets, encouraging slow, intentional play that values process over speed. With no batteries, screens, or single-use components, it supports long-term enjoyment while keeping materials and waste to a minimum. Inspired by the careful, creative practice of Lily Hevesh, it’s a toy that prioritises longevity, creativity, and mindful making — the kind of set families can return to for years of calm, hands-on play.

This wooden easel reflects a sustainable approach to creative play, designed to grow with a child rather than be replaced. Made from durable wood and built for everyday use, it combines multiple activities in one thoughtfully constructed piece, reducing the need for separate art toys. The refillable paper roll encourages ongoing creativity without waste, while the adjustable height extends its lifespan over several years. With its sturdy frame and timeless design, it’s a well-made alternative to plastic art stations — supporting long-term use, mindful materials, and creative play that’s meant to last.

This construction-themed sand set is designed for repeated, contained play that adapts as a child’s imagination grows. The folding sandbox keeps everything in one place, encouraging longer, more focused play sessions without clutter or constant setup. As skills develop, children move from simple scooping and pouring to more detailed building and role-play, extending the life of the toy beyond a single stage. With reusable materials and integrated storage, it supports a more thoughtful approach to play — one that values durability, evolving creativity, and toys that stay relevant as interests deepen over time.

This adjustable basketball hoop is designed to grow alongside a child, supporting active play from toddlerhood through the preschool years. With a height that adapts as confidence and coordination develop, it reduces the need to replace toys as skills change. Built for both indoor and outdoor use, it encourages long-term, everyday play rather than short-lived novelty. The simple, durable design reflects a more thoughtful approach to children’s sports toys — one that values adaptability, repeated use, and physical play that evolves naturally over time, in the trusted, age-appropriate style of Fisher-Price.

This classic brick box is designed to grow with a child, supporting imaginative play from early building attempts through more complex creations over time. With a wide range of colours and versatile pieces, it encourages creativity that evolves as skills and interests develop, rather than limiting play to a single outcome. The sturdy bricks are made for long-term use and compatibility across LEGO sets, reducing waste and encouraging reuse year after year. Stored in a reusable box, it reflects a more sustainable approach to play — one that values adaptability, longevity, and open-ended creativity at every stage of childhood, all rooted in the enduring design philosophy of LEGO

This wall-climbing gecko is designed for repeat play rather than a one-time novelty, making it a toy children can return to as their curiosity and confidence grow. The rechargeable design reduces waste from disposable batteries, while the sturdy construction supports ongoing experimentation with movement, control, and cause-and-effect. As children get older, play naturally shifts from simple remote control to more imaginative setups, challenges, and pranks, extending its lifespan beyond early excitement. While more tech-forward than traditional toys, it still reflects a longer-use mindset — built for durability, recharging, and evolving play, in the inventive style of HEXBUG.

These walkie talkies are designed to grow with a child, supporting different styles of play as confidence, independence, and social skills develop. Early on, they encourage simple back-and-forth communication during indoor play; later, they become tools for outdoor games, imaginative adventures, and group play. Built to be durable and long-lasting, they’re made to withstand everyday use rather than being quickly replaced. By encouraging face-to-face interaction and reducing reliance on screens, they reflect a more thoughtful approach to play — one that values longevity, shared experiences, and toys that adapt naturally as children grow.

This compact brain teaser is designed to grow with the player, offering challenges that remain engaging from childhood through the teen years and well into adulthood. With hundreds of puzzles that range in difficulty, it adapts naturally as problem-solving skills sharpen, removing the need to replace it as abilities evolve. The self-contained case supports long-term use and travel-friendly play, reducing loose parts and disposability. Made for repeat play across ages and stages, it reflects a more thoughtful approach to games — one that values longevity, mental challenge, and skill-building over trends, in the enduring puzzle tradition of Educational Insights.

This family card game is designed to grow with children as their sense of humour, language skills, and social awareness develop. Suitable for a wide age range, it stays relevant over time rather than being outgrown after a single phase, making it a low-waste choice for family entertainment. The durable cards are made for repeated play, gatherings, and shared moments across years, not just one occasion. Tested and refined over time, it reflects a more sustainable approach to games — one that values longevity, adaptability, and connection, offering families a reason to keep coming back to the same box again and again, from the creators at Cards Against Humanity.

This wooden musical instrument set is designed with restraint and intention, using natural materials and muted tones to create a calmer introduction to sound and rhythm. Rather than flashing lights or electronic noise, it encourages gentle exploration through touch, movement, and simple melodies. The neutral colours help children stay focused and engaged without overstimulation, making it well suited to both play and quiet moments. Crafted from safe, durable materials, the instruments can be returned to as skills develop, supporting early coordination, listening, and creativity over time. It’s a thoughtfully made set that values simplicity, longevity, and a more peaceful approach to musical play.

This wooden play kitchen favours a calmer, more considered design that avoids excess decoration and overstimulation. The clean lines, muted materials, and cohesive accessories create a play space that feels inviting rather than overwhelming. Built from eco-friendly wood and designed to adjust in height, it supports long-term use as a child grows, without needing constant upgrades or add-ons. The focus stays on imaginative role-play and everyday routines, allowing children to engage deeply and independently. It’s a thoughtfully designed toy that proves play doesn’t need to be loud or cluttered to be engaging — just well made, adaptable, and easy to live with.

This balance board embraces simplicity through natural materials and an open-ended form that leaves room for imagination without visual overload. Made from layered solid wood with a smooth, considered finish, it avoids bright colours or busy features in favour of a shape that invites movement, exploration, and quiet creativity. As children grow, play naturally shifts — from basic balancing to imaginative uses like bridges, rockers, or gentle exercise — without the toy ever needing to change. Designed to support a wide age range and built to last, it’s a grounded, thoughtfully made piece that proves less visual noise often leads to deeper, longer-lasting play.

This rainbow streamer is a beautiful example of how simple, well-made toys can invite movement and imagination without visual clutter. Made from lightweight, flowing fabric and finished with non-toxic dyes, it offers colour in a soft, natural way that feels expressive rather than overwhelming. The long ribbon responds gently to motion, encouraging children to explore dance, rhythm, and outdoor play at their own pace. Designed to be reused across many stages of childhood, it supports open-ended play while reflecting a thoughtful commitment to safe materials and sustainability. A timeless toy that lets movement and creativity take the lead.

This doctor dress-up set is designed to support imaginative role-play in a way that feels reassuring rather than overwhelming. With a simple, recognisable outfit and thoughtfully chosen accessories, it encourages children to focus on caring, communication, and storytelling instead of fast-moving gimmicks. The washable coat and sturdy tools are made for repeated use, allowing the set to grow with a child’s confidence and curiosity over time. By keeping the design grounded and familiar, it creates space for empathy-led play and everyday exploration — a long-lasting, screen-free role-play staple from Melissa & Doug.

This life-sized grocery store playset is thoughtfully designed to encourage immersive role-play without relying on screens or overstimulating features. Built from sturdy materials and intended for long-term use, it supports repeated play as children grow more confident in social interaction, communication, and everyday routines. The layout mirrors real-life experiences in a simple, intuitive way, allowing children to focus on storytelling and cooperation rather than excess noise or distraction. Designed for durability and open-ended use, it reflects Melissa & Doug’s long-standing commitment to toys that prioritise longevity, imagination, and calm, skill-building play from Melissa & Doug.