There are so many awesome toys for kids these days. Some are educational, some help with development, some are extremely fun, and many combine all three. From coloring kits to dinosaur toys, bumpers cars to robots, toys for every age group line the shelves.
But with all the choices, it can get overwhelming. So, here are 10 awesome toys for kids, organized by age and stage, that the whole family can get excited about.
How To Choose Awesome Toys for Kids
Toys usually have a suggested age range on the package. But of course, the best gift for a child also depends on their personal interests. The most awesome toys for kids should be easy to use with minimal supervision and provide fun, frustration-free opportunities for building coordination, balance, and creativity.
Here are some tips for choosing toys for children in various age groups:
Toddlers: Ages 1-2 Years
Toys that allow kids to be active are great for toddlers. Look for toys that toddlers can use solo without frustrating themselves. For example, a drivable toy car with safety bumpers is a fun way to build confidence and explore surroundings at home. Toys that look like the “real thing,” such as toy phones, musical instruments, or plastic dishes and food, provide hours of imaginative fun.
Preschoolers: Ages 3-4 Years
Slightly older kids often begin to like toys that stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills. Games that encourage playing with others are awesome toys for kids at this age. Many games, such as soccer, can help build skills and confidence. Preschoolers may also enjoy toys that play favorite songs or stories.
School-Aged Children: 5 Years & Up
Older kids who are attending school may want to explore art, science, and other new interests. Coloring kits, for example, encourage creativity and imagination. Meanwhile, a child who’s interested in science may enjoy a telescope.
Awesome Toys for Kids We Love
Now that we’ve explored different age groups and how toys can benefit them, here are some of our favorite options for kids of all ages:
1. Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set: Songs & Stories
Awesome toys for kids can help toddlers have fun for hours. And one toy that helps the littlest music fans listen to popular kids’ songs and stories is the Toniebox audio system. It comes with Tonies, which are figurines that contain specific audio files.
Just turn on the box, place a Tonie on top, and let the music play. The system is designed so kids as young as 18 months of age can put their favorite Tonies on.
The Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set comes with one puppy Tonie, but you can add more Tonies if you like.
You’ll find the following features in the Toniebox Playtime Puppy Starter Set:
- Soft yet durable Toniebox
- Playtime Puppy Tonie
- Playlist of 6 songs
- Change tracks with a bump
- Adjust volume with Toniebox ears
- Available in 6 colors
- Plays for 7 hours before losing charge
Additional content is available from the Mytonies app, available for iOS and Android devices.
2. Electric Ride-On Bumper Car: Safe Racing
For older toddlers, the Flybar Electric Ride-On Bumper Car offers an exciting way to enjoy active play and burn off energy. They’ll safely race, spin, and bump around the house at a maximum speed of 1 mph. From the single driver’s seat, kids and toddlers can easily control the car with the joysticks. And helpfully, the rubber bumper protects walls and furniture.
Here are some of the Flybar Electric Bumper Car’s main features:
- Soft rubber bumper
- Dual joystick control
- Flashing LED lights
- 360-degree turn capability
- Adjustable safety belt
- 6-volt battery with 120-volt wall charger
- 66-lb. weight capacity
Just know that this toy requires partial assembly, so there is a little work to be done before the fun can begin.
3. Fisher-Price Goaldozer Electronic Soccer Game: Interactive Play
The Fisher-Price Goaldozer Electronic Soccer Game is an interactive toy that kids can play on their own or with a friend. With this toy, little athletes can build coordination and skills and have fun at the same time. The toy even uses positive phrases to encourage kids to play by the rules.
Features of the Fisher-Price Goaldozer Electronic Soccer Game include:
- Motorized net with 360-degree motion
- Lights, sounds, and narration after every goal
- Multicolored light-up eyes
- Four interactive play modes
- A soccer ball
4. Leapfrog Magic Adventures Telescope: Exploring the Outdoors
Kids who’ve started school may discover new interests and enjoy toys that are a bit more complex and imaginative. With the Leapfrog Magic Adventures Telescope, young astronomers can explore nature or the night sky. And thanks to the 110x zoom, kids can see fascinating details and even save pictures.
The Leapfrog telescope includes:
- 2.5-in. digital color screen
- 100+ videos and images from NASA and European Space Agency
- 20 Cosmic Cards with detailed images and facts
- Simulated spacecraft travel
- Detachable tripod
- Cosmic Quizzes to test knowledge
- 4 AA batteries
The Leapfrog Magic Adventures Telescope has received the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Accreditation Stamp of Approval by the Toy Association.
5. VOLANTEXRC Remote Control Shark Toys for Pool: Water Fun
For fun in the pool or the tub, the VOLANTEXRC Remote Control Shark Toy moves through the water like a real shark. This toy features precision construction and waterproof sealing technology to prevent water damage to working parts.
The VOLANTEXRC Remote Control Shark Toys for Pool offers the following features:
- Flexible tail and body joints
- Dual paddles with dual motors
- Safety stitching and waterproof seal
- 4-channel remote control
- Anti-jamming technology
6. Lite Brite Ultimate Classic: Timeless Creativity
Based on the original 1960s Lite Brite toy, Lite Brite Ultimate Classic provides hours of creative fun. Kids use bright, colorful pegs and assorted templates to create art that lights up.
Lite Brite Ultimate Classic includes the following creative features:
- 206 pegs in 6 different colors
- 4 different light modes, including flash
- 6 design templates
- Battery-powered LED bulbs
Helpfully, the LED lights don’t get hot when they light up the screen, so you don’t have to worry about safety when kids are creating their Lite Brite art.
7. VTek Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex: A Dinosaur Toy & More
At first, the VTek Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex looks like a T-Rex, but it’s really a fire truck, rescue copter, and police car. Kids can play with the three rescue vehicles and then assemble them to create a dinosaur over 20-in. long.
You’ll find these features in the VTek Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex:
- Fire truck with rotating and extendable ladder
- Helicopter with spinning propeller
- Police care with lights, phrases, and animated driver
- Cool action sounds and digital effects
- Dinosaur eyes that light up
- T-rex dinosaur roar
8. Magic Mixies Cauldron: Colorful Magic
With the Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron set, kids create their own furry friend by mixing potions and tapping the cauldron with a magic wand. Mist rises, and an adorable furry friend emerges from the cauldron.
Besides the cauldron and electronic figure, the Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron set also includes:
- Parent/supervisor letter
- Spellbook
- Dissolvable paper feathers
- Paper scroll
- “Sound Dust” fizz powder
- Crystal Gem dissolvable soap
- Vegetable glycerin mist refill
- “Glimmer Star” and “Fizz Flower” molder fizz
The Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron set also includes a 2.96wh lithium battery, three Lr44 batteries, and a USB charging cable.
9. Crayola Ultimate Light Board: Letting Art Shine
Your kids will watch their drawings shine with the Crayola Ultimate Light Board. All they have to do is draw on the LED Light Board, turn on the board, and watch it light up their artwork. Then, all you need to do is wipe the board clean to use again.
Here are some of the fun features of the Crayola Ultimate Light Board:
- Reusable surface
- Washable mini markers
- Removable back for easy tracing
- Built-in storage for markers
- Safe and non-toxic materials
Crayola recommends that you only use its brand of Crayola Washable Window Markers and Crayola Bold & Bright Markers with the Ultimate Light Board.
10. Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog: Plays Like a Real Dog
The Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog barks, runs, and wags its tail like a real dog. Each dog has a unique personality and combination of lights and sounds. Kids use the included app to train their Dog-E to do tricks and run after treats.
The Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog comes with the following features:
- Moves and sounds like a real dog
- 200+ sounds and reactions
- 6 games to play
- Magnetic bone toy
- Communication through emotes, icons, and messages
- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Many features, such as tricks and multiple profiles, are only available through the included Dog-E iOS app or Android app. The basic Dog-E features, however, work with or without the app.
Other Considerations When Choosing Awesome Toys for Kids
Fun and imagination aren’t the only factors when choosing kids’ toys. Safety and durability are also important considerations when it comes to toys for children.
Look for Kid-Safe Parts & Materials
To keep small children safe, make sure toys don’t have small parts that children can swallow. Always read the package label to make sure the toy is free of toxic or flammable substances.
Make Sure the Toy Can Withstand Hours of Heavy Use
A child’s toy should be made of durable materials that can stand up to rough play. For example, a soft rubber exterior won’t break if a child drops or throws the toy.
Awesome Toys for Kids: Learning & Having Fun
Kids of all ages can have fun, learn, and build skills at the same time. So, whether your kids love to draw, play in the pool, or look at the stars, you’ll find awesome toys for kids for all interests and personalities.
