The Toy Coach's Top Picks From Toy Fest 2024
From March 3rd to March 5th, one of Las Vegas' biggest Toy Trade Show's occurred: Toy Fest 2024. Check out this article to read more about the hottest inventions and categories driving the industry. In fact, if you're new to the toy business or want to start the toy development process and have the question of how to start a toy company, this article is a great place to start. You can gauge the latest trends and the thoughts behind great toys all from the comfort of your home.
If you're hungry for more information about the show after you're done, take a look at our podcast Episode #210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in Las Vegas to learn more about the trade show!
Our Top Picks From Toy Fest 2024
1. Scrunchems
Scrunchems are the new anti-stress antidote, containing all the toys for mental health improvement you've been searching for. These squishy sensory toys help you relax, slow down, and achieve a state of calmness. They're small, lightweight, and perfect for when you're feeling a little on edge and need something to soothe you. The best part is, they're hypoallergenic, latex free, easy to clean with soap and water and durable enough to shoulder your worries for you! It's clear that a lot of thought went into their toy development process to create unique yet thoughtful toys.
Our Picks:
Dumpling
Age: 3+
Price: $2.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the One for Fun website!
Party Diddy Squish Balls - 3 Pk
Age: 3+
Price: $15.75
Link: Click here to purchase from the One for Fun website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
Glow in the Dark Moon and Stars Squishball
Age: 3+
Price: $10.66
Link: Click here to purchase from the One for Fun website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
Who these toys are great for: They're the perfect gift for anyone you know who may be feeling a bit stressed or overwhelmed. As toys for mental health improvement, they're efficient in helping those with ADD, ADHD, OCD, autism, and anxiety due to their promotion of focus and self-regulation.
2. Tiny Easel
A space for creativity to develop and be acknowledged at all skill levels, Tiny Easel was created by Jennifer Nolley to create a small, less-intimating form of art for kids. During her toy development process, she hoped her products would be used to create small masterpieces, fostering love and appreciation for art and design in children. Read more about her story here.
Our Pick: Tiny Easel Traveler Box
The perfect mini kit for traveling and adventures while away from home! Art toy creation isn't simple but Tiny Easel managed to create a great kit for the art toy market. This kit comes with an Activity Guide, 9-Drawing watercolor book, 12 watercolors, 6 watercolor crayons, tiny easel tools, a tiny easel, and a canvas - all for just $28!
Who this kit is great for: Perfect for kids, even as young as four with parental supervision! It's easy to set up, use, and clean, perfect for families with young children. But if we're being honest, I would buy this for my car as the perfect de-stressor!
Age: 4+
Price: $28.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the Tiny Easel website!
3. BrightLines Paper
BrightLines Paper is the simple solution to improving your writing skills. It Is formatted so individuals are able to form letters correctly with adequate spacings. During the toy development process, they decided to start creating them in spiral bound notebook form, looking like traditional notebooks on the outside while the BrightLines Paper is inside.
Our Pick: The Blue Lines Standard Line Paper
This paper is great for those with low vision, visual perception, and attention challenges. The raised line features an embossed bottom line to give writers a tactical cue for better line placement. The solid lines help individuals locate the writing area. Most importantly, the lower half of the writing area if emphasize in blue color to indicate where lower case letters should be placed.
Who this is great for: Anyone! BrightLines Paper was initially designed for students with learning difficulties, belonging to the category of toys for mental health needs, but is now growing in popularity among all students and people of all ages. In fact, educators are now using the paper for their classes during journaling activities while therapists are using it in their clinics.
Age: 4+
Price: $11.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the BrightLines Paper website!
3. Bright Stripes
Sabre Mrkva and Eric von Stein came together in 2018 to start their dream company in the art toy market, Bright Stripes. In their toy development process, they decided that their mission is to empower kids to create the world they want through creative play, crafts, and DIY.
The best part about Bright Stripes? Their website features crafts based on age, going as far as having sets for kids younger than five! This makes them perfect for all kids. As a bonus, 5% of the proceeds from all iHeartArt products go towards their charity partners at Art Feeds, supplying art lessons, training, and art materials to kids in need.
Our Picks: iHeartArt Paint by Numbers Moonlit Unicorn and The Magic Scrunch Pillow
iHeartArt Paint by Numbers Moonlit Unicorn
Age: 6+
Price: $24.99
Link: Click here to purchase from Amazon!
4. SMOKO: Tayto Potato
What is SMOKO? An Australian slang meaning a short break from the daily grind of work. At SMOKO, they're dedicated to creating ways for you to take a moment away from your work area, stretch out your legs, and relax. Their products are designed to bring fun and life into your work week. Though they may not officially be deemed toys for mental health, they act just like them, just having them around is a great way to boost your mood!
Our Pick: Smoko Tayto Potato Art History Blind Box and Tayto Potato Ambient Light
We just couldn't choose one! The blind box features a surprise potato-shaped item that represents a classic work of art from different cultures and times periods across the globe. They're the perfect companion for your desk at work, always cheering you on (or screaming in horror at your workload). The Ambient Light on the other hand is the perfect, and cutest, nighttime buddy for when you want to be a coach potato too. The cutest part? The touch sensor that turns it on and off with just a tap on the head!
Who these are great for: Anyone! While they were designed with those working in mind, these toys are a great gift for people of all ages and are so versatile with where you can have them. A light, a cute desk buddy at work or home, or a little couch potato for your living room.
Smoko Tayto Potato Art History Blind Box
Age: 12+
Price: $15
Link: Click here to purchase from the SMOKO website!
Smoko Tayto Potato Ambient Light
Age: 12+
Price: $22
Link: Click here to purchase from the SMOKO website!
5. HyperTiles
“We make toys that help you move and groove, the play pattern is all about movement” - Todd Mullins, Director of Specialty Sales at Fun in Motion.
HyperTiles, the limitless tiles that can be linked, flexed, and formed in various ways to build whatever you'd like. So much thought went into their toy development process that they couldn't help but receive incredible review. People commented it as the best brain-building and imagination-boosting activity, with many schools ordering them for their students.
Our Pick: The Original HyperTiles
Who they're great for: HyperTiles are great for those aged 3 and older! They're a great way to keep kids entertained and stimulate their brains. In fact, many schools have already ordered them for their programs!
Age: 3+
Price: $24.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the Fun in Motion website!
6. Mobi Peeka - Tummy Time Mirror
This Mobi Peeka Tummy Time Mirror is designed to help development of babies aged 0-6 months. Their toy development process centered rounding helping children's development, especially their motor skills, early language, problem solving, and sensory exploration. These are all possible due to the various features the mirrors have, including the shatterproof mirror.
Our Pick: Tummy Time Mirror
Who this is great for: This mirror is perfect for babies aged 0-6 months as that is a prime time for their development. This toy is perfect for keeping them entertained while also aiding in their growth!
Age: 0-6 months+
Price: $24.99
Link: Click here to purchase from Amazon!
7. Boo-Boo Buddies
Dr. Todd (not Doctor Todd but "Doctor" Todd) noticed the lack of fun products in the bandage market and decided to fix that during his toy development process. Dr. Todd's Boo-Boo Buddies have adorable designs that are great to give you a pick-me-up after a little issue.
Our Pick: Shark and Whale Bandages
Not only are these designs super cute, especially the heart above the whales, but they're the perfect reminder that summer, and more importantly, the beach are close by!
Who these are perfect for: Though originally made for kids, these bandages are perfect for anyone! The Boo-Boo Buddies characters are also featured in their other products, including tote bags and stickers!
Age: 3+
Price: $7.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the Boo-Boo Buddies website or click here to purchase the Police Car and Fire Truck bandages from Amazon!
8. Open The Joy - Levy's Chat Conversation Cards
"Everyone cares about travel. Conversation cards make a 7 hour drive mean something. If you're taking the time out to travel with your kids why not get them off their devices and have meaningful conversations during those trips" - Shalini Melwani-Samtani, Chief Joy Architect at Open the Joy.
Open The Joy products are designed to foster a fun and entertaining environment for kids while also helping them in a more therapeutic way. Though originally during their toy development process, they were designed to improve the lives of children suffering or recovering from illness, they can also be used to foster communication and development in children. An example of this is their chat conversation cards that help build emotional intelligence and a bonding environment all while providing children with happy memories, serving as the perfect toys for mental health improvement.
Our Pick: Let's Talk Portable Conversation Cards and Life Skills On the Go
Who these are perfect for: Though they were specifically designed for kids struggling with illness', these cards are perfect for all children (and even adults) to help foster growth and a comfortable, safe environment to develop social skills and emotional intelligence, being great toys for mental health improvement.
Let’s Talk Portable Conversation Cards
Age: 4+
Price: $8.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the Open The Joy website!
Life Skills On The Go
Age: 4+
Price: $12.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the Open The Joy website!
9. Master Toys and Novelties - Tiny Line
In 2020, Master Toys and Novelties started out with their toy vacuums. Since then, the company has been a manufacturer, direct importer, and wholesaler of toys, dolls, novelty gift items, and die-cast metal cars, distributing its products to its customers through gift shops all the way to national chain stores located throughout North America.
Our Pick: World's Tiniest Walkie Talkies
This two-piece set has the long range and stealth to make you feel like a super spy. They work through walls, floors, steel, and even concrete so you have enjoy playing with your friends.
Who this is great for: These make for a great playtime activity for kids but they make great collectibles for adults as well! Plus, how nice would it be to use these instead of screaming across the house when you need something from your brother?
Age: 6+
Price: $16.99
Link: Click here to purchase from Amazon!
10. Dope Slimes
Dope Slimes are a handmade, high-quality, and affordable slime shop, offering all kinds of slimes and even offering a chance to create custom slimes. Last year, they were expressed as the number 2 overall vendor, beating out Hot Wheels, Barbie, and Lego due to how much effort went into their toy development process.
Our Pick: Cookies & Cream Ice-Cream Cake
This slime is one of their best-sellers on the site, having 190 reviews and a five-star rating. A tri-layered slime, it features a top and bottom layer of ultra soft ice-cream slime rolled in black clay chunks and a middle section that's filled with snow fizz. Fluffy then stretched, dense and dough-like when squished - it's the perfect slime!
Who this is great for: Anyone that likes slime! These quality slimes are a great gift for anyone but would definitely be a hit among those with anxiety, ADHD, and more, even though they aren't officially considered toys for mental health.
Age: 7+
Price: $11.99
Link: Click here to purchase from the Dope Slimes website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
11. PlanToys
Starting with the small dream of university graduates infusing the world with positivity, PlanToys has inspired children and families worldwide with its emphasis on optimism, creativity, and a passion for sustainability. While their focus is child development, specifically safety, age milestones, physical and cognitive development, they have also set a standard for sustainability in the industry.
Our Pick: Too Many!
Due to their focus on children's development in both physical and cognitive ways, they have a diverse range of toys to choose from to help children. Additionally, their Plan Family includes a variety of skin-colors for their dolls and individual dolls so customers can build their ideal family. Rather than only doll houses, they also sell furniture for their dolls. They also have their carbon footprint on each box!
Balancing Cactus Game
Age: 3+
Price: $12.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the PlanToys website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
Fine Motor Tweezer Tongs - Dexterity Game
Age: 3+
Price: $25.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the PlanToys website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
Living Room - Classic
Age: 3+
Price: $25.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the PlanToys website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
Build a Face Toy
Age: 3+
Price: $60.00
Link: Click here to purchase from the PlanToys website or click here to purchase from Amazon!
12. Speks
"We work so your work can be more fun" - Speks, About Us
Speks is a small business dedicated to creating quality, unique, and safe fidget toys to help you have fun during work. Their products feature magnetic chains, silicone stress balls, gel stress balls, and more!
Our Pick: Crags Magnetic Putty - Harmony
This putty is unique in that it is made from magnetic, nonstick pebbles in various shapes to help you de-stress and have a little fun! Not just that, but the sound of the pebbles being crushed in your hands is the perfect ASMR on the go.
Age: 14+
Price: $24.95
Link: Click here to purchase from Amazon!
13. Kids Clean Car
Look out world - kids are on the roads. Well, as on the roads as you can be in the house. Kids Clean Car has recently gone viral for creating go karts for young children that do more than just entertain. They actually help clean! The front of the carts has a small sweeper attached that acts as a cleaner while the go kart acts as an activity for your little ones.
Our Pick: Kids Clean Car Portable Go Kart, 12v Ride On Race Car
These Go Kart's feature variable speed, from 0-5 mph so if your child is a beginner, they can go at ultra slow mode but if they're experienced, they can go into fast mode. But don't worry, the upgraded wheels on the karts are virtually silent, allowing kids to have all the fun they want while driving, without driving you insane.
They're featured in the $200 Amazon Top Most Wishes for electric vehicles and feature keystone pricing. The box is sized 23 in x 14 in x 7 in; you get a high ticket toy with a compact package for retail price!
Ages: 2+
Price: $269
Link: Click here to purchase from Amazon!
Closing Thoughts
Toy Fest 2024 was an incredible space for creators to come together and share the work they've dedicated themselves to. From fidget toys, to squishes, to conversation cards, a few clear themes were present across all the toys this year. Many of these toys reflected the attempt of the new creators of this era towards improving mental health and creating healthier, more stable relationships with both ourselves and those around us. They also included specific emerging trends with regards to design such as mini's, kawaii toys, compound toys, and building toys.
For aspiring toy inventors, we hope this was a great opportunity to take a look into the dreams, effort, and joy that goes into creating toys as well as possible ideas surrounding what kinds of toys are hot in the market now. For a more in-depth review of Toy Fest as well as the prominent trends, click here to listen to Episode #210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in Las Vegas of our podcast, Making it in the Toy Industry.
If you're hungry for more information, click here for a YouTube review of the The Magic Scrunch Pillow by Bright Stripes by The Toy Coach!