I just got back from the New York Toy Fair at the Javits Center – and let me tell you, 2026 toys are bringing it. Picture several football fields packed wall to wall with brand-new releases from the biggest names in the industry, all under one roof. After three full days walking every aisle (many of them multiple times), I’ve narrowed it down to the very best toys and standout reveals coming in spring and fall 2026. Here are the best toys for 2026.
How this post is organized
I know you are excited to see what is new, and I am thrilled to share this list with you. I visited several booths and took meticulous notes along the way. Do I take this too seriously? Likely. But it is the toy fair. Which means the serious research comes with a ton of play.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
For 2026, I went into the toy fair with a mission from you all to focus on toys for tweens, board and card games for kids, and outdoor toys. But of course, the toy fair is filled with lots of gems. With that, I included a few honorable mentions in other categories.
Days with Grey participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and LTK, which are affiliate advertising programs. I earn from qualifying purchases as an associate. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Outdoor toys for 2026
I went into the toy fair on a few missions, and with spring around the corner (yep, just call me Punxsutawney Phil), I needed to find some fun new additions for outdoor play. The snow will stop. I promise.
Two Bros Bows
If you are excited to share archery with your child, but aren’t quite ready for the sharp edges, I got you! Start with Two Bros Bows. (A small business!) Note: They are currently out of stock, but I am circling back after I get more details from them.
Bilibo Mini
If your child loves sensory and open-ended play, you must check out Bilibo Mini! And just like the other sizes, these can be used with outdoor play in the snow or on the beach. (Not to mention the bathtub, and for everyday play. Take them on your next vacation and watch the magic.
Gaga CrazyBall
This Gaga Crazy Ball set will be a hit for my boys when they play together. I noticed it coming soon at the 2025 toy fair, and now it is available! Your summer days just got more exciting.
Razor Rip Surf
This Razor Rip Surf is like a surfboard with wheels!!! Whoa. Who is adding this to their outdoor toy collection? Me!
Ribbon Ninja
This outdoor game isn’t new to everyone in 2026, but it is to me! I am 101% certain this will be a hit with my boys and their friends.
Big Wheel Chopper
The Big Wheel Chopper will be released on February 28th and is available for pre-order now. Just in time for the warm weather! My boys would have spent hours riding this on the back deck in the early years.
Jumbo Soccer Ball
Here is another outdoor toy that I also saw in 2025. But since my boys and the neighbors enjoyed it so much, it deserves another spot in the 2026 roundup. It gave me so much time to watch them from the window in a quiet house.
Board games and card games
As my three boys grow older (now ages 8, 10, 12), they are tempted to spend more time on screens. And although I am down for them enjoying their time on Nintendo, it is equally as important to have age-appropriate games and toys that they can play with their other tween friends. Our house is the house with exploded toys and the latest and greatest card games. My boys always beam with pride when showing the neighbors a new well-loved game.
Row Your Goat
This has been an easy and fun way for me to connect with the boys before or after school. It is the perfect game for a tired brain, and we all enjoy playing!
Shashibo Battle Shapes
If your child enjoys Shashibo, they will likely like to challenge their friends with Shashibo Battle Shapes. You pick a card and see who can create the shape first.
Cats Knocking Things off Ledges
If your family enjoys cats, they may get a kick out of this balancing game.
Qwirkle Cubes
I have a confession. I saw Qwirkle Cubes and gasped, thinking it was new. Turns out, the Qwirkle Cubes are almost as old as I am. (Not really, but that’s what it felt like when I heard the news.) Where are my Qwirkle fans?!
This or That
It is so funny listening to my boys play, First to Worst with their friends. And now there is a similar party game from the same game designers called This or That. It is another fun game where you get to know a little more about your friends.
Feelin Cute
I stopped by Feelin Cute and could not resist playing! (Not to mention they are the sweetest small business.) In this game, children have an animal card that they will rank as cuter or less cute than the others. Can you guess where your child may place each card? If you guess correctly, you win the point!
Burst
Hello, fast math! In the game, BURST, you cannot go over 21. There are numbers to add and numbers to subtract. This is the best game to get for your kiddos to practice their addition and subtraction facts! Lost Boys is always a fun booth to make sure I stop at. They are always ready to eagerly play their games.
Flip 7 National Parks
Are you a Flip 7 fan? Well, now you can anticipate Flip 7 National Parks!!! Coming Summer 2026. Grab this game for your summer road trip.
Tacta
Do you have a child who enjoys a party game with a little strategy? Tacta combines just that!
Fountains
Fountains has a Catan feel to me. Instead of building land, you are building Fountains. I know my Catan fans will be all over this one!
Points for Everything
The creators of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, aka Dolphin Hat Games, have something extra cool in the making. Board Games!!! I sat for a while chatting with the game designers, and they are focused on making easy play for families with no setup, no stress, just play.
Bugs in the Kitchen
This game is fast-paced and uses the Hex bug to navigate the kitchen maze. This is a fun game for ages 5 and up.
Strike Dice Game
Two dice are fun, so why not make it several? There is something about shaking a handful of dice in my hands that screams, this is so much fun! Again, the perfect game to practice addition.
Rush Hour Duo Set
One thing I learned from my time at the toy fair is that two-player games are HOT for 2026. This two-player Rush Hour game is scheduled for summer 2026.
WS Games Guess Who?
You know the beautiful game boxes you have seen in your IG feed? Okay, maybe it is just me, but this is a gorgeous way to display your most well-loved games and keep them in a location that not only looks great but is also easy to grab and play.
Open-Ended Toys
Open-ended toys are the heart of Days with Grey. When I search the toy fair, I am seeking out the best toys that either add to existing, well-loved toys or inspire a new way to play that I know still lead with curiosity and exploration. Trust me, the toy fair is filled with one-and-done toys as well. But that’s not why you are here. Here are the best open-ended toys of 2026.
Magna Tile Ramps
Magna Tile Rail Ramps debuted last year, but what if you didn’t need any more tiles? Well, this year, Magna Tiles launched their Rail Packs! Cheers to a pack that I can get exactly what I am looking for.
Lego Smart Play NEW!
Okay, so technically this is not open-ended because it has directions and also comes with a sound chip. But it is new, and it will blow your mind. I didn’t want you to miss it! Be sure to watch the video.
Snap Circuit Light Up Bricks
This stopped me in my tracks. Bricks that light up and also work with Lego? Sold. My Lego-loving boys will be all over this, and it will go into their Easter baskets.
Pluffle Brown
You asked for brown and Learning Resources brought it! (Don’t you just LOVE Learning Resources?!) This is the perfect sensory bin filler.
Air Toobz Mega Run Distance Kit
Where are my Air Toobz families? Your play just got extended by 100 feet! Can you believe it? Nope. Me either. This is a plastic tube that can be cut to any length you’d like and comes with attachments for instant play.
Air Toobz Switch
And if you enjoy the Mega Run, you are going to love this Switch accessory. My boys enjoy anything with a switch option. It takes the play up another notch that only a child can explain.
Mag Rush Neo City Knockdown
Does your child enjoy trick shots? Yes. Okay. You must check out this set for your favorite magnetic tiles.
Connetix Pro
I’ve been eying these Connectix Pro pieces for a while and finally have a box in my hands. Survey says? My oldest has not put them down. He is 12 and uses these tiles for both building and fidgeting.
Mini Mags Travel Sets
Magna-Tiles has been working on some exclusive seasonal sets! This spring garden set is available now, and be on the lookout for cute Halloween and Christmas tiles!
Clicks Markers – Neon
Neon?! Say less.
Clicks Markers – Pastel
Pastel, too?! Add to cart.
Plus Plus Pet Packets
Plus Plus will always have my heart. You may know that I am a HUGE fan of Plus Plus Big for all ages. And as a top fan, I also recognize how much families enjoy the mini. This is a fun new packet that makes a great gift.
Boxineers
Educational Insights is excited to launch their Boxineers! Here, your child can take their most beloved toy (a box) and use it to create character faces and designs.
Brio Floral
Brio is not messing around when it comes to creating beautiful toys for kids that make sense. After tons and tons of research and testing, they have designed a colorful, floral world that works with or without wooden tracks. This is the magical imaginary play that I cannot wait to share more with you.
Gravitrax Spiderman
My boys play with Gravitrax a lot (truly, it was this motorized expansion pack that really gets them going), and now they cannot wait for the Spider-Man set to come out. I cannot blame them. It is epic!
Gravitrax Action Sets
There are two action sets that I got to see at the toy fair. One is called Fusion, which helps bring marbles up levels, and the other is a motorized elevator! Fusion will be out in the summer of 2026, and the Elevation set is coming out in the spring of 2026.
Action-Set M Skytrax – Marble run for kids and adults
I know. Heavy on the Gravitrax. But you know what? My boys LOVE them. So here is another set they have their eyes on as they save. These pieces help elevate the marble and maze.
Honorable Mentions
By now, you may have heard that American Girl dolls have modernized the ones we all grew up with. Yep, that’s right. Molly, Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, and Josefina all have a 2026 look that will look both familiar and also not at the same time.
But that’s not all! Crusing these halls has me finding all sorts of goodies that I cannot wait to share with you.
American Girl Doll Moderns Era Collection
Ever wonder what Molly would look like in 2026? Well, wonder no more. All of your favorite American Girl dolls have been modernized, and you can pre-order now. Will be released on May 1, 2026.
Fabric Stickers
Immediate yes. My eight-year-old took a strong liking to these and added them to his backpack and sneakers.
Kitchen-Aid Kids
Yes. You read this correctly. Kitchen-Aid will now have a mixer and a blender designed just for kids. Sign me up! This will be huge.
Squish Pillow
You asked and they delivered! Introducing the NEW squishmallow pillow!
Morf
Need a travel fidget toy? Try Morf! It will entertain people of all ages during long waits, drives, and flights.
Keepy Uppy
When I walked up to the Keepy Uppy booth, the man asked me to throw it at the TV as hard as I could. Ummm, does he know what to say or not?! Makes a fun game for inside and out! (TV and other glass should stay intact. His disclaimer, not mine. lol)
Silent Basketball
My boys love the silent basketball and use it all of the time inside. I am sensitive to loud noise, and this keeps me calm.
Plus Plus Atari
This colorful Plus Plus set stopped me in my tracks for two reasons. The beautiful colors and nostalgia. And for those reasons alone, it made the cut for this roundup. lol
Hand 2 Mind Yoga Balls
These are the cuuuuutest. And guess what? More adorable animal yoga balls will be coming your way in 2026.
Boppo
Boppo is a game created by the brother of a long-term follower! The Boppo makes a fun and interactive travel game.
Plui Rain Cloud by MOLUK
I am always looking for new bath toys that can be washed out. This rain cloud comes apart to help it dry and prevent mold.
Upsidedown Goggles
Have you seen these? They literally turn your world upsidedown. Kids have a blast trying to complete challenges with them on.
Hape Met Puzzles
Hape has collaborated with the Met, and the toys are beautiful! This puzzle is just one of the many.
Which toy is your favorite? Gosh, it is so difficult to pick!
Leave a Comment