Toys and Games They'll LOVE to Receive
Fun toys, games, and DIY ideas to elevate your NEXT family fun night, and great gift ideas for the children on your shopping list.
Spirograph
Spirograph is one of my favorite childhood toys. This year, your child can enjoy brand-new Disney-themed products from Spirograph, licensed by Hasbro and produced by PlayMonster: Disney’s Cyclex Studios and Spirograph Cyclex clips! Perfect for creative minds, Spirograph combines the principles of art, math, and play through their timeless designs made for all ages. Kids will love creating designs inspired by their favorite films like Disney's Frozen and Disney and Pixar's Toy Story! Available at Spirograph.
My Gnome On The Roam
This award-winning kit includes a gnome for kids to decorate, an adventure journal, and a magical wooden pen. It's perfect for busy families looking to create lasting memories during spring break or everyday living. Kids are encouraged to adopt and design the Gnome/family mascot/adventure companion. It’s a marvelous method to get families together to create, connect, and explore together. Download the app for daily suggestions to spend 15 minutes together as a family, creating special memories. Look for these award-winning products at neighborhood specialty shops, Whole Foods, mygnomeontheroam.com, and Amazon.
Bene Buddies
Bene Buddies, including Haylo, are not just your ordinary plush toys. They come with a unique reward token system that encourages children to practice good character traits like sharing and being respectful. By dealing with emotions and behavior modification, kids can earn a gold-colored token that signals it's time to reward their good behavior. Each Bene Buddy has a special focus, and Haylo's storybook explores a range of emotions from Happiness and Sadness to Anxiety and Anger. The instructional message in the book guides both grownups and kids on how to incorporate reward tokens into day-to-day learning. These innovative toys have already received numerous accolades, including the Mom's Choice Gold Award and the Creative Child Magazine 2023 Product of the Year.
New! Haylo the Horse • Ages 3+ • $39.99
Did you know that of all the animals, horses’ emotions most closely mirror humans’ feelings? Haylo shares a range of feelings from Happiness and Sadness to Anxiety and Anger in the enclosed storybook written by Martha Moore with illustrations by Gale Hinton. Look for the instructional message to grownups and to kids in the back of each Bene Buddies book for the best way to incorporate reward tokens into day-to-day learning. Order online.
My kids LOVE strategy games but sometimes things can get a little "too competitive" among siblings. We've found cooperative strategy games to be a great solution!
We recently tried the award-winning Castle Panic ($34.95) and the expansion of The Dark Titan ($19.95, second edition). This game took about an hour to play with fabulous artwork and easy-to-learn rules (referenced in a clear instruction manual as needed), we fought monsters as a family defending the castle. My teens loved it so much that they've invited friends over to play as well.
For fans of RPG games, Catan, and other strategy games, this blends the story-telling and excitement of an RPG with a much simpler framework for a great afternoon game.
In addition to Agranok, the expansion of The Dark Titan introduces the Dark Sorceress, Elite Monsters, and a Boom Troll, which can be conquered with the new Cavalier, Boiling Oil, and Support Tokens, such as the Supply Wagon!
The games come with variations so you can easily play them over and over with a brand new experience each time. Our family gives this game two thumbs up! Available at Firesidegames.com.
Okay, Genius
This is a great party game for a group of friends. During each round, the "genius" in the group is asked ridiculous questions. Players try to guess what they will say and score points for guessing the closest answer. Share your "correct" take on absurd topics and prove your brilliance. Everyone gets a shot at being the Genius in this thought-provoking game. Available at Okay, Genius.
The Lord of the Rings: Adventure to Mount Doom from Thames & Kosmos
For LOTR fans, the newest game from Thames & Kosmos is a must-have. Frodo’s journey to Mount Doom is fraught with peril. Luckily, his loyal friends protect him on his way. With a clever choice of dice, players work together to move the figures across the gameboard. Will Frodo reach Mount Doom? This is a cooperative (perfect for family time when you want it to be strategic but less competitive) fantasy board game, players will win — or lose — together. Available in Early August 2023 at thamesandkosmos.com
Legends of Andor: Eternal Frost from Thames & Kosmos
Another exciting strategy game, perfect for families to play together - Thames & Kosmos brings Legends of Andor: Eternal Frost. An unnatural cold is spreading across the land of Andor. Pick your hero and work together in search of the source of this dark magic. Your path leads you to a land you have never seen before, far away in the East. Here, too, a vast snowy landscape awaits you. Your adventures draw you closer and closer to the secret of the “Eternal Frost” until finally, you face an incredibly strong adversary! Only by working together will you be brave enough to face this dark menace. Available in Late July/Early August 2023 at thamesandkosmos.com
TeeTurtle - Casting Shadows Game
Casting Shadows is an immersive strategic board game from the creators of Unstable Unicorns and Here To Slay! It is set in an enchanting world that’s been overtaken by dark energy. Throughout the game, you’ll collect resources, learn new spells, summon a companion, and - if you’re lucky - unlock your Shadow Form, all in the quest to become the ultimate Shadow Caster. The last player standing after this supernatural showdown wins the game! Available on Amazon
5 Second Rule Relay
Our family loves game time, but sometimes we want something that can be played quickly with minimal setup. This game is perfect for just that - we enjoy it as a bedtime game often. Using the all-new Relay baton, you can play the classic 5-Second Rule game as a family. It should be easy to name pizza toppings—but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds counting down, after another player puts you on the spot? List one thing in your category, then hand off the electronic baton to any other player—you decide who has to answer next! Time’s not on your side, so just say what comes to mind and risk ridiculous answers slipping out! For 2 or more players, ages 8 and up. Comes with 700 Questions on 350 Cards, 12 Life Cards, 12 Pass Cards, Relay Baton, and Rules. Available here.
Taco Vs. Burrito
Our family LOVES to play games together and we LOVE to try new games. Taco Vs. Burrito is our FAVORITE new game to try this year by far (for all of my kids ages 11-17)! This fun card game was designed by a 7-year-old, which you'll quickly see when you discover the rather funny (and disgusting) combinations you create in this game. The goal is to build the "most valuable" taco or burrito before the game ends. Cards help you to gain or lose points. This fast, easy-to-learn game, is tons of fun and simple to play. Each game lasts about 15 minutes, making it a favorite "before bedtime" game in our house. If you love games like Sushi-Go or Moose in the House, you'll love this. Purchase online here.
The To Do Game
The To Do Game comes in baby, toddler, family, and couples versions. We love the Family Edition. If you're looking for quick, easy, and fun ways to connect with your family without screens, this game is the tool for you. Each set is a collection of activities that encourage creativity, bonding, and family time. Each activity takes between 20 minutes to an hour and can be played over and over again. Sometimes the activity we draw is not ideal for that moment (driving, or amount of time) so we'll delay it and try another activity first. Purchase online here.
Girls Can CRATE Subscription Box
Monthly subscription boxes are always a hit with kids - ESPECIALLY in winter months. As a mom to four girls, my family loves the Girls Can Crate subscription box. In the sample we tried, the girls learned about volcanology, made a miniature volcano, and a lava bracelet, and learned about a scientist, Katia Krafft. The kit included all the materials needed for the science project and craft, a button celebrating Katia Krafft as a reminder of what they learned, a learning guide for parents, and a book about Katia. After completing the projects, my girls were inspired to check out books about volcanoes from the library and watch a National Geographic video. This is a win-win! Each month girls are introduced to new women and they are inspired to learn about S.T.E.A.M. through fun and educational hands-on projects. Subscribe at https://www.girlscancrate.com/.
Star Wars Toys
Kids of all ages love Star Wars. There are tons of new, unique products inspired by your favorite characters from The Mandalorian from Koosh and Spirograph, licensed by Hasbro and produced by PlayMonster. Koosh Cameos - Grogu: Experience your favorite little green foundling like never before as a tactile Koosh ball, perfect for collectors! Koosh Cameos - The Mandalorian: Combine your favorite galactic bounty hunter with the fun rubber strands of a classic Koosh ball! Spirograph Cyclex Clip - Grogu: This Grogu-inspired Spirograph Cyclex Clip is the perfect way for kids of all ages to create intricate and beautiful spiral art designs and patterns inspired by The Mandalorian wherever they go! Spirograph Cyclex Studio - Grogu: Perfect for creative minds, this Spirograph Cyclex Studio, inspired by a fan-favorite character from The Mandalorian, combines the principles of art, math, and creativity through their timeless designs made for all ages. Available on Amazon.
Pando
Our family loves playing games and Pando is an excellent and easy game you can play over and over. Billed as the "trivia game about us," you guess and learn random facts about one another. Readers ask three trivia questions on each card about themselves and guessers must correctly answer all three to score a point. Turns are taken around the table so everyone can answer. Some questions are general (favorite movie), others are thought-provoking (what superhero attribute would you like to have), and some are more specific. Note that the game is intended for ages 14+ as some questions are a bit grown-up. Our family chose to alter or eliminate a few questions that were a bit ruder than we enjoyed (see sample questions on the back of the box at the purchase link). Purchase Pando online here.
TableTopics
TableTopics has become a nightly dinner-time ritual for our family. We have now enjoyed two versions: Family and Family Gatherings. These little boxes are beautiful and jam-packed with fun questions. We choose a few questions each night to discuss as a family. We've learned a lot about one another with these great topics. In addition to these versions, they also sell teen, dinner party, grandparents, what would you do, book club, and MANY more themes! Purchase TableTopics online here.
We found the Family Box to be more individual and the questions varied from casual to more thought-provoking. Samples from the Family Box include: What’s your favorite thing to do at recess? If you could speak another language, which would you choose? Is it more fun to be a parent or a child? What family or school rule would you most like to change? The questions range from silly to thought-provoking and there are no wrong answers. Many answers lead to stories and deeper sharing making this an EXCELLENT gift for families.
The Family Gathering questions are a bit more in-depth and personal and great for cross-generational sharing. Samples from the Family Gathering Box include: What are your most treasured family recipes? What memories do you have from family weddings? What family object do you most treasure? What Halloween costumes do you remember? These questions are wonderful to share among extended family too.
Head Spin
Head Spin is a great logic game from Project Genius that takes about 15 minutes to play. My girls LOVE to play games before bedtime, but you don't want to crack open Monopoly or Catan right before everyone heads to bed for the night. We have a collection of short games for a quick round of fun in the evenings. Head Spin is a great family game that encourages code-breaking and puzzle-solving. Each game comes with a deck of cards with color-coded puzzles to solve and a spinner for each competitor to "lock in their answers." You award points for the fastest correct answers. For escape room enthusiasts (such as us), this is a go-to for a quick brain teaser or puzzle to solve. The original set comes with two spinners, but you may purchase a 4 player expansion pack. Purchase from Project Genius. Tip: Project Genius offers a variety of fabulous brainteasers for all ages!
Landmark Kids Subscription Box
Landmark Kids is a monthly subscription box incorporating educational elements of geography problem-solving and the fun of a mystery. Each kit includes a map, clues, a souvenir, and a recipe. We learned about Italy in our sample kit and spent an afternoon solving the mystery and the rest of the week trying the recipes and learning more about Italy. This is a fun and engaging kit my girls highly recommend! Every month kids are introduced to a new country and its culture, learning about landmarks, traditions, fun foods, and more! Subscribe at https://thelandmarkkids.com/.
Doozy Dice
Voted the BEST NEW DICE GAME OF 2022, Doozy Dice is an easy-to-learn dice strategy game enjoyed by all ages (in our family grandma liked it BEST). There are 26 doozy combinations you roll and attempt to get. The combinations are demonstrated on cards (shuffled each time), and each player attempts to get five of the combinations in each game with the fewest number of rolls possible. It is reminiscent of Yahtzee, but the combinations add to the fun as it is truly a new game every time you play. Purchase Doozy Dice online.
Spoof
Spoof is a fun bluffing board game where payers make up answers to questions such as "_______ is the national bird of Japan." The key is that each answer must be only one word. Players then guess which answer is correct and points are awarded both for correct guesses and for fooling friends. This game takes about thirty minutes to play making it a nice simple game for family night. Purchase online here.
PLUS PLUS Super Tubes
My girls LOVE Plus-Plus Tubes. These are perfect to pack for road trips and a great hotel toy. Recently they tried the Plus-Plus Puzzle by Number from Plus Plus. Plus-Plus Puzzle By Number® combines the artistry of a paint-by-number with the satisfaction of a puzzle into a unique creative experience. Using the enclosed pattern, fill in the design by matching each number with the corresponding color. When you are done, display it on a table or hang it up as room décor - no glue or ironing required! The new Peacock features two new colors in a dazzling display of plumage, including one single feather that can be used as a coaster or desk decoration. PLUS, all Plus-Plus sets encourage open-ended, creative play, are made using food-grade materials, and are manufactured in Denmark using 100% wind energy. Available at plusplususa.com & Amazon
We also tried the Inspired Tubes from Plus Plus. Observe, admire, and create with the open-ended Plus Plus Inspired series. With Plus Plus Inspired, the only instruction is to exercise your imagination. Each tube doubles as a displayable container, filled with Plus Plus colors drawn from the color palette of iconic works of art. Inside each Inspired item, you’ll find an educational flyer, where you’ll discover more about each artist, their style, and their life and work. Available at plusplususa.com & Amazon
Across the Board: Baseball Game
America’s Favorite Pastime! Hit a home run with this patriotic version of our handcrafted baseball game! Fun for rookies and major league players alike, this game is easy to learn and fun for hours! Available on Amazon
Double Ditto
Double Ditto is an easy-to-learn game that is GREAT for parties and family gatherings and can be played with groups (which can be hard to find!). Players write two answers to each prompt (i.e. Dangerous Jobs = Coal Miner and Marine). Unlike Scattergories, you want to have the same answer as others. You play 12 prompts each game and compare answers at the end to award points. The game goes quickly and is tons of fun. Purchase online here.
Don't Go Boom
Don't Go Boom is a creative card game where players attempt to earn the lowest score by totaling up the points on each player's minefield cards. Each card is worth a set point value and accomplishes different goals - look out for the Big Bad Bomb! This game moves quickly and holds attention well. Designed for ages 7_ and 2-6 players, this game can be played in about 25 minutes. This excellent game from Inspiration Play is available online here or on Amazon.
Playfinity's Backyard League Gaming Baseball
Playfinity’s Backyard League Gaming Baseball combines the game of catch with technology. The ball is connected to iOS and Android devices through a mobile app via Bluetooth. The Backyard League Gaming Baseball is the same size and weight as a regulation MLB baseball. It allows players to track different stats about each throw they toss and catch, such as speed, airtime, height, and transfer speed. Once players have tried all six games at least once, they’ll unlock the application’s League Mode, which allows them to compete against other players around the world by playing games and comparing stats. The Backyard League Gaming Baseball is designed for kids 6-14, and it offers 70 hours of playtime on a single-cell battery. Available at https://backyard-league.com/ and Amazon.
WerkShoppe Puzzles
Puzzles are a great way to enjoy family time. WerkShoppe Puzzles are beautiful, well-crafted pieces of art. The company sells 1000, 500, 300, and 250-piece puzzles, each including reference art inserts. Best of all the female-founded company makes its products in the U.S.A., sustainable, ethically produced, and supports emerging artists. Sustainable. Gives back to art education. WerkShoppe.com
For Mermaid Lovers
Children LOVE to play pretend and mermaids are a favorite imaginary character that inspires fun. With this summer's release of The Little Mermaid, the passion for mermaids is even bigger than ever.
CreativeQT - Mermaid Dress Costume: This sweet, sparkly costume will make your little girl's mermaid dreams come true. It's the perfect outfit for dress-up playtime, birthday parties or Halloween. Designed with your princess's comfort in mind, the fabric is soft, stretchable, and comfy. Both the top and the skirt come with a fabric lining. The outfit is made for unrestricted movement, so she can walk, dance, and twirl with ease. Made of stretchable, high-quality lined fabric, which allows her to move with ease. Purchase here.
Glimmer Wish Hair and Body Collection! You need this Mermaid themed hair and body collection for the mermaid lover in your life! Glimmer Wish is one of the cleanest and most fun bath and hair brands to hit the market, delightful for kids and parent-approved. This 100% clean, non-toxic, vegan product line is free of mineral oil, parabens, and other harsh ingredients. Glimmer Wish brings a colorful line of self-care products made for kids that are free of harmful chemicals with strict, clean formulations parents can trust and kids will love! All hair and body products are dermatologist-tested and packed in adorable, sustainable packaging made for fun in the tub. Get ready to fall in love with the colorful mermaid bottle design. Check out these kid-friendly favorites from the collection like their adorable mermaid hairbrush and indulge in the magic! Get ready to fall in love with the aromatic scents (strawberry, vanilla, cotton candy) and nourishing ingredients from Glimmer Wish! Available on Amazon
Crazy Aaron's
Hide Inside! Santa’s Hidden Helpers from Crazy Aaron’s. Holly & Berry need help finding their outfits on the checklist! How fast can you find all 6? If you look close enough you'll always find what you’re looking for with the Hide Inside!® collection. You will be on the hunt for six unique pieces, whether you are looking for spontaneous expressions amongst the smiling faces or bothersome bugs throughout the greenery, you’re sure to be captivated with the challenge of discovering them all! Available at Crazyaarons.com
Spy Labs
Spy Labs Incorporated sells super fun detective gear for kids. This line of forensic science activity kits and equipment includes everything you need to become an effective detective, from a tracking device that helps you mark treasures and secret hiding places, to essential spy walkie-talkies that keep you in contact with your fellow detectives, and even a fully-fledged investigation lab, complete with all the tools and equipment to analyze evidence and solve makebelieve mysteries and crimes. Explore the science behind detective work as you become a first-class secret agent, unraveling mysteries one tough case at a time. We tried the SECRET MESSAGE TOOLS KIT a fun way to exchange confidential messages with your fellow agent using disappearing and reappearing ink that only the two of you can read! Using either of the two secret pens, you can write a message that, once dry, becomes invisible. The other pen will not only reveal the information, but you can also use it to send your reply. Available with Thames & Kosmos.
Once Upon a Book Club
My youngest daughter is a less enthusiastic reader. Enter Once Upon A Book Club, a membership that delivers adult and young adult packages filled with books and wrapped gifts. Reading is a great family night activity! Book Clubbers receive a newly released novel and wrapped gifts labeled with page numbers. As they read the featured book, they’re prompted only to open the gifts when they reach the specified page number. My daughter was thrilled to read a fun book and receive prizes as she went. Boxes are available as a subscription or individual boxes for gifting including the popular Bridgerton collection.
GiBoard Kids
GiBoards recently introduced a fun new collection: GiBoard Kids! These aren’t just any GiBoards - these are GiBoards sprinkled with heaps of creativity and a whole lot of playfulness—perfect for our tiniest adventure lovers. GiBoards are a fun, challenging, and safe-balance trainer. This modern take on a balance board is eye-catching and never boring! Strengthen your posture, fitness, and creativity - all while looking pretty cool doing so. The never-ending freestyle tricks and movements you can do are great for confined spaces, rain or shine. Made of high-grade, durable maple from sustainable cultivation in America, see why we people everywhere are adding Giboard to our wish list. Picture this: your little ones soaring through the galaxy on our Astronaut GiBoard. And for those energetic kiddos, they've got the cutest Monkeys GiBoard or a Play GiBoard for endless giggles and silliness! Or no matter the age, catch the wave of excitement with our Waves GiBoard! Available online at GiBoardUS.com.