My Top Picks from New York Toy Fair 2026

These are the hottest new toys I spotted at New York Toy Fair 2026 that kids will be begging for this year.

If there’s one thing I loved about wandering the Toy Fair floor, it was discovering those why-didn’t-this-exist-before? gems, the perfect travel toys, and best gifts. 

These are the toys that stopped me at Toy Fair:

Zipstring + Zipstring Aracna

If you haven’t seen a Zipstring (aka: “the coolest toy in the world” - says my seven year old son) in action, prepare to be mesmerized. It uses airflow to make a loop of string “float” in midair and it looks like magic. Kids were completely transfixed. The new Zipstring Aracna version adds a slightly edgier, spider-inspired twist (big hit with the 8+ crowd). THIS will be the best gift your kid gets this year.

Cuddle Tonies + Tonies Play

We’ve always loved the storytelling magic of Tonies, and this year they introduced Cuddle Tonies which are soft plush versions that double as cozy bedtime friends. They are currently available on their website for preorder. Also new: Tonieplay, giving kids even more interactive listening options with games, quizzes and challenges (my 7 year old spent 2 hours listening and playing when I brought it home!). If you’re building a screen-free routine, this ecosystem just keeps getting better.

Boppo

Boppo is going to be the hottest travel toy this year! It was one of the most impressive and exciting things I saw that's great for ALL ages, starting from +1 to adulthood. 

We actually ended up getting Boppo and bringing it along to Portugal over Spring Break. It was our most used and played with item, hands down. My kids LOVED it!! More than a toy, this screen-free tablet comes with 70+ games, learning activities, sensory experiences, podcasts, audiobooks, music, and themed interactive stories with the Toppos. It grows with your child and is honestly the best travel companion we've ever packed. Use code OLGA10 for 10% off!

StickerBox

This is just the coolest thing! And a total dream for crafty kids and sticker collectors. StickerBox is a kid safe, AI voice-to-sticker printer that turns your kids' wildest ideas into real stickers. 

Hey Doodle Mats + Story Books

I’m a longtime fan of Hey Doodle and their reusable silicone colouring mats and I am thrilled to see new storybook mats. They’re reusable, travel-friendly, and genuinely mess-free which is everything! International shipping available on Hey Doodle.

Magic Jellykins

From Spin Master, Magic Jellykins are still under wraps with a TBD release date but they were one of the most aw-inspiring toys I saw. Add water to the jar, shake it up and watch a plush character magically appear! Let them dry out and you'll have a cute little friend to play with. Your kids will lose their minds over this one!

Squishmallows Pillow

Yes, you read that correctly. Squishmallows now make pillows! The same squishy material but in a pillow shape, no more using your Squishmallow stuffie as a makeshift pillow. Right now they have the adult size available at Target, but a kids’ version is coming soon!!

PlayTab + PlayTab Go

From one of our favourites Fat Brain Toys, the PlayTab modular activity sensory board is a favourite travel toy for babies and toddlers and now there’s PlayTab Go, which is an even more compact travel-friendly version where you can mix-and-match the tiles.

StyleStix by Vango 

StyleStix by Vango are washable, easily removable, peel and press stickers that stick to any fabric. It’s not released yet but I'm predicting this one will be a HUGE HIT with the creative crowd - especially tweens. Think fashion-forward building and design play.

Crayola Clicks

Our fave travel markers because no more lost caps! ... the Crayola Clicks have expanded with new new pastel click markers and soon to be released mechanical coloured pencils lineup. If your kids love art supplies as much as mine, these are worth watching.

NODI Flip

Already launched in Germany, but not yet available in North America. NODI Flip is a kid-safe alternative to smartphones with parent controlled voice messaging, Spotify, audiobooks, and news. We’ll update as soon as it lands here. I'm SO excited about this one.

Pets 2 Love

From the same creator behind the viral Fast 2 Flat cars, Pets 2 Love blends collectible energy with interactive fun. Adorable pets pop out of their little heart shaped purse at the press of a button and open into a playset with a least. My daughter loves this thing!

CrunchLabs

We’re longtime fans of CrunchLabs subscription boxes (we truly love them) and this fall CrunchLabs are launching a new line of engineering toys that are going to be epic! In the meantime, their existing monthly engineering builds are still one of our favourite gift ideas for curious kids.

LoopsLab

This one is very cool. I love what LoopsLab has created. Your kids can place figurines on a stage to mix beats and make their own music. 

Micromags

If you love magnetic building toys, take note. The mini Heart to Heart and Spring Garden sets from Micromags are available now, with a Gingerbread House and Spooky seasonal sets coming for the holidays. The Spring Garden with the miniature bunny is my fave theme. Bonus: they’re compatible with the new Magna-tiles rail pack, which opens up even more building possibilities.

I’m SO glad I made the last minute decision to hop on a plane and explore The Toy Fair. I left feeling so inspired. So many amazing travel friendly toys that are on my list for our upcoming travel adventures! You can see some of these toys in action here!

I’ll keep updating this list as release dates roll out. If you’re already planning birthdays, holiday gifts, or just want to bookmark what’s coming next, this is your 2026 cheat sheet.

Which one are you most excited about?

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products that I absolutely love and use myself. Your support helps me continue to create helpful content for families on the go!

10 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Parents with Kids (After 100+ Flights!)

Read more

The Best Travel Gifts for Kids - 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Read more

Overnight Flight Must-Haves for Kids (Tested on a 14-Hour Flight)

Read more