poolmain

Parents! Check out these cool new toys that every baby or toddler will love.

Screenshot 2025 03 28 at 11.42.58 AM

Hape Air Rocket Stacking Tower
$29.99; 2+
Walmart.com
This innovative toy sparks curiosity about aerodynamics and physics through the playful animals, shapes, and numbers which also improve early counting and fine motor skills. Designed for various ages and heights, this versatile playset allows for stacking and can be enjoyed both sitting or standing. With free-building tubes, children can stack as high or short as they want.

 Tytan Toys Mickey Train hero HR

Tytan Mickey / Minnie Train Magnetic Tile Set
$39.99; 3+
https://www.tytanproducts.com/collections/all/products/disneyjuniormickeytrain
Join Mickey and Minnie for a magical train ride in this versatile set. Featuring vibrant colors, beloved Disney characters, and endless building possibilities, these magnetic tiles are ideal for hours of engaging play. The rolling wheel tiles and reusable stickers offer unique building and play opportunities. From simple shapes to intricate designs, your child will enjoy endless opportunities to build and explore.

Cuddle Barn Colt

Cuddle Barn Colt Horse
$29.99; 18m+
https://www.cuddle-barn.com/products/colt
This cute horse wears a red and blue Sherriff bandana, and has a lasso tied to his saddle. Press his body and he’ll trot along and flick his tail to the song “William Tell Overture” (Lone Ranger theme). Press his ear to hear 5 Western phrases.

 

GundSimba

Disney Oh So Snuggly Collection: Simba (GUND)
$30; Amazon.com
Can you feel the love tonight? These soft 12.5" lions from The Lion King can't wait to help baby feel safe & secure. Their under-stuffed, quilted design and film-accurate details make them huggable companions for Disney fans and timeless décor. Choose from Simba & Nala. 

Screenshot 2025 03 28 at 11.42.47 AM

Hape Pixel Piano
$29.99; 1+
Walmart.com
Witness the magic unfold as the piano transforms into a pixel screen consisting of animals and vivid colours, sparking curiosity and wonder. The Pixel Piano also introduces them to colours, and supports their cognitive development as they identify the various animals.

 Screenshot 2025 03 28 at 11.42.53 AM

Hape Grip-n-Stack Silicone & Wood Blocks
$19.99; 6 months+
Target.com
Delight in witnessing your little one's boundless creativity as they engage with the ten vibrant blocks included in this set, each boasting soft silicone edges for enhanced safety and durability.

block set1 square

Busy Builder Activity Blocks
$25; 1+
https://sassybaby.com/collections/shop/products/busy-building-activity-blocks
27-piece set. Blocks count 1-9. 2 clear blocks rattle. Includes 5 balls to put in blocks. 2 cars to carry and stack the blocks on. One car drives straight and the other wobbles. 5 blocks open and close with unique emotions. Includes storage bag for easy clean up.

 Screenshot 2025 03 28 at 12.14.22 PM

Palette of Personalities: Mood, Music, & Color Toy
$25; 6 months +
https://sassybaby.com/collections/shop/products/palette-of-personalities-mood-music-color-toy
A unique electronic toy with 4 fun functions. Notes Mode: Press any button to hear one of three classic piano songs. Emotion Mode: Press each button to hear a full piano scale and make your own music. Color Mode: Press each button and listen to the name of each color. Song Mode: Press each face and hear the ways of expressing each emotion. Three volume levels from side button.

 JustPlay Superkitties PurrNGo Playset OOP

Disney Junior Super Kitties Purr N Go Playset
$39.99; 3+
Walmart.com
Kitties are on the move with the Disney Junior SuperKitties Purr ‘N’ Go Playset! This colorful, cat-shaped vehicle is packed with features for endless fun, including free-rolling wheels, an elevator, a slide, a lookout post, and more. The playset includes Bitsy and Buddy articulated toy figures, robot pig pal Wiggles, a ball pit, cat tower, display case, cat playground toy, binoculars, and a plastic yarn ball. Press the button to activate light-up ears and hear sounds from the Disney Junior SuperKitties preschool series. Pose the figures to play in the ball pit, scoot down the slide, or ride the elevator. When playtime is over, store everything inside the playset and roll to the next adventure. 

 

 

Love, Stella™ Peach Doll with Blonde Pigtails
$30; 1+
https://www.manhattantoy.com/products/love-stella-doll-peach-with-blonde-pigtails 
The Love, Stella dolls are the perfect size for holding, hugging, and nurturing role play to foster social and emotional development. Dolls are 100% soft with embroidered features, fabric hair, plump tummies, cute little belly buttons, and a signature magnetic pacifier design. The doll body has a weighted bottom and sits unassisted - perfect for playtime! Clothes are removable and feature hook-and-loop closures for supporting elementary dressing skills.

JustPlay Sesame Street Learning Elmo Plush
Sesame Street Learning Elmo Plush
$24.99; 18 months +
Amazon.com
Tap into the power of giggles as kids learn letters, colors, numbers, and more with the Sesame Street Learning Elmo interactive plush toy. With 4 ways to play, Elmo speaks over 50 phrases that help kids learn. Press Elmo’s left or right foot to hear this beloved Sesame Street friend talk about numbers and letters. Press his cell phone to hear Elmo sing “Here we Go Loopy Loo” and “You Are Elmo’s Sunshine.” Press the crayon to see it light up and hear Elmo talk about his favorite colors–with his favorite friend! Little ones will love cuddling and moving to the music played by this interactive stuffed animal. Sitting 10.5 inches tall, this cute plushie is made with irresistibly soft materials and recycled fill. 

Screenshot 2025 04 22 at 2.55.03 PM

Rubber Convertible Boat
$20; PlanToys.com
It's a rubber boat that explores both the surface and the underwater depths!. By simply pressing the center of the hull and turning it over, the boat becomes a submarine. This makes for an extra unique play experience during bath time and water play. 

BobBee 3in1

BobBee Water Toy
$37;  6 months+
Target.com
BobBee is the all-new water toy that is three boats in one = Bob and Bee... and BobBee. As the story goes, Bob is a steamboat with heavy load and strong capabilities, but with slow, steady movement. Bee is a smaller, agile, and quicker boat. Together (literally fitting together two toys into one), BobBee is strong and swift channeling vessel of fun.

RS Basketball

My First Free Throw Basketball Set
$29.99
; 3+
Target.com

This all-in-one basketball court lets kids dribble, shoot, and dunk like a pro. The set includes: An adjustable hoop that grows with your child; A sturdy base and ball rack; Three mini basketballs for practice and play; A non-slip play mat for indoor or outdoor use. It's the perfect size for apartments or playrooms—and ideal for helping kids stay active while having a blast.

RS Hockey

My First Goal 2-in-1 Soccer and Hockey Combo Set
$29.99; 3+
Target.com
Double the fun, double the skills. This versatile set lets kids switch between soccer and hockey to build coordination, teamwork, and confidence. It includes: A mini PVC soccer ball and field-themed play mat; Foam hockey ball, kid-sized hockey stick, and rink-style play mat; Two realistic goals for each game type; A non-slip mat for safe play on any surface. 


Updated: May 2025

San Diego Family's Summer Toy Review

San Diego Family's Summer Toy Review

Summer is the season of fun, especially for kids! We’ve compiled the hottest parent-approved and kid-tested toys of the summer! These toys are sure to provide hours of enjoyment and entertainmen . . .

Read more

Fun Family Board Games

Fun Family Board Games

Fun Family Board Games. Nothing brings a family together like playing games. Put the phones away and connect with each other -- plan a family game night! Here are some of this year's fun games for k . . .

Read more

STEM Toys and Games

STEM Toys and Games

Educational games and toys that support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are all the rage. Check out some of this year's great products that support STEM learning at home. Mi . . .

Read more

Beach & Pool Products

Beach & Pool Products

Beach & Pool Products! Headed to the beach, pool or waterpark? Check out these cool new products to make your trip easy and fun. EZLIFE 4 Person Inflatable Round Spa$699; https://www.mak . . .

Read more

Outdoor Family Games and Toys

Outdoor Family Games and Toys

Outdoor Family Games and Toys!  Get the kids outside during the summer (and all year long) with these fun family games and activities. National Geographic Ant Habitat$24.99; 6+https://www.am . . .

Read more

Family Health and Fitness Products

Family Health and Fitness Products

Health and Fitness Products! Check out these great fitness products to keep you and your family happy and healthy all year long! Maxed Out Pickleball Sling$175; https://theoliverthomas.com/T . . .

Read more

Home & Garden Products

Home & Garden Products

Home & Garden Products. Looking for ways to make your home more organized or maybe you just want to check out some great new products? We asked local families to review several home products and . . .

Read more

Gift Ideas for Dads

Gift Ideas for Dads

Looking for gift ideas for Dad or the other men in your life? Check out these great products they are sure to love. EZLIFE 4 Person Inflatable Round Spa$699; https://www.makelifeeasy.com/col . . .

Read more

Gift Guide for Moms

Gift Guide for Moms

Gift Guide for Moms! Looking for unique gifts for that special woman in your life? Check out these great ideas. EZLIFE 4 Person Inflatable Round Spa$699; https://www.makelifeeasy.com/co . . .

Read more

Craft Kits & Activities

Craft Kits & Activities

Craft Kits & Activities. Great ways to keep kids off their tech. ColourWhirls$4.99–$14.99; 6+Crayola.comRip 'Em, Spin 'Em and dive into the thrilling world of Colourwhirls, the innovative t . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe