Toy Insider-the people that bring you the inside scoop on the hottest toys of the year- usually hosts Sweet Suite. A massive one-day event held in NYC, toy manufacturers come from around the country to share their new products. COVID sabotaged the trip to NYC, but the producers of Sweet Suite are intrepid. 2020 introduced Sweet Suite at Home. Through an interactive Marketplace and Zoom meetings, we were able to browse through the toys your kids will definitely be asking for this holiday season.


Thanks to Toy Insider, Sweet Suite, and some amazing manufacturers, who sent us a huge box of toys, Critter got the chance for a “hands-on” experience and we’re taking you along!

Here’s some of the finds for toddlers and preschoolers coming to stores this fall.

For Toddlers:

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Builders– It’s never too early to introduce kids to the joys of STEM and that’s exactly with this set does! Developed by teachers, these colorful blocks are large enough for toddlers to grasp, and made of soft foam. The magnets inside keep the 17 jumbo pieces attracted to each other. Best of all, these can be used in the bathtub with no worries. Anything that keeps Critter busy while I wash her hair is a plus for me! Designed for 18+ months, the blocks come in four styles, Helicopter, Speedboat, Rocket, and Critter styles. Humorously, we received the “Critter” style, which is fitting. Available from Discover with Dr. Cool, they retail for $19.99.

For Ages 3 and up:

Blue Plush Dog – It’s a blast from the past with Nickelodeon’s Just Play collection. This is Blue, the beloved puppy from Blue’s Clues, now starring in his new series, Blue’s Clues and You. Created in realistic detail, with no small parts, Blue is 7 ½ inches tall, the perfect size for preschoolers to take on their own adventures. Designed for ages 3+. 

Pound Puppy Newborns– These are a recreation of the classic 80’s Pound Puppies.  Each cuddly puppy comes encased in their own cardboard dog house.  An adoption certificate is included with a spot for kids to write in their pet’s new name. Small enough to fit onto an adult hand, they’re plenty big enough for cuddles.  Puppies come complete with a removable diaper and can be washed by hand.  From Basic Fun, these puppies are available in six colors.


Shoulderkins– Have you ever wished to carry your lovie on your shoulder? Now you can with the new series of Shoulderkins by Aurora. Each of the pets looks like a regular stuffed animal but has a metal base that can be clipped onto your shoulder.  We received Luna the Unicorn, who sports sparkly pink hooves and a golden glitter horn.  She’s now a constant companion for Critter. Designed for ages 3+, there are 10 Shoulderkins to choose from, including a Cat in the Hat, a giraffe, and a turtle.  You’ll want to collect them all. They retail for $10.99.

Fubbles Bubbles on the Go– What kid isn’t mesmerized with bubbles? They’re a huge hit at our house, but they can be messy. That’s where Fubbles Bubbles on the Go comes in handy. Encased in a resealable 3-ounce pouch that looks similar to an applesauce squeeze pouch, these packages are great to toss into a backpack, purse, or beach bag. Pull them out and you’re ready to party! I like to keep the Fubbles in my purse for impromptu bubble parties when we’re out and about.  From Little Kids, Inc., they’re designed for ages 3+. 

Calico Critters Baby Camping Series– If you haven’t heard of Calico Critters, you are missing out.  There’s an entire Calico Village community of these adorable detailed animals, complete with homes, businesses, and family sets.  These toys are not only well made and sturdy, but they also encourage creative play.  Critter loves them and her Calico Critter House was one of the main toys that helped us make it through Quarantine.  One of their newest creations is the Baby Camping Series, with 9 figures available. Each baby animal comes with one accessory. Designed by Epoch for ages 3+, these toys will spark hours of imaginative play.

Trinity & Beyond– This set of 12 collectible figurines are based on Trinity and Madison, the Youtube stars behind the videos Trinity & Beyond. There are 6 figures of Madison, including Splash Time, Superhero, Cowgirl, Flutter-by, Musical, and Baker. Trinity has 6 of her own designs; Goal-time, Princess, Mermaid, Kitty-cat, Ballet, and Unicorn. Each of the figures, sold separately, includes a charm.  For ages 3+ and from Bonkers Toys, these toys will arrive in stores this month.


Pop-It Game– If your child is obsessed with bubble wrap like Critter, you need the Pop It! Game from Chuckle and Roar. Made of sturdy silicone, kids of all ages will enjoy “popping” the bubbles. This is a great toy for road trips. There’s no small pieces to lose and, hopefully, they’ll become engrossed in playing and forget to ask, “Are we there yet?”  Older kids can use the board to play Pop Stars, a fun competition to see who won’t have to pop the last bubble.  For ages 3-10, it’s available exclusively from Target for $7.99.

For Ages 4 and Up:

Secret Crush Minis– There’s ten cute collectible mini-dolls in this set. But, it’s much more than that. To discover your secret mini, you “crush” the box with the (included) candy-shaped hammer. Once inside the box, you’ll be able to build your mini figurine and use the included beads to create a hairstyle of your choosing. The dolls can be mixed and matched for endless combinations. After you’re finished playing, the heart box doubles as storage. Critter loved designing the hair.  The Minis, from MGA Entertainment,  are designed for ages 4+. 


Stickbot may look like another small action figure, but it’s really an introduction to the world of stop- motion video.  Download the free Stikbot Studio app, available for android or apple, and begin creating! Videos can be shared using the hashtag #Stikbot. Stickbots are available in several styles, ranging from Stikbot pets, dinos, and monsters to Klikbots with interchangeable pieces.  They’re fun to manipulate into different positions and stick to most flat surfaces.  Designed for ages 4+.  


Dino Crunch Game– Any dinosaur lover will have a ‘roaring’ good time with this game.  The premise is simple; rescue the stolen dinosaur eggs from the T-rex’s nest without a T-rex attack. With minimal assembly-just attaching the dinosaur to the base, adding eyes, and setting up the die- we were ready to play within 5 minutes.  This game is a great addition to family game nights-easy enough for younger siblings to play, but challenging enough to keep older kids (and adults!) entertained.  From Goliath Games and designed for ages 4+, this game requires 2 AA batteries, which are NOT included.  

For Ages 5 and Up:

Playful Pandas– Who doesn’t love pandas? Especially soft, cuddly ones who interact with you! Our panda is named Fashionista and she laughs, wiggles, and rolls.  Critter is teaching her to sing too. Available this fall in 6 different styles, these pandas are adorable when they sing and play together. Critter was quick to claim this new “lovie,” but I have an eye on Foodie Panda for myself.  Designed for ages 5+, they use 3 AAA batteries, which are included.  From Far Out Toys, they retail for $14.99 each and will be available this fall.



Hatchimals- CollEGGtibles– Another fun set of collectibles, these little eggs really “hatch” after soaking in warm water. Once removed from the water, kids can gently rub the purple heart until it turns pink, then press down for a fun surprise. Available in sets of four, there are more than 80 characters available to collect this season. We received the Cosmic Candy and Critter not only had a great time hatching her eggs, but she also enjoys playing with them and has given them all names. From Spin Master Toys, these are designed for ages 5+. 


Original Slinky– I know I said “hot new toys,” but this one is timeless. Slinky, first sold in 1945, is celebrating its 75^th birthday this year.  I had one as a child and was fascinated with making it walk “down the stairs.” Now Critter is just as obsessed. I can’t tell you the number of times we’ve watched the Slinky walk down the steps in the garage. No wonder it was introduced into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2000.  For ages 5+ from Just Play.


Playmobil Scooby-Doo Ghost Card & Sticker -Scooby-Doo was one of my favorite cartoons. I’m not sure who was more excited to receive the Playmobil Scooby-Doo Mystery Series; me or Critter.  They combined Critter’s love of Playmobil products with my love of Scooby-Doo.  A new addition to their Scooby-Doo play set lineup, there are 12 mystery figures available. The parts are easy to mix and match to create your own mystery creature. I’ve been a fan of Playmobil for years as they encourage hours of creativity, along with fine motor skills.  Designed for ages 5+.


We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring our new toy collection! Stay tuned for our post on toys for Kindergarten and up.