At this writing, New York is sweltering as we often do in the summer. That hasn’t stopped kids, though, as it seldom does. The playground by where I live is overrun with children swinging, hanging, running, and having a marvelous time.
Just over a month from now, though, kids will be trading all that freedom for a return to the classroom, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
The start of a new school year is always special for kids. Many adults tell me that they miss that sharp delineation of time and the excitement of a new beginning—complete with markers, binders, wardrobe…and toys. This is also the second largest shopping season of the year, right after the holidays.
In the years since the pandemic (can’t believe we’re counting that time in years already), back-to-school has changed, and I think it’s largely for the better. There is a greater emphasis on the whole child, what we call social/emotional learning, and an acknowledgement that every child is different. Particularly at the preschool and elementary levels, schools are doing their best to accommodate these kids. It’s certainly a far cry from when I was in school where there was little allowance for kids to be different from the “norm.”
What This Means for Play
In 2025, the toys that we’ve reviewed fall into a variety of categories for kids based on their ages, cognitive and emotional development. They can foster learning, narrative-based play (which can also help with emotional processing) and create platforms for social play.
Here are just a few of the toys we think you’ll be seeing as the summer winds down.
Social/Emotional Play
This is such an important area right now, with new sensitivity to how preschoolers learn, more relaxed classrooms that are designed for the physical and emotional needs of early learners and more. Check out these good ideas:
Nano-Mals Interactive Pets from Hasbro
For ages 5 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
Twenty-eight years ago, the concept of the virtual pet was introduced…and play has never been the same. Tamagotchi created the sensation, and now the play pattern is well-established over two generations.
Nano-Mals are the latest, and they are wonderful. There are eight to collect in all. They are fashionable pocket (or backpack hanger) interactive pets that come alive as kids play. The more you play with them, the more they do. Their light-up hearts tell you how they’re feeling, and you can pet, feed, move, and even dance with them. There are more than 70 different responses, each as charming and engaging as they next. They even have outfits, which they can share, and an ability to interact with other Nano-Mals.
That’s where the social aspect comes in. There’s often a toy that kids like to collect together that goes beyond fun to encourage social play and interaction. These are simple and colorful and filled with whimsy. From Mootilda and Cowbert the Cows to Pawtricia the Kitty, Blubby the Narwhal (Narwhals are hot right now.) to Pamanda the Panda, every kid can find the one that reflects their personalities while being part of the Nano-Mals family.
Squishmallows from Jazwares
For ages 3 years and up.
Prices vary
Where to Buy
Squishpillows by Original Squishmallows from Jazwares
Not age graded
$39.99
Where to Buy
In the years since the pandemic, comforting and soothing kids has taken on a new focus, particularly in preschools. Since there have been stuffed animals, kids have relied on them for comfort and cuddling. And no brand has captured the hearts and imaginations of kids so much as Squishmallows.
Kids have been using their Squishy friends as sleeping pillows, but they’re not really designed for that. So, how about a Squishpillow? Seems like a great idea. It has all the cuddly fun of the plush toy, but it’s a real pillow.
This is great for home use, but many preschools also encourage kids to bring their own pillows for rest period. The Squishpillows come in three different finishes—firm, medium, soft—and the pillowcases are made of the same material as their favorite plushy playmates. Pillowcases are machine washable in the cold cycle.
We love that this simple solution and clever design for favorite characters can help kids feel better while they have fun.
Preschool Preparation
Getting ready for school is a big step, and there are a few things kids absolutely need, such as potty training. There’s also getting ready for a big change in life, and while we grown-ups may not think it’s a big deal, if you’re leaving home for the first time to go to school, it can be. Play can make it easier and help kids imagine (and create) a successful transition.
Ms. Rachel Potty Time with Bean from Spin Master
For ages 18 months to 3 years.
$24.99
Where to Buy
Toilet training is a must for kids entering preschool, and any parent or caregiver who’s gone through the process knows that it can be quite stressful for all involved. Honestly, we’ve been skeptical of products in the past that purport to make potty training fun, but Ms. Rachel is a beloved YouTube celebrity whose gentle, supportive, and enthusiastic manner can be both encouraging and comforting, so we think this is well worth a try.
Kids get to go through the process with Ms. Rachel’s friend Bean, a stuffed teddy bear, as he learns potty skills using his own play toilet with reversible flap for #1 and #2. The set includes play toilet paper, a detachable diaper, and felt accessories like a banana, sippy cup, and soap. When kids have a friend going through the same process—even if it’s make-believe—it’s easier and, dare we say it, more fun.
Playmobil My Life School Bus from Playmobil
For ages 4 years and up.
$29.99
Where to Buy
Few things make little kids feel big as much as riding the school bus. It helps them develop independence and build social skills as they ride with their friends. It’s also a classic play pattern for kids who love to play school, even if they’re not yet bus riders.
The Playmobil bus is a beautiful, well-made toy builds imagination and can help kids feel more comfortable when they ride the bus IRL, as they say.
The lights on the roof flash when the bus reaches a stop and extends the stop sign. Then, the inside can hold a bunch of figures, and it’s easy to play with since the roof pops off. (Not like a real school bus, kids.) The set comes with four figures and a bunch of accessories for a realistic off-to-school play time.
Assembly is easy, and it comes with a button cell battery to power the lights.
Learning Fun
Lest we forget, one of the points of going back to school is learning. Inspiring curiosity and discovery is central to that process, especially when it comes to play. After all, what kid wants to finish homework and do…more homework. But when kids are engaged, they naturally learn, and information is a kind of currency of which they can be proud.
Ready Activated Discover Dinosaurs from Readyland
For ages 7 and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
Discover Dinosaurs takes books and reading to a new level of fun and interaction. Using the Alexa speaker or the Alexa app, the book allows readers to engage with the book in a dynamic way that makes the content, almost literally, come alive.
It’s a kid-directed experience as kids talk to Alexa and its sophisticated speech recognition technology. They can ask for the book to be read to them and follow along, which helps with early reading and comprehension. They can also play trivia games, get information from world-renowned paleontologists, and follow their own interests on a journey of discovery. There is more than 3.5 hours of content associated with the book, and because it’s connected to Alexa, content can be updated, including current dinosaur news.
The book itself features beautiful artwork, and the pedagogy encourages open-ended exploration and contextualizes information for young readers.
Dance with Me Dora from Spin Master
For ages 3 years and up.
$49.99
Where to Buy
Keeping kids moving, especially preschoolers, is tons of fun, but it’s also important for developing bodies and minds. Studies show that preschoolers can improve memory, cognitive skills, regulate emotions, and afterwards have a greater ability to focus.
And who better to move with than Dora the Explorer. This adorable doll sings and dances, and speaks both English and Spanish. When you press the flower on her shoe, her skirt spins, and anyone who’s around preschoolers knows how much they love to twirl. The doll comes with two interchangeable skirts, two barrettes for styling fun, and a collectible card.
Rail Racers Deluxe from Magna-Tiles
For ages 3 years and up.
$89.99
Where to Buy
This is open-ended, creative play at its best. This 90-piece set has a variety of pieces different shapes for imagination-fired building. What makes it different are the six rails that can be used to create ramps. And if you’ve got a ramp, you’re going to want some marbles to race. The whole idea of this set is for kids to build different marble runs. While they’re having fun and being creative, they’re also learning about design, trial-and-error, planning, testing, rethinking, and so much more. So, yes, it’s sparkly, engaging fun, but it also keeps young minds active and engaged.
MicroMags Travel Set from Magna-Tiles
For ages 3 years and up.
$39.99
Where to Buy
This set has all the creative and learning benefits of the larger sets, but it features smaller pieces and a metal packing case that can be a base for kids’ creations. Together, those features make this great for take-along fun, as it all stays together and packs away neatly. It’s also a budget-friendly way to get into Magna-Tiles or add to your collection, as all the pieces in the smaller sets integrate easily with the larger tiles.
Just for Fun
Sometimes kids just need to cut loose. That can take many forms. From games, to physical play, or even just reading for pleasure without a specific outcome required. It’s all about having a good time. Here are some ideas that kids may enjoy.
KidiStar DJ Mixer from VTech
For ages 5 years and up.
$59.99
Where to Buy
This is so much fun. It can turn the classroom or the playroom into a swinging night spot…or just a place for some fun lay with music and lights. The console looks similar to a real DJ’s mixing station, and it has 15 built-in songs and more than 2,000 sound combinations. You can also connect a bluetooth player and play with your own music. Kids can explore all they can do–scratch, jam, mix. Plus there are sliders and a turntable that allow tons of freedom to create. You can record and save three different mixes. Oh, and don’t forget the disco light for the full-on club atmosphere. The set takes 4 AA batteries, and it’s recommended that you replace the batteries in the unit that power the try-me function. There’s a headphone jack, too, for when you want to play quietly.
These ideas should jump start your back-to-school fun, but we’re always adding to the list, so come back often. We hope we’ve added a bunch of fun to this time of year!
DISCLOSURE: PURCHASE LINKS ARE TO PLACES THAT HAD IN-STOCK AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION. THE TOY GUY DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION OR FEES IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH THOSE LINKS. WE DEFINITELY RECOMMEND SHOPPING AROUND. PRICES LISTED HERE ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES. IN SOME CASES, PRICES MAY VARY.
Photos provided by manufacturers, or © Christopher Byrne