As the site’s resident toy expert — I’m the writer behind the Strategist’s Toy Store and gift guides for every age — I get an early look at the latest and greatest new toys, often before they hit store shelves. There are dozens of new releases every month, so to keep track of it all, I’ve been writing a toy-centric edition of Don’t Dillydally. Here are the launches I’m particularly excited about right now, including NBA- and axolotl-themed 5 Surprise Mini Brands, Micro Kickboard suitcase scooters, and a Twilight LEGO set.
Jellycat’s still-in-stock new releases
I am sad to report that most of Jellycat’s Valentine’s Day drop has already sold out online, but thankfully, the brand has a bunch of other equally adorable new releases worth getting excited about. My favorites include an egg design the brand is calling Egg on Toast but I would call Toad in the Hole. Jellycat has also just come out with a mini bag charm version of Clyde Capybara and a very sweet caterpillar.
Valentine’s Snoopy Steiff
Steiff is a precursor to Jellycat and just as collectible; the company also regularly releases cleverly designed seasonal stuffed animals and keychains that sell out, though not as quickly. This year’s Valentine’s collection is all about Snoopy, with three versions of the iconic pooch: one holding a red heart, one holding a purple conversation heart, and one mini keychain version sans heart.
LEGO Twilight the Cullen House
LEGO fans with a soft spot for Twilight can merge their passions and build a replica of Edward’s abode and pickup truck. The three-story Cullen House set comes with 2,001 pieces and seven mini-figures, including Bella, Edward, Jacob in human form, and Jacob as a wolf.
American Girl x Disney Bitty Babies
You can now get Disney Princess-themed Bitty Babies for your 18-inch American Girl dolls. I am especially charmed by Bitty Baby Moana’s Pua-shaped sippy cup and Bitty Baby Ariel’s Sebastian teething toy.
5 Surprise Mini Babies, Ballers, and Axolotls
We’ve come a long way from the highly sought-after pantry items originally found in 5 Surprise Mini Brands mystery balls. Instead of featuring Mike and Ikes or sriracha, the newest releases include an assortment of infants, NBA players, and multicolor axolotls. Each of the different figures comes with surprise accessories you can mix and match within the series.
Buildable Squishmallow sets and an Easter blind box
The Squishmallow empire is always expanding and evolving; the latest addition is a line of LEGO-like building sets, called BLDR, that feature classic Squishmallow characters with a squishable belly and cute scenes where they can be posed or played with. I like this ballpark for Avery the Mallard Duck best.
There’s also a new collection of Easter Squishmallows, including a chocolate bunny, a carrot-eating capybara, and a collection of blind-box Easter minis.
Super Bowl Barbies (and Uno and Little People)
Should your Barbie collection require some authentic Super Bowl LIX merch, Mattel Creations is taking preorders for special-edition Barbie dolls decked out in licensed Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs gear, including shorts, a sweatshirt, a bucket hat, and a foam finger. The catch is that only the dolls wearing the winning team’s merch will be produced, with shipping expected in late September. (Customers who order the losing team’s dolls will suffer a double heartbreak when their orders are canceled, but at least they won’t be charged.) If Barbies aren’t your thing, Mattel is taking the same approach to Uno decks and Little People figures.
Micro Kickboard scootcase
We’ve been noticing an influx of scooter suitcases, a.k.a. scootcases. And now Micro Kickboard is selling three new or reimagined models for both kids and adults: a toddler ride-on, a scoot-and-pull for 3- to 5-year-olds, and a teen and adult version. The most compelling of the three has LED wheels and Velcro patches kids can use to decorate the felt front.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
