The Toy Insider hosted their annual toy exhibition, Sweet Suite. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic this toy show, which is one of our personal favorites, took place virtually. Sweet Suite @ Home allowed my daughter and I to interact with some of our favorite brands in the toy space as well as learn about new ones. Although we weren’t able to physically experience each new toy and game as with previous years, we did receive a Sweet Suite @ Home Swag Box, which we’ve unboxed and shared on YouTube. Now that we’ve had time to explore each toy. I’ve curated this list of The Best Toddler Toys for Learning Through Creative Imaginative Play.
Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks
A toy created by teachers is sure to become a parent favorite! Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks incorporate sensory, STEM, and fun for toddlers to enjoy creative imaginative play. These soft foam magnetic blocks click together like magic, rotate 360-degrees, and always attract to each other. Because Blockaroos float, these make a great toddler toy for the bath. Additionally, their materials make them easy to wash -in the dishwasher- to sanitize.
Age: 18 months+
Purchase for $19.99 from Amazon.com
Pop It!
The durable silicone bubbles make for never-ending bubble popping fun but without the waste and noise. Once you pop one side, flip it over to pop the other! Toddlers can play with it for sensory fun, as the toy keeps their tiny fingers and hands busy.
Purchase for $20.99 from Walmart.com or Amazon.com.
Blue’s Clues & You Beanbag Plush – Blue
Do we have any parents whose toddler is a Blue’s Clues fan? If so, they will love this cute and cuddly plush Blue’s Clues & You Beanbag Plush. Your toddler can take this on car or stroller rides, or even sleep with Blue for comfort.
Age: 3+
Purchase for $7.88 from Walmart.com or
Shoulderkins Sammy Sea Lion
Sammy Sea Lion is a part of Aurora’s line of cute and cuddly 6″ toys. With the use of a magnet, can rest securely on your child’s shoulder keeping them company while they play. From turtles to tigers, there are eight to collect and enjoy.
Age: 3+
Purchase from Auroragift.com.
Fubbles Bubbles on the Go
Families with toddlers and are always on-the-go will love the conveniently packaged Fubbles Bubbles. , These portable bubbles are easy to carry making it perfect for the park, beach, backyard – anywhere you go for outdoor bubble fun! Fubbles Bubbles easily fit into your diaper bag, purse, backpack, stroller. Its 3 oz. packaging makes it airport-friendly.
Age: 3+
Purchase a 6-pack for $10 at Walmart.com.
Related: Planning a Family Road Trip? These Fun Toys, Games, and Activities Keep Kids Entertained
Calico Critters Blind Bag – Baby Camping Series
The Calico Critters Blind Bags are perfect for imaginative play whether home or on the road. The Baby Camping Series is the brand’s 4th blind bag series which toddler Calico Critters fans can combine with other Calico Critters series like Family Trip Series, Adventure Treehouse, and Lakeside Lodge, for hours of creative imaginative play and fun.
Age: 3+
Purchase from Epocheverlastingplay.com for $4.99
Related: Calico Critters Nursery Collection
Play-Doh Elastix
Play-Doh is a classic name in most households across many generations. You’ve played with it, your grandparents have played with it, and now your kids are playing with it. Play-Doh is an awesome way to include sensory into play. All the fun textures and colors lend a way for children to be creative and make whatever their imagination tells them, from foods to shapes to buildings.
Age: 24 months +
Purchase for $4.99 from Amazon.com.
Johnny the Skull Pirate Electronic Game
Fotorama developed this fun interactive game where ghosts are projected on the wall or ceiling, which can then be blasted away by using an electronic blaster. The game has three (3) different skill levels, offering tons of fun for the whole family. However, we think it is the perfect bedtime game for children who are afraid of things that go ‘bump’ in the night.
Age: 4+
Purchase for $24.99 from Walmart.com.