The Toy Book’s consumer-facing sister publication, The Toy Insider, is ready to help families prepare for a fun-filled, stress-free summer.
The Toy Insider’s 2025 Spring & Summer Gift Guide features 250 toys from more than 110 trusted, vetted toymakers. Parents, grandparents, and any gift-giver can discover options for every kind of play: outdoor and active gear sure to get kids off screens; educational playthings that make learning fun; travel must-haves that keep boredom at bay; games and activities that fuel competition and creativity; and water toys that guarantee wet and wild fun.
In the face of tariff concerns and rising toy prices, shoppers are looking for affordable toys that won’t break their budget. This year’s guide was curated to help consumers navigate recent economic uncertainty, offering toys that deliver all kinds of fun on a budget: more than 85% of toys chosen cost less than $50, and more than 175 products are less than $25.
Between making sure every dollar counts and ensuring kids have the fun they deserve, toy shopping today can feel like a tricky balancing act. That’s why we’re taking the guesswork out of it with our most affordable Spring & Summer Gift Guide yet, filled with expert-approved picks that spark creativity, adventure and joy for kids of all ages. From backyard-ready gear to trendy slime and compounds, giving kids the best summer ever – without breaking the bank – is well within reach.”
Sorted by play category and intended age range, the guide makes it easy for shoppers to find perfect picks for every kid, including fans of hit franchises like Bluey, Ms. Rachel, Minecraft and Lilo & Stitch.
- OUTDOOR: Make sunny days unforgettable with gear that gets kids to unplug and spend hours playing outside, whether they’re at the park or in the backyard.
Toy Insider Picks: Little Tikes Bluey Grannies Car Coupe (MGA Entertainment); Minecraft 18-inch Bike (Dynacraft)
- TRAVEL: Turn travel time into playtime with portable, screen-free toys that keep kids entertained from start to finish.
Toy Insider Picks: Lite-Brite Touch Mini (Basic Fun!); Fairy GardenBumz (Jazwares)
- PHYSICAL & ACTIVE: Get kids up and moving with ride-ons, games and other toys built for nonstop energy and adventure.
Toy Insider Picks: Hasbro Skip It (Just Play); Friends Forever Jump Rope (Kess Co.)
- WATER: Make waves this summer with water blasters, giant inflatables, and playsets that turn every day into a splashin’ good time.
Toy Insider Picks: T-01 & T-02 Water E-Blasters (WeCool Toys); Ultimate 3-in-1 Water, Art & Sand Play Bin (Buffalo Games)
- EDUCATIONAL: Keep the “summer slide” at bay with toys and activities that combine hands-on fun with basic STEAM skills.
Toy Insider Picks: 3Doodler Chef 3D Candy Pen Set (3Doodler); MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers 33-Piece Set (MAGNA-TILES)
- ENTERTAINMENT: Bring kids’ favorite on-screen characters into the real world with interactive collectibles, dolls, figures and playsets.
Toy Insider Picks: Disney ily 4EVER and Pixar Tote-ily Teenies Series 1 (JAKKS Pacific); UFC Punching Bag Capsule (PMI)
- GAMES: Take game nights to the next level with fresh, hilarious titles that get the whole family laughing, bonding, and coming back for more competitive fun.
Toy Insider Picks: Hungry Hungry Hippos Giant Edition (Spin Master); Critter Kitchen (Goliath)
- ARTS, CRAFTS, & ACTIVITIES: Keep the creative juices flowing with activity kits, crafts, and playsets that spark imaginative play and hands-on fun.
Toy Insider Picks: Gui Gui (Moose Toys); Decora Ponyz (Cepia)
Visit The Toy Insider to view the entire Spring & Summer Gift Guide!
The post Hot Toys, Cool Prices: The Toy Insider’s Summer Picks Bring the Heat appeared first on The Toy Book.
Trending Products
