Toy Fair 2018: The top 7 toy trends mamas need to know about

Cardboard’s going to be everywhere soon.
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#TeamMotherly scored a sneak peek of the best brands, products and toys for 2018 at New York City’s annual Toy Fair. From toys that encourage kids to hone their imaginations and dive into pretend play to others that teach innovative learning styles like Montessori, we’ve found the best of the best in toys for the coming year.
After spending the day exploring thousands of products and chatting with hundreds of companies, here are our picks for the most innovative, interesting, and downright fun toy trends for 2018.
1. STEM
It’s never too early to encourage learning through STEM toys and activities.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set, $66.83, Amazon
Hape Sonic Playground, releasing later this year
2. Wooden
Wood and other natural materials were everywhere this year; we love a toy that mama and baby will find beautiful.
Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store, $199.99, Melissa & Doug
Hape Wooden Railway Double Loop Railway Set, $89.99, Amazon
Hape Marble Run, $129.99, Amazon
Kiddimoto London Bus Ride On Walker, $335.29, Amazon
Manhattan Toy Company Wooden Castle, $125.85, Amazon
3. Cardboard
Easy to put together and perfect for sparking imagination.
EverBlock Jr. Building Blocks Combo Pack, $59.95, Amazon
Melissa & Doug Food Truck Indoor Playhouse, $49.99, Amazon
Space Odyssey Playhouse, $130.00, Uncommon Goods
4. Montessori-inspired
Encourage children to explore their world and learn through touch, play, and real world learning.
Kid O A to Z Magnatab, $27.62, Amazon
Water WOW! Alphabet—On the Go Travel Activity, $4.99, Amazon
The Manhattan Toy Company Knit Rattle, $9.00, Manhattan Toy Company
Manhattan Toy Company Tree Top Adventure, $66.23, Amazon
5. Eco-Friendly
Products that are safer for both baby and the environment.
EverEarth Childrens Gardening Bag With Tools, $29.90, Amazon
Green Toys Airplane & Board Book, $15.99, Amazon
Munch Mitt Silicone Teether, $15.99, Amazon
Plan Toys My First Camera, $13.50, Amazon
6. Nostalgia
Can you say MY LITTLE PONY???
Ty Beanie Boos Slush Dog, $6.09, Amazon
My Little Pony Mini Collection, $16.48, Amazon
Lite Brite Magic Screen, $25.75, Amazon
Fisher Price Classics Retro Chatter Phone, $12.99, Amazon
7. Sensory Play
Play Visions Inc. Floof Modeling Clay, $16.99, Amazon
Geomag Magicube Free Building Set, $59.95, Amazon
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