What are the best toys for kids this year?

The best toys for kids this year are the ones that invite open-ended play and fit the child’s age. The safest all-around picks are:

• Magnetic tiles — great for ages 3+ and easy to keep using as kids grow.
• LEGO-style building sets — best for ages 5+ and strong for creativity and focus.
• Beginner STEM/coding kits — good for ages 6+ and kids who like problem-solving.
• Scooters or balance bikes — great for active play and getting kids moving.
• Family board games — a strong choice for shared play and rainy-day fun.

Also worth considering: art kits, pretend-play toys like kitchens or doctor sets, and character toys based on what they already love.

Best rule: match the toy to the child’s age, attention span, and interests. A toy they’ll use often is usually better than a flashy one they’ll ignore.