If you're constantly trying to predict what your kids will be into next, I'm here for you. I don't have a crystal ball, but I'm a toy editor who recently spent four days at the Javits Center in NYC for the annual Toy Fair, an industry event where editors like me preview new toys set to be released throughout the year.
While blind boxes and slime aren't going anywhere, and we have anniversaries (Cars, Winnie the Pooh) and sequels (Super Mario, Paw Patrol, Toy Story) to look forward to, I can confidently say that KPOP Demon Hunters will be the trend of the year.
Even though most of the new toys below won't hit shelves until summer or fall (ideal for holiday gifting), there are plenty of existing toys in each trending category to shop now and tide eager kids over.
KPOP Demon Hunters
The massive success of this Netflix movie was somewhat of a surprise, so there haven't been a lot of related toys or games released—but that's about to change. The limit truly does not exist for how many toys I previewed for this franchise, including everything from slime, coloring books, and LEGO sets to trading cards, dolls, and Furblets. If you're a fan—or know one—they'll have everything they need (and more) to protect the Honmoon.
There's a lot of unofficial stuff out there currently, but while you wait for the new releases, here are editor-approved goodies you can shop ASAP for your Derpy fan.
Crayola K-Pop Demon Hunters Coloring Book
Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Deal: Kpop Demon Hunters Card Game
Funko Pop! Derpy with Sussie
The Mandalorian & Grogu
There's never a shortage of new Star Wars toys each year, but with the upcoming May release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, it's on another level. The new movie kicks off what Lucasfilm is calling the "Star Wars: Most Wanted" campaign, which features steady drops of new toys and collectibles throughout 2026.
I'm most excited for Hasbro's Action Buddy Grogu, an interactive toy coming in late March that you can pre-order now. I played with it myself, and it's super charming (I loved rocking him to sleep). And like I said, there are plenty of Star Wars toys already on the market to fill the void until May.
LEGO Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice)
STAR WARS The Black Series The Mandalorian & Grogu
STAR WARS Action Buddy Grogu
Disney Store 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian' Bath Set
LEGO Grogu’s Homestead
Soccer
If you haven't heard, the FIFA World Cup is happening in June and July of this year—and since it's being played in the United States, the hype is at a fever pitch. Expect to see much more than just soccer balls; even LEGO is getting in on the fun with a model of the coveted FIFA trophy and a super-cool soccer ball with a stadium hidden inside.
Below are soccer-themed toys you can grab now, including a limited-edition Adidas ball that'll make your budding soccer star feel like Messi.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Collectibles
LEGO Soccer Ball
LEGO FIFA World Cup Official Trophy
Franklin Mini Soccer Goal Sets
adidas World Cup Soccer Ball
Retro Toys
Playing on nostalgia, toys from the '80s and '90s have been making a comeback over the last few years—and that's not changing in 2026. For starters, there's a new He-Man movie, Masters of the Universe, coming in June—and with it, new versions of classic toys.
In the meantime, you can share your love for Strawberry Shortcake or Care Bears with the next generation.
Strawberry Shortcake 14-Inch Doll
Masters of the Universe Action Figures
Care Bears Cozy Cheer Bear
Bag Charms
On the heels of last year's Labubu frenzy, I'm not exaggerating when I say that almost every toy franchise you can imagine has a bag charm coming out this year. There will be keychain-style toys for almost every beloved toy, with a lot of them coming in fun blind boxes.
Here's just a small sample of popular ones you can add to your collection now before new ones drop.
Pokémon Eevee Plush Keychain Set
Pusheen the Cat Pusheenicorn
Jellycat Happy Boiled Egg Bag Charm
Rainbow Brite 4-Pack Set
Winnie The Pooh Animal Storybook Series
Blooming or Hatching Toys
Last year's popular Primal World T-Rex toy is getting one-upped by the brand-new Megalodon version that's set to come out before the holidays. There will also be a blooming Hello Kitty that transforms into a butterfly and an adorable hatching Yoshi tied to the new Super Mario movie, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
While the original Primal World toy sold out a lot before the holidays last year, it's back—go go go!
Things That Fart
In 2025, the Fart Monster (essentially a big Whoopee Cushion wrapped with a cute stuffed animal) was a huge hit among kids—so it comes as no surprise that similar toys are on the way.
Coming later this year is Chester Cheeks, a.k.a. Butt Face: a rubbery, dancing DJ who bounces and makes fart noises. It's truly something you need to see for yourself!
Until then, the Fart Monster is still available on Amazon, if you need a funny gift for the goofy tween in your life.
