What better way to show off on the first day of school than with some awesome new toys? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht dropped by Fox 32 Chicago to show off some of the hottest new toys to kick off the new semester. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and be sure to check out our complete guide to the best toys of the summer.


      Bixbee Sparkalicious Glitter Backpack (Bixbee)Bixbee Sparkalicious Glitter Backpack (Bixbee)

  • Perfect for school, sports, or sleep over fun, these fab bags will dazzle, shimmer and shine through day and Each with a star sparkle charm!
  • Perfectly sized to carry everything your tyke needs, this backpack features a patented horizontal design with ergonomic The cover flap pocket opens to a main compartment with plenty of space for books, binders and notebooks. A padded sleeve pocket protects a laptop or tablet. Three interior organizer pockets hold small necessities like pencils, pens, crayons and an mp3 player.
  • •    MSRP: $49.99

ElektroKideez (Wowee)ElektroKideez (WowWee)

  • These collectible mini-figures include rock stars, pop princesses, metal heads, hip-hop royalty, and
  • The new collection is based on WowWee’s music-inspired hair- dancing
  • They work as pencil tops and each blind bag comes with one figure, a collectible sticker, and a checklist
  • Collect and trade all 48 styles and put together a mini posted with the included stickers!
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $2.99

Kurio Smart 2-in-1 (Kurio)Kurio Smart 2-in-1 (Kurio)

  • The Kurio Smart is the First 2 in 1 laptop and tablet for kids!
  • The Kurio Smart is the ultimate device for kids that want to safely do their homework AND have a tablet to play with – All in one!
  • Powered by Windows 1, the Kurio Smart is preloaded with content including some of the most famous Apps; choose from motion controlled learning games; to motion controlled sports games!
  • Play alone or with a friend with motion controlled games like rafting, mountain biking, gliding and para-gliding, and
  • Discover new Apps, games, E-books and more at the Microsoft App
  • Ages: 8-15
  • MSRP: $169.99

Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles (Educational Insights)Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles (Educational Insights)

  • These three power play vehicles (each sold separately) include the Race Car, the Monster Truck, and the
  • For each, snap pieces together, then used the motorized mini-drill to add clear
  • Finally, add artistic flair and customize the creation with colorful stickers and zoom intro creative STEM
  • Design & Drill encourages creativity, imagination, and problem-solving
  • Ages: 3+
  • •MSRP: $21.99

Barbie STEM Kit (Thames & Kosmos)Barbie STEM Kit (Thames & Kosmos)

  • Thames & Kosmos partners with Mattel to provide the Barbie STEM Kit!
  • This T.E.A.M. project kit includes plastic building pieces and science experiment materials, as well as a Barbie doll, to create a complete experience based on the concept “You Dream It… You Make It!”
  • From math and science to biology and chemistry, each kit is built to “Barbie-Scale” and meant to be compatible with the original Barbie Dreamhouse.
  • Ages 4-8
  • •MSRP $29.95

LEGO Dimensions Ghostbusters Level Pack (LEGO)LEGO Dimensions Ghostbusters Level Pack (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)

  • Fight ghosts with The Ghostbusters LEGO Dimensions Level Pack!
  • Help Peter Venkman and the rest of the Ghostbusters save New York (and the world!) from Gozer once and for Build Dr. Venkman, attach him to his LEGO Toy Tag and place him on the LEGO Toy Pad to see him come to life in the game.
  • Activate his Laser Deflector, Suspend Ghosts and Hazard Protection abilities to solve puzzles and overpower enemies, and when he needs an extra ghost- hunting boost, add the rebuildable 3-in-1 Ecto-1 or the Ghost Trap in to the game!
  • Unlock an exclusive Ghostbusters “A Spook Central Adventure!” level, rebuild the Ecto-1 into the Ecto-1 Blaster and Ecto-1 Water Diver, rebuild the Ghost Trap into a Ghost Stun ‘n Trap and Proton
  • Ages: 7 to 14
  • MSRP: $29.99

LEGO Technic Drag Racer (LEGO)LEGO Technic Drag Racer (LEGO)

  • Pull awesome wheelies with the high- powered Drag Racer!
  • Power up this authentic 2-in-1 dragster replica, featuring a distinctive “muscle car” look and an array of true-to-life details, including a massive V8 engine with moving pistons, working steering, huge rear tires, large exhaust and a big rear
  • Raise the body shell to reveal the chassis, exhaust pipes and working
  • This Power Functions upgradable model comes with wheelie function and an awesome vivid-blue and black color scheme and cool flame Rebuild it to create a Supercharged Dragster!
  • Ages: 10-16
  • MSRP: $79.99

MasterChef Junior Burger Cooking Set (Wicked Cool)MasterChef Junior Burger Cooking Set (Wicked Cool Toys)

  • Recreate the fun and excitement of the hit TV series MasterChef Junior at home!
  • The new MasterChef Junior cooking sets include real cooking tools with kid-safe, non-slip silicone
  • Each set features 3 unique recipe cards for all levels of experience – line cook, sous chef, and master chef, plus 1 blank recipe card to write your own recipe!
  • The Burger Cooking Set includes a mixing bowl, burger press, turner, cutting board, and 4 recipe
  • Collect all 5 sets and become the ultimate MasterChef Junior! Which challenge will you take on first?
  • Ages 6+
  • MSRP $19.94

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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