Back-to-School Fun on WCUI Chicago’s “The Jam”

Looking for great toys for your kids this back to school season? Toy InToy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by WCIU’s “The Jam” to talk about the best new toys for the new semester. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for more on the hottest new toys of the season be sure to view our Spring and Summer Toy Guide.

Crayola Triple-the-fun Art Studio (Grow’n Up Limited)

• Kids can have a 2-in-1 chalkboard easel and art desk with the Crayola Triple-the-fun Art Studio.
• Converts from desk to easel in a second and includes a sturdy stool for kids to use while creating. There are removable paper clips for multi-purpose use.
• There are two storage compartments, giving kids a place to hold their utensils in either mode.
• Includes: four sheets of colored paper, one eraser, two paint pots, two paint brushes
• Age: 3+
• MSRP: $39.99
• Available: Toys “R” Us Exclusive

Crayola Silly Scents Assortment (Crayola)

• Crayola Silly Scents are essential creative tools for school projects and detailed artwork. The line includes Twistable Colored Pencils, Mini Twistables Crayons, and Markers.
• Each pack contains a range of bright, vibrant colors and juicy scents to inspire children’s self-expression and imagination, at an incredible value.
• Age: 5+
• MSRP: $4.99-$7.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

Cupcake Surprise (Sunny Days)

• With a little sweet magic and infinite imagination, decadent desserts transform into princesses with every Cupcake Surprise!
• Every princess doll will be the belle of the ball and all the bakeries of the land in her sparkly gown and decorative bonnet, or indulge in a sugary treat and serve these charming cupcakes fresh from the oven. Expect endless playtime and never-ending wonderment in each Cupcake Surprise – discover deliciously scented fragrances with every doll!
• Whether in the bakery, kitchen, or castle, the sweet-smelling 2-in-1 toy will surely inspire imaginative play.
• Each doll comes with her own styling hairbrush. Packaged in 12 different styles with six available scents: strawberry, vanilla, grape, chocolate, lemon, and peanut butter. Collect them all!
• Ages 3+.
• MRSP $9.99.
• Available on Amazon

Aquabeads Beginners Studio (Epoch Everlasting Play)

• Aquabeads Beginners Studio case is designed to stack with other Aquabeads cases such as the Deluxe Studio so you can keep all your beads and bead creations organized.
• Everything you need to create more than a dozen bead art creations.
• The set includes more than 840 beads in addition to a bead palette, tray, pen, water sprayer, 2 double-sided template sheets and a bead peeler for fasting drying time.
• Age: 4+
• MSRP: $19.95
• Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Target

Peppa Pig Lights & Sounds Family Home (Jazwares)

• A preschool powerhouse and a top-rated show on Nick Jr., Peppa Pig follows the adventures of the charismatic Peppa and her family and friends.
• It is a wonderfully contagious brand with an abundance of giggles, oinks and everyday life lessons.
• Enter this lovely 22 inches tall, 4 story home with 7 rooms and be Peppa’s guest in a home filled with adventure and fun. Joining you for playtime are three figures: Peppa Pig, George and Zoe Zebra.
• There are 13 accessories that bring the house to life with lights and charming sounds. This playset will be sure to delight any preschooler who steps foot into Peppa’s family home.
• Age: 7+
• MSRP: $59.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

iHome Over the Ear Headphones (eKids)

• Sleek and contemporary designed headphones that deliver detailed and rich audio.
• Padded and adjustable headband allow for a custom fit. The headphones also include in-line microphone compatible with most mobile phones.
• Available in Beauty and the Beast, Trolls, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Nintendo styles
• Age:
• MSRP: $24.99
• Available: Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon

Game Of The States (Winning Moves USA)

• First board game in history with org Certification!
• Kids learn all about the United States by racing their trucks across country buying and selling goods along the way.
• Players will become familiar with the fifty states, their locations, capital cities, top products and learn interesting STEM facts about each state!
• Learn fun STEM facts about the 50 states.
• Earn a Digital Explorer badge online!
• Ages: 8+
• Players: 2 to 4
• MSRP: $20.95
• Available: Amazon

Wonder Crew (PlayMonster)

• Wonder Crew Buddies, the toy line for boys designed to empower boys to connect, nurture and build empathy through friendship, imagination and adventure.  Combining the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a stuffed animal, 15″ Wonder Crew Buddies are available now.
• The crew includes Will (Caucasian), Marco (Hispanic), James (African American) and Erik (Asian). Each comes dressed in superhero gear, complete with matching mask and cape for kids.
• Wonder Crew also has three Adventure Packs: Builder includes a construction outfit and hard hat for the buddy, and a matching vest for kids; Explorer features a safari-looking outfit and hat for the buddy, and a matching hat for the child; and Snuggler is a set of pajamas for the buddy, and a blanket for kids!
• Age: 3+
• MSRP: Buddies – $29.99‒$34.99; Gear sets – $14.99‒$19.99.
• Available: Target