Summer has arrived and there’s tons of summer toys to help kids make the most of it! Toy Insider Associate Editor Maddie Michalik stopped by Your Morning to talk all the hottest toys, including retro toys, rainy day goodies, and classic summer fun. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the season, check out our spring and summer gift guide.


 

OUTDOOR NEON SIDEWALK PAINT MARKER (CRAYOLA)

  • Crayola Sidewalk Paint Markers are a fun tool for kids to create bold, neon designs on any outdoor surface. The roller head design lets kids cover large surface areas quickly and easily, while the washable formula washes away easily with water for no-mess fun.
  • The neon chalk markers  are available in Neon Blue, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow and Neon Orange.
  • Ideal for outdoor fun: Crayola Sidewalk Paint Markers allow kids to create bold artwork outside with a roller head that quickly covers large surface areas like driveways and sidewalks.
  • Washable chalk won’t leave permanent marks on surfaces, skin or clothing and washes away easily with water.
  • Neon Colors make a bold statement: Four vibrant, neon markers let kid’s outdoor creations really shine.
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: CAD $5.99
  • Available: Walmart, Canadian Tire, Jean Coutu, Indigo

    FASHION PRESS PAPER FASHION MAKER (KAHOOTZ TOYS)

    • Fashion design at your fingertips! Press and punch your own styles.
    • The unique Fashion Press roller tool is easy to use and lets kids press and punch out countless combinations from almost any kind of paper, without tracing or cutting.
    • Kids can get started with the included paper sheets, then add to their collection. Use magazine pages, wrapping paper, construction paper, or even their own drawing.
    • Kids simply place their paper into any of the eight Fashion Press punch plates and roll through the roller tool to easily punch out tops, bottoms, boots, and more.
    • Create chic collections, then layer, embellish, and glue to the included model sheets to display in a portfolio.
    • Age: 6+
    • MSRP: CAD $32.04
    • Available: Amazon, specialty retailers

    FASHION PLATES TRAVEL SET (KAHOOTZ TOYS)

    • Create fabulous designs on the go! SUPER portable set is the perfect take-along size.
    • Creativity on the go: in the car, airplane, on vacation; wherever you go, Fashion Plates packs up easy!
    • Set comes mix and match travel-themed Fashion Plates, crayons, paper, and a built-in storage compartment that  fits everything neatly.
    • Age: 6+
    • MSRP: CAD $15.37
    • Available: Amazon, specialty retailers

      LEGO FRIENDS MIA’S TREE HOUSE (LEGO)

      • Help Mia turn her brother’s tree house into the perfect park hangout spot for all her friends.
      • Pack Daniel’s belongings into a box in the roof before he leaves for college, and help Mia decorate by putting up pictures of her friends and family. Scramble up the net to the second floor and use the water gun to keep out any unwanted visitors!
      • Then slide down the zip wire to visit Mia’s bunny Mimì in her little house and give her a carrot.
      • Age: 6-12
      • MSRP: CAD $39.99
      • Available: Amazon, Walmart, Canadian Tire

      LEGO CREATOR MODULAR SKATE HOUSE (LEGO)

      • Create your dream location with the 3-in-1 Modular Skate House, featuring a detailed interior with radio, TV and sofa, plus a large outdoor skateboard ramp, monkey bars, climbing wall and a basketball hoop. You can also take a ride on a scooter or try your hand at some graffiti art.
      • Mix and combine the buildable modules and easily swap the windows, door and other modular sections to customize the Modular Skate House with the LEGO Creator modular system.
      • This 3-in-1 construction toy also rebuilds into a Games Arcade with machines and a corner café or a Skate Park complete with an exciting skateboard track, and includes two minifigures, both ready for fun and adventure.
      • Ages: 8-12
      • MSRP: CAD $49.99
      • Available: Amazon, Canadian Tire

5 SURPRISE (ZURU)

  • This new collectible line from ZURU harnesses the anticipation and excitement of “unboxing” a surprise combined with the addictiveness of collectables.
  • Unwrap, peel, reveal! Kids will love opening their 5 Surprise capsules almost as much as the toys inside. Wave One will feature over 300 toys in pink and blue capsules with additional waves introducing 100 new toys every six months.
  • There are five different themed segments with a HUGE range of surprise toys – from color changing mermaids, to slime and sticky ninjas – resulting in thousands of combinations of surprise toys, making 5 Surprise the coolest, most unique capsules ever!
  • Parents will also love the value of getting five toys in one purchase!
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $7.99 for single capsule
  • Available: Giant Tiger, Red Apple Stores, London Drugs

GALAXY ROCK ART (HORIZON GROUP)

  • Create your own galaxy designs with Galaxy Rock Art! Transform ordinary stones into vibrant works of art with this all-inclusive kit.
  • Learn how to create a galactic atmosphere using your paintbrush, sponge brush and bright colors.
  • Finish off each rock with glow-in-the-dark glitter glue and glow-in-the-dark paint to make the stars really shine!
  • With 2 pounds of stones in various sizes, you can create tons of rocking’ crafts!  Rock Art offers kids a great source of creative fun. For outdoor display, be sure to add an exterior varnish to protect your designs from the elements.
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: CAD $6.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Party City, AC Moore

MARBLED ROCK ART (HORIZON GROUP)

  • Create colorful, marble designs with Marbled Rock Art! transform ordinary stones into vibrant works of art with this all-inclusive kit.
  • Follow along with the instructions to learn how to create unique marbleized designs and explore color mixing with primary colors.
  • Combine blue and red to create purple, blue and yellow to create green and add black to make vibrant colors pop!
  • With 2 pounds of stones in various sizes, you can create tons of rocking’ crafts! Rock Art offers kids a great source of creative fun. For outdoor display, be sure to add an exterior varnish to protect your designs from the elements.
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: CAD $6.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart CA

14-INCH CABBAGE PATCH KIDS (WICKED COOL TOYS)

  • In keeping with the 35-year plus history of this brand, the standard adoptable 14-Inch Cabbage Patch Kids continue to be presented in a variety of skin tones and hair colors to mirror a wide cross section of the world’s population. With their core message “our individuality makes us special,” the latest kids are ready for more fun, fashion and love, and will create magical memories forever!
  • With nine new fashion themes and a varied matrix of Kids to choose from, there is sure to be a Cabbage Patch Kid that relates to your very own child’s personality!
  • The new Kids collection is as special as ever with eight new adorable and trendy girl fashions and one boy fashion.
  • Each new kid comes with a name, birth date and their very own birth certificate and adoption paper from BabyLand General Hospital, solidifying your one-of-a-kind bond with your kid.
  • These darling Cabbage Patch Kids feature a bracelet with a heart shaped key that interacts with the Kids’ newest best friends – the adorable Adoptimal Pets. Make the promise to love and care for your Kid and take the Oath of Adoption to join the Cabbage Patch Kids world family today!
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $54.99
  • Available: Canadian Tire

PAW PATROL MY SIZE LOOKOUT TOWER (SPIN MASTER)

  • Big rescues call for an even bigger tower. Bring the most iconic location in Adventure Bay to life with the new Life Sized Lookout Tower playset.
  • With a working elevator, a backpack storage unit, lights and sounds, a functioning periscope, a spiral slide with flipping mechanism, and a rotating base with vehicle launcher, it’s never been easier to recreate moments from the show and embark on new PAW Patrol rescues.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $149.99
  • Available: Amazon, Mastermind, Walmart, Well.ca

BUBBLEEZZ (ORB)

  • Bubbleezz live in a squeezy world of wonder and fun. Each Bubbleezz contain charms and secret messages that are clues to their unique personalities.
  • Each fun feeling character is filled with Bubbleezz Beads, making them totally satisfying – squeeze them to transform!
  • Squeeze to find hidden charms and messages inside that reveal your Bubbleezz unique personalities
  • These cute character combos are full of surprises and come in hundreds of shapes and sizes.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: CAD $7.99 – $13.99
  • Available: Indigo, Michael’s, Walmart

 

 

 

UNTAMED BY FINGERLINGS (WOWWEE)

  • Untamed by Fingerlings is a line of all-new interactive predators. The first of the Untamed creatures is the Untamed Raptors.
  • Their tagline is “Ferocious at Your Fingertips.”
  • There are four different Untamed raptors, each with their own unpredictable personalities: Blaze, Fury, Razor, and Stealth.
  • Similar to other Fingerlings, they can hang on your finger with their gripping claws, talk “dinosaur,” open and close their mouths with their snapping jaws, or hang upside down from your fingers.
  • Each raptor has 40 different sounds and animations and responds to motion, touch, and sound.
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: CAD $19.99
  • Available: Mass retailers

FINGERLING MINIS (WOWWEE)

  • Fingerlings Minis are the latest addition to the Fingerlings family and they’re the cutest pencil toppers ever!
  • Each blind bag comes with a “mystery” mini Monkey, Unicorn, or Sloth. But they don’t all have the same status! Will yours be rated as popular, rare, exotic, or ultra-rare?
  • Collect them all and challenge your friends!
  • Bonus: Each pack comes with a mix & match bracelet and tail charm. Collect them all!
  • Age: 5+
  • Canadian MSRP: $3.99 for single bling bag / $9.99 for 3-pack
  • Available: Walmart

ZANY ZOO FUNNY FACES (CRAYOLA)

  • Allows kids to see a silly fantasy version of themselves in a safe and creative way.
  • Kids can virtually apply a custom coloured mask to their face using their device.
  • Mix and match to make over 250 virtual masks.
  • Surprising and silly animations in each virtual mask.
  • Take funny photos and record short videos, then apply digital stickers and filters to your photos and video.
  • Age: 4+
  • Canadian MSRP: CAD $6.49
  • Available: Walmart, Staples, Home Hardware

MASH’EMS CRACK’EMS (BASIC FUN!)

  • Mash’ems Crack’ems are VERY SQUISHY surprise collectibles of adorable baby dinosaurs and chicks!
  • Each character is hidden within an egg-shaped capsule (three colors to choose).
  • Just pop the lid, gently “bop” the top, and watch the mystery character burst and hatch!
  • Over time, the chick or dino will shrink back down to its final size.
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $4.99 each / Canadian Retail $6.99 each
  • Available:

 

SQUEEZAMALS (BEVERLY HILLS TEDDY BEAR CO.)

  • Squeezamals are super soft and ultra squishy plush launching in spring 2018. Combining on-trend, foam, squish toys and accessories, soft, high quality, detailed plush and adorable stylizing there is nothing  else like this on the market. Once a Squeezamals is in your hand you will not want to put it down.
  • There are over 36 cute characters to collect in spring with more on the way.. Ranging from narwhals and unicorns to penguins and puppies there is something for everyone to squish and collect.
  • Each is scented.
  • Squeezamals come in three sizes: Backpack clip at 2.25 inches, Core Squeezamals at 3.5 inches and Large Squeezamals at 8 inches.
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: CAD $5.99 Clip On / CAD $9.99 for 3.5-Inch Squishy Plush / CAD $19.99 for Deluxe 8-Inch Squishy Plush
  • Available: Walmart

SURPRIZAMALS (BEVERLY HILLS TEDDY BEAR CO.)

  • Surpizamals are cute and cuddly creatures that pop out of Surprizaballs. There are currently over 200 to collect with even more coming this spring with the launch of series seven including a new Porcupine, Beaver, Pelican and many more. All new chasers and rare will be introduced as well.
  • Also new in these collections are the additions of the Care Bears licensed Surprizamals and the super trendy Puchi Gumi style Surprizamals.
  • In addition to the collectibles there are new ways to play and collect with the Deluxe Mama and Baby series. These come with a large, super cuddly plush, and three surprise cutie babies that are exclusive to this series. This adds sweet nurturing play to the adorable line and is a perfect gift item. There are three styles to collect and love.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $5.99 for the Core Surpriamal
  • Available: Walmart, Giant Tiger, London Drugs, Red Apple, EB Games

MAGFORMERS MY FIRST PASTEL 30PC SET (MAGFORMERS)

  • Magformers My First Pastel 30 Set comes with all new pastel colored triangles and squares.
  • Kids can build and create with 2D puzzle cards and 1:1 figure cards and follow along a variety of activities. Lay Magformers flat and match them to animals, learn to build in 3-D by pulling-up into Magformers structures.
  • Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so kids will always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, they can use the magnetic power to simply stack and store.
  • Simple construction set for toddler and preschoolers with endless creative possibilities, compatible with all Magformers sets.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $69.99
  • Available: Indigo, Mastermind

MAGFORMERS LOG CABIN 87PC SET (MAGFORMERS)

  • Go on a forest adventure with Magformers Log Cabin 87Pc Set. Use Magformers building techniques to create cabins, treehouses, and more.
  • Kids can decorate log cabins by clipping in balconies and walls. Add windows, ladders, lay turf, build fences, and plant trees.
  • Kids can perfect their building techniques as your create different objects with the blocks.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: CAD $119.99
  • Available: Indigo, Mastermind

SCHWINN SCORCH KIDS’ BIKE, 16-INCH (SCHWINN)

  • Schwinn Scorch 16-Inch Kids’ Bike will help your little one to become the hit of the neighborhood.
  • Steel frame and fork.
  • Coaster brake with front hand brake for secure stops.
  • Adjustable, removeable training wheels for stability and learning.
  • Designed to grow with the child as their riding skills improve.
  • Quick release saddle for easy height adjustment.
  • Laser printed saddle.
  • Single speed.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.
  • Age: 5-10 (dependent on height)
  • MSRP: CAD $145
  • Available: Canadian Tire

SCHWINN JAMBOREE KIDS’ BIKE, 16-INCH (SCHWINN)

  • The Schwinn Jamboree Kids’ 16-Inch Bike is an ideal option for your little one’s first foray into riding.
  • It will grow as your child learns, allowing them to extend at their own pace, with adjustable, removable training wheels for stability and learning, and a quick release saddle for easy height adjustment.
  • Specially designed for a better, more comfortable fit for kids.
  • Grips ideal for small hands.
  • Fenders to protect clothes from wet weather.
  • Steel frame and fork, coaster brake.
  • Handlebar bag and ribbon streamers for custom look, laser printed banana seat.
  • Sissybar for safety.
  • Single speed.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.
  • Age: 5-10 (dependent on height)
  • MSRP: CAD $145
  • Available: Canadian Tire

MORFBOARD SKATE/SCOOT COMBINATION (JAKKS PACIFIC)

  • Morfboard is a new, exciting, and innovative brand.  This high-performance deck and component system transforms in seconds and creates an entirely new play experience.
  • The Morfboard ecosystem encompasses super simple Lock & Release Technology (LRT): simply drop Xtensions into the board and turn them 90-degrees.  The flex trigger locks in so kids are ready to skate, ride, balance, or bounce. Morfboard is year-round fun – anywhere, anytime.
  • Includes: A Morfboard, front and rear skate, scoot Xtensions and scoot T-Bar.
  • Skate Xtensions feature 53mm Urethane wheels, durable cast aluminum trucks, and Performance ABEC 5 skate bearing.
  • Scoot Xtensions feature lean to steer wishbone front truck and rear wheel with inset lever brake.
  • Variable height T-Bar with rubber anti-slip grips.
  • Available in a variety of color options to customize the board.
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: CAD $149.99
  • Available: Toys R Us

WATERMELON SMASH (YULU)

  • The new Watermelon Smash game from YULU Toys is a hilarious twist on the water roulette challenge. Will you end up dry or soaking wet? Use your head to find out!
  • Fill the watermelon with water or use the provided watermelon seeds for indoor play. Players take turns spinning the spinner to determine their fate. Follow the indicated instructions on the spinner and press the watermelon against your head.
  • Watch out, you never know when the watermelon will crack and you will lose! The last player left in the game wins!
  • Each Watermelon Smash game comes with a watermelon, seeds for indoor use, spinner, and game rules.
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: CAD $24.99
  • Available: Indigo, Mastermind

GEOSAFARI JR BUGBRIGHT (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)

  • Study amazing insects, day and night, with this escape-proof, bug-safe, portable habitat!
  • Bug viewer with quick-capture sliding bottom, LED light with on/off switch, easy-carry handle, and screw-top for feeding.
  • Study creepy crawly catches up close with a 5x magnification spot!
  • The ONLY light-up bug viewer on the market!
  • Requires button cell battery (included).
  • Supports STEM learing! Encourages scientific exploration and discovery, introduces the amazing world of life science, and instills a lifelong love of nature.
  • Age: 3-6
  • MSRP: CAD $19.99 – $22.99
  • Available: Creative Learning, Place Bureau, Treasure Island Toys, Buddies Toy Store, Tradewind Imports, Bright Beans, Well.ca, Grow Children’s Boutique, The Northern Toy Box, Chic Baby & Kids

AIR HOGS DRONE POWER RACERS (SPIN MASTER)

  • When the race is unpredictable, you need a remote control vehicle to match! Speed across land or rip through the sky with 2-in-1 Air Hogs Drone Power Racers! Made with a patented hover-tech body, this racer can drift and move at rapid speeds. Race across land until you crash into an obstacle! Instead of stopping, the detachable stunt drone will pop out so you can continue the race in the air, leaving your opponents in the dust!
  • Equipped with a self-righting protective cage, this drone lands upright, always ready for the next take-off. Use the four-channel capability and gyro-switch tech to drive or fly in every direction, drift around corners, and maintain stability on land and in air.
  • To pull off wicked drone stunts, hit the stunt button and the drone will do all the rest! With two power modes, rookies and pros will have a blast in the driver’s seat.
  • Don’t just race – fly at breakneck speed with the 2-in-1 Air Hogs Drone Power Racers!
  • Age: 8+
  • MSRP: CAD $49.99
  • Available: Walmart, Mastermind

FISHER-PRICE POWER WHEELS DUNE RACER EXTREME (FISHER-PRICE)

  • ​Ruts, wet grass and mud are no match for this Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme battery-operated ride-on.
  • Its Monster Traction drive system is designed to navigate rough terrain and common backyard bumps like tree roots, ruts, driveway edges and garden hoses without getting stuck.
  • And with a spacious open cockpit design and two seats, there’s room to bring a friend along on all your adventures.
  • Drives 2.5 and 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph in reverse.
  • This battery-powered ride-on is constructed with a sturdy steel frame that supports up to 130 pounds of weight.
  • The metal sidebars provide stable hand supports, while the vehicle’s interior features smooth contours and rounded edges to protect against cuts and scratches.
  • And the vehicle’s specially designed Power-Lock braking system automatically stops the vehicle when the foot is removed from the pedal.
  • ​High speed lock-out – controlled by parents.
  • MSRP: CAD $429.99
  • Available: Amazon

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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