Spring Into Playtime on The Today Show

Spring is here, it’s time to get outside and play! Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by NBC’s The Today Show to talk about the hottest new toys of the spring. 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.

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.
• Ages: 5+
• MSRP: $14.99
• Available: May 2018

LICK-A-BUBBLE (IMPERIAL TOY)

• Invented by a pediatrician, allergist/immunologist, and physician scientist, Lick-A-Bubble was created so that kids and adults of all ages can experiment with different beverages to generate SAFE lickable bubbles.
• Simply add your favorite beverage to the red fill line. Mix gently by swirling the wand in a circular motion for about 10 seconds or gently flipping the bottle back and forth with the cap closed ten times. Then blow bubbles and lick tasty bubbles!
• From children’s birthday parties, events, and concerts, Lick-A-Bubble is the ultimate experience for kids and adults of all ages!
• Lick-A-Bubble consumers enjoy watching friends and family blowing and chasing trying to lick those bubbles.
• Tease your taste buds with the most unique experiences bubbles have to offer.
• Available in Two Pack and Four Pack.
• Ages: 5+
• MSRP: $6.99 for Two Pack, $9.99 for Four Pack
• Available: imperialtoy.com, Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Kmart

HOT WHEELS 16-INCH BIKE (DYNACRAFT)

• Race to the finish line with the 16-Inch Dynacraft Hot Wheels Bike with Rev Grip.
• This eye-catching bike will win first place in style with the vibrant blue frame adorned with custom Hot Wheels graphics and bright orange, silver, and black details.
• The sturdy BMX frame is built to last, the all-terrain tires allow young riders to race through a variety of road conditions and the rear coaster brakes provide safe stops.
• Riders will also love the Hot Wheels Rev Grip, which makes this bike sound like a real motorbike!
• Ages: 4-8
• MSRP: $69
• Available: Walmart

BARBIE 16-INCH BIKE (DYNACRAFT)

• Kids will love riding on this sassy and stylish pink and purple 16-inch Barbie Bike.
• This single speed bike features bright Barbie graphics and comes with an adorable handlebar basket.
• Cute heart-shaped paw prints decorate the removable training wheels, and the hot pink sturdy chrome frame is sure to bring a smile to any kid’s face.
• For an extra surprise, Barbie’s Plush Puppy is included so your little one never has to ride without her favorite furry friend!
• Ages: 4-8
• MSRP: $69
• Available: Walmart

POWER WHEELS JURASSIC WORLD DINO RACER (MATTEL)

• Kids can recreate the exiting off-road action of the film on this ride-on Raptor inspired by Blue that includes realistic features like an open mouth filled with sharp-looking teeth.
• Drives on hard surfaces, grass, and rough terrain at max. speed of 6 mph, with a parent-controlled, high-speed lock out for beginner drivers.
• Includes 12-volt battery and charger.
• Ages: 3-7
• MSRP: $279.99
• Available: June, green version at Walmart, blue version at Amazon

BARBIE COLOR YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE (HORIZON GROUP)

• Stay hydrated in style with the Barbie color your own water bottle!
• Color in some of Barbie’s favorite things, photos of her and her friends, and iconic Barbie emblems.
• For a finishing touch, add three-dimensional elements using the sparkling adhesive gemstones.
• Mix and match colors to express your sense of style.
• This bottle even includes a carabiner clip so you can attach your colorful water bottle to a tote bag or backpack for everyone to see!
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $12.99
• Available: Amazon

CREATIVE ROOTS PAINT YOUR OWN MOSAIC STEPPING STONE (HORIZON GROUP)

• Unleash your creativity with the Creative Roots Mosaic Stepping Stone, available in Sun, Ladybug, or Butterfly designs!
• Mix different colors to create a custom color palette, then design and decorate your ceramic item.
• Display on a shelf, in an indoor plant or in an outdoor garden!
• Be sure to apply an exterior varnish to outside to protect your design from the elements. For decorative purposes only.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $4.99 – $7.99
• Available: Amazon, AC Moore, Target, Tractor Supply, Walmart

GEOSAFARI JR BUTTERFLY BUNGALOW (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)

• Butterfly habitat with outer pocket, plastic chrysalis log, magnifying glass, and activity guide.
• Includes certificate for five live Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillars (consumer pays postage).
• Reusable mesh habitat folds for easy storage.
• Witness the incredible transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly in amazing, magnified detail!
• Supports STEM learning! Encourages scientific exploration and discovery, introduces the amazing world of life science, instills a lifelong love of nature.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $19.99
• Available: Amazon

GEOSAFARI DAY ‘N’ NIGHT ANT FACTORY (EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS)

• Watch ants work – 24/7 – with nutrient-rich farm gel that doubles as food and color-changing LEDs that light up the night!
• Includes ant habitat with three magnification spots; cool, color-changing LED lights with on/off switch; and air vent that allows air in while keeping ants safely trapped inside.
• Unique nutrient-rich gel eliminates the need for feeding or watering.
• Includes activity guide and mail-in certificate for Harvester Ants (available in the continental U.S. only – ants do not ship during the winter months).
• Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
• Ages: 7-12
• MSRP: $29.99
• Available: Amazon

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.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $4.99
• Available: Crayola.com and retailers nationwide

SLING STIX (YULU)

• Play catch in a powerful new way. Introducing the new Sling Stix from YULU!
• Catch the super bouncy ball with the sticky suction cup atop of the 11-inch long plastic Sling Stix. Then, use the Stix’ unique trigger to release the ball, and sling it distances up to 30 feet! Kids can challenge their friends and play together for even more fun!
• Each package includes one orange Sling Stix, one green Sling Stix and one ball. Play is designed for two players.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $14.99
• Available: July 2018 at Target

TWINKLE PLAY TENTS (JAY@PLAY)

• Enter the magical world of Twinkle Play Tents! These light up tents interact with kids and their music too! At the top of the tent is a magical star light that twinkles colorful & bright lights. The colorful lights dance, change color, and react to movement, voice, and music!
• Kids can go on all day adventures inside the Princess Palace Play Tent or the Dragon Liar Play Tent! Plus, the tent is large enough to fit up to two kids inside.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $39.99
• Available: Walmart

BESTWAY DREAM GLIMMERS COMFORT AIR MATTRESS (BESTWAY)

• The Dream Glimmers Comfort Airbed by Bestway projects a starry night sky with multi-color alternating lights creating a magical and tranquil environment to help kids ease into a restful sleep.
• The flocked sleeping surface and recessed-center design provide a secure and comfortable resting area.
• The inflatable backrest offers extra comfort.
• The Dream Glimmer light runs on three AAA batteries (not included).
• Great for indoor or outdoor use.
• Assorted Colors: Pink & Blue
• Ages: 3-6
• MSRP: $19.99
• Available: Target