Toy Insider Senior Editor Maddie Michalik joined PIX 11 in New York to show off the best new toys that are good for playtime and good for the planet. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the spring and summer, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Spring and Summer Gift Guide


SORT & RECYCLE RIDE-ON TRUCK

Made from 90% reclaimed plastic, little ones can hop on this ride-on truck and learn about recycling and reusing everyday objects. They can sort pieces that represent plastic, metal, and paper into the correct bin and take quizzes that reinforce learning. Made from 90% reclaimed plastic, little ones can hop on this ride-on truck and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $37.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS.+

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TOUCH & LEARN NATURE ABC BOARD

This toy tablet features a touch-sensitive wooden board with an animated, light-up, LED screen. Kids can learn letters and numbers by playing nine interactive activities. This toy is made from 100% FSC-Certified wood and 90% reclaimed plastic. This toy tablet features a touch-sensitive wooden board with an animated, light-up, LED screen. Kids can learn letters…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

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LAND OF DOUGH

Made from wholesome ingredients, Land of Dough play dough is sustainably handcrafted with essential oils, plant-based colors, compostable glitter, and eco-friendly packaging. Each cup includes 7 ounces of dough with eco-friendly packaging and a sustainably sourced wooden shovel made from birch.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12 (regular cups); $15 (luxe cups)
  • Age:
  • 3+

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BARBIE LOVES THE OCEAN DOLL & PLAYSET MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTICS

Beach-themed Barbie doll and playset with summer-themed fashion and 10 beach themed storytelling pieces Includes a lounge chair with working cupholders, a colorful beach umbrella, and more Made from FSC-certified recycled plastics. Dolls are made with 90% ocean-bound plastic parts, and playsets are made from more than 90% recycled plastic

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HERB GARDEN GROWING KIT

Kids will plant seeds, decorate the flowerpots, and grow their own basil, oregano, and chives. The kit includes soil pods, seeds, paints, brushes, stickers, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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WATER POWER: ROCKET-PROPELLED CARS, BOATS, AND MORE

Kids can build water-rocket cars, jet-propelled boats, a water blaster, and a lawn sprinkler while learning about the laws of physics and their applications in real-world engineering. When kids pump air into the rocket, the air pressure inside increases. When they release the clamp, the air and water mixture will shoot out, causing the rocket…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

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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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