Playdates are necessary for social and emotional development, but with many children unable to play in person, parents are turning to virtual playdates to keep kids having fun while staying physically apart. A virtual playdate can be as simple as trading collectibles or playing a game of tic-tac-toe on the whiteboard function in Zoom, but there are also great toys that you can incorporate into your kids’ next virtual playdate to kick things up a notch. Kids can each do a craft and share their creations over the computer. Playdate pals can play with plush or dolls, have a dance party, make a music video, or act out a play. Kids can unbox collectibles and trade them later. Finally, they can build something awesome and share it on the screen! Coordinate with the fellow parent in advance of the playdate. Determine whether you ship a set to the other family or each purchase the item. Either way, each product listed below retails for under $20. It is a cost-effective way (much less than the movies or admission to a museum) to create a great virtual playdate experience.

CURLIGIRLS

These dolls feature MagiCurl hair that curls instantly when you pull it. Curl with your fingers or included styling tools, then accessorize with hair clips and beads. Dip the hair in warm water and watch it straighten, then style over again. These dolls feature MagiCurl hair that curls instantly when you pull it. Curl with…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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5 SURPRISE MINI BRANDS SERIES 2

More than 160 brands are now miniaturized and collectible. Reveal tiny versions of Kraft Heinz favorites, including Velveeta, Miracle Whip, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, and more. Each capsule contains four surprise mini brands and one mini shopping accessory. More than 160 brands are now miniaturized and collectible. Reveal tiny versions of Kraft Heinz favorites, including Velveeta, Miracle…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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JUNKBOTS

Dig through junk to reveal hidden treasures and clues /to build one of 36 collectibles. Mix and match pieces to customize your own characters. Animate the bots with a motor or dynamic vibrations and a light-up energy core.r

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99; $25.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 3+

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RAVEL TALES

Unwind this yarn ball to uncover 12 surprises, including a collectible plush pet and materials for DIY activities. Kids can create braided charm bracelets, a pet collar, a pillow pet bed, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-$12.99; $14.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 5+

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CRAYOLA SCRIBBLE SCRUBBIE PETS GROOMING TRUCK

Color the two included pets and then wash them clean using the working spray pump. The truck doubles as a storage solution. Includes three Ultra-Clean Washable Markers, a scrub brush, and a scrub tub.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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GLITTER DOTS KITS – ASSORTMENT

With Crayola Glitter Dots, kids can create with glitter in a whole new way, without all the mess! Just squish each dot to create glitter-infused outputs. Each dot contains a special coating so the glitter stays in the dot and not on your hands! Glitter dots are easy to use and versatile for any type…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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TILEBLOX RAINBOW BUILDING & STACKING TOY, 20 PIECE

Discover the endless possibilities of Tileblox 20-Piece set. With the step-by-step idea sheet, create one-of-a-kind masterpieces! A great set for beginner builders looking to explore and learn through play. Arrives with 8 Triangles and 12 Square in Rainbow colors. Each geometric shape contains magnets that let you build with endless possibilities! TileBlox is perfect for…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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CREATTO

Kids can design and construct illuminated, 3D creations using flexible, durable, interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights. Each set includes instructions for creating multiple designs, or kids can create their own.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.95-29.95
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SNAP SHIPS

Snap Ships is a versatile building system for creating multiple crafts with action play, and all sets and pieces are interchangeable, so kids can build however they want. The Snap Ships set for Sabre includes instruction for three different builds that you assemble yourself and then engage in battle with real shooting weapon play! Sabre…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-$39.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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ACTIVITY KINGS ILY DO-IT-YOURSELF SCRUNCHEEZE LOOM

Kids create their very own, one-of-a-kind scrunchies in just a few easy steps! Each of the 13 scrunchies can be made to fit each kid's personal style. Includes three surprise charms that can be added to truly make each scrunchie unique! Kids create their very own, one-of-a-kind scrunchies in just a few easy steps! Each…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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LEGO DOTS RAINBOW BRACELET

Kids can create their own bracelet and customize it to suit their outfit or mood. The DIY kit features an adjustable band in sky blue that fits around bigger or smaller wrists and 32 colorful tiles, including special tiles decorated with rainbows and clouds. Kids can create their own bracelet and customize it to suit…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SENSORY FX ASMR LINE

Kids can create soothing sounds and effects with four products in this new line. The ASMR experience begins with the Sensory FX ASMR Bars when kids unwrap three layers. There are 10 sensory bars to collect and each one offers unique sounds, textures, and movements. Connect the bars together to make a customized sensory board…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $2.97-$19.97
  • Age:
  • 4+

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CREATIVE ROOTS PAINT YOUR OWN ROCK PET

Kids can paint and personalize their own pet rocks! Includes 6 paint pots and a paintbrush. Perfect for indoor or outdoor display. Kids can paint and personalize their own pet rocks! Includes 6 paint pots and a paintbrush. Perfect for indoor or outdoor display.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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JIXELZ

Each puzzle set comes with hundreds of precision-cut, micro jigsaw pieces. Kids can use the included templates to create pre-determined designs or create their own. Jixels hold together strong and fit together with ease. Each puzzle set comes with hundreds of precision-cut, micro jigsaw pieces. Kids can use the included templates to create pre-determined designs…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.95-16.95
  • Age:
  • 6+

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About the author

Charlene DeLoach

Charlene DeLoach

Charlene DeLoach is a contributing editor at The Toy Insider where she primarily covers parenting topics. Charlene has been featured in print and on television more than 100 times. Before joining The Toy Insider, Charlene was an attorney, real estate broker, and interior decorator. In her current life, she has vowed to get grownups using toys as decor and to teach parents and toy companies to think outside the toy box at her websites playroomchronicles.com and totaltoycreative.com. Follow Charlene on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dogs, kids, and fun finds.

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