#TeamMotherly scored a sneak peek of the best brands, products and toys for 2018 at New York City’s annual Toy Fair. From toys that encourage kids to hone their imaginations and dive into pretend play to others that teach innovative learning styles like Montessori, we’ve found the best of the best in toys for the coming year.

After spending the day exploring thousands of products and chatting with hundreds of companies, here are our picks for the most innovative, interesting, and downright fun toy trends for 2018.

1. STEM

It’s never too early to encourage learning through STEM toys and activities.

Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set, $66.83, Amazon

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Hape Sonic Playground, releasing later this year

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2. Wooden

Wood and other natural materials were everywhere this year; we love a toy that mama and baby will find beautiful.

Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store, $199.99, Melissa & Doug

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Hape Wooden Railway Double Loop Railway Set, $89.99, Amazon

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Hape Marble Run, $129.99, Amazon

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Kiddimoto London Bus Ride On Walker, $335.29, Amazon

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Manhattan Toy Company Wooden Castle, $125.85, Amazon

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3. Cardboard

Easy to put together and perfect for sparking imagination.

EverBlock Jr. Building Blocks Combo Pack, $59.95, Amazon

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Melissa & Doug Food Truck Indoor Playhouse, $49.99, Amazon

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Space Odyssey Playhouse, $130.00, Uncommon Goods

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4. Montessori-inspired

Encourage children to explore their world and learn through touch, play, and real world learning.

Kid O A to Z Magnatab, $27.62, Amazon

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Water WOW! Alphabet—On the Go Travel Activity, $4.99, Amazon

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The Manhattan Toy Company Knit Rattle, $9.00, Manhattan Toy Company

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Manhattan Toy Company Tree Top Adventure, $66.23, Amazon

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5. Eco-Friendly

Products that are safer for both baby and the environment.

EverEarth Childrens Gardening Bag With Tools, $29.90, Amazon

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Green Toys Airplane & Board Book, $15.99, Amazon

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Munch Mitt Silicone Teether, $15.99, Amazon

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Plan Toys My First Camera, $13.50, Amazon

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6. Nostalgia

Can you say MY LITTLE PONY???

Ty Beanie Boos Slush Dog, $6.09, Amazon

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My Little Pony Mini Collection, $16.48, Amazon

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Lite Brite Magic Screen, $25.75, Amazon

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Fisher Price Classics Retro Chatter Phone, $12.99, Amazon

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7. Sensory Play

Play Visions Inc. Floof Modeling Clay, $16.99, Amazon

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Geomag Magicube Free Building Set, $59.95, Amazon

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Motherly is your daily #momlife manual; we are here to help you easily find the best, most beautiful products for your life that actually work. We share what we love—and we may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You’ve got this.

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