Toy Fair 2018: The top 7 toy trends mamas need to know about

#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

Hape Sonic Playground, releasing later this year

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

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

Hape Marble Run, $129.99, Amazon

Kiddimoto London Bus Ride On Walker, $335.29, Amazon

Manhattan Toy Company Wooden Castle, $125.85, Amazon

3. Cardboard

Easy to put together and perfect for sparking imagination.

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

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

Space Odyssey Playhouse, $130.00, Uncommon Goods

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

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

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

Manhattan Toy Company Tree Top Adventure, $66.23, Amazon

5. Eco-Friendly

Products that are safer for both baby and the environment.

EverEarth Childrens Gardening Bag With Tools, $29.90, Amazon

Green Toys Airplane & Board Book, $15.99, Amazon

Munch Mitt Silicone Teether, $15.99, Amazon

Plan Toys My First Camera, $13.50, Amazon

6. Nostalgia

Can you say MY LITTLE PONY???

Ty Beanie Boos Slush Dog, $6.09, Amazon

My Little Pony Mini Collection, $16.48, Amazon

Lite Brite Magic Screen, $25.75, Amazon

Fisher Price Classics Retro Chatter Phone, $12.99, Amazon

7. Sensory Play

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

Geomag Magicube Free Building Set, $59.95, Amazon

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.