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Cool toys for weird times
This year may not have turned out the way you’d planned. In fact, it probably veered so far off course that it required an entirely new road map. But while 2020 presented significant challenges, it also offered some unexpected gifts in the form of curbside pickup, pen pals, neighborhood walks and more time at home with loved ones.
While we’ve been busy building resilience and baking sourdough, toy whisperers have been hard at work reinventing their collections and finding new ways to connect with customers. “Online shopping is a new venture for us, because we didn’t have a website before this year,” says Brittney Geleynse, co-owner of Clover Toys in Ballard. “We’re very excited and we’re still adding to it!”
The newest batch of toys and games focus on philanthropy, unplugged fun, soothing sensory experiences and neighborhood play. Read on for our top toy picks from this topsy-turvy year.
Early years (ages 0–5)
Magnetic Me ‘One World’ Modal Magnetic Footie, $39
Newborns can’t play with toys, but they (okay, their parents) do appreciate adorable, comfy clothing. Magnetic Me is known for silky-soft baby duds with hidden magnetic closures for quick, easy changes. Its new “One World” print is inspired by a wish for global peace and health in 2020 and beyond; 10 percent of proceeds are donated to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty by distributing food and hygiene kits, and empowering and protecting women and girls during COVID-19.
Bunnies by the Bay Friendly Chime Baby Rattle, $10
Local favorite Bunnies by the Bay creates super soft, supremely giftable plush toys in its Anacortes workshop. “What I love about their toys for newborns is that they have sewn eyes and other features, so they’re not a choking hazard,” says Geleynse. “Their new rattle line is plush, beautiful and sweet.”
Dans La Jungle Stack-Up Cubes and Three Chicks by Moulin Roty, $26
Stacking cubes are a classic gift for the 2-and-younger crowd. This new set from Moulin Roty’s Dans La Jungle collection comes with a bonus: three sweet chicks that tots can tuck inside the cubes.
Dans La Jungle Cascading Spinning Tops by Moulin Roty, $48
A whimsical take on the popular ramp-style toy, this item features cascading tops that twirl their way down three levels to the bottom. “We’re excited about Dans La Jungle toys,” says Geleynse. “This is very similar to a toy my daughter received for her first birthday, so when I saw it, I just fell in love.”
Moulin Roty Storybook Torch, $16
This flashlight, equipped with colorful disks, projects images onto any flat surface. Little ones can put on their own storybook show; caregivers can incorporate stories into kids’ bedtime routines.
Peaceable Kingdom Smoosh and Seek Treehouse, $20
This new memory game by Peaceable Kingdom has a satisfying sensory twist: Players work together to find animal friends and “squish” their images into smooshy dough. “One thing I love about Peaceable Kingdom is that they will replace all missing or damaged game pieces, including the dough,” says Geleynse.
Manzanita Kids Toy Mailbox, $49
Handcrafted in Seattle from kid-safe, sustainable wood, Manzanita Kids toys are satisfyingly tactile playthings made to last. “Our mailbox encourages imagination and helps retain bonds with friends and family that we just can’t see right now. Kids love ‘reading’ their mail and using the slot in the box,” says Manzanita Kids founder David Minnery. “We also offer custom letters, where you can pen your own letters to your littles!”
Great Pretenders Super-Duper Hero Teal Tutu, Cape and Mask Set, $32
Thriving in 2020 and beyond takes flexibility, versatility and a dash of superhero spirit. This three-piece set includes a double-sided mask and comfortable, high-quality finishes to take tots and preschoolers from rock star to superhero to dancing queen in style.
Elementary years (ages 6–12)
Faber-Castell and Klutz #HatNotHate Quick Knit Loom Kit, $25
Older kids can create their own cozy hat and support #HatNotHate, an anti-bullying campaign founded by Shira Blumenthal to raise awareness by making, wearing and sharing blue hats. “This speaks to a need in our community, and it’s a great skill for kids to learn,” says Geleynse.
Manzanita Kids Wooden Educational Activity Board, $38
“We just released our new educational activity boards that we are very excited about. We have four designs for various developmental stages, all designed by my wife, Adrienne, a veteran elementary schoolteacher,” says Minnery. “The boards focus on fundamental math and language skills, and are also great as a go-anywhere activity board.”
Bunnies by the Bay Toy Face Mask, $3
Get your child’s plush collection geared up for 2021 with this sweet stocking stuffer from Bunnies by the Bay. (This mask is sized for dolls and plush toys, and isn’t for use on humans.)
Thames & Kosmos Gross Gummy Candy Lab, $20
When your cookie monster tires of baking, it’s time for a new kitchen challenge. This kit lets gummy connoisseurs and budding scientists safely experiment with natural polymers, colorings and citric acid. Even better, they get to eat the results.
Manzanita Kids Mod-Town Modular Building Toys, $54
The newest additions to Manzanita’s popular modular building sets, Mod-Town kits can stand alone or as part of a modular neighborhood, village or fantasy world. “Bigger kids love our modular building toys,” says Minnery. “The design is timeless, gender-neutral, and it encourages open-ended imaginative play for ages 4–10. All sets are cross-compatible so you can mix and match; they’re heirloom quality and meant to be passed down to the next generation.”
Wham-O Snow Boogie Hot Dog Tube, $30
What better way to end 2020 than with a gift that promotes family bonding, outdoor exercise and pure fun? This three-person inflatable sled features six soft handles, an eye-catching design and a soft, bouncy ride. Safe for ages 4 and older, this sled is ready for your neighborhood hill and light enough to tote over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house.
Razor Party Pop Scooter, $49.99
Brighten your tween’s neighborhood strolls with Razor’s brilliant Party Pop scooter. Its multicolored lights will illuminate winter’s dark months and make it easier to spot your speedster on family outings.
Teen Years (ages 13+)
MasterPieces Seek & Find 1,000-Piece Puzzle, $16
Puzzles are a perennial pastime that’s newly popular in 2020. This 1,000-piece puzzle offers an additional challenge hidden in the artwork to take your teen’s puzzle puttering to the next level.
Eat2explore Global Cooking Kit, $24.95
This monthly subscription kit brings world cuisine to your kitchen with recipes from a new country each month — perfect for a homebound teenager dreaming of global travel.
Incohearent – Family Edition by What Do You Meme?, $20
The PG version of the best-selling Incohearent game, this family-friendly edition features 500 cards for hours of family giggles. Players 12 and older compete to decode gibberish phrases until one player wins … or everyone collapses from laughing, whichever comes first.
Buffalo Games Apollo: A Game Inspired by the NASA Moon Missions, $29.99
From May’s SpaceX shuttle launch to July’s visit from the NEOWISE comet, 2020 sparked new interest in astronomy. This cooperative strategy game inspired by NASA moon missions allows players to walk in the footsteps of NASA pioneers. Teams collaborate to complete flight stages, overcome obstacles, repair spacecraft and finish their mission.
Magneto Slot Machine Longboard, $79.99
With more people taking to streets and sidewalks, it’s no surprise that the longboard trend has picked up speed during COVID-19. Similar to skateboards and well-suited to cruising and racing, longboards are more popular than ever. This new release features a lengthwise slot running through the board’s center. The slot helps the board flex while in motion, for improved turning, better traction and more stability when pushing off.
