5 Toy Blogs Perfect for Finding Playtime and Gift Ideas
Welcome to Blog Profiles! Each week, we select a topic and handful of blogs that do a great job contributing to the conversation. Whether you’re searching for unique gift ideas for the little ones or need playtime options to help develop important skills in children, these toy blogs hit the mark. Do you have a blog that deserves recognition? Tweet our writers at @BeyondBylines.
Photo by Vanessa Bucceri on Unsplash
Maybe you’re done with your holiday shopping, but if you’re like me, you aren’t even close.
As we get close to wrapping up the holiday season, here are a few toy blogs to bookmark for the 2023 holiday season, or any gift-giving celebrations over the next year. They also offer unique DIY toy ideas for parents and educators.
1. AwesomeToyBlog
If you’re interested in action figures, this blog is a must-read. Created by toy enthusiast Matt Guzy, the site provides thorough coverage of the annual New York Toy Fair and San Diego Comic-con with news, reviews, and more.
These recent toy releases caught my eye:
- Loungefly Reveals New November Collection Including Bambi, Snow White, Spider-Man and More
- Hasbro Launches NERF BLITZ! with Top NCAA Athletes
- Factory Entertainment Announces ThunderCats Mumm-Ra Helmet Prop Replica
Follow @AwesomeToyBlog on Twitter.
Character Options Offers New Online Exclusive Doctor Who “Regeneration Set” https://t.co/1ovDWpKKdj
— AwesomeToyBlog (@AwesomeToyBlog) November 27, 2022
2. Toy Insider
The Toy Insider site has become a go-to source for the latest toy news, reviews, and gift guides. Not only does it publish the standard holiday gift guide, but you’ll find a bonus one midway through the year in its list of the coolest toys of the summer.
Check out the site for the latest on action figures, puzzles, arts and crafts, outdoor toys, and more.
Get started with these recent posts:
- The Toy Insider’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
- Explore a Digital Galaxy with the LEGO City Mars Spacecraft Exploration Missions Set
- Better Than Yesterday Boosts Your Confidence Through Fun Challenges
Follow @TheToyInsider on Twitter.
A great holiday gift doesn't have to be expensive. These toys are all under $25! #weknowplay @thattoygirl @Studio40Live https://t.co/aBhbECttnE
— The Toy Insider (@TheToyInsider) December 1, 2022
3. 100 Toys
100 Toys is all about helping parents find (or create) toys that aren’t only fun but are engaging and help children develop the skills they need. “There’s no end goal, just pressure-free fun and discovery,” the site explains.
The blog is full of unique ways to utilize everyday items as toys, like water bottles or elastic bands. Readers can also find helpful gift guides for different age groups.
Recommended reads:
Follow @onehundredtoys on Instagram.
Credit: @onehundredtoys on Instagram
4. The Toy Guy
Chris Byrne, a toy analyst, researcher, and consultant, created this “never-ending playdate” to highlight toys that provide kids with new experiences, allow them to explore the world (both reality and the imagination), and provide them with opportunities for self-expression.
In addition to finding the best toys currently on the market, the blog will also offer something for parents by giving shoutouts to some of their own favorite toys from childhood.
A few posts to check out:
Follow @thetoyguy on Twitter.
Had a great time contributing to several episodes in this series. Tune in on @thehistorychannel Sunday October 23 at 9 PM ET. pic.twitter.com/CIxNF5W9il
— The Toy Guy–Back in the World (@thetoyguy) October 21, 2022
5. PlayopolisToys
PlayopolisToys was founded by Christina Wallerstein to provide distraction, developmental, coping, learning, and sensory toys for “the Diverse Needs of the Citizens of Play.” The company’s toys are focused on sensory awareness, gross and fine motor skills, and cognitive development.
Parents and teachers can find toys based on age group, type (blocks, music, art, tactile, etc.), need (Autism and visually impaired, for example), and skill (fine motor, visual, speech, etc.). The blog gives advice on choosing the right toys for a child’s needs, the benefits of toys for development, and more.
Check out these posts:
- Encourage Preschoolers to Use Their Imagination
- Why Toys Are Important for Child Development
- How Worry Eaters Help Children Manage Fears
P.S. Ever wonder how we come up with ideas for our blog profiles? Our handy list of industries and subjects on PR Newswire for Journalists stays top of mind. If you’re a blogger or journalist looking for toy news, let us know. We can customize a newsfeed for you.
Rocky Parker is the Manager of Audience and Journalist Engagement at Cision PR Newswire. She's been with the company since 2010 and has worked with journalists and bloggers as well as PR and comms professionals. Outside of work, she can be found trying a new recipe, binging a new show, or cuddling with her pitbull, Hudson.
