Sweet Suite 2021 Top Kids Family Toys

Toys

MBE was hosted for the event; post contains affiliate links

Sweet Suite 2021 Toys Classic & New

Fun, entertaining, educational and family-friendly. These are only a few of the words that begin to describe the eclectic toys and kids stuff Mommy Blog Expert discovered at Sweet Suite, an annual conference for influencers like MBE, who'd target audience is families with children. Usually Sweet Suite is hosted in New York City each July. But for past two years, due to the pandemic, this must-attend conference for mom influencers and moms who blog organized by The Toy Insider was virtual but still as exciting as ever.

Best New Toys, Fun for Kids and Family

As is always the case at this event, Sweet Suite covers the broad spectrum of fun, creativity, pretend play and STEM-related toys, from classic to brand-new, boutique start-up companies to major household brand names you'll immediately recognize. There's something to check out for every age-group: preschoolers, school age kids, tweens, and even fun things that encourage spending more quality family time together.

I can't wait to share MBE's top picks for each age group with you, so let's get started! Keep reading to learn all about the many and varied toys and games for each age group as well as fun stuff the whole extended family -- including multiple generations and grandparents -- can enjoy together.

Preschooler Toys

Younger kids will appreciate the first ever child's Postal Truck Electric Ride On Toy -- pictured at the top of this post -- is brought to you by Kid Trax which was acquired in May 2023 by Flybar. I can't imagine a kid (up to 60 pounds, according to the manufacturer) with a responsible grownup overseeing all the action who wouldn't enjoy delivering the mail and playing mail carrier with this cool driveable rechargable battery-powered pint-sized vehicle that goes up to 2.5 MPH. Also new is a pop-up post office tent structure, also from Kid Trax, to extend the pretend play fun and add even more realism. For Ages 3-5

For older preschoolers, there is the fun and educational MagiCoders Coding Critters collection from Learning Resources. This engaging STEM  toy introduces children to the wonderful world of technology and coding skills early. Pictured immediately above is the Skye the Unicorn MagiCoders set, also available and just as cute for kids is Blazer the Dragon MagiCoders set. For Ages 4+

Rounding out the new fun toys for preschoolers, inspiring future veteranarians, doctors and other medical professionals and scientists, is an adorable new Blue's Clues and You! Check-up Time Blue kids plush toy and doctor play set from JustPlay which will be available in August on Amazon and at retailers nationwide. 

Based on the popular kids Nickelodeon program airing on PBS this includes a Blue plush dog toy, along with a toy stethoscope, thermometer, play spoonful of medicine, otoscope, removable bandage and removable face mask. For Ages 3+

School Age Kids Toys

Meet the crazy, adorable collectible Cats vs Pickles toys from Cepia: there's a surprise mini plush toy cat or pickle in every package.  An inexpensive toy for kids that's all the rage this season is selling briskly on Amazon and in-store right now. Sold individually and in packs of 12 toys. These are just the thing for boys and girls to trade with classmates and friends this fall. 

Bringing these cuties to life, there's also a free downloable app to access by scanning the QR code on the packaging to amplify the ways children engage with these characters. From designated study buddy to sensory stimulation to creative play and community engagement there seems to be almost an endless array of possibilities to enjoy Cats vs Pickles. Ages 4+

Tweens Toys

Artsy tween guys and gals will have a blast of creativity with the new all-in-one kit Shimmer 'n Sparkle Deluxe Tie Dye Station crafting set from Cra-Z-Art which includes the tie dye unit and six different tie dye colors as well as rubber bands, white string, cotton bandana, hair scrunchy and easy-to-follow instructions.

Moms, Dads and caregivers will like this just as much as the kids since the enclosed unit where the dyes are applied to the fabric minimizes the mess you'd expect from old-fashioned tie dying activities. Not only is it crazy easy for tweens to celebrate their independence and individuality by decorating their own t-shirts and other accessories (not included in the set) to show off when they go back to school this fall, they'll also be able to easily and quickly clean up after themselves. For Ages 8+

Family Toys & Games

The MasterChef, Great British Baking Show, Chopped, Nailed It, the list goes on ... The cooking shows lots of us love to stream are all the rage these days among both kids and growups. Finally the new MasterChef Family Cooking Game from WowWee and Wilder Toys brings the fun and excitement of the cooking competition into your home so the whole family can get in on the fun. The culinary board game (pictured above) is available at Target, Amazon, Walgreens, Kohl's Macy's and other retailers.

Also new, to be available in August is the Virtual Reality MasterChef Junior set featuring a 90-page recipe book and cooking kit encouraging kids, through interactive recipes and hands-on cooking, to build STEAM skills while cooking up food together you can actually eat.   Now that kids, parents, and even grandparents have the chance to compete in the kitchen, dinner time will never be the same again! For Ages 7+

For more from 2021 Sweet Suite Brands

Take a peek inside 

this year's Swag Box

About Sweet Suite

The invitation-only Sweet Suite, traditionally held in July in New York City, is the must-attend annual biggest night of play conference for toy influencers and moms who blog. As in 2020, this summer Sweet Suite @ Home 2021 brought the playful energy to laptops in our home offices via a customized, fun and immersive experience. 

The 3D app was specially designed to give us influencers the chance to virtually visit 5o kids' brands who were exhibiting and to learn all about what's new in fun, entertaining and educational kids products to share with moms, dads and others who love toys as much as we do. Along the way, we had the opportunity to experience virtual toy demos, one-on-one meetings, and exclusive toy reveals as well as to  connect with this year's participating kids brands for future reviews and collaborations. 

The Sweet Suite event was hosted by leading consumer toy publication and review site The Toy Insider and was produced by Adventure Media and Events, LLC. Visit The Toy Insider for more information as well follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up on all the latest toy news.

2021 Sweet Suite Unboxing Video

Want to see all the fun that was inside the 2021 Sweet Suite at Home mega swag box of toys, games, and other cool kids' stuff? Watch MBE's Unboxing Video now

DISCLOSURE: Images provided by brands exhibiting at Sweet Suite. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (without extra cost to you) for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Kids Style Design Contest - Zulily BTS

Back to School

Zulily Fashion Design Contest for Girls, Boys 

Hey Parents: Do you have a budding wanna be fashion designer daughter or son in the house between the ages of 5 and 14? If you answered yes, you'll definitely want to read on to learn about a really fun kids back to school fashion design contest opportunity that  Zulily -- an online retailer I have loved shopping for years for my own family -- has going on right now for parents to enter to recognize creative and stylish kids like yours.

MBE Family Photo Archives

MBE partnered with Zulily for this post

You're Invited to Enter Now through July 31

With summer quickly passing by -- and considering many kids will be going back to school in a matter of weeks, with August just around the corner -- it's not too early for moms and dads to start thinking about preparing for the upcoming school year for those of you with children who will be heading back to classrooms this fall.

Not only does that involve shopping for all the school supplies your child will need to be successful in the year ahead, it also includes buying your son or daughter new clothes and accessories that you approve of as a parent and that they will be excited about wearing in the cooler months ahead.

To help launch Zulily's exciting fashion-forward 2021 Back-to-School Shop mix and match collection which celebrates each kid's individuality, I could not be more excited to share with you about Zulily's Back-to-School Uniquely Zu Contest. 

By hosting this competition, the brand is giving young kids a much bigger say in what they wear as well as bestowing upon them ownership in styles that they and their friends wear, as well as inspiring a whole new generation of future fashion designers to thing creatively outside the box.

MBE Family Photo Archives

To enter the contest, parents all across the U.S. are invited to submit an original Instagram post on behalf of your child (ages 5-14 are eligible to participate) showing off that boy's or girl's unique sense of fashionable style. Out of these submissions, the best six kids designs will be chosen. Then, the parents of each winner will receive a $6,000 Back-to-School prize package which includes $5,000 toward the child's education and a $1,000 Zulily credit for back to school shopping. 

Plus there's a bonus opportunity for the winning parents, inspired by their kids style sense, to join Zulily in a design collaboration contributing to an exclusive Zulily capsule collection of children's fashion and accessories to be launched in 2022, ranging from swimwear to BTS apparel and lots more.

About Zulily & The #UniquelyZu Contest 

Zulily is my go-to source for discovering constantly changing, stylish and affordable curated fashion with savings up to 70% with great deals for the whole family year-round. In addition to trendy and boutique clothing and accessories, Zulily is also the place for home decor, toys, tech gadgets, gifts, and much more. For additional information on the Zulily Uniquely Zu Contest as well as news on all the 2021 fall kids fashion trends, see Zulily's blog. Enter your child by July 31, 2021.

Paw Patrol DVD Movie Review Giveaway

Movies

To get everyone excited about the upcoming first-ever theatrical release PAW Patrol: The Movie (opening in theaters on August 20), Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment have released an all-new look line of the catalog's 2020 fan favorites. DVD titles in the new line are available in special two-DVD bundles online only and individually only in brick-and-mortar stores.

MBE partnered with Paramount, post contains affiliate links

PAW Patrol: New Look DVD Line + Giveaway

In the past few years MBE has reviewed many of the PAW Patrol DVDs as well as hosted movie giveaways for titles ranging from PAW Patrol: Moto Pups, PAW Patrol: Dino Rescue Roar to the Rescue, and PAW Patrol: Pup-tastic Fire Truck Set, PAW Patrol: Rubble Dubble and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue. 

Read on to learn more about the new-look PAW Patrol DVD collection, as well as find out how to enter MBE's exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a prize package that includes the six DVDs pictured at the top of this post.

Gimme Paws Up 

On this Exciting 

PAW Patrol News!

New-Look DVDs Available in Three Sets  - Exclusively Online

Available at e-com retailers including Amazon, 2-Pack DVD Bundles carry an SRP of $16.99 include:

• Mighty Pups Paw Patrol 3-DVD Set
• Ready, Race, Rescue and The Great Pirate Rescue Paw Patrol 2-DVD Set
• Ultimate Rescue and Jungle Rescues Paw Patrol 2-DVD Set

New-Look DVDs Also Available Individually in Stores

The six all-new look collectible PAW Patrol DVDs are available individually at participating reatilers including Walmart. DVDs to choose from with an SRP of $11.99 each include: 

• Mighty Pups (featuring Chase)
• Ultimate Rescue (featuring Marshall)
• Read, Race, Rescue (featuring Skye)
• Jungle Rescues (featuring Rocky)
• The Great Pirate Rescue (featuring Rubble)
• Pups Save Puplantis (featuring Zuma) 

Now, let's get on with this awesome PAW Patrol Giveaway. This time one lucky participant will win a prize package that includes ALL six new PAW Patrol DVD line.

GIVEAWAY

PAW Patrol 6-DVD 

Prize Pack

MBE Giveaway

On Instagram

Thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment, ONE (1) MBE giveaway participant will win all 6 of the PAW Patrol DVDs in the new look line. To enter this movie giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. Paramount Home Entertainment is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to the winner.

About PAW Patrol 

Learn more about PAW Patrol and follow this popular entertainment brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PAW Patrol Merchandise SHOP

PAW Patrol VTech Learning Tablets

PAW Patrol Smart Watch With Camera

PAW Patrol 18 piece Coloring Set

PAW Patrol Kids Electric Toothbrush

PAW Patrol Kids Reversible Quilted Puffer Jacket

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (without extra cost to you) for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Cinderella Story Starstruck Warner Bros Review

Movies 

MBE partnered with Warner Bros; post contains affiliate links

A Cinderella Story: Starstruck Movie Review

Very excited to share there's more fun, family-friendly kids entertainment on the horizon to enjoy at home this summer. The sixth movie in the A Cinderella Story series A Cinderella Story: Starstruck (Warner Bros. Entertainment 2021, Rated PG) is on digital and, as of today, now available to watch on DVD.  Also heads up: This film is also slated to arrive on HBO Max later this year.

To celebrate the latest installment in the series, the studio sent us the new musical movie DVD pictured for review. Included inside the gift box was a really cute Little Sparks Cookies farm-inspired cookie decorating set to help illustrate this post and share with our fun-loving national audience.

The Storyline

In A Cinderella Story: Starstruck, small-town Idaho farm girl Finley Tremaine (Bailee Madison) has starry eyed dreams about going to Hollywood and becoming actress. The tale begins when a Hollywood movie shoot comes to her little town in the middle of nowhere. 

Before we know it, Finley is trying everything she can think of to not only land a role in the film but also capture the heart of Jackson Stone (Michael Evans Behling), a handsome young man playing the lead character.

 

But all is not well back on the ranch. After completely blowing the audition, farm girl Finley springs into action to think outside the box. The wannabe actress makes a last ditch effort, finally getting her big show biz break disguised as a cowboy named Huck. 

With twists and turns about her wacky pursuits of performing and true love  -- complicated still more by trying to keep the whole charade secret from a wicked stepmother and step-siblings -- you'll be cheering this young gal on in a musical rom-com the whole family will enjoy watching together again and again.

Just a few scenes from the new movie... 

Image courtesy of Warner Bros.

Rest assured. If your viewing experience is anything like mine, you'll be singing and dancing both during the movie and afterward. 

For even more hilarious and fun, sneak a peek at this behind the scenes movie clip Warner Bros put together.

Buy the DVD Now

About A Cinderella Story: Starstruck

Now available on Digital and DVD in both the US and Canada, A Cinderella Story: Starstruck will also be viewable on HBO Max later this year. 

From Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the all new musical film has a run time of approximately 100 minutes and features two Bonus Features: Finely's Best Friends: Meet the Farm Animals and Dirt Under My Nails: The Making of A Cinderella Story: Starstruck. Learn more about this delightful modern day Cinderella movie series by visiting Warner Bros. Entertainment on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Harry Potter NY VR Experience Review

Entertainment

MBE partnered with Harry Potter NY for this story

New Attraction Arrives Via Broomstick to New York

I didn't have to ask twice. My two millennial sons Rafi and Jacob, both Manhattan residents and dedicated Potterheads since the first book, jumped at Warner Bros. hosted opportunity to represent MBE at the press preview of both VR adventures offered by Harry Potter New York Virtual Reality Experiences. The two different experiences, Wizards Take Flight and Chaos at Hogwarts (each requiring advance ticket purchases), open to the public on Thursday, July 15 at the Harry Potter NY store, 350 Broadway in the Flatiron District of New York City.

Photo by Ashley Winkler

 

Behind the Scenes at Harry Potter NY VR Experiences 

Since they got a sneak peek and tried this out, Rafi and Jacob have been talking about how cool this new multi-media VR presentation is. Keep reading to learn in-depth about what the experience is actually like, what they enjoyed most, and what Harry Potter enthusiasts can look forward to as you immerse yourselves in this all-new exciting world of high tech wizardry. 

Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

So let's get on with it: Here, in my guys' own words as told to their Mom, are their unique impressions of the Harry Potter NY VR Experiences. Join them now for a virtual insider's guided tour through their stories and photos.

Rafi Elspas, The Engineer - The Nuts and Bolts of the VR Gear

Big brother Rafi works as a computer engineer for a multinational aerospace company, so he is equally enthralled with technology hardware, gadgets, and computer coding. He's also a serious Harry Potter fan which he recently proved by joining in a Harry Potter movie marathon to rewatch all eight movies with some friends.

Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

Wizards Take Flight - Flying on a Broom Above Hogwarts

"During this experience you are seated the whole time, but feel as if you're flying on a broom inside Harry Potter's fantasy world," Rafi explains. "Starting in the equipment room -- which has the vibe of a locker room -- a helpful VR team member will outfit you with hand sensors and goggles to allow you to see in VR; there are also props of what you'd expect Hogwarts students to wear when flying during Quidditch. Once you're all geeked out with gear, staff will show you how to use the buttons and controls.

"After you know what to do, you move to the VR experience room where there's a trial run to practice and get the feel of taking off and flying on your broom. Then you're all set to explore via a fantastical VR experience. Over about 15 minutes, your small group of participants will have the sensation of soaring above Hogwarts and around and about in a few more scenes. No spoilers but what I will tell you is that you'll encounter some special effects, and a familiar character or two who engage with you. You'll also have opportunities to point your wand and cast a spell or two."

Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

Chaos at Hogwarts - Walking around the Castle

"The preparation for this VR experience is similar to Wizards," Rafi says. "First the staff, dressed in character, assists with putting on your equipment such as feet/hand straps and a laptop size computer backpack; they'll also show you how to operate all the gadgetry. What's different is rather than riding on a broom and flying, in Chaos at Hogwarts you have the ability to stand and are free to walk around, while exploring the VR castle.

"There's also a wand you wave, saying a magic word to cast a spell to cause a certain effect. Sensory special effects, like water, are also part of the journey. Running about 15 minutes, this experience creates the illusion you're walking around Hogwarts, experiencing sensations like climbing stairs, entering/exiting rooms, and more. Walking around seems like you are moving over greater distances, when in reality the actual physical space is around 20x20 squarefeet, give or take. The thing I liked best was that there are alternative endings, depending on whether you succeed at different tasks, both having to do with a dragon."

Jacob Elspas, the Computer Coder - How to Maximize Your Experience

Jacob, just one year Rafi's junior and the youngest of triplets, is a coder for one of the world's largest companies. He not only is fascinated by pop culture and virtual reality experiences in general, he loves to read (especially the genre fantasy) and you'll rarely see him without a book in hand. He's also extremely knowledgeable about Harry Potter  trivia as he has read all J.K. Rowling's books (and seen all the movies) in the series multiple times. 

Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

Come to think of it, Jacob knows a whole lot more about the wizarding world of Harry Potter than I do. He was immensely helpful in educating me while writing this review about characters and details, especially when it comes to magic spells and what they do, like Alohamora (to unlock doors), Reducto (to cause an explosion), and Incendio (to set things on fire), to name a few.

"I can't tell you which ones, " Jacob alludes, "but trust me, you will be excited to become immersed in your favorite parts from various Harry Potter films whichever VR experience you choose. From gearing up and receiving instructions through the end of the actual experience, total time was just a half hour, but this was such a full and thrilling adventure it seemed longer. 

"Both experience versions were truly interactive: Not only are you enabled to see and do your own tasks within the VR world, you also have the ability to see, touch and assist with other members in your group, creating a sense of comraderie. Those who I think will appreciate this the most are teens and adults who are already fairly familiar with Harry Potter. 

Photos by Raphel Elspas and Jacob Elspas

"While I enjoyed both experiences, I think I preferred Chaos at Hogwarts slightly more since there seemed to be more things going on and different scenes to visit. Pre-opening tickets have been selling quickly, so this is likely to be very popular event for months to come, so if you have your heart set on a certain date, it's probably a good idea to reserve your tickets now.

"If this is your first time here's great tip to enjoy the overall Harry Potter vibes even more," Jacob adds. "Before and after your VR experience be sure to allow extra time to check out the new Harry Potter NY store which opened in June. As you can see from the assortment of images in this post, there is an immense comprehensive collection of Harry Potter-themed merchandise to shop. Lots of fun Instagram photo opps to take advantage of, too, so make sure you bring along your fully-charged smartphone to snap pictures and memories like we did."  

More About Harry Potter NY VR Experiences

When you reserve and buy your timed tickets for this experience, you will have the option to choose between  two very different, but equally exciting Harry Potter VR adventures: Wizards Take Flight and Chaos at Hogwarts. From start to finish, including putting on and removing the gear, each of the two experiences lasts approximately 30 minutes. 

Admission is $34 per person per experience and you are only permitted to reserve one option in advance at a time. Minimum height for guests is 48-inches tall; kids must be at least 10 years old, plus all participants under 13 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Photography is permitted in the store but is not allowed when during the actual Harry Potter VR experiences. Timed tickets for the new VR experiences are available now, to purchase and for date availability check the Harry Potter Store NY site.

NOTE: Tickets for bookings from August 16 to September 15, 2021 will be released soon - Check the Harry Potter NY website for details.