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.
