These Are the Best Toys We Saw at Toy Fair New York 2020

Sometimes, this job has perks: The team at Good Housekeeping and the Good Housekeeping Institute got to attend Toy Fair New York, where hundreds of toymakers previewed all of the good things coming out in the next year or so. And, after playing with interactive toys, squishing compounds, styling pretend hair, and marveling over Baby Yoda, we’ve named our Best of Toy Fair Winners — the toys, games, and other playthings that gave off the best first impression.

What toy trends are in store for this year? Squishy, stretchy, sticky compounds are still hot, and everyone has a new something-or-other for kids to stick their hands in. The unboxing phenomenon is not going away soon, and blind bags, surprise toys, and collectibles are still going to be hot in 2020. STEM is also still a focus, with lots of toys that sneak in a science lesson alongside play. And sustainability is a big buzzword among companies, with new toys coming out made of plant-based plastic, or wrapped up in recyclable packaging.

But one thing that’s true of this year’s Toy Fair (and is a lesson we re-learn every year): Kids today are very, very lucky.