Toys
Ongoing coverage on Toys.
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NeeDoh seems to be back in stock at Amazon, and it's not hideously overpriced for once
The viral toy NeeDoh is reportedly back in stock on Amazon at prices significantly lower than reseller markups, though still inflated compared to last year. The article advises caution and suggests checking price history to avoid overpaying due to the toy's current popularity and scarcity.
I went hands-on with Lego Pokemon Smart Play, and my inner 10 year-old was losing it
Lego has introduced a new line of interactive Pokemon toys featuring 'Smart Bricks' that allow the figures to detect motion, light up, and make sounds. These new brick-built Pokemon, including Pikachu and Charizard, can interact with players through touch, feeding, and even simulated battles, drawing inspiration from the video games' mechanics and player feedback.
This Lego World Cup 2026 merch is (Premier) leagues ahead of the rest - the perfect half-time activity
Lego has released a range of merchandise for the upcoming World Cup 2026, featuring creative display pieces and minifigure sets. The collection includes a World Cup Trophy kit and 'Football Highlights' sets showcasing popular players. Some items are currently on sale, with potential for further discounts during Prime Day.
Pokémon gets the Lego Smart Play treatment with new sets arriving this summer, and they're not as eye-wateringly expensive as the previous Pokémon builds
Lego and The Pokémon Company are releasing 12 new Lego Smart Play sets on August 1st, featuring interactive elements like light and sound. These sets are designed to be more affordable than previous Lego Pokémon builds and include characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Bulbasaur, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $119.99.
LEGO reveals 12 SMART Play Pokémon sets
LEGO has revealed 12 new Pokémon-themed SMART Play sets, marking the first SMART Play line not based on Star Wars. These sets utilize patented LEGO SMART Bricks that respond to children's actions with light, sound, and motion, offering interactive play without screens. The sets, featuring iconic Pokémon like Pikachu and Charizard, will be available starting August 1st, 2026.
LEGO Pokemon Smart Play sets announced for August 2026 release
LEGO has announced new Pokemon playsets featuring Smart Tag technology, which will add interactive sounds and features. These new sets are scheduled for release in August 2026.
Lego announces 12 Smart Play Pokémon sets
Lego has announced 12 new Smart Play sets featuring the Pokémon franchise. This marks the second Lego theme to receive Smart Play sets, following the Star Wars line.
LEGO Pokemon reveals 12 new sets, pre-orders open
The LEGO Group and The Pokemon Company have unveiled twelve new LEGO Pokemon sets, featuring characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mew, with pre-orders now open for an August 1, 2026 release. These new sets incorporate 'Smart Play' technology, allowing the LEGO Pokemon creatures to interact with children's actions, encouraging imaginative play, training, and battling.
Build, Train, Nurture & Battle: New LEGO® Pokémon™ SMART Play sets allow children to feel like Pokémon Trainers!
The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International have announced new LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets for builders aged 6 and up. These sets feature interactive screen-free play, allowing children to build, train, nurture, and battle with Pokémon figures like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo. The new line, featuring twelve sets, will be available starting August 1st, 2026.
New cheaper Lego Pokémon sets let you battle and train with digital smart bricks
Lego has released 12 new, more affordable Pokémon sets that utilize new smart brick technology for interactive sounds and movements. These sets are designed for younger audiences, featuring simpler designs inspired by the Super Mario line, and allow for simulated battles and training mechanics mirroring the video games. Some sets include smart bricks, while others require them to be purchased separately or from existing Lego lines.
12 new Lego Pokemon sets launch this August, and they're all Smart Play
Lego is launching 12 new interactive "Smart Play" Pokemon sets in August, featuring characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo. These sets utilize light, sound, motion, and sensing technology for screen-free play, allowing children to build, train, and battle their Pokemon. Some sets include Smart Bricks and chargers, while others feature Smart Tags that interact with them.
Don't like the look of Lego Pokemon? Try these rival sets instead (especially now they're going cheap)
Mega, a rival to Lego, offers building sets based on Pokemon that are currently on sale at Woot. The article highlights these sets as alternatives to Lego's Pokemon offerings, noting significant discounts on Mega's blocky monster figures.
I review Lego for a living, and I think these are the best new Lego sets in May 2026
This article highlights the best new LEGO sets releasing in May 2026, focusing on three standout models: The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter Ultimate Collector Series set, the new Rocking Plants botanical set, and Toy Story's Slinky Dog Bookends. The author, who reviews LEGO professionally, provides personal recommendations for collectors overwhelmed by the month's releases.
The Victoria Day AFK Guide: 3 Physical Expansion Packs for Your Long Weekend - GameHaunt
This guide suggests three LEGO sets as physical "expansion packs" for the Victoria Day long weekend, offering gaming-like experiences without screens. The LEGO DUPLO Interactive Adventure Train is recommended for toddlers, the LEGO City Heavy-Duty Recovery Tow Truck with Crane for those who enjoy physics-based simulation and problem-solving, and the LEGO Traditional Chess Set for strategy enthusiasts.
Where to buy NeeDoh, the viral toy sensation
The viral toy NeeDoh is experiencing extremely high demand, leading to widespread stock shortages. Schylling CEO Paul Weingard noted that the company sold its entire year's inventory within the first nine weeks of the year. The toy's popularity surged due to social media platforms like TikTok, creating a self-sustaining cycle of demand.
These are the Nerf blasters ruling gardens this summer
This guide recommends the best Nerf blasters for summer outdoor play, catering to different age groups and needs. It highlights top picks like the Nerf N-Series Ward for affordability and accuracy, and the Nerf N-Series Infinite for its large dart capacity. The article also briefly mentions other models and related toy guides.
I review Lego for a living, and I think these are the best new Lego sets in April 2026
This article reviews the best new Lego sets released in April 2026, highlighting models from various themes including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Icons, Star Wars, and Super Mario. The author, a professional Lego reviewer, provides insights into build satisfaction and display potential for each featured set.
Where to buy Hatchin' Yoshi, the must-have toy that keeps selling out
The Hatchin' Yoshi toy, inspired by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is experiencing high demand and frequent sell-outs. Retailers like Walmart and Smyths Toys are stocking the animatronic toy, which hatches from an egg and interacts with users. The toy has an MSRP of $49.88 in the US and £59.99 in the UK, with some retailers artificially inflating prices due to its popularity and reseller activity.
Hands On: Nintendo's My Mario Toy Series Is Cute, But Offers Mixed Value For Your Little Ones
Nintendo's My Mario toy line, particularly the expensive wooden block set, offers mixed value for consumers despite its high quality and cute designs. While the blocks are well-made and imported from Japan, their high price point is difficult to justify for a mass-produced children's toy. Other items in the range, like plush toys and rattles, provide better value for money.
Don't panic if you've left Mother's Day gifts to the last minute, these Lego flowers make perfect…
Lego flowers are presented as a last-minute gift solution for Mother's Day, offering a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to traditional bouquets. The article highlights the creative and puzzle-solving aspects of building Lego sets, positioning them as excellent gift options.
