Our 5 Favorite Toys This Summer

Disclosure: I received sample products or a discount code to use towards the purchase of items. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Summer is the season of big adventures, backyard fun, and long afternoons full of imagination. Whether you’re hitting the beach, planning a family game night, or looking for something exciting to keep the kids engaged, these five toys have quickly become our household favorites.

1. PLAYMOBIL Giant Shark with Pirate
(Ages 4–10 | $34.99 | Available on Amazon & Playmobil)
This toy is pure summer magic. The giant shark actually swims, making it a hit in the pool or at the beach. With the pull of a lever, its mouth opens wide—just enough to chomp down on the pirate (don’t worry, he escapes!). With a saber in hand and clinging to the shark’s net, the pirate sparks hours of imaginative, swashbuckling play.

2. Disney Stitch Sticki Rolls Capsules
(Ages 3+ | $5.00 | Available at Claire’s, Five Below & Amazon)
These capsule toys are a sticker lover's dream. Inspired by everyone’s favorite mischief-maker, Stitch, each capsule includes wearable stickers and fun accessories that celebrate island life and intergalactic charm. They’re perfect for collecting, trading, and sticking just about everywhere—an easy win for road trips, parties, or just a fun little surprise.

3. Stratego Junior by Jumbo Group
(Ages 4+ | $19.99 | Available on Amazon)
This one’s especially close to home—Stratego was one of my second oldest son's favorite games as a kid, and now the Junior version is something he can pass down to his daughter. With two levels of play, kids start with a memory-style game and then level up to a light strategy battle. The dinosaur theme adds an extra layer of fun while introducing young minds to thinking ahead and planning their moves.

4. #UpsideDownChallenge Game: Backyard Edition
(Ages 8+ | $29.99 | Available on Amazon)
This game turns game night on its head—literally. Put on the special goggles that flip your vision, then try to do basic tasks like stacking cups or walking through a ring obstacle course. It sounds easy until you’re upside down! Expect tons of giggles, failed attempts, and memories made. Great for family get-togethers and outdoor play.

5. Marvel Super Hero Trainer by Ultra PRO
(Ages 6+ | Price TBD | Available on Amazon & UltraPRO.com)
This high-energy toy uses motion detection to get kids moving like their favorite Marvel heroes. Crawl, jump, and strike action poses while receiving encouragement from icons like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Widow. It’s part fitness, part imagination, and all-around awesome for active kids who want to save the world—one mission at a time.