The annual New York Toy Fair offers a preview of new and innovative toys from big name brands as well as smaller toy vendors. Here’s a selection of toys that caught our eye from this year’s Fair, here are 10 of the hottest new toys for kids for 2018:

Sign up for our free Newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

Green Toys Dough Sets

The ultimate eco-friendly play dough, Green Toys™ Dough is made in the USA from organic flour and food-safe ingredients, it comes packaged in recycled and recyclable materials printed with soy inks.

They have Tools Essentials, Meal Maker, Flower Maker, Race Car Maker, Cake Maker as well as replacement dough sets.

Suitable for ages 2+, from $9.99

smART sketcher Projector

smART sketcher lets you transform photos taken from your smartphone or device into a sketch. By using the free smART sketcher app, photos are filtered and transferred via Bluetooth to the projector. Instantly users will see their desired image projected onto paper so that users are able to draw almost anything the eye can see.

The smART sketcher™ Projector injects more fun into drawing, coloring and writing with a simple to use app. Step-by-step instructions guide small or large hands through the entire process. Crayons, markers, pencils, and music add finishing touches. Extension packs extend the play with themed pictures, letters, numbers, and spelling activities.

Ages 5+, from $59.95

3Doodler Start with HEXBUGS

The 3Doodler Start is a 3D smartpen that’s made for kids as young as 6. The pen never gets above 110 degrees, and the “construction” material is safe… even to kids and animals who might munch on it.

The kit includes everything you need to draw in 3D — and because of their partnership with HEXBUG, it even includes three Hexbugs that you can build into characters so you can make your own motorized creations. This is a STEM toy that’s so fun, your kids won’t realize they’re actually learning as they go!

The kit will be available in May 2018 for $59.99, ages 6+

Mattel Jurassic World Kamigami Robots

Mattel is bringing out their Velociraptor “Blue” and Villain Dino dinosaur bots as a tie-in for the upcoming Jurassic World movie. Control each bot via a companion app on your smart device; its rudimentary block-coding feature lets you design your own movements, lights, and sounds.

$59.99, for ages 8 and up.

Plunge It

Move over Pie Face, there’s a new game in town. Plunge It from Alex Brands is a laugh out loud, action-packed game bound to appeal to kids (and maybe even parents!). Get ready, flush, plunge! Pass the plungers around and around until you hear that fart sound! Act fast as be the first to plunge to poo…. or not!

Available autumn, $21.99, Ages 4 and up

Lego DUPLO Steam Train Set

“You can never be too young for STEM” is the concept behind Lego’s DUPLO Steam Train. The 59-piece set is designed for ages 2 and up, and it encourages kids to tinker with their train set and to learn about cause and effect. A free optional companion app lets kids take control of the train using a Bluetooth connection.

Available from August for $59.99.

Smooshy Mushy Yolo Froyo Pets

They’re Oh so squishy! Unbox your scented Smooshy Mushy pet with loads of surprises inside, including their very own Bestie which you can turn into a keychain. You place the pet in the freezer to chill for 2 minutes and it will change colour. Collect all 8 in the range and look out for the Ultra Rare Unicorn!

$9.99, age 5+

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Rocktopus

Think & Learn Rockopus is Fisher-Price’s new STEAM toy for kids age 3-6, teaching them about music with 15 unique instruments across five different genres while also combining number, pattern, and math skills.

Available in autumn, $59.99, ages 3-6

Huggers by Wild Republic

Another new toy that’s a real collectible are The Wild Republic Huggers. Each Hugger is an 8” soft, stuffed, lovable toy that hugs you back. Triple-protected, specially-designed snap bands encased in plastic and plush provide a safe and friendly grip. Wear them on your wrist, backpack, stroller, bike, or wrap around a vase. Available in multiple designs.

$7.99, ages 0 up but we think probably best for 2+

Hasbro’s Star Wars Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie

We saved the best for last, we think this is going to be a really popular one this year! Hasbro’s Ultimate Chewie is a 16-inch tall toy that is based on Hasbro’s Furreal technology. He roars when you pet him, or when he detects movements and sounds. You can even rock him to sleep!

Chewie will be out in the autumn, retailing at $129.99.

All prices correct at time of writing.

Over to you now. What do you think of these new toys for kids? Tell us in the comments below.