Gear Diary’s Best of 2018 Toy Fair

Gear Diary is reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. You can learn more by clicking here.

We’ve spent the last couple of days scouring the aisles at the 2018 Toy Fair in NYC to find the coolest new toys. Whether you are looking for toys that will encourage your kids’ interest in STEM, get them more active, ignite their creativity, or help them imagine worlds far, far away, there is something for everyone.

Hasbro’s Star Wars Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie

Ultimate Co-pilot Chewie

Move over Tickle Me Elmo, because Chewbacca just got transformed into the cutest animated toy ever. 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 Fall for $129.99.

Mattel’s Hot Wheels Augmoto Augmented Reality Racing Track

Augmoto

Mattel’s Hot Wheels Augmoto is a racing track system that incorporates AR. The game lets two players race against each other using their iPhone (or iPad), with the app extending the racing experience by adding lighting effects, power-ups, track enhancements through AR. Augmoto will be released in the fall, and it will retail for $120.

Lego DUPLO Steam Train

Lego DUPLO Steam Train

You can never be too young for STEM. That’s 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. The Lego DUPLO Steam train set will be available in August for $59.99.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She started in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie is best known for her device-agnostic approach, deep-dive reviews, and enjoyment of exploring the latest tech, gadgets, and gear.