New York, NY – Global supply chain hiccups caused by the coronavirus pandemic mean that trending toys could be in shorter supply in the coming months.

The Toy Insider the organization, an industry resource for parents and giftgivers, has announced the top toy trends of 2021 and expert picks representing current trends.

Parents and gift-givers can find a wide assortment of this year’s trending toys using the Toy Insider’s 16th annual Holiday Gift Guide.

The guide features more than 350 toys from 136 toy companies and is broken down by age category, ensuring that every kid receives perfect, age-appropriate gifts this holiday season.

The Toy Insider is an independent organization comprised of a team of experts who have more than 100 years of combined experience covering the toy industry.

The organization stays on the pulse of what’s hot and trending by attending major toy industry trade shows and events, as well as through close relationships with toy companies, retailers and analysts.

The experts review toys all year long to compile their annual holiday gift guide and hot toy lists: the Hot 20, STEM 10 and 12 Under $20.

The organization uses retail sales and extensive research to pinpoint the top toy trends, helping consumers find the perfect playthings for the kids in their lives.

THE TOY INSIDER’S TOP TOY TRENDS OF 2021:

Family Game Night: Gather ‘round the gameboard for some good old-fashioned family fun. Toy Insider favorites: All of Us (What Do You Meme?); Corner Crush (Big G); Disney 5 Second Rule (PlayMonster); GibGab (Fat Brain Toys); Hasbro Gaming Ka-Blab! (Hasbro); Mario Party Superstars (Nintendo); Tetris (Buffalo); Trashed (Winning Moves).

Going Viral: Toys and more based on social sensations, as seen on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram. Toy Insider favorites: 5 Surprise Mini Brands Series 3 (ZURU); Baby Shark’s Big Show Shark House Playset with Lights and Sounds (WowWee); Cats vs. Pickles Bean-Filled Jumbos (Cepia); CoComelon Interactive JJ (Jazwares); LEGO VIDIYO the Boombox (LEGO); Love, Diana Fashion Fabulous Musical Castle (pocket.watch)

Home Is Where the Fun Is: DIY craft, science and construction kits that bring hours of fun to the playroom. Toy Insider favorites: Beyblade Burst Speedstorm Motor Strike Battle Set (ADK/Hasbro); Blue’s Clues & You! Wooden Handle Stamps Activity Set (Melissa & Doug); Candy Claw Machine (Thames & Kosmos); Crayola Light Up Activity Board (Crayola); Lite-Brite Oval HD (Basic Fun!); LOL Surprise OMG House of Surprises (MGA Entertainment); Pixter Electronic Drawing Coach (NSI International); Shimmer ‘N Sparkle Deluxe Tie Dye Station (Cra-Z-Art)

In My Feelings: These toys promote sensory and social emotional learning (SEL) development. Toy Insider favorites: B-Kind Dolls (Jada); Compound Kings 5 Stack Donut (WeCool); Dimpl Pops (Fat Brain Toys); For Keeps (The Loyal Subjects); Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory Set (Spin Master); Pawz, the Calming Pup (hand2mind); Sensory FX Dice (Just Play); Vibe Girls (Jay@Play) Perfect Pets: These tech-infused pets offer all of the fun with none of the mess, and they come complete with lots of interactive magic. Toy Insider favorites: Got2Glow Fairy Finder (WowWee); Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron (Moose Toys); Moji the Loveable Labradoodle (Skyrocket); Peek-a-Roo (Spin Master); Rainbocorns Fairycorns (ZURU); Robo-Max T-Rex (Luki Lab); Sing ‘N Skate Sunny Starscout (Hasbro); Tamagotchi Pix (Bandai)

Tech that

Teaches: Techforward toys with educational benefits spark kids’ love of learning. Toy Insider favorites: 3Doodler Start+ Essentials Pen Set (Wobbleworks); ABCHouse Annual Subscription (Age of Learning); Character Tonies (tonies); KidiZoom PrintCam (VTech); LeapLand Adventures (LeapFrog); Osmo Math Wizard and the Amazing Airships and Osmo Math Wizard and the Enchanted World Games (Osmo); Pixicade (Pixicade); Plugo Farm (PlayShifu)

When I Grow Up: From hometown he-

roes to future pop stars, these toys inspire kids’ future careers. Toy Insider favorites: Blue’s Clues & You! Check Up Time Blue (Just Play); Barbie Fast Cast Clinic Playset (Mattel); Design & Drill Bolt Buddies First Responders (Educational Insights); Disney Princess Bluetooth Karaoke Machine with EZ Link Technology (eKids); HEXMODS Pro Series Elite Raceway (HEXBUG); Kid Trax USPS Mail Delivery Truck Ride-On (Pacific Cycle); National Geographic Rock & Mineral Card Games (Blue Marble); The Young Scientists Club Future Veterinarian (Horizon)

Visit thetoyinsider.com/2021-holidaygift-guide or thetoyinsider.com.