If the past few years taught us anything, it was that we never really know what the future holds. But even in a world that’s ever-changing, there are some things that always stay the same, and one doozy of a constant is this: Kids just want to have fun. They deserve it after the roller coaster in 2021.

We’ve gathered information, asked people in the know, and prepared a big-screen fortune-telling exercise for the upcoming year. Behold the toys that will have you hearing about for months to come. . .

Toys That Go Pop! (and Click! And Squish!)

2021 brought shortages of everything from Nintendo Switches to Covid at-home tests. And one thing that was never in short supply, regrettably, was stress. So it’s no wonder kids are over the moon for all manner of fidgets — from super stretchy, satisfying putty to twisty tangles to physics-defying sand. And you can rest assured that the pop-its that dominated the scene in 2021 aren’t going anywhere — if anything, they’re getting even more pop-tacular. All of which is to say: Stress, you were so 2021!

Toys That Help Kids Make Cool Stuff

There is a long list of reasons why kids will probably not have a lot of control over their lives in 2021. Kids crave power — and what better way to give them the keys to the kingdom than by allowing them to create something from nothing? As action kits, crafting sets, and maker toys become more and more popular, we predict the arrival of pipe cleaners and pottery wheels in the future.

Toys That Unleash Imagination

Chocolate is what makes quarantine better. We're talking about imagination (Combine the two, and you’re really talking). It's really fun to play with open-ended pretend toys. From the mundane (kitchen appliances!) to the magical (wizarding capes for the Potterheads! fairy capes for Tink lovers!), these toys are portals into other worlds. You may just feel the need to don a cape yourself...