Toys · 2022
Plush Crazes, Nostalgic Legos, and Magical Reveals
In 2022, toy aisles blended high-tech interactive magic with powerful nostalgia for collectors and kids alike. From viral plushies to iconic pop-culture LEGO builds, the industry experienced a boom in tactile play and collectible fandom.
- Plush Toy / Global Craze
Squishmallows Plush Line (Jazwares)
Winning Toy of the Year in 2022, these ultra-soft marshmallow-like plushies sparked a massive worldwide hunting obsession among fans of all ages.
- Building Set / Hasbro Collab
LEGO Optimus Prime Set 10302 (The LEGO Group)
Released in June 2022, this groundbreaking 1,508-piece build seamlessly converted from robot to truck without needing to be disassembled.
- Interactive Toy / Holiday Hit
Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball (Moose Toys)
Children used a magic wand to cast spells and create real mist, revealing a fortune-telling plush pet inside a glowing sphere.
- Fashion Dolls / Reboot
Monster High Generation 3 Dolls (Mattel)
Mattel officially relaunched its beloved teenage monster fashion doll line in late 2022 with updated sculpts, diverse body types, and a companion TV movie.
- Trading Card Game / Special Edition
Pokémon TCG: Charizard Ultra-Premium Collection
Debuting in October 2022, this heavily sought-after collector set featured three textured foil promo cards celebrating the iconic Fire-type Pokémon.
- Board Game / Racing Strategy
Heat: Pedal to the Metal (Days of Wonder)
Designed by Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen, this 2022 release thrilled gamers with intense 1960s racecar hand management mechanics.
- Unboxing Dolls / Mattel
Barbie Cutie Reveal Dolls (Mattel)
Hitting shelves in 2022, these surprise dolls unboxed inside plush animal costumes, offering color-change makeup effects and whimsical pet companions.
- Action Figures / Hasbro
Marvel Legends Spider-Man 60th Anniversary (Hasbro)
Hasbro celebrated six decades of the web-slinger in 2022 with premium retro-carded action figures and multi-packs depicting iconic comic storylines.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?