Cool Toys for Kids That Adults Secretly Want Too

Some kids’ toys are very clearly for kids. Others spend approximately six minutes in the house before an adult is on the floor insisting, “I’m just showing you how it works.” These four landed firmly in the second category.

We tried a mix of imaginative play, crafts, movement and strategy, with enough variety to cover the child who wants a shark to eat pirates and the child who would rather quietly defeat you at a board game.

PLAYMOBIL Giant Shark with Pirate

The PLAYMOBIL Giant Shark with Pirate has the immediate advantage of being a giant shark with a pirate. Subtlety was never invited to this meeting.

The shark can float and has an opening mouth operated by a lever, giving kids a wonderfully straightforward play pattern: pirate approaches shark, shark eats pirate, pirate’s career choices are questioned. It works particularly well for water play because the shark itself becomes part of the action rather than simply sitting beside the tub looking judgmental.

Disney Stitch Sticki Rolls Capsules

Disney Stitch Sticki Rolls Capsules combine stickers with bracelet-style crafting. The set we tried included Stitch-themed stickers along with beads, charms and elastic cord, so kids can make accessories rather than simply covering every available household surface in stickers.

The appeal is the mix of collecting and making. Kids who already like Stitch get the character connection, while the craft element gives them something to assemble and rearrange. Adults may also find themselves peeling stickers long after their official assistance is no longer required.

Marvel Super Hero Trainer

The Marvel Super Hero Trainer takes a more active approach. It uses motion detection for superhero-themed activities that encourage kids to move, jump and follow along with missions featuring Marvel characters.

This is the option for families who would prefer the living room become a training facility rather than a silent museum of untouched toys. It needs some open floor space, and apartment dwellers may want to remember that enthusiastic superhero landings have downstairs neighbors.

Stratego Junior

Stratego Junior turns the classic strategy-game idea into something younger players can tackle. The set we tried offered two ways to play: a simpler dinosaur-themed Quest game for younger children and a more strategic Triumph mode for older kids.

We played it with my niece, and the important discovery was that children require remarkably little time to develop ruthless board-game instincts. The simpler mode gives younger players an approachable starting point, while the second mode adds enough strategy to keep the game interesting as they get more comfortable.

Which toy is best for which kid?

The shark is the easy pick for imaginative and water play. Stitch Sticki Rolls suit kids who like crafts and collectibles. Marvel Super Hero Trainer is built around movement, while Stratego Junior is the quieter choice for families who enjoy games and strategy.

For more ideas in the same general territory, see our guide to STEM toys for kids.

The only real danger is buying one for a child and discovering that the child would now like their toy back.