Solarpop’s Top Toys and Games for a Summer of Play

As summer begins, one thing is clear: it’s time to play! The sun is shining, the trees are green, the school year is almost over and the festive season will soon be upon us. There’s a buzz in the air and there are many good things to look forward to, no matter your age.

It is time for a play revival and Solarpop’s top picks for summer 2025 offer hands-on fun, skill-building, and connection for every age.

1. Top of the list are Dr Squish Putties and Slime Maker Kit. These toys are a must for sensory seekers. Kids can stretch, swirl, and create custom slime in a way that’s fun and soothing—ideal for solo or shared play.
2. Tool Buddy encourages young makers to build, pretend, and problem-solve with colourful, safe tools designed for ages 3+. It’s the perfect intro to imaginative, skill-based play.
3. Trefl Puzzles offer calm, focused entertainment for the whole family. With vibrant images and various difficulty levels, they’re a great screen-free way to engage minds and build patience.
4. First 100 matching card games are perfect for preschoolers, introducing words, animals and alphabet in a way that feels more like play than learning.
5. Classic Games like chess, backgammon, and Chinese checkers bring generations together. These timeless games never go out of style and offer strategic, social fun.
6. Trading Card Games such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh! remain favourites for tweens, teens, and adults. They’re about storytelling, strategy, collectability and the friendships formed across the table.
7. Spot It! is a fast-paced matching game that challenges visual perception and reflexes. It’s great for quick rounds at home or on the go, with endless replay value.
8. Trio is a smart, memory-based card game where players race to collect sets of three by remembering what’s been revealed and reading their opponents. It’s simple, strategic, and highly addictive.
9. Vibr’Action is a hilarious party game built on shaky gestures, movement, and pure silliness. Perfect for groups, it gets everyone off their chairs and into the action—ideal for lively gatherings.
10. Catan, the modern classic, continues to lead the way for group gaming. With its balance of strategy, negotiation, and replayability, it’s ideal for family nights or weekends away.

“These toys and games offer more than entertainment; they support creativity, learning, and human connection,” says Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop. “From toddlers discovering puzzles to teens building decks, these are the kinds of experiences that make summer memorable.”

Whether you’re shopping for little builders or future strategists, Solarpop’s summer picks promise a season full of joy and discovery.