The Toy Box

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Toy Box Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Marketing is key in colorful, entertaining toy competition.

ABC Game Shows 2017
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

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  • The Toy Box TV Show: Eric Stonestreet with the kid judges
  • The Toy Box TV Show: Sophia Grace
  • The Toy Box TV Show: Eric Stonestreet and toymaker
  • The Toy Box TV Show: The mentors

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Toy Box is a fun, colorful Shark Tank-like competition series that shows up-and-coming toys, as well as classics such as Barbie and characters featured in Pixar films. It's family-friendly, but the marketing and safety discussions may bore kids. Be advised, however, that the winning toy is promoted and sold after the series' finale.

Community Reviews

Dana S.
Dana S. Adult
May 19, 2017
age 8+

Stupid

Where is LAST MAN STANDING ??? Thank God we live in a world of many other channels to choose in place of The Toy Box.... It's just boring stupid TV....
Alex R.
Alex R. Adult
May 13, 2017
age 7+

An Annoying Commercial

This is a dull waste of time. The children judges were chosen for their hits on YouTube; one is "The Apparently Kid" from the Ellen show and the 13-year old girl does some videos as well. There are 2 other child judges. Whether it's the editing or the coaching, or simply because the children aren't able to put together sensible commentary on the products they review - instead going for cutesy statements or mugging for the camera - this is a complete waste of time. I feel sorry for the inventors who have their futures in the hands of children who are not capable of intelligent review. Mind-numbingly boring and repetitive. The entire show is a commercial for Mattel products and Toys R Us.
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE TOY BOX is a competition series featuring toy makers vying for the chance to have their toy ideas manufactured and sold across America. Hosted by Eric Stonestreet, the series offers makers a chance to pitch their toy concepts to a professional panel of mentors, including Jim Silver, the leading toy reviewer in America, Dylan Lauren, founder of Dylan's Candy Bar, and Jen Tan, creative director of consumer products at Pixar. If their toy has the potential to be successfully mass-marketed, they take it into the "toy box," where kid judges Aalyrah, Noah, Toby, and Sophia Grace test the products to determine how fun they are to play with. The creator that impresses them the most in each episode goes on to the finals. The winner gets the opportunity to bring their toy concept to market with the support of Mattel and have it sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us once the series ends.

Is It Any Good?

A kinder, more colorful version of Shark Tank, this series offers the chance to see how toys are developed to be mass-marketed for profit. It highlights the fact that toys have to be innovative as well as fun to be successful. It also points to the need for creating safe toys that are affordable to make.

Many contestants leave disappointed, but thanks to Eric Stonestreet's humor the show remains lighthearted. The candid reactions of the kids are fun, and despite some over-rehearsed and obnoxious comments, they often offer thoughtful feedback. Overall, The Toy Box is entertaining for toy lovers of all ages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the process by which toys are developed and sold. What does a toy have to have in order to sell and make money? Who decides? Is the real-life process like how it is on The Toy Box? Can something be a great toy but not be hugely profitable?

  • Families can talk about creativity. How do you feel when you have a good idea? Do you want to share it?

TV Details

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