Marissa Silva

New York

Toy expert. Nerd girl. Dog mom. Equal parts Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Editor-in-Chief @TheToyInsider & @thepopinsider. #sheknowsplay

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Articles

In Loving Memory: Lori Rubin, 1954-2025

4 weeks ago | toybook.com | Marissa Silva

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Lori Rubin, a cherished member of the Adventure Media & Events family who served as our Controller for more than a decade. After fighting through a cancer diagnosis for more than a year and a half, Lori passed away on March 26 with her loving husband and two daughters by her side. Known in our office as “Mama Lori,” she treated everyone at our company like family.
Soar into the Future with ASTRA

1 month ago | toybook.com | Marissa Silva |Sue Warfield

by SUE WARFIELD, President, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)Toy Fair in the winter — it’s back! While March isn’t exactly the same as February, it’s close. At ASTRA, we are excited to exhibit at Toy Fair at a time that is more in sync with our specialty store schedules. You can find me and Special Projects and Events Manager Michael Foldeak in Booth No. 5937.
Toys for Littles: Ms. Rachel Gets a Warm Welcome to the Toy Aisle

Jan 8, 2025 | toybook.com | Marissa Silva

Some people call her Rachel Accurso. Some call her their go-to co-parent. One lucky little boy calls her Mama. But to millions of toddlers and preschoolers? She’s Ms. Rachel. Accurso is a musician and teacher who launched a YouTube channel, Songs for Littles, in February 2019. Along with her husband, Aron Accurso, the educator creates original content for young children, focused on helping them learn first words and communication skills.
The Best Toys & Games of 2024 You Can Find on Amazon

Nov 29, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

Amazon is the online retail destination for toy shopping this holiday season. With millions of toys and game options, including those on The Toy Insider’s own Hot 20 list, you can find a wide selection of gifts for kids of all ages and interests. The best gifts are the ones that kids will come back to over and over again. Gifters should always look for toys that are interactive, educational, and offer tons of play value.
Finish Your Holiday Shopping with Last-Minute Gifts for Kids

Nov 26, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

The big headline this holiday season is that there is one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which means even less shopping time than normal.
Expert Review: Connetix 48-Piece Roads Set

Nov 5, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

Sleek, black, magnetic tiles in a variety of shapesEncourages STEM learning and creativityWorks with all Connetix sets and other magnetic tiles setsThis set introduces sleek black tiles and new tile shapes into the Connetix collection. Inspired by real roads, these new magnetic tiles put kids’ imaginations in the driver’s seat, as they create custom roads for any toy car to ride along.
Unleash Creativity: Why 3Doodler Makes the Perfect Gift for Young Artists This Holiday Season

Oct 28, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

EIGHT weeks left until Christmas and Hanukkah! With the holidays just around the corner, finding the perfect gift for kids with boundless imaginations can feel like a tall order. But there’s a standout option that’s sure to spark creativity and keep kids engaged for hours: the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set. With this innovative tool, young artists can bring their ideas to life in ways they’ve never imagined — all without the need for screens or complicated software.
The Pop Insider's 2024 Fa-La-La-La Fandom Giveaway

Oct 17, 2024 | thepopinsider.com | Marissa Silva

It’s about to be a very holly, jolly holiday! Now is your chance to win an awesome prize pack full of must-have merch and end the year with a š„BANG!š„ One lucky winner will receive $2,000 worth of fandom-infused merch hand-picked by our editors, including a selection of products from our Holiday Gift Guide!Enter now through Dec. 10, 2024* for your chance to win big this holiday season!*Winner will be announced by Dec. 12! Winner will be selected at random. One entry per person.
Wellness Wonders: The Best Toys for Mental and Physical Wellness

Oct 11, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

Mental and physical health are both important — and these toys help keep kids healthy in both areas! From active toys that inspire a love of the outdoors and movement to social-emotional toys that focus on mental wellness, kids can start creating healthy routines early in life just by playing with these must-haves.
Analog Adventures: The Coolest Screen-Free Toys of 2024

Oct 11, 2024 | thetoyinsider.com | Marissa Silva

We all love a cozy weekend spent binge-watching Netflix’s latest hit. But … do we want our kids buried in screens 24/7? Not so much. Sometimes it’s nice to unplug and settle in with some classic play patterns. We’ve selected awesome toys from our Holiday Gift Guide that encourage kids to put down the screens and focus on building, creating, connecting, playing, and more.