What we are about to say is nuts, but true. Christmas is less than 100 days away, and the big day will be here faster than you can say “What do you want for Christmas?”
If you have little ones in your life, this may bring some instant dread. What on earth are you going to get your little sister this year? Or perhaps your son who already has everything under the sun? Well, that’s why we’re here.
We want to help you win Christmas, so we rounded up a list of expert picks from Laurie Schacht, chief toy officer at The Toy Insider, an influential toy organization, and Juli Lennett, U.S. Toys Industry Advisor on behalf of NPD (a Market Research Group). This way, you know you’re scoring big.
That being said, you know your child best!
“Popular toys are in the eyes of the beholder,” said Lennett. “The great thing about the toy industry is that there are over 50,000 different toys sold each week — there truly is something for [every child]. My advice to parents is to listen to what their kids want or need.”
We also wanted to be mindful that inflation is changing holiday shopping as we know it.
Schacht explained that their picks are a “well-rounded resource for anyone shopping more mindfully for kids this holiday season.”
“We hand-picked products so that no matter your budget and how you shop—online, in-store, at a mass retailer or local toy shop—there’s something for everyone at every price point,” Schacht added.
Get ready to dance! This pick is ideal for toddlers and babies from nine to 36 months. The spring bottom allows the toy to bounce while the three smart stages teach the alphabet, colors, counting, and opposites. Plus, kiddos can enjoy over 75 songs, sounds, phrases, color combinations, and more.
Every Barbie girl needs her own Barbie Dreamhouse. This pink tower measures 43-inches tall and 41-inches wide. It’s completely furnished in Barbie-approved picks, houses 10 indoor and outdoor play areas, and allows users to customize their experience with over 75 storytelling pieces.
What we love most is the detail. Look forward to a working elevator, a second-story slide, transforming pieces, a DJ booth, plush blankets, and more.
3. Monster Jam Garage Playset, $50
Get ready to rumble with this four-foot-wide epic Monster Jam play set. Players can load their trucks, take them up the elevator, and start their engines with real lights and sounds. So race down the ramps and have an extraordinarily good time!
4. VTech Level Up Gaming Chair, $31, original price: $45
This gaming chair was a Toy of the Year finalist in 2022, and we see why. This set includes a gaming chair, Wi-Fi free tablet, joystick, and pretend headphones. Children can learn their letters, numbers, animals, and beyond.
This seat can also be used during snack time. Simply remove the take-along tablet, and it turns into a mini table for your little one.
Cocomelon has taken over the children’s space as we know it. That’s why this Boo Boo Bye Bye toy is on this list.
Little one can learn how to manage accidents and boo-boos with light, sounds, a bandage case, and sing-along features.
6. LeapFrog Clean Sweep Learning Caddy, $21, original price: $30
It’s never too early to start learning how to care for your space. Boys and girls can look forward to a singing caddy, a spinning bucket, swishing sounds, squirting details, count-along recordings, and additional features. In no time, they’ll be eager to clean up!
7. Squishmellow 16-Inch Plush, prices vary
Squishmellows are another one of those toys that kids can’t get enough of. Help your little ones grow their collection of plushies with these ultra-soft 16-inch companions. The choices are endless from stuffed Avocados to Narwhals.
Enter the LEGO Super Mario universe with this Starter Course. Features include a color sensor, LCD screen display, a speaker, a Start Pipe, Goal Pole, and further Mario game classics.
Children of all ages love tech devices, and a Nintendo Switch is most likely one of their favorites. So level up their gaming with this Nintendo Switch Sport Game set. They can swing, kick, spike, and bowl their way to victory.
Included are six various sports such as soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara.
They can now battle digital monsters thanks to this interactive wearable band. Look forward to activity missions, step tracking, awards, and character evolution.
11. L.O.L. Surprise OMG Remix Pop B.B. Fashion Doll, $32, original price: $36
If she loves L.O.L. Surprise dolls, then she definitely won’t be disappointed when she finds this Remix Pop B.B. Fashion Doll under the tree this year.
The LEGO Super Mario Mario’s House & Yoshi Expansion Set is ideal for any little Nintendo lovers.
13. “Star Wars” Grogu Plush Toy, $17, original price: $28
If your kid is obsessed with Disney Plus‘ “Mandalorian” Star Wars series, they’ll love playing with his Gorgu Plush Toy.
The Fisher-Price Little People Treehouse playset is ideal for children aged 1 to 5. The “press the discovery” buttons make the swing move back and forth, plus play fun songs, sounds and phrases. The second button moves the dog in and out of the doghouse.
15. Hot Wheels City Robo T-Rex Ultimate Garage, $97, original price: $124
Bring the action to your child’s life with this epic Hot Wheels T-Rex Garage.
16. NERF N-Strike Hyper Fire Toy, $48, original price: $53
Nerf guns are another popular, action-filled toy your mini guy or gal may enjoy running around outside with (before the whether gets too chilly!).
17. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2, $54, original price: $63
The KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 looks just like an adult watch, but is made just for kids! It features more than 50 digital or analog watch faces, a timer, alarm and calendar. Your child can also capture videos, snap selfies and take pictures anywhere using the two cameras. Plus, it includes a motion sensor for active games too!
If they can’t stop watching the Marvel films and re-reading the comics, this Avengers Action Figures Set is the perfect holiday gift for your superhero-loving kiddo.
Does she rewatch Disney’s “Frozen” constantly? This necklace activity set features characters and details from her favorite films that are bound to make your little gal smile.
The Pokemon 25th Anniversary Celebrations Elite Trainer box is ideal for any fans of the iconic trading card game!
21. Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set, $36, original price: $38
If your child has already expressed their career passions and their dreams happen to include veterinarian school, consider gifting them this adorable vet play set from Melissa & Doug.
Do they love “Paw Patrol?” If so, you can’t go wrong with this toy truck car filled with details of your child’s favorite characters.
Mini hoops! We’re in. Your little one will have a ball playing on this court.
Funko POP has hundreds of different figurines inspired by characters, real life people and the brand even has the option to create a Funko POP that looks just like you (or your kid!).
Make bedtime even more fun with this Disney Princess themed LED Night Light Projector. It comes with slides for Cinderella, Belle, Ariel and more.
Do they love watching “Jurassic World?” If so, consider getting them the iconic Indoraptor dinosaur for your child to create their very own dino-inspired playtime.
5 Surprise is another hot toy and this year Zuru is coming out with a toy collector’s case!
28. CoComelon Patch Academy Building Block Kit, $22, original price: $37
This CoComelon Patch Academy building block kit comes with tons of details from your baby’s favorite show.
29. Rainbow High Series 3 EMI Vanda Fashion Doll, $19, original price: $28
This Rainbow High Vanda fashion doll will make playtime even more fun and is bound to make your child happy on Christmas morning!
30. UNO Family Card Game, $10, original price: $11
You can’t go wrong with a classic game of UNO. Not only is this epic card game easy to play but it’s inexpensive, great for travel and small enough to be a stocking stuffer.
This Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set will definitely inspire your child to be creative.
Check out New York Post Shopping for more content.
