The Toy Guy Team Has You Covered!
Find outstanding toys for the kids on your list this year.
For the next few weeks at least, Toy Guy HQ is full of terrific toys as we continue to be Santa’s “Messenger to Earth” as folks prepare for the holidays.
We’re happy to report that this year there’s a big emphasis on classic play, fun for kids of all ages, and toys that inspire imagination, social skills, and inter-generational play as well. From role-play to games, to some very cool stocking stuffers, this is where you’ll find great play, great fun…and great value.
Every year we review hundreds of toys, and while no list is ever complete, we have some ideas that we think will delight the kids on your list. We continue to stress the value of open-ended, kid-directed play for both fun and learning. Remember, though, that as we always say, “the hot toy is only hot if it’s hot for your kid.” Every kid has a unique play style, and that is likely to follow you through your life. If you want to take a break from shopping, check out my TEDNext talk about all of that.
What Makes a Good Toy?
Well, as we like to say, the best toys are those that aren’t complete without the child. We also say that a piece of plastic is most effective when it serves as a catalyst for a child’s imaginative experience. Play really serves three functions:
1. Play provides new experiences .
2. Play allows children to explore their worlds (which includes their imaginations), and
3. Play allows children to express themselves.
When those three elements are present, kids tend to have great, engaging, and immersive play experiences.
So…enough talking! Let’s get to the toys!
Get Ready to Play!
We sometimes get to play with toys for a full year or more before they get to market. Here are some that we’ve been having a blast with.
Amazing Flip Spidey from Jazwares
For ages 3 years and up.
$39.99
Where to Buy (Available for pre-order until November 30)
The show Spidey and His Amazing Friends is a huge hit with kids, inspiring them to imitate the intrepid arachnid-esque hero. This 12-inch tall version of the web slinger comes loaded with 10 mission and more than 50 sounds and phrases. He’ll also sling is own web darts when facing down a villain.
But what makes this toy so much fun–and so interactive–is the 360-degree flip he performs. Activate Spidey by placing the toy on a flat surface, press spider emblem on right foot. Movements include crouches, eyes light up, says “Go Webs Go!” before flipping.
Spidey takes four AAA batteries. It’s recommended that you replace the try-me batteries for the best results.
Emotion Friends from Solobo Toys
For ages 3 years and up.
$22.99 set of six. (Also available in sets of 10 or 15)
Where to Buy (Available for pre-order. Ships December)
One of the reasons we really love this set is that it encourages kids to express themselves, organically and in ways that are comfortable for them at whatever developmental stage they are. The colorful #d-printed figures represent different emotions. Whether they’re feeling anxious, silly, loved, or a bit overwhelmed, playing with the figures allows them to create narratives about the different characters. The secret to the success of this set–versus some other SEL toys we’ve seen–is that the play is natural, and that even for kids who don’t fully understand the complexities of emotional experiences, they can relate to the characters. As we’ve played with kids, it’s been the stories they make up, which may or may not have a direct relationship to the emotions, that helps them to integrate understanding and provide the building blocks of emotional comprehension.
We know this sounds like a teaching too, but trust out: kids had a lot of fun with these.
Goodyear Mega Car Engine Repair Set from Red Toolbox
For ages 3 years and up.
$49.99
Where to Buy
Hoo-boy! This is the kind of toy we would have loved when we were kids. It’s about as close to working on a real car that a little kid can get. There are realistic tools, such as a power screwdriver, wrenches and so forth so kids can really feel like they’ve gotten under the hood. It’s a full imaginative experience that kids will find immersive and engaging. There’s a bit of problem solving (just like a real mechanic) and there’s the fun of pretend driving, too. Kids’ fascination with stripping down the car and then putting it back together again will provide lots of fun. When assembly is complete, get behind the wheel of the detailed dashboard and take your jalopy for a (make-believe) spin.
This is a big set with tools that will be easy and satisfying for smaller hands, and working lights, horn, and engine sounds add realism.
Requires 3 AA batteries, not included.
Little Live Pets Ouchies from Moose Toys
From Moose Toys
For ages 5 years and up.
$59.99
Where to Buy
Ut-Oh! Cooper has an ouchie. Kids to the rescue as they heal this adorable, interactive golden retriever and sending him walking away again. Here’s how it works. Cooper walks along and when he bumps into something, he hurts his front left leg. You’ll hear him whimper and raise his paw. That’s when kids can be ready with a cast to put on his injured leg, give him some loving pets, and he’ll be all better soon. Plus, you can decorate the cast with the paper bandages, so he’ll know he’s being lovingly looked after.
But there’s more. This 10-inch tall puppy is cuddly and comes in his own pup carrier. Kids will love giving Cooper all the TLC they’d give a real puppy–and he’ll even react like one with more than 50 sounds and reactions.
This is a great way for kids to express all their natural nurturing tendencies, engage with a realistic, animatronic pet, and feel empowered that they can come to the rescue!
Monster Jam Smash & Bash Grave Digger RC from Spin Master
For ages 4 years and up.
$53.99
Where to Buy
Oh, yeah! We are SMASHING! Monster Jam has never been hotter, and crashing and bashing is the ultimate RC experience. Rev up your 1:15 scale remote control Monster jam monster truck indoors or outdoors and get ready to smash. With soft rubber tires, authentic graphics and details, pull off epic maneuvers like you are driving the real thing with the full function, easy-to-use remote control. The more you crash, the more smashed your RC becomes to perform stunts and spins. It’s totally wild!
But here’s the magic: With the touch of a button you go from wrecked to repaired–so the action can all start again. Go from wrecked to repaired with a press of a button and you’re ready to roll all over again. Powerful 2.4GHz frequency means you can race up to six toy vehicles at once and control the Smash & Bash Grave Digger remote truck from up to 200 feet away for up to 20 minutes on a single charge via USB-C.
Bring the pandemonium!
Marshmallow Madness from PlayMonster
For ages 8 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
Here’s an insanely fun, family game you will gobble up!
The goal is to stuff as many mini marshmallows in your mouth as you can in 60 seconds. But–ha ha ha–it’s not as simple as it sounds. You have to place your face in the cutout and then use the tiny hands to try to pick up and guide the marshmallows to your mouth. It’s a lot of fun to watch your opponents try, and when it’s your turn, you’ll discover that you have to be fast and you have to learn quick. It’s kind of a sugar rush as a board game.
Okay, here’s our pro tip. The tiny hands have a trigger mechanism to open and close the fingers to grab the marshmallows, and it works best if you keep the arms all the way pushed through the openings. The natural tendency as you’re rushing is to pull back, but that actually makes it more difficult to get the marshmallows to your mouth.
We couldn’t stop laughing as we played this game. Oh, and parents, don’t worry. You really can’t eat THAT many marshmallows in a minute when you play it this way.
Stuntman Stu Nitro Boost Stunt Bike from Playmates Toys
For ages 5 years and up.
$24.99
Where to Buy
Yee-haw! Meet Stuntman Stu! He’s a YouTube comic sensation. As the description goes, “he’s the world’s craziest stuntman who does awesome stunts for his awesome fans.” And, yes, his hilarious, daredevil stunts sometimes go horribly wrong. Good thing he’s just animated.
The crazy fun of this character comes to life in this stunt cycle. Rev up Stu’s stunt motorcycle and watch it fly down the ramp for cool distance and style jumps. Featuring a gyroscope stunt bike, rev-up launcher, fully articulated poseable Stu figure, jump ramp, and a break-apart ‘stunt’ wall.
This is classic play, and kids know they’re not going to hit the stunt every time, but it’s so much fun trying. Parents (and probably some grandparents) may remember Ideal’s Evel Kenievel’s stunt cycle that caused a sensation in the 1970s, proving that this kind of active play never goes out of style.
Everyone is going to want a turn when you get Stu cranked up and ready to roll!
Connect 4 Frenzy Game from Hasbro
For ages 8 years and up.
$14.99
Where to Buy
Wait! There’s more pandemonium in store when players face off to engage in the fast and furious frenzy that’s Connect 4 Frenzy! Instead of dropping discs, players go for 4 in a row by bouncing them off the table and into spots on the horizontal grid. It’s truly a mad, mad, mad, mad game. When we played, the discs were flying as fast as the laughs. This is not a quiet, contemplative game. It’s a hoot-and-holler competition where strategy counts, but learning to bounce those discs is how you win. One of the things we like about this game is how unpredictable it is. The game board can change in seconds, and one bad bounce can put you out for the round. We also like that it’s a game that can be shared by the entire family–all ages can bounce on in. You can also make up house rules and even more challenges.
Everything packs away in the game for easy storage, or to take the fun on the run.
Dora Explore & Play Rainforest Casita from Spin Master
For ages 3 years and up.
$49.99
Where to Buy
It’s Dora’s world–and kids get to play in it. This three-foot-wide playset unfolds into a backdrop for all kinds of imaginative adventures. Explore and play with Dora and Boots as they swing, slide, and discover surprises. Plus, the show comes to life with three songs and more than 25 phrases in English and Spanish, and with seven interactive areas and lots of play pieces, there’s always something new to create and discover. What we love about this is the way kids can create their own stories, use their imaignations and engage with favorite characters…even a surprise visit from Swiper!
Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included.
Exploding Kittens: The Board Game from Exploding Kittens
For ages 7 years and up.
$24.99
Where to Buy
It’s the first board game from one of our favorite game companies! Known for their wild humor, great art, and fabulous gameplay, we’ve been having a blast playing this game. The object of the game is simple: get to the end of the board without landing on the Exploding Kitten. To do that, you’ll play cards and plot strategies to sabotage your opponents. But don’t get too confident because one wrong move can cause the board to change from ‘calm mode’ to ‘chaos mode.’ The board game actually flips over and changes the game completely. It’s hilarious because just when you think you’ve got it, the entire world can change. Like all games from this creative company, this is a ton of fun for players of all ages. It’s packed with laughs, surprises, and, please, whatever you do, avoid the Exploding Kittens. Okay?
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-in-1 Activity Table & Easel from Mattel
For ages 6 months to 3 years.
$64.79
Where to Buy
This is a new and play-full take on a classic toddler toy. There is so much for little ones to do and discover as they play. And as they grow, they’ll discover so much more to do as fine motor skills develop and they understand how to make fun stuff happen.
The busy board features a variety of hands-on activities for little hands to explore, plus 3 Smart Stages learning levels with 135+ songs, sounds and phrases. And don’t forget the lights. Kids love the lights.
But you said 4-in-1! An adult can easily convert the the table from a sit-at busy board to a toddler activity table to an open play table and an art easel, either for additional play or as the child’s abilities increase. Simply flip the top to reveal the easel board with clip and built-in storage for all your little artist’s supplies!
We like the versatility, the relatively small size, and especially the fact that you get a whole lot of toy that’s designed for growing kids. Definitely an A+.
furReal Coco the Tumbling Panda from Just Play
For ages 4 years and up.
$54.99
Where to Buy
How can you not fall in love with this adorable little panda pal? This super-soft plush panda is ready to play. With more than 60 different sound-and-motion combinations, this 10.5-inch animated plushie is always up for a tickle game, a snack, and a good tumble.
Turn the toy on, then tickle her right foot to activate giggles and wiggles. Keep it up to see Coco roll on her back with laughter. Pet her head to see her sit up–all on her own. Press the sensor on Coco’s head to see a couple of practice rolls. Double-tap her head to see an amazing 5-roll combination. All that tumbling makes a panda hungry. Place Coco’s toy bottle in her mouth to hear her drink. Lift the bamboo shoot she’s holding toward her mouth to hear snacking sounds.
That’s a lot of activity for a little panda, when you’re ready for a rest, press the sensor in the top of her head, and Coco will cuddle and fall asleep in a kid’s arms. This is about as adorable as it gets!
LEGO DUPLO Interactive Adventure Train from The LEGO Group
For ages 2 years and up.
$79.99
Where to Buy
For little kids who love trains, this is the perfect choice that combines creativity, learning and interactive play. The 57-piece, interactive train set has three buildable destinations: a sunny beach, cozy park and bustling train station.
As the train moves over the three action bricks, it comes to life with realistic lights and sounds including engine rev-up, birds chirping and a train horn that ignite curiosity and sharpen prediction skills as they guess what sound the train will make. With a customizable sound brick and the free LEGO DUPLO Interactive Trains app, kids can record their own sounds and control the train
We really love the beautiful design, the open-ended design, and opportunities for immersive, imaginative play, while developing fine motor skills and engaging in the process of building.
Transformers Cyberworld Scorponok Strike Battle Set from Hasbro
For ages 6 years and up.
$59.99
Where to Buy
It’s a new world for the Transformers…Cyberworld! Kids get into the stories with the web series of the same name where the characters participate in games and challenges. It’s always power and conflict in the world of Transformers, and these characters are ready to come off the screen and play.
The centerpiece of this “ecosystem of play” is this awesome large-scale Scorponok figure. This figure doubles as playset, which works with all of the 4-inch Cyber Changers figures in the line. Scorponok has a quick and easy conversion from robot mode to a scorpion tank mode, and lots of interactive features—including a buzzsaw arm, claw hand, and a tail that converts into a sword and a cyber bike. He also has unique lights and sounds in robot or beast mode. Cyber Changers figures can sit in the chest cockpit, ride the cyber bike, man the battle stations, and more. All of this makes the toy completely customizable, ready to come to life in the ways kids imagine.
Gui Gui from Moose Toys
Ages 6 years and up.
Single pack $9.99
Where to Buy
Slime is still the single most popular arts & crafts activity for kids, and now it’s gotten a total beauty makeover–a glow up like you’ve never seen! Gui Gui from Moose is an inspired collection of four different kinds of slime–Gloss, Clear, Butter, Cloud.
Each Gui Gui slime kit is all about texture play, color, scent, and absolute creativity to make your slime the loveliest in the land. It starts with the packaging, which looks like it just came off the high-end cosmetics shelf. Inside, you’ll find everything you need…and five steps to runway ready slime. Reveal the slime, add the mix-ins, decorate, meet your mini figure, and, finally, add that extra touch of glittery goodness. Play with your slime or display your creations.
This line continues to grow with more excitement and fun coming, including deluxe packs that are out now.
furReal Maggie the Feed and Follow Cow from Just Play
For ages 4 years and up.
$44.99
Where to Buy
Miniature Highland Cows are a trend. Why? We have no idea. But they sure are cute as can be. However, you probably don’t want a real one what with zoning restrictions in most places and all. That’s why this adorable toy is already a hit—and it’s selling out almost everywhere. 11-inch-tall interactive Highland mini-cow toy features super-soft plush reddish-orange fur, sparkly brown eyes, a cute blue collar. Give Maggie her bottle, and she’ll drink. Give the bottle a twist, and she’ll follow along, swishes her tail and blinks. There are more than 50 sound and motion combinations, including, of course, mooing and a cow bell.
Dance with Me Dora from Spin Master
For ages 3 years and up.
$49.99
Where to Buy
Keeping kids moving, especially preschoolers, is tons of fun, but it’s also important for developing bodies and minds. Studies show that preschoolers can improve memory, cognitive skills, regulate emotions, and afterwards have a greater ability to focus.
And who better to move with than Dora the Explorer. This adorable doll sings and dances and speaks both English and Spanish. When you press the flower on her shoe, her skirt spins, and anyone who’s around preschoolers knows how much they love to twirl. The doll comes with two interchangeable skirts, two barrettes for styling fun, and a collectible card.
Cownado from Moose Games
For ages 6 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
You need to moooo-ve fast to rescue the cow from the tornado. This fast-paced, tabletop games challenges players to smash a storm cloud—tetherball style—as they compete to rescue to the cows. Suction cups mean the game stays put, and that’s important because the action is fast and wild—just like a real tornado. We love the comedy of this, as well and the high-energy play for two players at a time. Leave time for everyone to take a turn; we guarantee they’re going to want it!
Share the Joy with Great Stocking Stuffers!
Everyone loves getting presents. Well, everyone we know, at least. Even for families that have stopped exchanging larger presents, stockings are a source of fun, whimsy, and celebration. Something small, fun, and packed with play is just right for kids…and kidults. That’s also why we’re seeing such a boom in collectibles, too. So, whether you’re a secret Santa, adding something extra to the gifts you’re giving, or perhaps poking a little fun, if you have a stocking tradition in your celebrations, here are some great ideas for kids of all ages:
Holiday Furblets from Hasbro
For ages 6 years and up.
$19.99 two-pack
Where to Buy
The Furblets are mini-collectibles as part of the now-classic Furby line Pep-Mint and Sno-Flay have their own festive looks inspired by candy canes and snow. They each have more than 45 fun sound effects and music in this 2-pack of mini Furby electronic toys for girls and boys 6 years and up. Touch the sensor on their heads, and they open up and chatter away in the secret Furby language, Furbish. To complement or begin a collection, these are festive, furry friends.
Hot Wheels Collectible Race Car (5-Pack) from Mattel
For ages 3 years and up.
$12.10
Where to Buy
Yes, we know that the age grading is 3-plus. But we think this is one where the “plus” matters. For any Formula 1 fan, this 5-pack of Hot Wheels Formula 1 race cars in 1:64 scale is the ultimate stocking stuffer for F1 that Hot Wheels fans and collectors will love!
The five cars in the set each feature graphics hottest racing teams on the circuit including McLaren F1 Team, BWT Alpine F1 Team, Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, KICK Sauber F1 Team and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. The vehicles are all officially licensed, and the details are accurate. They work on Hot Wheels tracks, too.
ZipString Aracna from ZipString
For ages 8 years and up.
$39.99
Where to Buy
Fans of The Toy Guy know how much we love the ZipString toys (and the folks who created them). Their latest innovation is ZipString Aracana (“Aracna” as in “spider”). What’s different about this one is that it straps onto your wrist and allows you to shoot out the string like your favorite web-shooting hero. Press down on the button, and the string zips out just like the original. Do tricks, play games, create stunts…or just annoy the cat. What’s new about this, though, is that when you release the button, the string winds back up into the compartment that’s attached to your wrist. (It kind of looks like a big spider, too, minus the legs.) It’s pretty amazing. The unit comes with five interchangeable, basic strings—long, medium, short—and medium and short glow-in-the-dark strings. This is one for all ages…so you may want to take advantage of the deal to buy two of them.
Sticki Rolls Jumbo Stickis from Sky Castle
For ages 5 years and up.
Single sticki $5.00, 6- sticki tube $14.99
Where to Buy
You may know the Sticki Rolls bracelets. They’ve become a viral sensation and one of the hottest collectibles of the year. You also probably know the adage about “going big.” Well, they’ve done that in a huge way with these Jumbo Stickis. They measure about 6 x 12 inches and have the same cool artwork of their original beads. They have a reelable adhesive that lets fans decorate wherever they want, then peel off the stickis easily, leaving virtually no marks or residue. They come in single tube or six-sticki tubes. Plus, each has a space where collectors can apply the mini-version of the jumbo. Created in response to fan demand, jumbo stickis are big on exciting design!
Little People Collector: The Nightmare Before Christmas from Fisher-Price
For ages 8 and up.
$27.00
Where to Buy
The iconic Little People brand (a favorite since 1959) has branched out to become a major collectible brand. Chances are, if you’ve got a collector on your gift list, you can find a Little People collector set designed just for them. The one we’d like to find in our stocking is the set based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. This set includes Jack Skellington, Sally, ghost dog Zero, and ultimate bad guy Oogie Boogie. Zero and Oogie glow in the dark.
Marvel’s H.E.R.B.I.E. Action Figure from Hasbro
For ages 8 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
Fans know that H.E.R.B.I.E. is an acronym for Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-Type, Integrated Electronics. And it’s those fans who will love this super cute interpretation of the character. As the sidekick to the Fantastic Four, he solves problems and is a major AI pal. Hasbro’s small version comes to life when you press on his head, and he’s the perfect complement to any Marvel collector’s line-up of characters. Detailed design and fun interaction will appeal to fans.
Hello Kitty Holiday Bum Bumz from Jazwares
For ages 6 years and up.
$4.99
Where to Buy
Even though she’s been around for half a century, our good friend Hello Kitty is having a moment, for sure. As part of the collectible plush trend, kids and fans can’t get enough. Bum Bumz are Jazware’s weighted collectibles, with beans in their bums. The holiday versions of Hello Kitty are super soft, super cute, and a great stocking stuffer choice for her legions of fans. These are sure to add a special note of holiday cheer to any holiday celebration!
Stanley Jr. Ornament Kit from Red Toolbox
For ages 5 and up.
$39.99 for a set of three
Where to Buy
Build an heirloom with these colorful DIY kits. They’re simple to build and very cool. The kits come with all the wood, hardware, and plastic decorations. The three-ornament set includes a gingerbread house, sleigh, and Christmas tree. The gift set also includes a kid-sized hammer, screwdriver, and safety goggles. The ornaments are big and colorful, around 4-5 inches at their biggest points, but they’re made of light wood so they won’t weigh down tree branches. (We’d be inclined to hang them near the bottom of the tree with our other large ornaments.)
Transfomers Cyberworld 4-Inch Figures from Hasbro
For ages 6 years and up>
$16.99
Where to Buy
Transformers Cyberworld is a new, animated series where Autobots and Decepticons battle it out in extreme games as they try to collect and maintain power. The new storyline is exciting and different while maintaining the classic characters and power struggles. These four-inch figures are wonderfully detailed—and they really convert. So, for the Transformers fan–or collector—on your list, these are a great idea.
Fandrop Collectibles from Moose Toys
For ages 4 and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
We’re crazy for these collectibles. These displayable dioramas capture iconic moments from Star Wars, Marvel and more. The figures are beautifully sculpted in miniature. The figures are each in a scene that has lots of Easter eggs for fans to discover as well, and there are scene-related artifacts to discover. You may even find one that’s ultra-rare!
What we like about this is that they’re small, collectible and recall favorite scene from comics or movies. Collectors are always looking for something special, and these are just that. We were also impressed by the quality and detail for the price.
Playmobil X Monster High Figures from Playmobil
For ages 5 years and up.
$7.99
Where to Buy
Monster High has become a hit with collectors, fifteen years after it was first introduced. The classic figures are now interpreted as Playmobil figures. Three of the original, and still favorite characters, Frankie Stein, Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, and Cleo DeNile, are perfectly sized (and priced) for stocking stuffing. Great for kids and older fans, now collectors!
…And We’re Just Getting Started
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be adding to this list, so check back often!
DISCLOSURE: PURCHASE LINKS ARE TO PLACES THAT HAD IN-STOCK AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION. THE TOY GUY DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION OR FEES IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH THOSE LINKS. WE DEFINITELY RECOMMEND SHOPPING AROUND. PRICES LISTED HERE ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES. IN SOME CASES, PRICES MAY VARY.
Photos provided by manufacturers, or © Christopher Byrne