What, you haven’t already finished all your holiday shopping? LOL JK us neither. And if you’re a parent, whether you love picking out gifts or detest scouring the internet for presents, chances are you’re still trying to finagle some way to find somegifts for those kids you call your own. So let us help make it easy — or at least easier. After much research, we found 23 of this year’s hottest holiday toys, and they’re all available online. Easy-peasy.
So what are the toy trends of 2019? Slime, surprise toys, and llamas are going strong. Brands like LEGO, L.O.L. Surprise!, and American Girl continue to dominate. Frozen 2 mania is about to set in, and new surprise toys are on the market. There’s a great new remote control monster truck, educational Osmo games, and a cool, customizable fashion doll from Mattel. Click through to see which items will top wish lists this year. And you may want to hit that “order” button sooner rather than later, lest the sought-after gifts sell out.
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A version of this story was originally published in November 2019.
Doodle Bear
The ’90s phenomenon is back, this time updated with an app that lets kids snap pictures and create custom backgrounds. But most of the toy is still analog fun: Just like with the original, kids can draw on the bear, wash, and repeat.
Mighty Pups Jet Command Center
If you have already given your preschooler a Paw Patrol lookout, you may have thought your work was done. Then, the toy makers and minds behinds Marshall, Rubble, and Skye released a transforming jet/mobile command center. It also probably helps that this version of Paw Patrol involves dogs with super powers.
Tiger Tribe Top Secret Missions Detective Set
For your mystery-loving kid whom you suspect will grow to be a true crime podcast fanatic, this detective’s notebook comes with 14 “crimes” to solve that also teach critical thinking. It’s also a great, screen-free way to keep kids busy before school starts again in January.
Latest American Girl Set
Toys and dolls from American Girl are always popular during the holidays, and one of the company’s hottest gifts this year is the doll bowling alley. As usual, every fun detail is covered: itty-bitty snacks, bowling pins, beverages, and even team shirts. The best part is that dolls can actually bowl!
Hilarious Dancing Llama
This silly dancing llama sends kids into fits of giggles. Boppi shakes her rump and spins to music; just press the button and three different songs get Boppi going.
New Surprise Doll
This year’s hottest surprise toy is Blume, a collectible doll that grows from a flower pot. Sprinkle water on top of this ingenious toy, and the doll’s spongy hair will “grow” from the pot. Inside you’ll find over 10 surprises and a little play set. There are 22 characters to collect.
Perfect Princess Gift
If you’ve got a little one who loves princesses, don’t fight it. Just buy this colorful Little Mermaid-Inspired light-up vanity and win the day. It comes with plastic play accessories including a curling iron and cosmetic bottles. But the best part is that the vanity doesn’t take up too much space; simply shut the shell case and move it aside.
Super Surprise Toy
This fun gift combines a bow, flipsy sequin action, and surprise toys. A winning combo if you ask any child. Included in the 25 surprises is a giant Rainbocorn stuffie, a bow, figurines, and other cute little toys.
Trendy Slime Kit
If you’ve got a kid who’s into slime (and makeup), this Poopsie bag is a sure hit. There are over 35 items inside the rainbow case to create a variety of slime and makeup. Included are nine D.I.Y. slime powders, six lipstick colors, six eyeshadows, two lip glosses, an exclusive bottle, an airtight slime case, and more.
Poopsie Rainbow Surprise Slime Bag, $69.99 at Target.
Coolest Space Set
Playmobil is at it again with its quality, ultra-detailed play sets. This Mars Space Station set is seriously cool. The station has working lights and comes with a laser shooter, two astronauts, a robot, and all the accessories your child needs to create imaginative intergalactic adventures. Ideal for ages 6 and up.
Perfect Play Kitchen
This new play kitchen from KidKraft is a total space-saver. It’s the perfect gift for kids who love play cooking but don’t have room for a full kitchen. To put the kitchen away, simply take the legs off and store them in the back of the unit. Kids love the cupboards, buttons, and clicking knobs; adults love the midcentury-inspired design.
Most-Wanted PJ Masks
Little crimefighters likely have the latest PJ Masks vehicle on their wish lists. Inspired by the animated series, the Seeker is chock-full of cool features. It can launch, trap, store, shoot, transport, and separate into two toys. Plus the set includes a Catboy figure and Mini Cat Car. Perfect!
Smart Art
Osmo is known for its educational entertainment. Get a base for your tablet (iPad or Fire) and kiddos can build brain power with physical pieces. The brand’s latest addition is a Frozen 2-themed game; learn to draw the animated movie’s characters with this Super Studio. The starter kit includes the base, so it has everything you need. Best for ages 5 to 11.
Most-Wanted Monster Truck
This is one impressive remote-control car. The Monster Jam Mega Grave Digger is a huge (over two feet long), lightweight vehicle that can scale rugged terrain with ease. Put the Grave Digger in forward or reverse from over 250 feet away. Best for ages 4 and up, the remote has a built-in USB charger so you can power up with ease.
Diva Dollhouse
This is the year’s “it” toy for the many L.O.L. Surprise! fans. This dollhouse is an impressive “winter chalet” with over 95 surprises. Cool features include actual lights, a “snowing” chimney, a ski lift, a real ice rink (just freeze water), and a snow bus. And of course it comes with exclusive L.O.L. dolls: a boy, a girl, and a pet.
Little Ice Palace
Frozen 2 is coming to theaters, and even tiny tots want in on the action. Elsa’s palace gets the Little People spin for toddlers. The chunky pieces and figures are just right for little hands.
The Latest Star Wars LEGO Set
Satiate your kid’s hankering for a new LEGO challenge with this in-demand set. It includes both Star Wars and LEGO; you can’t go wrong. Best for ages 8 and up, the Starfighter set comes with five cool LEGO Star Wars characters.
Snack Time Doll
The cutest new dolls are Kindi Kids, inspired by every kid’s favorite activity: snack time. These big-eyed, bobble-head dolls have colorful hair and come with plastic snacks they can “eat.” What’s not to love?
Compact Camera
Best for ages 4 to 6, this little camera is big fun. The Kidizoom Pixi is shaped like a compact with a flip-top lid, and allows kids to take photos and customize them — without borrowing your smart phone. The Pixi also comes with five games (but don’t worry, parental controls let you turn off games and set time limits). An included rechargeable battery and USB charging cable power this fun camera.
Fun ‘Frozen 2’ Olaf
There’s a tidal wave of Frozen 2 merchandise this season, but the Follow-Me Friend Olaf stands out. Olaf sings and says over 30 phrases. But the indoor snowman’s coolest trick is following the lighted path your child creates. A controller wand casts light onto the ground, and Olaf will chase after it. Cool!
Realistic Bear Cub
Who needs a plain old teddy bear? The latest (and cutest) interactive FurReal animal is Cubby, a responsive “pet” bear cub. This fuzzy guy has over 100 sounds and motions, including a sweet nighttime mode featuring sleepy sounds and soft music. Cubby’s accessory is a honey pot, bottle, and comb all in one piece.
Inclusive Fashion Doll
Move over Barbie, Mattel’s new customizable doll kits are all the rage. Your child can create their own character with over 100 possible gender-inclusive looks. The set comes with three pairs of shoes, six clothing items, the doll, and a wig. Five skin tone/hair color options are available as well.
Ride-On Dump Truck
Imagine one of these bad boys under the tree on Christmas morning. If you’ve got a kiddo who’s into construction, they’ll go bananas over this ride-on, working dump truck from Kid Trax. The vehicle is big enough for two kids (ages 3 to 7) and goes up to 5 mph. As if that weren’t exciting enough, there are working lights and motor sounds, and the dump mechanism actually works. Construction hat and “boulder” included!
Precious Play Set
Calico Critters play sets are the absolute cutest. Tiny, fuzzy animals live entire lives in these detailed town sets. The latest play set is the Elegant Manor, where Stella the rabbit (included) resides. Your child will marvel at the tiny accessories, from the chandelier to the tiny dessert stand.
Best New Board Game
There’s a wacky Hexbug Nano vibrating bug in the kitchen! Roll the die to see what utensil you move on the board game and try to trap the bug. Not only is Bugs in the Kitchen a blast for family game night, this new board game from Ravensburger sets the stage for kids to learn coding, too. Best for kids ages 6 and up.
Best Toddler Toy
Little ones ages 12 months and up will love going for a ride on the Bounce & Spin Puppy. It’s 360 degrees of physical fun. Bonus for baby: music, buttons, sounds, and a light-up rattle roller. This puppy is a seriously fun gift.
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