We’ve checked out oodles of new toys to find the best bets for this year’s top holiday hits. It was so hard to choose! This year, there are some standout themes: poop, slime, unicorns, plush rescue pets, dinosaurs and interactive robotic pets (a continuing trend from last year).
Updated hits include brand new L.O.L. Surprise, Lego and Hatchimals toys. And speaking of updated, there’s a new twist on an old standby, the Barbie Dreamhouse. Looking to combine multiple trends? Check out Poopsie, a surprise unicorn that poops glittery slime. (Seriously.) If you’re into the classics, we have a great new wooden train set to recommend, and there’s an exciting new dinosaur play set from Playmobil.
Whether you’re getting a jump on your holiday shopping or simply checking out the toy landscape, click through to see our picks for 2018’s hottest holiday toys. We’ve got options for all ages, and our on-trend gift ideas will ensure you’re the coolest parent (or aunt, uncle, grandparent) around.
L.O.L. Surprise Bigger Surprise
L.O.L. dolls have taken the world by storm, and last year, their big holiday set sold out quickly, leaving parents scrambling. This year’s holiday release (in addition to the dollhouse) is the Bigger Surprise. It’s a sparkly suitcase containing layers of packaging and, of course, those tiny dolls. Inside you’ll find L.O.L. dolls (like two Tots and a Lil Sister), plus pets, accessories and more. There are over 60 tiny items to unwrap. Order one of these bad boys before they’re gone. Best for ages 6 and up.
L.O.L. Surprise Bigger Surprise, $89.99 at Target
Lego ‘Harry Potter’ Hogwarts Great Hall
The new Lego Harry Potter series is awesome. If your little Muggle loves Harry’s world and building with bricks, one of these sets will definitely impress. The Hogwarts Great Hall set (best for ages 9 to 14) is comprised of 878 pieces, including 10 mini-figures. And if you want to throw down some big bucks, the entire Hogwarts Castle can be yours for $399.
Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall, $99.99 at Lego
American Girl RC Sports Car
For the American Girl fan who has everything, may we present this cool remote-control car? Their dolls can hit the road in style thanks to this cherry-red convertible. They’ve thought of everything. The car includes working headlights, taillights, horn, doors, seatbelts and more. It even includes stickers to customize the license plate. We can see the AG Girl of the Year, Luciana, cruising in this. For ages 8 and up.
RC sports car, $215 at American Girl
Playmobil Hidden Temple
This new Playmobil set features an exciting jungle theme and so many interesting details, including a functioning pulley and lighting effects. A UV torch lights up special elements, like the temple ruin’s eyes. And watch out! There’s a dinosaur! The detailed set (best for ages 4 and up) includes three figures and a dog plus a ton of tiny accessories.
Hidden temple with T. rex set, $59.99 at Playmobil
Barbie Dreamhouse
Barbie’s Dreamhouse — long a staple on holiday wish lists — has been renovated. This year’s model is bound to get a boost from the popular animated series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures. This pink plastic abode is a doll’s dream, featuring an elevator to move about the three floors, a garage, rooftop pool, slide and over 70 accessories. (But don’t worry. The build only takes about an hour.) And it’s a massive 3 feet tall and 4 inches wide, so there’s plenty of room for imaginative play. Best for ages 3 and up.
Barbie Dreamhouse, $199 at Mattel
Think & Learn Rocktopus
Best for ages 3 to 6, the Rocktopus is a musical STEM toy. Kids can compose their own music while they learn about counting and creating patterns. There are 15 musical instruments and three different modes: music, math and game. The Rocktopus will keep preschoolers entertained, and parents will love the educational edge. (Note: this requires four AA batteries, which aren't included.)
Think & Learn Rocktopus, $59.99 at Fisher-Price
Poopsie
This is one weird toy, but kids are going nuts over it — probably because it incorporates multiple trends: unicorns, slime, surprise toys and poop. Make glitter slime fecal matter for your diapered unicorn doll with this trendy set, which includes a pearly toilet, slime mix, a poop key chain, drink and mixing accessories and one surprise unicorn doll. Poopsie is best for ages 6 and up.
Poopsie Slime Surprise unicorn, $49.95 at Target
Air Hogs Supernova Orb
Older kids (ages 8 and up) will get a kick out of this Air Hogs orb that seems to float. The orb levitates and responds to your hands. There’s no app or remote control needed to master 30 moves and nine tricks. It’ll fly (indoors) for 5 to 7 minutes off a charge of about an hour. It includes a charging cable and replacement rotors.
Air Hogs Supernova orb, $39.99 at Target
Hatchimals Hatchibabies
The popular Hatchimal is back with a brand-new twist: Hatchibabies! Coax your interactive fuzzy baby out of its shell and find out if you have a girl or a boy. After the Hatchibaby hatches, have fun playing games and tending to this cute creature, best for ages 3 and up.
Hatchimals Hatchibabies, $59.99 at Amazon
‘Paw Patrol’ Ultimate Fire Truck
The latest, greatest toy from the Paw Patrol franchise is an impressive fire truck. All six pups (Marshall the Dalmatian is included) can ride along on this vehicle, which boasts a 2-foot extending ladder, flashing lights, fire truck sounds and a water launcher (and two AAA batteries are included). Best for ages 3 and up.
Paw Patrol Ultimate Fire Truck, $59.97 at Amazon
VTech Kidi SuperStar Karaoke Machine
Little performers will love this microphone, complete with everything they need to fulfill their karaoke dreams. Connect an MP3 player or phone to sing along to favorite tunes — the machine turns down the main vocal track so your child’s voice shines through. Fun light and sound effects abound, and kids can even record themselves for up to five minutes. Available in purple or black, this toy is best for ages 5 and up.
VTech Kidi SuperStar karaoke machine, $49.99 at Target
Imaginext Wayne Manor Batcave
Little Batman fans can move their Imaginext DC Super Friends right into the brand-new Wayne Manor Batcave. Features include a secret lair (naturally), a disk launcher, a glider, light-up Bat-Signal and more. The set includes Batman, a Batcycle, disk projectiles and a sword. Best for ages 3 to 8.
Imaginext Wayne Manor Batcave, $49.99 at Fisher-Price
Feed Me! Cookie Monster
Toddlers will love this friendly Sesame Street toy. When kids “feed” Cookie Monster his cookie, he responds with funny phrases. Squeeze Cookie’s belly to hear laughter, more phrases or a song. Best for ages 18 months to 4 years.
Feed Me! Cookie Monster, $29.99 at Target
Calico Critters Town Series Grand Department Store
Adorable little Calico Critters have a new area to explore with the recently released Town series. There are new characters, a tram, restaurants, clothes, accessories and more. But we think the most special items in the gift set are all the tiny detailed accessories — they're just so charming! The set includes the Grand Department Store, plus the Boutique Fashion Set, the Cosmetic Beauty Set, Fashion Showcase Set, Chocolate Lounge and the Hopscotch Rabbit figure — everything needed to set up a sweet, complete store. Best for ages 3 and up.
Calico Critters Grand Department Store Gift Set, $129.95 at Epoch
Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie
Hasbro has an amazing toy for Star Wars fans: an interactive Chewbacca! The 16-inch robotic plush can play along with your child, reacting with over 100 sound and motion responses. He even speaks Wookiee! Best for ages 4 and up.
Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie, $129.99 at Hasbro
Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store
If your kid loves their play kitchen, consider the new grocery store from Melissa & Doug. How fun is this pint-size replica? Children (ages 3 and up) will love choosing their items, scanning them at the register and checking out.
Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store, $179.99 at Target
Rescue Runts
Part of a pack of rescue dog-themed toys, Rescue Runts are plush dogs that arrive disheveled. Then kids spruce them up with the included grooming kit. They’re sweetly satisfying! Choose from four different dogs: Husky, Spotty, Spaniel or Shepherd. For ages 3 and up.
Rescue Runts, $19.99 at Amazon
Take-Along Train Station
This classic wooden train set folds up into the station for easy transport. A simple classic bound to enthrall your train-loving little one. Thirty-eight wooden pieces are included. (Not for children under 3.)
Take-along train station, $49.99 at Lakeshore Learning
Real Cooking Mini Tarts Maker
Little bakers will enjoy mixing up their very own “Pop-Tarts” with this fun set. Kids ages 6 and up can add butter, milk and eggs to the included mix. Then shape with the tart press, bake and decorate.
Real Cooking mini tarts maker, $19.99 at Target
Hot Wheels Ultimate Gator Car Wash Play Set
Hot Wheels car toys are always a solid bet. The hot set for the holidays is this alligator-themed car wash. There’s a color-change element kids will love, plus a scary gator in the mix. Put the included Color Shifters car into the dunk tank, and watch it change colors. Best for ages 4 and up.
Hot Wheels Ultimate Gator Car Wash play set, $59.37 at Amazon
Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab
Curious kiddos will love this popular science toy. Beaker Creatures is a fun STEM toy that incorporates real science. Extract Beaker Creatures collectibles from the reactor pods. The set includes the lab, figurines, classification cards and posters. Best for ages 5 and up.
Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab, $24.99 at Learning Resources
Hairdorables
This hot new surprise toy features adorable little dolls with big hair based on the YouTube series of the same name. Each box contains a colorful doll plus 10 surprise accessories (e.g., a hat, roller skates, angel wings or a skateboard). There are 36 Hairdorable figures to collect, and these are going to go fast for the holidays.
Hairdorables, $12.88 at Amazon
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