Here come the holidays, ready or not. If like us you saw Christmas ads the day after Halloween, you may feel that the holidays have just leapt out at you.
One thing that’s always predictable is that there will be a new crop of toys ready to intrigue and delight kids. We’re excited to see that today’s kids are also looking for what we always called “traditional toys;” you know, toys that are dimensional.
Family playtime, collectibles, favorite characters, and games are all having a good year as kids seem to be eager to put down the screens and engage with their friends and families. We think that’s a good thing. Play has always been an important social aspect of childhood, and getting kids interacting in three dimensions and with one another is about as good as it gets.
How We Help You Shop
Did you know that there are more than 160,000 toys on the market in the U.S. at any give time? That’s quite a lot of toys. So, how do you figure out what’s best for your kids? We see thousands of toys every year, and we try to select ones that reflect trends, have good play value, and are a good value for the money.
But remember: Every child has their own individual play style, and one of the mantras of The Toy Guy® is: The hot toy is only hot if it’s hot for your child. Keep that in mind as you review some of our suggestions that follow.
Our other annual tip is if you know what you want and you see it, either online or in a store, buy it. We love the holidays, but we hate stress, so we highly recommend buying things as you find them. Speaking of that, we know that it can sometimes be down to the wire in terms of shopping, but as we get into the second week of December especially, pay attention to shipping dates if you’re buying online, and don’t just look at the banner on the top of the website. Pay attention to shipping dates for each item. As supplies of popular toys dwindle, you may see a note with delayed shipping.
Mostly, though, we want you to have fun getting ready for the holidays! Thanks for making us part of the celebration!
Great Toys for 2024.
Playmobil Pirates Large Pirate Ship from Playmobil
For ages 4 years and up.
$99.99
Where to Buy
Pirates are hot. (Certainly judging by the number of small pirates we saw trick-or-treating this year.) The Pirate Ship set features classic Playmobil design, tons of accessories, and it even floats! The play is all about creating action-packed narratives as you sail the high seas, and there are figures, canons, moveable sails, and everything needed to generate plenty of imaginative engagement. We love that the ship also floats, should you want to take it in water. And it’s handsome enough to make terrific room décor between adventures. The set comes with three figures, and there are even foot clamps on the deck so characters stay upright as they sail into dramatic encounters!
Who’s Going to Love It: This is a great toy for kids with active imaginations who love making up stories as they play. Great for co-play with friends and siblings.
One More Thing: Like all Playmobil toys, this one is beautifully designed, but it does take some time to assemble. It took us 45 minutes. (But we’re super picky about putting on labels.)
Cookeez Makery Pancake Treatz from Moose Toys
For ages 3 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
We flipped when we saw this toy! It’s so simple and so magical all at once. It’s the latest in the Cookeez Makery line that has been a huge hit with kids. The toy lets kids make their own pancake-y BFF. Squeeze the magic batter onto the pan and spread it with the spatula. Press the button on the handle to hear it sizzle. Then give it a quick flipping motion to make your plushie appear. Take it off the griddle, and plays with it your scented pal separately as it makes sweet sounds. It’s easy to do again and again. There are three different characters: Cocoa Pup, Blue Berry, and Strawberry Pankitty.
Who’s Going to Love It: Kids will be delighted by the fun reveal action, and the super cute plush character is great for any kid who loves stuffed animals. We think that kids will really love showing off the magic to friends and family.
Micromallows Ferris Wheel Display from Jazwares
For ages 3 years and up.
$79.99
Where to Buy
Take your cuddle buddies for a spin on this super cute display for your Micromallows. If you didn’t know, Micromallows are the teeny version of the incredibly popular Squishmallows. The Ferris Wheel holds 22 adorable critters, and an easy spin shows them off, when they’re not being smooshed and loved on. The set comes with 22 Micromallows like Micromallows–like Cici Red Fox and Bimbi Clown.
Who’s Going to Love It: Suishmallows fans will be blown away by this set. Each Micromallows is individually designed, and kids and collectors alike will love this unique set. This is a “wow” gift for the Micromallows lovers on your list.
One More Thing: The set with all 22 Micromallows is exclusive at Amazon. You can buy additional characters separately in 6 and 12 packs.
Punirunes from Spin Master
For ages 5 years and up.
$39.99
Where to Buy
Virtual pets are hotter than ever, and this one really touched us. (Pun intended, as you’ll see.) This is a virtual pet on overdrive. Like most of these, there’s a screen where you can watch what your pet is up to and interact with it. But here’s what makes these so cool. You actually put your finger into the Punirunes pod to interact with the pet–and you’ll see your finger on the screen, too. The squishy button inside lets kids feel like they’re really touching the character they see. You have to take care: feed them, clean their room; pet them; bathe them play games; earn coins customize, decorate…and so much more. We kept discovering more and more as we played. Here’s another cool thing there are 55 different characters to unlock and raise from baby to adult. And when they’re all grown up, you send them on their way and start raising another one.
Who’s Going to Love It: Kids who like virtual pets and interacting with games are going to find this irresistible. One of the coolest things about this is that the different characters are…different. That will keep kids playing and discovering.
One More Thing: We recommend checking out the videos online so you can learn to play with it easily. There’s also an off switch, so your character can wait for you till it’s playtime.
Marvel Spidey And His Amazing Friends Dance ‘N Crawl Spidey from Hasbro
For ages 3 years and up.
$49.99
Where to Buy
How much do we love this little guy? This adorable spider is 10 inches tall and features 20 sounds and phrases, including two songs from the hit Disney Junior show Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
But what’s really amazing about this is the cool way you can play with him. Standing, they can dance along and “Do the Spidey” in dance mode. Tilt his head, rotate his wrists, put him on his belly, and he does the Spider Crawl.
When playtime is done, kids can cuddle with the soft bodied Spidey Doll, so he can be a take-to-bed pal as well.
Who’s Going to Love It: Well, Spidey fans, of course. This is a clever, well-designed preschool toy that’s really engaging. Younger kids will probably dance and crawl with Spidey, too.
One More Thing: The toy requires 4 AA batteries, which are included. However, fresh batteries are recommended.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Roll ‘N Punch Figures from Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys
For ages 3 and up.
$24.99
Where to Buy
This is just the kind of action-packed toy we loved when we were kids. Leonardo and Raphael are 12-inch tall characters that really pack a punch. Leonardo carries his signature weapons (twin Katana) and Raphael carries his signature weapons (twin Sai), too! Roll them on a flat surface to see the swords swing in time with their powerful punching action! The action is hilarious, and kids will have a blast rolling them around and creating all kinds of imaginative scenarios.
The characters are based on the series Paramount+’s Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We are well into the second generation of Turtles fans, but their superhero stories and great humor have already proven to be timeless.
Who’s Going to Love It: Well, Turtles fans, of course. Active, battling play is baked into the Turtles play patterns, and this offers a great, dramatic way for kids to create all kinds of play scenarios with all their Turtles toys…or any others that happen to be lying around.
One More Thing: The two figures are sold separately. It might be cool to collect both, but they offer a great play experience on their own.
Bill Nye VR Chem Lab from Abacus Brands
For ages 8 years and up.
$29.99
Where to Buy
We love science kits, and this is one of the coolest that we’ve seen. Abacus has put together 14 of kids’ favorite science experiments in one kit. The 23-piece set includes everything you need to dive in and experience chemistry with iconic Bill Nye The Science Guy. You’ll find everything you need to complete experiments, and learn about chemistry in an exciting, hands on, and age-appropriate way.
But there’s even more fun because the kit comes with a VR viewer. Download the app into your phone, slip it into the viewer, and you’ll go right into Bill Nye’s lab, where you can get a close-up view of experiments, and learn cool chemistry facts. We really love the balance of physical and digital interaction–it’s a complete play experience.
Who’s Going to Love It: Curious kids who like science and want to experiment are going to have a blast with this.
One More Thing: The special pricing is exclusive to Walmart for the holiday season, and you’ll find that deal at the link above.
Let’s Hit Each Other With Fake Swords from Exploding Kittens
For ages 7 years and up.
$24.99
Where to Buy
We swear whoever came up with this game watched me playing with my brothers. Virtually every game ended in a (good natured) brawl. Exploding Kittens has channeled all that hilarious energy into this card game…with foam swords.
Players have to match and capture groups of cards to win. When there’s a dispute over who gets what cards, it’s settled with a duel. But not just any duel, the battle cards tell you what you have to do, whether stand on one foot, say the French touché or any number of silly things. Each battle has a winner…that is if you can stop laughing long enough
Who’s Going to Love It: Anyone who likes fast-paced games and can appreciate the silliness of this game will have a good time. We think it’s fun for families where the balance of power can shift from parents to kids and back. Get ready for laughter.
One More Thing: There is a special “goth” collector’s set that will be available at Target during Thanksgiving weekend…if you can find it. They’re only producing a limited number.
furReal Peanut the Playful Monkey from Just Play
For ages 4 years and up.
$59.99
Where to Buy
This is an adorable animatronic plush toy that really feels like a friend. Peanut has more than 100 sounds, reactions, and features built in. She stands up and walks on her own, says “uh oh” when she falls, does flips when you hold her hand, reaches up and asks for “uppies,” falls asleep when rocked, giggles when tickled, “drinks” her banana-shaped bottle, and more! This is the latest in the furReal line that has been delighting kids with “realistic” pets. Since it’s unlikely that mom and dad will allow a real monkey in the house, this is the next best thing.
Who’s Going to Love It: We were intrigued by how much Peanut does and how much fun it is to discover all the features and interact with her–almost as if she were real. Kids who like this type of nurturing, interactive play will love seeing this toy come to life.
One More Thing: Peanut requires 6 AA batteries, which are not included.
Hatchimals Alive Mystery Hatch from Spin Master
For ages 5 years and up.
$59.99
Where to Buy
The toy that caused a sensation (and pandemonium) in 2016 is back in an all-new, truly exciting version for the next generation of hatch-mad kids! The concept is still the same. You hatch a friend by nurturing the egg until it’s time for the big reveal.
The hatching experience seems magical with mist, lights and more 100 sounds and reactions. Insert the Hatchi-Wings into the egg and listen for the heartbeat! Nurture and cuddle the egg, and tap, lift and rock it to encourage your character to hatch. The egg rocks and lights up, and you’ll even hear your Hatchimal reacting inside! When it’s hatchin’ time, the egg will reveal one of two Pufficorn characters, each with unique details, sounds and lights. It even sings Hatchi-Birthday! Then even more play begins as you interact with your newly hatched BFF.
Who’s Going to Love It: The play is all about building a relationship with the character, from hatch to home. Kids who like this kind of play–and love making up stories and interacting with this feature-rich character will have a blast with it.
One More Thing: Once the egg hatches, that part of the play is over. However, the bottom of the egg becomes a nest for your Pufficorn character.
Monopoly GO! Board Game from Hasbro
For 2-4 players, ages 8 years and up.
$19.99
Where to Buy
The digital version of Monopoly Go! is the hottest casual game right now with millions of people all over the world “passing Go” every day. Now, the game has come off the screen and onto the gaming table with a fast-paced version that engages the family in real time.
To play, each player chooses a mini game board with a favorite location and matching die. The first to stack four matching landmarks block on their board wins. That’s it. The entire game takes about 15 minutes to play,
Who’s Going to Love It: Well, of course Monopoly and Monopoly GO! fans are going to enjoy this, but it’s also a fairly simple, fast-moving game that let’s you have a lot of fun in a little time, perfect for busy families who still want to play.
One More Thing:
The game comes with a code to unlock a free digital token to use in the Monopoly GO! App. The code can be redeemed 4 times, but only once per account and expires December 31, 2025.
Singing Adventure Moana Doll from Mattel
For ages 3 years and up.
$24.99
Where to Buy
Inspired by Disney’s Moana 2, the sequel to the original film, this doll inspires kids to play like the character it’s based on. Moana is a brave leader, who heeds the ocean’s call as she takes on adventure. Press her torso to hear a clip from the English version of “We’re Back”, the original song from the animated musical. The fashion doll bends at the arms, head and legs so kids can imagine her journeying over land and sea with her loyal crew. The doll is dressed in her true-to-movie adventure outfit with beautiful, wavy hair and fun accessories. In the movie, Moana is called a “wayfinder,” and this play encourages kids to imagine themselves as empowered–always something we like.
Who’s Going to Love It: Naturally this doll is for fans of the movie who love the character. They’ll like interpreting Moana’s strength and spirit in their play.
One More Thing: This doll is proving widely popular, and we recommend buying it when you see it.
Tile Town from Moose Toys
For ages 3-6 years.
$29.99 Tile Town Fire Truck;
$49.99 (Tile Town Pet Clinic and Rescue, Tile Town Fire Station)
Where to Buy
This is the kind of toy that I would have spent hours and hours with. Magnetic tiles let kids build playsets based on such hit properties as Bluey or Jurassic World, as well as Moose’s original Fire Station and Pet Clinic. The magnets clip together easily to create towns, building, homes, yards, lots of things kids can imagine. Each set also has special, “action tiles” unique to that set that allow kids to use the magnets to open doors, make characters dance or slide down a fire pole…or even escape from a dinosaur. We love how easily the pieces fit together and how satisfying that click is as kids create.
Who’s Going to Love It: This is great for kids who love imaginative play, as they create narratives during their play. It’s great for solo or co-play as well, and there’s plenty to do.
One More Thing: We’re really impressed by how reasonably priced this is for a magnetic building system.
Transformers One Power Flip Optimus Prime (Orion Pax) from Hasbro
For ages 6 years and up
$49.99
Where to Buy
The original Transformers—40 years ago—were billed as “robots in disguise.” The stories of these characters are a kind of modern mythology and have intrigued and delighted two generations of fans…and they show no sign of slowing down.
The Orion Pax toys converts between 4 different modes: Orion Pax, Cybertronian Truck toy, Optimus Prime figure, and Ultimate Optimus Prime. Power Flip Optimus Prime grows in height from 8-10 inches by holding the toy’s arms and flipping the figure for an epic finale to finish the conversion to Ultimate Optimus Prime.
Who’s Going to Love It: Transformers fans of all ages will love this. Transforming is part of the brands, as well as the classic good versus evil storyline. We have been really impressed by this toy, which we think will appeal to kids—and collectors.
One More Thing: The transformation is somewhat sophisticated, so take your time setting it up. Then when you do the flip, it’s a real wow!
Bittyverse from Funko
For ages 3 years and up.
Rides $6.00; Towns $10.00; Display $30.00
Where to Buy
We’ve been saying that collectibles are more popular than ever, and no one does collectibles like Funko. The big news is miniatures, and we’re kind of in love with the new Bitty POP! line of collectible toys in teeny tiny forms. Yes, they look like the full-size POP! figures shrunk down to a scale that can only be called super-cute. They’re collectible, and playable as the characters can come out of the box and fit on the vehicles (rides) or in various different scenes (towns). Plus, the displays let you show off your whole collection. There are a ton of different properties to choose from: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Friends, The Nightmare Before Christmas, SpongeBob SquarePants, DC Comics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. These are must for the collectors on your gift list.
Who’s Going to Love It: Any collector is going to be charmed by their favorite in this size. And we all know that collectors are more than kids.
One More Thing: Funko keeps adding more to the collection, and some of the ones listed here are “coming soon,” but check out the site to see the entire range.
Blank Slate from The Op Games
For ages 8 years and up.
$25.99
Where to Buy
This is the game where being like-minded is a winning strategy. It’s a fun, laugh-filled game for friends and families. On each turn, a player picks a cue card and read out a phrase, which has a blank in it. Everyone writes the single world they think best completes the phrase. Turn them over and exact matches win. No hints allowed; you have to guess how well you might know how another player thinks.
The game includes 250 cards with 500 hints so you can play again and again. And, like the best games it’s different depending on who is playing. The game is for 3-8 players. It’s the latest in social games, which are huge right now; it’s more about the fun of playing than the thrill of winning. (Though we always like to win.)
Who’s Going to Love It: Of course, people who like games will have a good time with this. It’s a little like the classic Match Game, and it’s always fun to see how people think. It’s as much about fostering social interaction and communication as playing, and we always think that’s a great thing.
One More Thing: You may not know The Op Games, but they have a. whole line of great family games you may want to check out. And whose game shelf can’t use a regular refresh?
Crayola Light Ups from Crayola
For ages 4 years and up.
$9.99
Where to Buy
Get ready to light up your holiday decorating! Crayola Light Ups and light up figurines that you decorate with the Crayola Gel FX washable markers. The white figures take the markers really easily, and light up with colors, thanks to the LED light inside.
This is a great holiday activity for kids, and you can choose from Ghost, Jack-O-Lantern, Dragon, Unicorn, Santa, and Snowman. Each character glows in 3 different colors and will shut off automatically with a four-hour timer. The characters are also reusable and shatter resistant. The Light-Ups require there AAA batteries, which are not included.
When you want to change up your design, just use a damp cloth to wipe off and create again and again. Who’s Going to Love It: Actually we think that anyone who loves decorating for the holidays will find these delightful. It’s especially good for kids who want to feel as though they are participating in the process and can put their own creative mark on the holidays.
One More Thing: My brothers and I used to color the lightbulbs in the lamps to achieve something like this effect. This is way better, and you won’t get in trouble for being creative.
Upzzle from Educational Insights
For 2 players, ages 7 years and up.
$14.99
Where to Buy
It’s a brain teaser and a game, and we can’t get enough of it. The game has 40 pieces in different shapes, which can be assembled on a square base. You have single pieces, smaller squares, angled pieces–very much like other types of puzzles you may have seen.
Each player gets 20 pieces, and the goal is to get rid of your pieces first by stacking them on the base. But it’s not so simple. You roll the die and see how many pieces you get to put on the base, but they have to stack, and you can’t leave spaces underneath or go over the edge. So, you have to be strategic where you place your pieces both to set up advantages for yourself and stymie the other player. There’s a lot of thinking that goes on, and there’s a lot of perception and planning in each turn.
We’ve gotten very competitive playing this–and we want to go again at the end of each game.
Who’s Going to Love It: This is a great game for people who like strategy games, puzzles, and perhaps even fidget toys. The pieces feel good in your hand, and we love the need to visualize each piece before placing it.
One More Thing: We made up some “house rules” while we were playing, often to make it even more challenging. You may want to try that, too.
Play-Doh Retro Diner 8 Mega Variety from Horizon Group
For ages 4 years and up.
$14.99
Where to Buy
Compunds are more popular than ever, and any kid who loves them will love getting their hands on this collection of 8 different gorgeous goos! This is not your traditional Play-Doh, but it’s the same quality that’s made the brand a favorite for 68 years–and three generations!
Each of the 8 different, scented goos has a different texture, and there are mix-ins that you can use to enhance creative play. But, best of all, mom, each of these is pre-made and ready to go right out of the package, so there’s no messy mixing or activators to deal with. Just peel back the lids and go to town!
Who’s Going to Love It: Any kid who loves compounds will love playing with these and all the different varieties and creative possibilities.
One More Thing: Playing with all the different textures is really satisfying, and for parents looking for ASMR toys, this has a wide variety and a very good price.
This should get you started, but we’re always adding to the list, so come back often. And happy, play-full holidays from all of us at The Toy Guy!
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
