Believe it or not, the holidays are just around the corner.
And you know what that means: shopping season has begun. For parents of little ones, the stakes are even higher. As a shopping reporter and first-time mom, I know the pressure to pick out the very best gifts — and this year, the options are almost too good.
In an effort to put together this guide, The Post also consulted Ali Mierzejewski, Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Insider, for insights into some of the hottest gifts of the year. Mierzejewski has been covering the hottest toy trends in the industry for years and knows exactly what to look for when it comes to holiday gifting.
“We know that a lot of the classic heritage brands — like Fisher-Price, Crayola, LEGO, Play-Doh, Barbie, and more — are always going to be big hits,” explained Mierzejewski. “But with new trends, like the spike in the popularity of squishy toys, other brands are becoming more and more household names, like NeeDoh and Squishmallows.”
Beyond the brands, Mierzejewski also suggests looking to pop culture for toy inspiration (think The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Toy Story 5 items from Disney).
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great kids’ toys for every age, budget and personal taste — whether your little one is a die-hard doll fan, lives for ripping open hatching surprise toys or has a slime obsession that has been slowly taking over your home.
Trust us, there’s a toy for every kind of kid — and yes, even some things the parents might enjoy playing with, too. Below, find the 21 hottest toys of the year, per expert recommendations and parent reviews.
Best Plush Toy: Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max 18-Inch Interactive Plush Toy
Mierzejewski says this is a great pick because Elmo is a universal crowd-pleaser.
“Whether it’s kids or adults, hearing this brand-new Tickle Me Elmo laugh himself into giggle fits will have everyone laughing along with him,” she shared.
She also points out that it’s the 30th anniversary of the original Tickle Me Elmo, “so it has a nostalgic appeal parents will love.”
Best for Toddlers: Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset
Another one of Mierzejewsi’s top picks is this adorable Mario Adventure Playset for toddlers. She notes that it’s especially appealing to grown-up Nintendo fans who are looking to share something they love with the next generation.
“This playset is full of interactivity, with sounds and moving parts, and includes a Mario figure,” Mierzejewski explained. “It’s great for imaginative play and beginning storytelling for little ones — and definitely a perfect gift from the “cool aunt or uncle.”
Best Car for Kids: Disney 6V Minnie Roadster Ride-On by Dynacraft
Let’s be real: a brand-new hot ride is always on the wish list, and it doesn’t hurt that this one looks pretty cool and is inspired by an iconic Disney character.
“Oftentimes, kids love to mimic the adults in their lives — so what’s a better holiday gift than a
brand-new car?” Mierzejewsi proposed. “We love this Minnie Mouse Roadster because it’s super cute, but it also helps build motor skills and encourages role-play for kids.
Best of all, it’s currently on sale for under $100.
Best for American Girl Fans: Daisy Davenport 18-inch Doll & Book (Girl of the Year)
Parents of American Girl fans, stop here.
This year’s American Girl doll is Daisy Davenport, “a confident girl who loves soccer, playing guitar, and biking around her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin.”
Whether it’s their first doll or a new addition to the collection, you can’t go wrong with this iconic brand that celebrates individuality and encourages kids to embrace being themselves.
Best Play-Doh Gift: Play-Doh Super Sizzlin’ Kitchen Playset w/ Realistic Cooking Toy Sounds
Anything that inspires pretend play is always a great pick.
“Play-Doh sets are awesome for inspiring kids’ creativity!” Mierzejewsi noted. “They can learn and create, mix and match, and role-play as a chef with this fun kitchen playset.”
She adds that this latest addition to the Play-Doh lineup is extra fun thanks to its engaging accessories. With trendy tools like a pasta maker, it allows kids to experiment with their culinary skills.
Best for Barbie Fans: Barbie in The Nutcracker 25th Anniversary Doll
The all-new “Barbie in the Nutcracker” animated special premieres in November, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved franchise.
For kids who love Barbie, The Nutcracker, or both, this doll is a must-have. Clara looks stunning in her beautiful pink dress (inspired by the original design in the film), and she is ready to dance her way into the holiday season with a pair of matching ballet slippers.
It’s the perfect festive gift for little fans or Ballerinas, sure to bring a smile to their faces.
Best Disney Gift: Disney Darlings Winnie the Pooh Birthday Celebration Feature Baby Doll
Mierzejewsi says that dolls are a wonderful gift because they encourage nurturing play in kids.
“The Disney Darlings line is a great pick because it adds a little magic to kids’ imaginative play,” she shared. “As they are role-playing caring for their dolls, they can wave a wand over them to see their cheeks light up with a little Disney magic.”
She adds that the wand even triggers a special birthday surprise, making pretend play even more magical.
Best Action Figure: Nintendo Yum Yum Yoshi 9.5 inch Feature Action Figure
For parents looking for a relatively simple, screen-free toy, the Nintendo Yum Yum Yoshi 9.5-Inch Feature Action Figure is a pretty sweet pick — and at under $30, it’s easy on the wallet, too.
“This Yoshi encourages storytelling and imaginative play at an affordable price point,” Mierzejewsi pointed out. As kids play, they can engage with their favorite video game character, but without the screen. This screen-free playtime helps spark storytelling, imagination and creative playtime.”
Best Furry Friend: Just Play furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush Tiger
You can never go wrong with fur babies.
“Interactive pets are a great way to encourage that nurturing and caring play without all the mess
of a real pet — and no one does it better than furReal,” shared Mierzejewsi. “This line is always full of magical moments, but kids will really be wow-ed as they pet Gabby and she grows.”
Beyond role-play, she also notes that toys like this can help children build social-emotional skills as they care for and interact with their new toy — which boasts more than 100 sound-and-movement combos.
Best Storytime Gift: Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set with Playtime Puppy
Meet the storytime upgrade you didn’t know you needed… until you did.
We’ve been tracking the Toniebox’s viral rise for the past couple of years, and this little gadget just keeps winning over families. The screen-free, kid-friendly cube brings songs, stories and lovable characters to life — no tablet required. Just pop Playtime Puppy (or another Tonie character) on top and let the magic begin.
It’s durable, travel-friendly and there’s a huge catalog of stories, making it an easy win for parents and kiddos.
Best Play Set: Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane Modular Play House & Figures, Wooden Play Set
Mierzejewski is especially fond of this wooden playset’s modular design, which lets little imaginations run wild with endless ways to build, rearrange and play.
“There are no rules, so they can design their house any way they wish to — with all of the movable accessories, there is no limit to their interior design,” Mierzejewski noted. “Plus, Melissa & Doug is a trusted name that parents love, and this set comes with lots of play value at a great price point.”
Best for Multiple Kids: BlueyLights and Sounds 36-Piece House Playset
“Kids love Bluey — and there are plenty of Bluey toys out there on the market — but what makes
this one so great is its size,” exclaimed Mierzejewski.
If you have multiple Bluey fans in the family, this set offers plenty of room for everyone to join in on the fun.
“Not only is it packed with fun for one kid, but there is plenty of space for multiple kids to play, helping encourage collaboration, sharing and other social-emotional skills,” she added.
Best for Dino-lovers: PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy
Mierzejewski says your little ones don’t even have to be PAW Patrol fans to go wild for this prehistoric playset. The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle is a good time for any dino lover or the adventurous kid who can’t get enough of larger-than-life toys.
“This will be a huge hit with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie hitting theaters this year, but this toy in
particular is packed with play value,” she shared.
“First of all, kids get that wow-factor with the big reveal of the inflatable dino, but this set also includes classic vehicle play with the truck that gets kids both imagining and up and active.”
Best For Kids who Like to Build: Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard Cutter, Kid-Friendly Power Tool
Yes — there are power tools for kids, too — if you know where to look.
“ChompSaw is an amazing way to get kids developing those all-important STEM skills through
fun and creative play,” explained Mierzejewski. “With this kid-safe power tool, they can make their own creations out of cardboard, and see how using the saw in different ways allows them to make different things.”
It’s not the cheapest gift, but the educational element is a bonus. Plus, Mierzejewski adds that the brand offers a monthly Inventor’s Club Subscription, which allows them to expand their creativity with new projects.
Best Doll: Mattel KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi Fashion Doll
“Fashion dolls are a great tool for imaginative play and storytelling as kids grow out of the
preschool years and into the grade school ones,” said Mierzejewski.
Among the most popular doll lineups this year are the KPop Demon Hunters dolls, which sing the incredibly popular song “Golden” and feature stylish outfits inspired by the movie. They’re a hit not only with fans of the film but also with any kid who loves imaginative play.
“Plus, like with all fashion dolls, kids can take their favorite HUNTR/X characters into whatever new adventures they can imagine,” she added.
Best Entertainment:Nex Playground
First there was the Wii, and now there’s the Nex.
This compact console connects to your TV and uses a built-in motion-tracking camera to follow players’ movements, transforming your living room into an interactive, real-life gaming experience. Parents say it keeps kiddos entertained for hours and is a great way to get them moving.
The library changes every month. Popular games and characters include Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, How to Train Your Dragon, Peppa Pig, Care Bears and more.
Best for Slime-Lovers: GUI GUI Mega Slime Haul, 5 Scented Slimes, 50+ Pieces
Slime is always a hit with kiddos, and it helps support their sensory development, too. According to Mierzejewski, the popular Gui Gui brand brings a little bit of glam to the category, for even more fun.
With this line of slimes, including this Mega Slime Haul, kids can engage in skin care, beauty, and GRWM role-play, but through slime instead of real cosmetics,” she explained. “It inspires them to be creative and express themselves through glam role-play, while keeping them engaged through tactile play.”
Best Squishy Gift: Schylling NeeDoh Squishmas Advent Calendar
If it’s not slime, then it’s squish. And for that, NeeDoh is the place to go. These squishy, sensory toys are totally squeezable and fun to collect.
“NeeDoh’s bright colors, tactile feel, and fun shapes make them a big hit for kids,” explained Mierzejewski, warning that there are some unsafe knock-offs on the market.
The ones you’ll want to look for are by the brand Schylling.
Best for Pokémon Fans: Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box
Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and this Elite Trainer Box is sure to impress some super fans. Mierzejewski says there are many benefits to playing card games.
“Kids build an off-screen hobby in collecting, but can also hone their social skills by trading and playing the game with friends. The TCG itself also takes strategic gameplay, so kids can hone those skills
with characters they love,” she explained.
Best Surprise Gift: Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg Interactive Toy
“We know that kids love a fun reveal — and that’s absolutely true with this megalodon that
hatches out of its water habitat,” said Mierzejewski.
She notes that the downside of some reveal toys is that once the initial surprise wears off, the play value can quickly fade. Now with this one, though.
“But not with this Primal Hatch: Once hatched, kids can take the shark out and use it for imaginative playtime, or they can re-reveal it over and over again.”
Best for Musical Kids: FAO SCHWARTZ Bluetooth Karaoke Toy
Nordstrom now carries the iconic FAO Schwarz toy collection, and there’s plenty of stellar holiday gifts to choose from — especially the brand’s Bluetooth Karaoke Toy Set.
Whether you have a music-loving kid or simply enjoy making memories together as a family, this set is sure to be an instant crowd-pleaser. It features a colorful, light-up display, built-in voice effects and vocal filters to make things even more fun.
It’s the perfect gift for bringing everyone together for a little holiday karaoke.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.