"Christmas is in the crosshairs," according to NBC News. While the 2025 holiday season is seven months away, conversations on the increasing costs due to tariffs aren't quieting down.
Toys are one of the many imports that will face price increases as a result of President Donald Trump's latest tariff rate. Nearly 80% of toys imported to the United States are made in China, on which President Trump enacted a 125% rate last month.
This means that toys will not only be more costly, but you might also see fewer toys stocked on store shelves, as well, as companies might push pause on importing goods.
Because of this, many are wondering whether they should start holiday shopping seven months in advance — to avoid a potential holiday meltdown.
Bestselling toys on sale
Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle
It'll be hard for parents themselves to keep their hands off this game — where the goal is to solve the puzzle shown on an included guide before the timer runs out.
They can solve 2D or 3D puzzles depending on what the guide calls for, and what level of difficulty they're ready for. This game has over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and can be packed for road trips, plane rides or waiting in line at amusement parks.
Kinetic Sand Squish Motion Playset
Save nearly 50% off this set that includes kinetic sand in a carrying case that makes it easy to take on the go. The carrying case also makes it easy to contain the sand, for a mess-free experience.
It also comes with five stamps (and a stamper tool) that allow them to press designs into the sand to reveal a shark, smiley face and more.
Flipslide Game
The squares in the middle will light up with one of four colors — it's their job to twist, flip and turn the blocks to match. There are four modes of play: speed mode, level mode, memory mode and multiplayer.
This game has over 10k reviews on Amazon, with reviewers saying this simple toy is easy to navigate and play.
Taco vs Burrito Card Game
This card game was created by kids, for kids. It's perfect for those moments when you need a quick distraction or to kill time, with the brand saying a round lasts no longer than 15 minutes.
Plus, they'll practice and hone math skills such as adding, subtracting and basic counting.
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push and Pop Bulldozer
This toy focuses on strengthening hand-eye coordination, by having toddlers drop balls into the allotted slot, then pop them into the scoop bucket and drop them back into the slot again in one fluid motion.
It counts the number of balls while they're playing, and buttons on the side shout out colors and numbers when pushed.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint RC Car Wall Climber
This indoor RC car was named one of Shop TODAY's Gifts We Love in 2023, because of its ability to entertain kids for hours on end during snow days off from school or rainy days when they're forced inside.
This car doesn't need to remain on the floor, however, the anti-gravity features let kids zoom it upside down across ceilings, walls and more. And, it's rechargeable — with up to at least eight minutes of play on a single charge.
Hex Bots Wall Crawler Gecko
Nature-loving kids will appreciate this insect (that you'll actually let them take inside the house!). It earned a Gift We Love award for the child who would much rather spend their time outside, but when the weather doesn't allow them to do so, this remote-controlled toy crawls in every nook and cranny of the house instead.
It has LED eyes that glow in the dark, making it the perfect way to prank parents or their siblings.
Goopow Kids Selfie Digital Camera
Another one of our Gifts We Love, we dubbed this gift the best for budding photographers, thanks to its kid-friendly, durable exterior that makes it easy for them to capture content wherever they go.
They can take photos and videos and even play games on the included screen. It also has a function that makes it easy to take selfies, and frames to decorate the borders of photos with.
Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart Push Toy
Now 50% off, this toy lets young ones mimic the act of getting groceries, complete with the to-go coffee cup often necessary to get through a grocery trip.
It also includes puzzles to sort foods based on their color to practice color and shape recognition.
STEM toys on sale
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars
With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it's easy to tell that it's never too early to gift a STEM toy. These binoculars are well-loved due to a kid-friendly design, that helps them withstand bumps, drops and tumbles. Plus, they're built with eyepieces that help them see everything doubled in size — whether they're looking down at worms or up at the stars.
Bitzee Disney Interactive Toy
Think of this toy as today's Tamagotchi. Kids and teens can open the box to unveil an electronic character that interacts with their every move. There are 30 recognizable characters included in this Disney-themed pod, including Olaf, Stitch, Nemo and more.
Plus, this toy is ranked #1 in the electronic pet category on Amazon.
Loop Lasso Nano
We love this viral toy (that's garnered thousands of views on TikTok) for its ability to help kids create an interactive light show from the comfort of their bedroom. It shoots lights at up to 40 miles per hour and even comes with a "tricks" guide to help them show off at their next sleepover.
Newborn and Infant toys on sale
Melissa and Doug GO Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble
Little ones will get a grasp on practicing hand-eye coordination skills with the discs included in this wooden play set, that encourage them to grip and place them in allotted spots.
Thanks to a handle that makes it easy to carry, this play set can be packed up and brought to playdates or relatives' houses.
Green Toys Wagon
This outdoor toy is now less than $25, and ideal for days at the park, splash pad, or walks around the neighborhood.
Reviewers say their children use it both inside and out — its plastic wheels proving not to scuff floors.
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Coffee Cafe Playset
For the child who loves to push buttons, crank knobs and play coffee shop, gift them with this interactive café toy that sings back over 100 songs, phrases and sayings with the touch of a button.
Melissa and Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Play Set
When my sister and I were little, we would play veterinarian by putting bandages on our stuffed animals — only to be upset that they wouldn't come off without taking a little bit of fur with them.
This set hopes to resolve those woes by giving children everything they need to patch up any stuffed animal, including a stethoscope, syringe, play bandages and more.
Dolls and plush toys on sale
Furby Furblets Fierce and Fabulous 2-Pack
Furbys are back! This two-pack includes miniature versions of the nostalgic toy, that shout out over 45 sounds with the push of a button.
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy
If they've been pestering you about getting a pet, have them practice with this stuffed toy, that mimics the notions of a puppy. With features like weighted paws, eyes that blink and over 60 sounds, it also reacts to being pet on the head and back, thanks to built-in sensors.
Arts and crafts toys on sale
Melissa and Doug Sticker WOW! Sticker and Activity Pad
This activity booklet gives them a dedicated space to set stickers. The included 300 stickers (which they distribute and place via a stamper designed to look like a cat) are sure to add a fun element to activities such as counting, search-and-find, creating their own bookmarks and more.
KLUTZ Make Your Own Mini Erasers Kit
Spruce up any school supply with unique erasers. With an instruction booklet that guides them in creating over 45 different shapes with the included clay, reviewers rave about how easy this set is for kids to use.
Creativity for Kids Easy Sparkle Window Art Kit
Spring is here, and summer is closely behind it. These window decals make the sun poking through any window a touch more colorful — thanks to the vivid colors encouraged by a shooting star, unicorn or ice cream cone.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
