Now that the holiday season has rolled around, both parents and kids have one main thing on their minds: Toys!
But while kids spend most of that time excitedly counting down the days until they get to open their presents, parents have the tough job of finding the toys that they’ll actually love. And that’s why every year, plenty of gift-givers turn to The Toy Insider’s annual toy lists to help guide their decision.
For those who are looking to get that tough job over with as early as possible this year, we have some exciting news: Laurie Schacht, President and Chief Toy Officer at the Toy Insider, stopped by TODAY to share some of the best last-minute holiday toys to shop now. In her product lineup are mini collectables, coloring books, and other interactive options that suit a variety of age groups.
Best holiday toys seen on TODAY | More toys seen on TODAY | Previously seen on TODAY | Hot 20 | 12 Under $20 | STEM 10
To create the list each year, The Toy Insider team starts testing the toys in October of the year prior — and they try out thousands before narrowing it down to the final ones. When analyzing toys for the list, the team reviews them based on five different criteria points — skill building, play value (how much playtime kids can get out of a toy when compared to its cost), originality, product integrity ("does the toy do what it's supposed to do, what kids expect it to do?") and, finally, fun factor. They also make sure the list feels balanced across price points and interests.
The hottest and most popular items are then broken down into three lists: Hot 20, 12 Under $20 and STEM 10. Picks on the list range from affordable stocking stuffers to sought-after finds from brands like Pokémon, Lego, Barbie, L.O.L. Surprise! and more.
Regardless of their age, there’s something in this list for every stage they’re in. Below are the most popular toys to shop during the holidays, according to the Toy Insider.
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Best holiday toys to shop now, as seen on TODAY
VTech Marble Rush Sky Elevator Set
This elevator set allows them to explore their imagination with curved tracks and slides that can connect in various ways. With over 150 pieces, the max height that the elevator can reach is an impressive three feet, indicating that parents can also tag along with building. Once the structure is set, place the marbles wherever you desire to watch them go. Six AAA batteries are required.
MGA’s Miniverse Entertainment Make It Mini Food Diner Series
According to the brand, there are only three steps to this collectable: set, prep and display. Each mini ball comes with a set of tiny ingredients and kitchen accessories to replicate their favorite treats. Once the ingredients are set in place, the instructions suggest placing it under UV light so that the resin can harden, and then the mini dish can be played with or displayed. What makes this product unique is that each mini ball is unlabeled, so it's almost a guarantee that they will be surprised with what's inside!
Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Light Ignite Battle Set
The Beyblade QuadStrike Battle set is the perfect opportunity to schedule one-on-one play. The toy comes with a sporty stadium, two tops, two launchers and armor tips to go head-to-head. Once released from the launcher, the tops purposely clash, spin and light-up for loads of fun.
Crayola HD Coloring Kit
Coloring kits make perfect stocking stuffers, as well as a classic remedy to promote relaxation and a creative mind. This Crayola HD Coloring Kit includes 30 coloring pencils and 20 "premium coloring pages" that promise nearly professional results. All of which claim to be safe, non-toxic and ready to be displayed.
LumiTek Flight Sonic Chargers Plane
Fly either indoors or outdoors, the Flight Sonic Chargers Plane can surely put on a show. It has three flight modes — 15 seconds, 30 seconds or no limit — and 30 flights in a single charge, along with bright lights that flash as it soars.
Sky Viper Vector Stunt Plane
With just the push of a button, the Sky Viper Vector Stunt Plane turns, glides and loops. The body of the plane is lightweight compared to other drones, which helps it flow with the breeze. They'll be thrilled by all the excitement this toy will provide, especially if they're beginners, as it is all driven by a controller.
MD Sports Air Powered Hockey, Foosball and Billiard Game Table
The game table combines all of the classics — air hockey, foosball and billiards — all in a single design. The three-in-one game allows them to switch from one to the next with a quick release feature. Although that might require adult assistance, this 48-inch table should be entertaining for the whole family.
More of the hottest holiday toys seen on TODAY
Ali Mierzejewski, Editor-in-Chief at the Toy Insider, previously stopped by TODAY to reveal some trending gadgets they’ll most likely adore.
Fat Brain Toys Spill Again
This toy tower is full of suspense. The surprise: a pop full of colorful balls erupts from the top once it's filled to the brim. Active little ones will enjoy filling the tower up over and over again.
MGA Entertainment Fluffie Stuffiez Plush
Consider this a two-in-one toy. When your little one picks apart the patented soft fluff, a hidden character is revealed underneath. But with the squishy pouch, they can use the fluff to re-stuff the pouch into whatever they desire. Plus, large and small sizes are available.
Pokémon Pikachu Train and Play Deluxe Interactive Action Figure
Soon they’ll become their own Pokémon trainer thanks to this Pikachu action figure. There are over 50 reactions that burst out of this toy, consisting of sounds, movements and even the flush of its cheeks that are activated when they touch or speak to the toy. Pikachu also comes with two berries that unlock other interactions when held up to its nose.
Lite Brite Touch
Parents might recognize this vintage toy. It now has a modern touch for your favorite youngster to experience the same fun as you did. Instead of pegs, the new Lite Brite Touch comes with 100 light-up buttons for them to create art or play games. If they decide to save their play for later, their art can be downloaded and displayed for another time.
WowWee Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog
Like a real pup, each one of these Dog-Es are truly unique! It goes through a minting process to reveal a combination of colorful lights, sounds and personality traits. Will your dog be playful and loving? Or will they always be hungry? You can also create multiple profiles in the app, so everyone in your family can experience their own unique Dog-E!
EastPoint Sports Giant Connect4
Made for both indoor and outdoor fun, this is a supersized version of the iconic board game. The brand claims the set up is quick and easy, and has a sturdy structure to withstand most weather conditions. It is enjoyable for all age groups, even for adults who want to use the game for hosting and other social gatherings.
The Toy Insider's hot toys, as previously seen on TODAY
The Toy Insider’s Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva also joined TODAY to talk about all the buzzworthy, innovative and fun toys that made this year’s list.
Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet
Blitzee is a first of its kind electronic pet that kids can actually touch and pet. Each Blitzee starts as a baby, and as kids feed and play with them, they’ll grow into an adult and then a Super Blitzee!
“I love that it comes in this little jewelry box-style case that you can just snap shut and take it with you,” Silva says.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint RC Car
They can reach new heights with this unique race car. Not only does it zoom across floors, but it can also drive up walls and on the ceiling! The best part? This ultra-cool gift is just $20.
Sesame Street Elmo Slide Plush
With this Elmo toy, not only will kids get to play with a character that they know and love, but it will also help get them moving, Silva says. The plush toy dances and plays the viral song “The Elmo Slide”and encourages kids to dance along. Elmo is also bilingual and can sing and speak in Spanish, as well as, English!
Ami Amis Party Pal Ultimate Festive Fun Flush Toy
This fun plush toy does it all. It wiggles, walks, plays music and even shoots out confetti for a fun surprise. Plus, it comes with a funnel, scoop and extra confetti, so the fun never stops.
Editor's note: This pick is currently only available for pre-order, but we're sharing another toy from the brand, below.
Ami Amis Jumbo Oinkie
L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers
You can always expect to find at least one L.O.L. Surprise! toy on every hot holiday toy list. And this pick from the brand brings all the unboxing fun that kids love about the toys and takes it to new heights. They can pull back the lid to watch their doll fly.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Pizzafire Delivery Van
This toy checks practically every box for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” fans. “It has all that role play value that you’d expect from a toy like that, so kids can reenact their favorite scenes from the movie,” Silva says. “But it also has that fun action play of shooting these little mini pizzas.
Furby Interactive Toy
“‘90s kids everywhere can rejoice because Furby is back for the next generation!” Silva says. “[It’s] super bright, colorful, neon and fun, but more interactive than ever before.”
This new version of the Furby toy features more than 600 phrases, jokes, songs and other reactions.
Beast Lab Beast Creator
Beast Lab is one of the latest toys from Moose Toys, the brand behind the beloved Magic Mixies toys. This one brings a “mad scientist element” into the equation, Silva says. Instead of mixing a potion or waving a wand, kids will follow the steps of an experiment to reveal one of two beasts.
Crayola Wixels Unicorn Activity Kit
Kids will be introduced to a new way to color with this kit. They will follow the map and use the suggested colors to create a pixelated unicorn — or they can get creative and try their own design. The board is washable, so they can use it again and again.
The Toy Insider Hot 20 toy list
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach also previously stopped by the show to share a handful of picks from each list. Keep reading to get a first look at the Hot 20, 12 Under $20 and STEM 10 lists. If you see anything that catches your eye, you’ll want to act fast, because there’s no telling how long these toys will stay in stock.
“Most, if not all, of the toys on our Hot 20 list will be expected to sell out,” Silva says.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
This bestselling Super Mario Nintendo Switch game is fun for the whole family, Silva says. It takes the classic game and adds a new element: Wonder Flowers, which trigger unexpected elements in the game.
Cocomelon Peek-A-Boo JJ Plush
Cocomelon toys are a hit every year, and this plush toy is no different. "He sings some of the iconic Cocomelon songs that kids are going to expect to hear and he's got an interactive play feature, which for babies at that age is really important," Silva says. "You want them to work on those social-emotional skills and interacting with their toy can really help do that."
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn DJ Table
Fisher-Price is a brand that parents have come to know and love, and this year, they released a new Mix & Learn DJ table that is perfect for kids ages 6 months to 3 years old. "I really love this toy because it grows with kids," Silva says. "So when babies are younger, you can take the legs off and put it right on the floor so that they can have floor play. When they're older, you put the legs on and now they can stand and play. So it really changes based on their needs."
It also features three Smart Stage levels, so they continue learning as they grow, the brand says.
LeapFrog Touch & Learn Wooden Activity Cube
"Activity cubes are a staple for a lot of babies and toddlers," Silva says. "And the VTech one is actually eco-friendly. It has a lot of wooden elements to it, which I think parents today will love. There's just so much play and learning built into all sides of this cube. So it's one of those toys that is not going to cost you an arm and a leg, it's good for the environment and kids are gonna get so much out of it."
Barbie Dreamhouse Playset
It's the year of Barbie, so it should come as no surprise that this year's Barbie Dreamhouse made the hot list. With the tallest slide to date, three levels and 10 indoor and outdoor play areas, the new house inspires "360 degrees of play," Silva says.
"It's a perfect place to also store your Barbie dolls, which I feel like every parent is looking for."
Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Playset
Toys featuring characters from movies and TV shows are a big trend this year, Silva says. And Bluey, the Australian Blue Heeler puppy is a family favorite. "Bluey is everyone's favorite show, from preschoolers to grade schoolers to parents," Silva says. And this toy comes with Bluey and Bingo figures and a large Hammerbarn shopping center for them to explore.
Hasbro Marvel Spidey Web Spinners Playset
Speaking of beloved characters, this playset brings Spidey from the show "Spidey and His Amazing Friends " to life. Silva says that it has so many different elements from the show built in, so they can recreate some of the adventures that they see on the screen.
VTech Switch and Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex
A car that transforms into a dinosaur? This is truly the toy of dreams. Kids can play with the fire truck, rescue helicopter and electronic police car on their own and then combine them to create a T-Rex with animated Dino eyes!
Tonies Mickey and Friends Starter Set
Silva says that this Tonies Starter Set is a "great gift" for a number of reasons: It's screen-free, it's educational and it has the collectible character that kids know and love. When they place Mickey on top of the box, they'll get to hear a whodunnit mystery featuring Goofy and Mickey!
LEGO 100 Years of Disney Animated Icon
Celebrate 100 years of Disney with this special edition Lego set. The set has 12 8x8 plates and additional tiles that kids can piece together to create collages with their favorite characters that they can display on their wall or bookshelf.
Pokémon Trading Card Game: 151 Elite Trainer Box
This set comes with everything you need to play the Pokemon game, including special cards with special unique illustrations. "[It] involves a lot of strategic thinking, which is really a healthy practice for kids in this age range," Silva says. "Plus, a lot of social-emotional development when you're playing against an opponent and you're learning to win or lose." It is currently only available for preorder.
Tamagotchi UNI Interactive Bracelet
This new version of the Tamagotchi has "more interactivity than ever before," Silva says. "You can customize the room that they live in, you can make friends with other actual Tamagotchis, you can even propose marriage!"
It even comes with a wristband so they can take it with them everywhere they go.
The Toy Insider 12 Under $20
Fingerlings
They can take their newest BFF with them everywhere! Because this little toy is designed to fit right on their fingertip. Each one has tons of sounds and reactions and will recognize when you feed them or pet them.
BumBumz
Plush toys are another huge trend this year, Silva says. And BumBumz's affordable plushy friends come in plenty of different varieties, from flowers to a disco ball or koala, like this one.
Disney Princess Moana Fashion Doll
They can collect all their favorite princesses, from Moana to Ariel and Jasmine! Each doll comes in her signature outfit from the movie and has removable accessories.
Lego Classic Creative Neon Fun Brick Box Set
This set comes with 333 Lego bricks in vibrant neon colors that kids can put together to make fun designs and characters.
MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Lifestyle Series
Mini collectible toys are always a hit with both kids and adults alike. And this series of surprise collectibles feature replicas of your favorite home and lifestyle pieces, including plants, aquariums, candles and more.
Fat Brain Toys Mr. Bendy Game
Meet Mr. Bendy! He can become whatever you can imagine, from an astronaut to a golfer. Players of this game will pick a card and then craft Mr. Bendy into whatever is on it. Others will then guess what he is before time runs out.
Boogie Board Sketch Pals Forest Friends
They can take their creativity on the go with these cute doodle boards! Each one features a stylus attached with sturdy cord and erases easily when you press the forest friend's nose.
Style Bae Dylan 10-Inch Fashion Doll
These dolls present a new way to play. Each one comes with seven complete removable sticker outfits that they can peel and stick on to style their doll. They can mix and match the tops, bottoms and shoes to create endless outfit combinations.
YuMe Disney 100 Surprise Capsule
Collect all your favorite characters with this surprise toy! Each set comes with magical clues, scene cards, a character figure, a sidekick and an accessory.
The Toy Insider STEM 10
Thames & Kosmos Hydraulic Boxing Bots
Toy Insiders STEM 10 list features a range of toys geared toward teaching kids science, technology and math concepts. With this kit, kids can build two water-powered robots and then use them in an epic boxing match!
K’NEX Marble Coaster Run
This set comes with more than 500 pieces that they can put together to create epic marble runs. It's said to be ideal for builders of all skill levels — they can start with the beginner template and then work their way up to more complex builds.
Thames & Kosmos Kai: The Artificial Intelligence Robot
They can learn about artificial intelligence and build their own robot that moves and reacts to their gestures.
"What I love about this little robot is that while it is intended for kids, it doesn’t feel overly simplified," one shopper wrote. "There’s room for exploration and creativity which is great for both kids and adults. The booklet tells you the why behind what you’re putting together; not just how to do it."
Leapfrog Magic Adventures Telescope
Is your little one obsessed with space? They can map the stars and make out-of-this-world discoveries with this telescope. The real telescope features up to 110 times magnification and allows them to capture their own images so they can save what they see!
Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo
This toy will put them right in the driver's seat! They can put the Magna-Tiles together to create a downhill race track and send their cars zooming down.
Educational Insights Pyxel A Coder’s Best Friend
Mini coders, meet your new best friend! Kids will follow simple instructions to program Pyxel to perform tricks, show sweet expressions, change colors and more.
Smithsonian Microscope Kit
Fuel your little one's love for science with one of the Smithsonian's science kits. This one allows them to look at leaves, insect parts and more at up to 900 times their size. It comes with both prepared slides and blank ones, so they can collect their own specimens to examine.
Snap Circuits FM Radio Kit
Kids can build their own fully operational FM radio and learn the science of radio waves and electricity along the way. Once they put it together, they can use their radio whenever they want to tune into hit stations!
Learning Resources Space Rover Deluxe Coding Activity Set
This fun activity set provides a completely screen-free learning experience! They'll solve dozens of coding challenges with the included activity cards, create mazes and learn space facts.
Abacus Brands Virtual Reality Animals!
They can ride with elephants, hang out with gorillas and experience over 40 immersive experiences with this virtual reality kit. Along with the VR goggles, they'll get a 96-page interactive book, which includes a set of animal scratch art pads.
