If you’re having a tough time keeping up with all the latest toys and and an even tougher time finding the “must have” one in stock (like, anywhere) we’ve come up with a fun list of toys that are perfect for just about any boy or girl this year.
Regardless of Christmas, your kiddos are still asking for some kind of toy or game each and every day. There are a bunch of newly released options already, many have recently debuted at the NYC Toy Fair, and some have won some major awards and accolades already this year. But getting your hands on them (especially during the holidays) can prove to be a tough task.
This year some of the most popular categories include things like:
- Surprise Toys – Tiny little dolls and even some aliens that will be a total surprise once you unbox them.
- Baby Yoda Everything – A must-have from the hit Disney+ Mandalorian show, everyone loves Baby Yoda!
- Fun + Interactive – Thanks to the pandemic tech-style toys are a big hit.
- Puzzles – Sure they’re not technically toys, but due to the pandemic parents are buying puzzles for their kids and they’re constantly selling out!
Due to Covid-19 and trying to keep everyone busy, toy sales are actually up 37% from last year. While action figures are actually down in sale, things like indoor/outdoor “things to do,” puzzles, activity games, and the like are way up. Kids are going back to basics, too, which is a nice change of pace.
So since this is quite the interesting year, to say the least, we’ve come up with some really fun options that are still popular, but totally attainable. If you’re tired of the same old “must have toys” list that’s the same on every site, give these a whirl that are perfect for 2021. New year (finally), new you!
Introducing the Ultimate Best Toys Guide of 2021. Drumroll please…
1.
Baby Yoda Animatronic
Hasbro
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Baby Yoda, Interactive
Price Starting At: $59
This is the most anticipated of the year! Introducing Baby Yoda “The Child” animatronic edition toy. From the hit show The Mandalorian, he has more than 25 sounds and motions! He moves his head up and down, his ears move back and forth, and his eyes open and closes. Even better, he totally interacts with you by giggling, babbling, making tired and sleepy sounds, and even Force Effects sounds. Learn more here!
A recent buyer said,
This little guy is precious! When I carried it upstairs, The Child looked up at me, wiggled its ears and would giggle! When I laid it down, it closed its eyes and made snoring sounds. Bonus: It does “the magic hand thing!”
2.
Hatchimals Pixie Crystal Flyers
SpinMaster
Ages: 6+
Theme Trend: Interactive
Price Starting At: $29.99
Get those cameras rolling because these Pixie Crystal Flyers are about to fly right out the window! The latest from Hatchimals, you can choose either a purple or pink flyer and this magical fairy will actually fly on her own all over the place. She’ll even follow your hand when you move it around so you can instruct her to fly high or low. Something tells us she’ll be taking a trip in the fireplace before the day is over. Learn more here!
3.
The Blume Dolls (Series 2)
Skyrocket
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Surprise, Unboxing
Price Starting At: $7.99
This year one of the hottest toys is slated to be these new Series 2 Blume Dolls. They come in a flower pot and when you water them they start to actually sprout up! It’s a total surprise on which Blume Doll you’ll get and there are over 20 different potential dolls to collect. Their hair is giant funky soft foam that can be taken off, placed on other dolls, and more. Plus you can decorate their flower pot with special stickers and accessories that come with it and use it as a play-set. Learn more here!
4.
Motorized Paw Patrol Dino Vehicle
Paw Patrol
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Interactive
Price Starting At: $45.99
It’s the latest toy from Patrol Patrol they’ll be asking Santa for this year! The Paw Patrol Dino Rescue is totally motorized so all they have to do is push the button and watch it drive around on its adventure. It comes with the dino, the vehicle and even Chase. Learn more here!
5.
LOL Surprise 4-in-1 Plane
MGAE
Ages: 6 – 11
Theme Trend: Surprise, Interactive
Price Starting At: $89.99
It’s the new LOL must-have for the season and one everyone is obsessing over. Introducing the LOL Surprise 4-in-1 plane! It comes with more than 50 different amazing surprises and can morph from an airplane, to a recording studio, to a mixing booth, and even a car. Wheels up! Learn more here!
6.
5 Surprise Mini Brands
Zuru
Ages: 6+
Theme Trend: Surprise, Unboxing
Price Starting At: $6.99
This was the toy that was selling out all over the place and leaving parent scrambling in the recent months to find them! These are the cutest little things ever. Each capsule comes with five surprise mini brands like soy sauce, spam, airheads, mentos, and so much more. Collect over 100 of them! Learn more here!
7.
The Animal Unboxing Toy Truck
The Animal
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Unboxing
Price Starting At: $29.97
Here comes The Animal! Since they’re still obsessed with unboxings, this one is right up their alley. It’s totally interactive, has a retractable claw, and a variety of fun lights and sounds. Learn more here!
8..
LEGO Super Mario Adventures
LEGO
Ages: 6+
Theme Trend: Interactive, Building Activity
Price Starting At: $59.95
It’s the new interactive LEGO building kit everyone has been waiting for all year. Super Mario is alive! This building set comes with more than 200 pieces, Mario has more than 100 different actions to movement, a speaker is included to play sounds from the actual video game, and more. Your kiddos can build all sorts of different challenging levels to try and beat their high score. Learn more here!
A recent buyer said,
The best use of LEGO I’ve seen in decades. You build some basic parts, but then the course design is up to you. A fantastic investment for the little ones in your life!”
9.
Treasure X Sunken Gold Shark’s Treasure
Moose
Ages: 5 – 12
Theme Trend: Surprise, Unboxing
Price Starting At: $16.99
Now they can hunt for real gold because the economy is about to tank and we could all use a little extra help paying the mortgage this year (and next). Learn more here!
A recent buyer said,
Our oldest is all about Treasure X this year, so this toy couldn’t have been more perfect for him! It kept him busy for hours!”
10.
Throw Throw Burrito
Exploding Kittens
Ages: 7 – 14
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
Price Starting At: $24.99
It’s one of the top sellers (already) of the year and currently has more than 4,400 reviews and ratings on Amazon! This one is basically a dodgeball card game when you, legit, throw a burrito. From the makers of the famous Exploding Kittens game, this is a total must-have this season. Learn more here!
A recent buyer said,
We have had this game for roughly three days now and have played Throw Throw Burrito every night since receiving it in the mail. My family has multiple closets full of games and this is our favorite, hands down!”
11.
The KidiZoom Creator Camera
VTech
Ages: 5 – 10
Theme Trend: Tech, Creative
Price Starting At: $59.99
This is one of the coolest tech toys they’re going to become obsessed with! This kid-friendly camera allows them to take selfies, create super cool creative videos with realistic backgrounds (like the beach, the local weather, award shows and more), and even comes with easy to use on-camera editing. They love making home movies so this will bring it to the next level. Learn more here!
12.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Car
Spinmaster
Ages: 7+
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
Price Starting At: $34.99
This is such a super cool race car! They’ll use the laser guided gun to point where they want to car to race to and then, well, it’ll race right to it! It actually can climb walls and the ceiling without leaving any marks. They’ll love it! Learn more here.
A recent buyer said,
This car is a big hit with my 5 year old son. He has never experienced a car that goes up a wall! He really enjoys the laser pointer and loves that he has control where the race car goes. Even as an adult, I had fun with it!”
13.
Relative Insanity Game
PlayMonster
Ages: 10+
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
Price Starting At: $20.99
It’s one of the most popular (and top-selling) games of the year. Created by Jeff Foxworthy and played on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, this is basically like a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity that’ll keep everyone laughing and having a great time. Learn more here!
A recent buyer said,
We played this game with the entire family from ages 10 to 70 and everyone laughed and really enjoyed the fun that this game came with!”
14.
Magna-Tiles Building Toy
V-Tech
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Building Activity
Price Starting At: $51.50
If you want the kiddos to be able to learn a bit while they’re playing, this is the STEM option for them! This award winning building set comes with 32 colorful tiles that will help them work their creative and problem-solving muscles and build something really cool. Learn more here!
15.
“Grave Digger” Monster
Monster Jam
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
Price Starting At: $99.99
It’s the biggest remote control Monster Truck to date at over 2 feet long! It’s super powerful, can easily drive over just about any obstacles your kids set up, and is surprisingly light-weight. Learn more here!
More Gifting Ideas:
The Top Rated Gifts for Kids in 2021
The Perfect Gifts for Her in 2021
2021’s Best Gifts for Him On Trend
Cheap (Yet Fun) Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Fam!
16.
Not Parent Approved
NPA
Ages: 8+
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
Price Starting At: $29.99
Everyone is obsessed over this one! It’s like ‘Cards Against Humanity’ but for children and 100% family friendly. It’s the perfect game to bust out during the holidays too! Learn more here!
17.
The Pop-Up Pirate
Tomy
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
Price Starting At: $13.99
Super fun toy/game for kids and the family. Everyone takes turns placing colorful swords into the barrel and no one know when or which sword will make the pirate pop up and out. It has that same panicky feeling as ‘Perfection‘ did in the 80’s. Learn more here!
18.
Mini Drone For Kids
DEERC
Ages: 10+
Theme Trend: Interactive, Tech, Outdoor
Price Starting At: $59.99
If they’re ready for their first drone, this is a great choice for them! It’s geared towards kids so it’s pretty easy to use, but it still takes amazing video, pictures, and more. Plus it has plenty of great safety features too. Learn more here!
19.
The Jetson 2-Wheel Kick Scooter
Jetson Electric
Theme Trend: Outdoor
Price Starting At: $34.99
It wouldn’t be Christmas without your kids rolling through the house and banging into just about every piece of furniture you have. Oh, and this one has the LED light-up feature too. At least you’ll see them coming at you from a mile away! Learn more here!
More Fun Ideas:
Christmas Gifts For Your Best Friends
Hilarious White Elephant Gift Ideas For Christmas
Christmas Gifts For Your Loving Parents