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 this season. New year (finally), new you!
Introducing the Ultimate Toy Guide of 2021. Drumroll please…
1.
Pre Order Galactic Snackin’ Grogu
Hasbro
Ages: 4+
$79.88
Theme Trend: Baby Yoda, Interactive
Release Date: December 1, 2021
Pre-Order: ✔︎
Already slated to be the “must have” of the year, meet the new animatronic “Galactic Snackin'” Gogru. He’s totally interactive with more than 40 motions and sounds and “The Child” even comes with four really fun interactive accessories like a cookie, a bowl with tentacles, a shifter knob, and even a spoon. He even will raise his hands when he wants you to pick him up! Learn more here!
2.
Hatchimals Pixie Crystal Flyers
SpinMaster
Ages: 6+
$29.99
Theme Trend: Interactive
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.
Glow in the Dark LED Football
Tangle
Ages: 3+
$23.50
Theme Trend: Interactive, Outdoor
Get them off their electronics and outside for, like, a while (even at night) with this must-have glow in the dark (LED light-up football). It automatically lights up when you throw it so it’s perfect for at night all summer long (but even in some of the cooler months when you just want your kids outside for a bit). Learn more here!
4.
LOL Surprise OMG Dance, Dance, Dance Doll
LOL Surprise
Ages: 4+
$25.99
$20.26 (22% Off!)
Theme Trend: Surprise
Yes, LOL is still going strong this year! If they love to dance (dance, dance, dance) they’re going to love any of these funky dolls. They come with 15 different surprises – even including a magic black light. Fun! Learn more here!
5.
The Blume Dolls (Series 2)
Skyrocket
Ages: 3+
$9.99
$7.88 (21% Off!)
Theme Trend: Surprise, Unboxing
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!
6.
The Mini Freezer Packs
Real Littles
Ages: 5+
$32.99
Theme Trend: Collectibles
Yep, they’re still into everything mini. These are the latest mini collectible from Real Little; mini freezer brands! They’ll be able to collect popular brands like Breyers ice cream, Slush Puppies, Eggo waffles, and so many more. Learn more here!
7.
Motorized Paw Patrol Jet to the Rescue
Paw Patrol
Ages: 3+
$39.99
Theme Trend: Interactive
It’s the latest toy from Patrol Patrol they’ll be asking you for right about…now! The Paw Patrol Jet to the Rescue is totally motorized so all they have to do is push the button and watch it light up, make sounds, shoot those launchers, open its wings and more. Learn more here!
8.
LOL Surprise 4-in-1 Plane
MGAE
Ages: 6 – 11
$89.99
$50.39 (44% Off!)
Theme Trend: Surprise, Interactive
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!
9.
The Animal Unboxing Toy Truck
The Animal
Ages: 4+
$39.99
$29.97 (25% Off!)
Theme Trend: Unboxing
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!
10.
The Sensory Pop Tubes
Bunmo
Ages: 5+
$39.99
$29.97 (25% Off!)
Theme Trend: Sensory
One of the most popular and best selling of the year, especially those who experience sensory issues, ADHD, austism, and generally fidgeting and anxiety. They currently have more than 7,000 ratings and reviews on Amazon! They pop, stretch, connect, and even provide help with fine motor skills and more! Learn more here!
11.
The Diner Restaurant Play Set
Melissa & Doug
Ages: 3+
$29.99
Theme Trend: Imagination
They’ll have a blast playing restaurant with this 41-piece set! They cook up some of their favorites for breakfast, lunch, or diner. Someone pour us a coffee! Learn more here!
12.
The Heroes of Goo Jit Zu
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu
Ages: 4+
$19.99
Theme Trend: Squishy, Fun
This is the second year that these are top sellers and now they’ve released the two-pack of Tritops vs. Shredz. You can stretch them (like, a ton), squish them, and feel all of their insides (yes, really). You gotta see these in action. Learn more here!
13.
The Real Little Micro Locker
Moose
Ages: 6+
$44.96
Theme Trend: Mini, Collectibles
Keep ’em mini and keep ’em occupied for hours on end, oddly! This mini locker comes with 15 tiny surprises that actually work and fit into the locker, including things like a duffel bag, lock, stickers, a mini chandelier, and more. Learn more here!
14.
Baby Yoda Animatronic
Hasbro
Ages: 4+
$59.99
$55.19 (8% Off!)
Theme Trend: Baby Yoda, Interactive
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 review 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!”
15.
Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
Starlux
Ages: 8+
$49.90
Theme Trend: Outdoor
It’s the Capture the Flag game we all grew up playing in gym class, but now it’s totally glow-in-the-dark and even more fun to play at night. Get out of the house for a bit, run around, get some exercise, and call it a day. This one is for up to 8 players and explains how to play 12 different ways. Learn more here!
16.
Throw Throw Burrito
Exploding Kittens
Ages: 7 – 14
$24.45
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
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 review 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!”
17.
The KidiZoom Creator Camera
VTech
Ages: 5 – 10
$59.99
$55.00 (8% Off!)
Theme Trend: Tech, Creative
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!
18.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Car
Spinmaster
Ages: 7+
$34.99
$29.99 (14% Off!)
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
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 review 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!”
19.
Relative Insanity Game
PlayMonster
Ages: 10+
$20.99
$12.18 (42% Off!)
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
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 review 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!”
20.
Magna-Tiles Building Toy
V-Tech
Ages: 4+
$49.99
Theme Trend: Building Activity
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!
21.
“Grave Digger” Monster
Monster Jam
Ages: 4+
$171.13
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
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:
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22.
Not Parent Approved
NPA
Ages: 8+
$38.45
$28.45 (26% Off!)
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
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!
23.
The Pop-Up Pirate
Tomy
Ages: 4+
$13.99
Theme Trend: Classic Fun
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!
24.
Mini Drone For Kids
DEERC
Ages: 10+
$42.99
Theme Trend: Interactive, Tech, Outdoor
If they’re ready for their first drone, this is a great choice for them! It’s geared towards kids (around 10 year olds) 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!
25.
The ‘Build Your Own’ Robot Kit
Uncommon Goods
Ages: 6+
$15.00
Theme Trend: Collectibles, DIY
We love when they get to think while they play. They’ll have a blast building three of these run little robots. Each one comes with a max of 28 different pieces so it’ll keep them busy, quiet, and proud of their accomplishment when they’re done. Learn more here!
26.
The Jetson 2-Wheel Kick Scooter
Jetson Electric
$29.99
Theme Trend: Outdoor
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:
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