It doesn’t really matter if it’s Christmas or not, right? 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, but sometimes new doesn’t always mean the best. I’ve rounded up some great options for all different kinds of kids at so many different ages and stages!
THE TOP 3
So many options, such little time! Even worse, what will you still be able to find in stock and delivered to your door by the time you need it?! We’re all in this together.
The Major Toy Themes This Year
Due to the pandemic, all the changes we’ve all endured and trying to keep everyone busy, toy sales are actually up 37% from last year. While action figures are actually down in terms of sales, 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.
This year some of the most popular categories include things like:
• Surprise Toys: Tiny little everything and even some aliens that will be a total surprise for your kids once they unbox them. These include brands like LOL Surprise, Mini Brands, and Magic Mixies.
• Encanto Everything: Last year it was all about Baby Yoda, but now it’s all about anything from the Disney blockbuster, Encanto.
• Fun + Interactive: Tech-style toys are a bit hit this year with things your kids can play with (in real life!) and match with the online world.
• Pop Fidget Toys: Whatever it takes to keep your kids calm, cool, and collected as things get back to normal.
How We Chose Our “Top Toys” List
We’ve combed through some of the top toy lists of the year, from major retailer like Amazon, Walmart, and Target and even some smaller niche brands like FatBrainToys and Learning Express. We’ve read reviews, picked up a bunch of these, have gifted many of these to our nieces and nephew, and then narrowed down our recommendations that were personal faves and made sense for so many different age groups and stages.
Even as we inch closer to the big day (hello Christmas), we continually stay on top of new releases and what’s be buzzed about on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat and TikTok – especially TikTok.
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.
And to make things easier, we’ve added ages and stages! Keep in mind, we’re not fans of labels so please only uses these age groupings as a guide. So many of them are really perfect for a wide variety of stages, so we suggest scanning our entire list (don’t worry – it’s not too long). But if you’re looking for a specific age we also have some guides specifically for 1 year olds, toys for 2 year olds, 3 years olds, and more.
And Toys R Us is BACK!
Let’s be honest, there’s no way we can cover all things ‘kids toys” and not include the toy store we all grew up with; Toys R Us?! So, we were psyched when the news finally broke that Toys R Us is officially coming back – nationwide. They’ve partnered up with Macy’s and will be in hundreds of their stores and, of course, on their website (here’s their Toys R Us store on the Macy’s site). So, if you see any of our toy picks below with a link to Toys R Us, just know it’s part of the new official Toys R Us store on the Macy’s website.
Introducing the Ultimate Toy Guide of 2022. Drumroll please…
Editor’s Pick
1. Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron
Moose
Ages: 5+
Theme Trend: Interactive, Surprise
We are calling it as one of the biggest picks of the year! Magic Mixies allows kids to use some real magic, potions, and ingredients. Follow the book of spells, add everything in, tap the cauldron, say the magic words and wait for the mist to actually appear and then an actual Mixies Pet will appear in the cauldron. Which will they get? That’s part of the surprise fun!
✔︎ Pros:
- It has more than 50 sounds and reactions.
- The cauldron will actually create magical mist.
- They can play with this over and over again.
- Which pet you get is part of the magical surprise.
✘ Cons:
- You’ll eventually need to purchase refills if your kids use it a ton.
The Viral Obsession
2. The Wordle Party Board Game
Hasbro
Ages: 12+
Theme Trend: In-Person Play, Learning
Uh, you may have heard of the online viral game, Wordle, that basically took over the world this year. You get 6 chances to guess the 5-letter “secret” word. Well, now Hasbro has teamed up with Wordle to make a “real life” party board game that can be played with anywhere from 2-4 people where you have to guess the word – but with this board game you can also play “beat the clock” or play as teams. This one is being released on October 1st, and you can pre-order it now!
✔︎ Pros:
- A great way for your kids to get off their electronics.
- Learning mixed with fun is always a good idea.
- The price is relatively cheap (under $20)
✘ Cons:
- It’s not really that much different from the online version, so you may find the free online version suitable instead of shelling out $20 for the board game.
Best For Interactive Collectibles
3. My Squishy Little Dumplings
WowWee
Ages: 5+
Theme Trend: Interactive, Collectible, Squishy
If you remember Fingerlings from a few years back, your kids will most likely be obsessed with “My Squishy Little Dumplings.” They’re totally interactive with more than 50 different fun reactions and emotions that’ll really come to life when you squeeze them and watch their squishy pop out! Currently there are four different Dumplings to collect, all with different looks, personalities, and accessories. The more you play with them the more their personalities will shine!
✔︎ Pros:
- Super cute, squishy, and fun!
- You can’t beat the price for an interactive collectible that does so many things.
✘ Cons:
- Currently there are only 4 to choose from.
- Not as squishy as the toy name makes it seem.
The Encanto Pick
4. Disney Encanto Singing Mirabel Doll
Disney
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Interactive
To no surprise, just about anything and everything from the Encanto movie is a big hit this year. Mix it with an interactive doll and you’ve got yourself a winner. One of the stars from the movie, Mirabel, not only sings songs from the movie, but she can also actually play her accordion too.
✔︎ Pros:
- For an interactive doll, she’s pretty affordable.
- Mirabel sings and plays her famous accordion.
- She’s outfitted in clothes and accessories inspired from the movie.
✘ Cons:
- Get ready to hear the songs over and over (and over) again (and again). Can get annoying!
For the Harry Potter Fan
5. The 12 Grimmauld Place LEGO Set
LEFO
Ages: 8+
Theme Trend: LEGO, Collectible
There use to be a time when Harry Potter LEGOs were few and far between. 12 Grimmauld Place is a 1,083 piece secret building filled with so many magical action and adventures. It comes with 9 of the most iconic figurines, really captivating and intriguing interior design, and a real “woah!” moment when the magical headquarters is finally revealed. While this LEGO set is more the older kiddos (8+) it’s actually a must have for the Harry Potter “adults” too.
✔︎ Pros:
- The design (inside and out) is really intricate.
- The inside surprise is really cool.
- A great toy for the older kids to help the younger kids put together (or parents and little kids).
✘ Cons:
- $120 is a lot to spend, but the 1,083 pieces make it worth while.
For the B-Ball Player
6. The Tangle NightBall Light-Up Basketball
Tangle
Ages: 8+
Theme Trend: Outdoor, Sports
The Tangle Nightball Basketball is a unique and innovative basketball that lights up when in use. The ball itself is made of durable rubber and has a textured surface for improved grip. It also comes in a bright, eye-catching color that makes it easy to see in low light conditions.
One of the best features is its built-in LED lighting system. This not only makes the ball easy to see at night, but also makes it easier to track its movements. The ball will stay lit for up to 50 hours (with batteries) making it perfect for long games or practices.
Overall it’s a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels (best for those at least 8 years old). It’s durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still soft enough to provide a comfortable grip. The ball’s textured surface also makes it easy to control, even when your hands are sweaty. And, its bright color ensures that you’ll never lose sight of it during a game!
✔︎ Pros:
- It is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still soft enough to provide a comfortable grip.
- The ball’s textured surface also makes it easy to control, even when your hands are sweaty.
✘ Cons:
- While it’ll stay lit for up to 50 hours (which is pretty long), if your kiddos play a lot at night you’re going to need some backup batteries.
The Best Baby Yoda Toy
7. Galactic Snackin’ Grogu
Hasbro
Ages: 4 – 12 (uh, or adults!)
Theme Trend: Baby Yoda, Interactive
One of the “must have” toys 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!
✔︎ Pros:
- He’s only 9-inches tall, so not too big.
- More than 40 sounds and motions.
- Comes with 4 different accessories to use.
✘ Cons:
- A bit on the pricey side.
- Some small parts make it not suitable for kids 3 and under (potential choking hazard).
The Best Interactive Toy
8. Got2Glow Virtual Fairy Finder
Wowwee
Ages: 5+
Theme Trend: Interactive, Surprise, Fairies
This year one of the most popular toy themes is centered around fairies, so this is a must-have. Introducing the Got2Glow Fairy Finder. Your kids will have a blast collecting more than 100 different virtual fairies in their magical jar. They can even trade with their friends. Even better? They can interact with their fairies too.
✔︎ Pros:
- You don’t need an internet connection/wi-fi.
- It’ll keep your kids busy for hours.
- There are 30 unique fairies in each jar.
- 100 different discoveries to encounter.
✘ Cons:
- You need to download an app for additional functionality.
- Only two different colors to choose from.
Best For Older Kids
9. The LEGO Batman Batmobile
LEGO
Ages: 10+
Theme Trend: LEGO, Older Kids
It’s the must-have LEGO set from the latest Batman movie this year. If your kids (or even you) are into building challenging LEGOs, this one fits the bill. This sleek 1360 piece Batmobile set is true-to-life, totally authentic from the movie, and still allows for fun playtime too (full functional) once it’s all built.
✔︎ Pros:
- Challenging, yet doable, for older kids (10 years old an older).
- It’s a complete working replica from the latest movie.
- The batteries are actually included, which is a nice change of pace.
✘ Cons:
- Younger kids will definitely need help from an adult or their older siblings to put it together.
- Topping out at almost $100, it’s a bit on the pricey side.
Best For Mindfulness
10. The Meditation Toy Mouse
Fisher-Price
Ages: 2 – 5
Theme Trend: Mindfullness, Calming, Bedtime
You know we love all things mindfulness and meditation around here, so we had to include the popular Meditation Mouse that provides calming sounds and even guided meditations that are simple enough for 2 – 5 year olds to follow along with. This cute little mouse has a tummy that lights up to help calm and comfort your little one. Plus, there are three different options to choose from so you can decide if they need some extra relaxation during the day, something to help them wind down and get ready for bed, or nighttime soothing sounds.
✔︎ Pros:
- A great day to help calm and relax your little ones.
- Currently at a really great price.
- The perfect way to slowly introduce meditation and mindfulness into their lives.
- Meditation Mouse is machine washable (just remove the electronics inside).
✘ Cons:
- If it’s near them at night, they may want to play with the mouse instead of falling asleep!
Best For Outdoor/Indoor
11. Light-Up Cornhole Game
Black Series
Ages: 10+
Theme Trend: In-Person Play, Outdoor Fun
Cornhole isn’t just for summertime fun and, technically, it doesn’t have to be just for outdoors either! This light-up corn hole set brings the fun to the whole family and the red and blue glow targets allow you to play outside at night when it gets dark or even indoors if you want to shut off the lights to up the ante! First one to 21 points wins…just don’t go over or you’ll have to go back to 11.
✔︎ Pros:
- Fun for outdoor fun at night or even indoors.
- Great for hand-eye coordination.
- A nice way to bring the family together for a fun activity.
✘ Cons:
- While it comes with batteries, you will have to replace them regularly.
- The boards are plastic, which will make them more durable over time, but less attractive than the wooden corn hole boards.
The Best Mini Toys
12. The 5 Surprise Disney Mini Brands
Zuru
Ages: 3 – 8
Theme Trend: Collectibles
Yep, they’re still into everything mini. These are the latest mini collectible from 5 Surprise; Disney mini brands! They’ll be able to collect popular Disney items like mini Buzz Lightyear, mini Spiderman, mini Else, mini Minnie Mouse, and so many more.
✔︎ Pros:
- They really are super cute.
- 70 different mini products to find and collect.
- There are some rare and ultra rare and even gold ones to find, so it makes it more exciting.
✘ Cons:
- You may not know which you’re getting until you open it (potential duplicates, etc).
- Some kids may have a tough time keeping these all together once they’re done playing (goes missing!).
The Best Collectibles
13. Crystalina Light-Up Fairy Doll
Skyrocket
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Fairies, Collectibles
The fairy trend continues and now Crystalina is not only one of the top collectibles to have, but she also lights up, comes with a light up amulet you can wear, and each one is named after an inspirational thought like Courage, Optimism, Strength, and more.
✔︎ Pros:
- Their names/messaging is positive.
- You can pass the light color (powers) to other Crystalina dolls.
- Actually pretty cheap!
✘ Cons:
- There are only 4 different dolls to collect.
- Outside of lighting up and the necklace you can wear, they don’t do too much.
The Best For Coding & Learning
14. Create Your Own Video Game Set
Power Up
Ages: 8+
Theme Trend: Coding, STEM, Learning
So many kids love their video games, but how about actually building their own with a little coding that’s geared towards those 8 years old and older. It’s a great way to teach them totally doable coding and, once complete, they’ll be able to actually play some fun retro video games. Get them into their JavaScript and Python and let them have fun playing all at the same time.
✔︎ Pros:
- Fun and easy way to learn coding.
- Also works as a smart watch and pedometer outside of just video games.
✘ Cons:
- The screen is a little on the small side.
The Best For Anti-Anxiety
15. Pop Fidget Toy (2-Pack)
Amazon
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Sensory, Stress
Remember the fidget spinner craze from a few years ago? Now it’s all about the Pop Fidget. Perfect for those who have some sensory needs or just need a little help relaxing and de-stressing. These are currently the top sellers on Amazon today. They come as a 2-pack too!
✔︎ Pros:
- May help relax your kids (and you) a bit.
- Great for all ages.
- Comes with different games you can play directly on your Pop Fidget.
✘ Cons:
- Eventually these will go the way of their old fidget spinners they were obsessed with for 3 months.
- Some reviewers were upset the colors weren’t in the official rainbow order.
The Best From LOL
16. LOL Surprise World Travelers
MGAW
Ages: 4+
Theme Trend: Surprise, Collectible
Yes, LOL is still going strong and these little cute world travelers are all the rage. Apparently even your kiddos miss traveling! Each surprise doll will come with 8 different surprises to discover – like a secret message, fashion accessories, stickers, a water surprise and even more. There are 9 different ones to collect. Which one will you get? Well that’s part of the fun!
✔︎ Pros:
- Totally affordable.
- Comes with 8 different surprises to discover.
- Kids will have a blast with the water surprise.
✘ Cons:
- It’s hard to keep up with all the releases that LOL comes out with, so the cost does eventually add up.
The Best Sound + Motion
17. Peek-A-Roo Panda Roo
SpinMaster
Ages: 4 – 8 yrs old
Theme Trend: Surprise, Interactive
Definitely one of the top picks of the year (so far) comes Peek-a-Roo the panda/kangaroo interactive mom with more than 150 sounds and actions and her mystery baby that’s hiding inside her little magical pouch. Your kids will have to love her, play with her, pet her, and be kind to her to help coax the mystery baby out. Which one will you get? That’s part of the fun!
✔︎ Pros:
- Has more than 150 actions and sounds.
- Really find to find out which baby is inside the kangaroo pouch.
- 10 different games you can play along with.
- Actually comes with the required batteries
✘ Cons:
- Some of the moods can be a bit annoying – especially if you’re a parent who has to hear it all the time.
- A bit pricy – personal opinion is it should be in the $49.95 range.
The Best Race Car
18. Air Hogs Zero Gravity Car
Spinmaster
Ages: 7+
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!
✔︎ Pros:
- Super light-weight (only 8 ounces).
- Really does drive up and down the walls.
- The “laser” is chargeable so you can use it again and again.
✘ Cons:
- It definitely takes some getting used to, especially when driving on walls and the ceiling.
- Your walls and ceiling really have to be flat for it to work well (popcorn ceilings = no).
- Some parents didn’t love they had to recharge the laser so often.
The Best Game of the Year
19. Throw Throw Burrito
Exploding Kittens
Ages: 7 – 14
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.
✔︎ Pros:
- It’s a really fun party game for kids, teens, and/or families.
- Super quick to play – each game runs only about 15 minutes.
✘ Cons:
- After a lot of play time, your burrito can kind of wear out after a while.
- Some parents didn’t love how aggressive the throwing can be with their competitive kids.
The Best For Motor Skills
20. Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
Learning Resources
Ages: 18-months+
Theme Trend: Learning + Fine Motor Skills
This cute and helpful hedgehog is super fun to play with, will help them with their fine motor skills, color recognition, sorting, counting and so much more.
✔︎ Pros:
- Perfect to help with logical thinking, color recognition, motor skills, sorting skills, etc.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Easy to store away when playtime is over.
✘ Cons:
- The quills are plastic and not rubber.
- If your kids are still chewing things, they could put the quills in their mouth a lot.
The Best Tech Toy
21. The KidiZoom Creator Camera
VTech
Ages: 7 – 9+
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.
✔︎ Pros:
- Comes with 20 different green-screen backgrounds.
- Will keep your kids busy for hours (literally).
- Help with their creativity and tech-skills.
✘ Cons:
- While kid-friendly, some younger kids may struggle with some on-camera editing.
- Some parents didn’t love it came with a few video games, which can make some kids easily distracted.
The Best For Bluey Fans
22. The Bluey Mega Play Home
Moose Toys
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Playsets
If you have a preschooler or toddler to shop for, chances are you know all about the super famous Bluey! Now you can bring the fun from your screen into your home with the official Bluey Mega Bundle Playset. The house itself has 4 different rooms that your little Bluey figures can play inside, along with an outdoor patio, BBQ, and picnic table.
✔︎ Pros:
- You can move the furniture around from room to room to let their imagination run wild.
- It comes with 4 of the shows most famous characters.
✘ Cons:
- It’s a little on the expensive side for a smaller playset, when compared to some other similar toy options.
The Best Unboxing Toy
23. The Animal Unboxing Toy Truck
The Animal
Ages: 4+
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.
✔︎ Pros:
- Finally an unboxing geared towards boys (but it’s really a toy for anyone).
- If they love loud things and smashing things up, they’ll love The Animal.
- The price is pretty decent (under $40 and regularly on sale).
✘ Cons:
- Your kid(s) have to hit the box and yell at it (for real) to “wake it up” and “make it angry” so it unboxes itself. If you need quiet time, pass on this one.
The Best Sensory Toy
24. The Sensory Pop Tubes
Bunmo
Ages: 4+
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 700 ratings and reviews on Amazon! They pop, stretch, connect, and even provide help with fine motor skills and more!
✔︎ Pros:
- Perfect for those with sensory issues.
- Will keep kids busy for a while.
- Colorful, easy to use, and pretty study/durable.
- Decent price (under $15).
✘ Cons:
- Some were disappointed the tubes didn’t make noise to help soothe.
- Some little kids (4 and under) struggled a bit to disconnect them).
The Best For Music Creativity
25. Learn to Mix & Spin DJ Pad
Uncommon Goods
Ages: 2+
Theme Trend: Learning, Creativity, Music
Turn your little one into the next TikTok famous DJ with the “Learn to Mix and Spin” DJ pad. The 18-key synthesizer allows them to make their own tracks, flex their musical muscles and even their sense of humor thanks to the additional 18 funny sound effects like a meowing kittens, popping bubbles, and so many more. They can use it as an organ, bass, piano and even drums with just the flick of a few switches and knows. Perfect for the little ones ages 1 to 5 years old.
✔︎ Pros:
- A great way to introduce instruments to them while flexing their creative muscles.
- The 18 sound effects are pretty funny and make each jam totally unique.
✘ Cons:
- As the adult you make get a little tired of all the noise and “songs” they’re mixing.
The Best Squeezable
26. The Heroes of Goo Jit Zu
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu
Ages: 4+
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.
✔︎ Pros:
- Really squishy and oozy without the mess.
- Now that they’ve been redesigned, you can squeeze, pull, tug, etc without breaking them!
- Squishing them an also be pretty relaxing.
✘ Cons:
- Older kids (11+) may get bored easily.
The Best Flying Toy
27. Hatchimals Pixie Crystal Flyers
SpinMaster
Ages: 7+
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.
✔︎ Pros:
- They really do fly and land on your hand!
- Easy to recharge with the USB that comes with it – so you can fly over and over again.
✘ Cons:
- You can’t bring her outside because she may fly away.
- Some kids had a tough time getting her to land and she crashed into the wall (ouch).
The Best Funny Game
28. Not Parent Approved
NPA
Ages: 7+
Theme Trend: Family Fun, Activity Game
Everyone is obsessed over this family-friendly game! 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!
✔︎ Pros:
- It actually is so funny to play
- You can play with anywhere from 4 – 10 plays at the same time.
- Comes with 455 different cards so you won’t get bored of this any time soon.
✘ Cons:
- Some answers/situations can be a little age inappropriate – but still harmless fun.
The Best For Fun Memories
29. Create Your Own Photo Flashlight
Uncommon Goods
Ages: 3+
Theme Trend: Fun, Interactive
Remember those red phot