Holiday Shopping How-To: 4 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shopping

It’s only mid-October, but here at The Toy Insider, the holiday season is in full swing. And it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about your holiday shopping before it starts to get too far away from you. We know the best path to success is to start early and prepare, but sometimes it’s hard to do on your own.

So, no worries: We are here with the assist! We put together some holiday shopping tips to help you plan and prep for a stress-free shopping season. From planning your list to using resources from trusted retailers like Walmart, we suggest you use the outline below to get ready to go. Happy shopping!

The best place to start is from the very beginning: Know where to go. Shopping at trusted retailers like Walmart takes the stress out of shopping, whether it’s online or in-store. You know you’ll get a wide product selection from brands you know and love, plus be able to discover something new. The Toy Insider provides plenty of resources to find where to get the hottest toys of the season — and how to avoid the dreaded third-party knock-offs.

Make a list, and check it twice! You’ll want to know what you’re looking for and how much it costs to be sure you’re getting the best price. Start by building your list of the must-have toys with the help of our Holiday Gift Guide. The Toy Insider is a trusted resource that offers a look at the hottest toys — along with manufacturer-suggested retail prices (MSRP) — so you know what they should cost, especially when shopping online. You can also check out retailer-specific hot lists, like Walmart’s Top Toys list, to see what’s in stock.

Services like Walmart’s Express delivery option allow you to get your shopping done fast! Express delivery is designed for same-day speed, with most orders arriving within a few hours, depending on your area and order time. The service gives you an estimated arrival window at checkout, and notifications keep you updated if there is any shift in that window. You can add eligible items to your Walmart cart, then enter your address and choose the Express option at checkout to request a window. A store associate or shopper will gather your items, and a courier will deliver them right to your door.

Pro tip: Place your order earlier in the day and keep substitutions enabled. This will help move the process along, but actual delivery times may differ based on local conditions.

Your favorite retailers will have deals throughout the season, so make sure you’re the first to know. Sign up for email lists and even download retailer apps — like the Walmart Mobile App, available on the App Store or Google Play — to get alerts on when the toys you’re looking for are available at a lower price!

The 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you in part by Walmart, the preferred retailer of The Toy Insider for the holiday season. By bringing together The Toy Insider’s long-standing authority in the industry and Walmart’s expert assortment of toys, the partnership between the toy publication and national retailer helps all holiday shoppers find the right gifts with ease and confidence.

In addition to its trusted Hot 20, STEM 10 and 12 Under $20 lists, The Toy Insider Edit: Walmart Top Toys list is a curated collection of Walmart’s Top Toys that will spark big joy this holiday season. Chosen by The Toy Insider’s expert editors, this list features gifts from top brands, kids’ favorite characters, and toys for all ages, all available at exceptional value at Walmart.

Scroll down to shop a selection of some of The Toy Insider Edit: Walmart Top Toys list. Or, see the full list here.