Looking for a sneak peak at the hottest toys of the holidays? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by ABC Dallas’ Daybreak on Facebook Live to show off a huge batch of the season’s best toys and games. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.
TONKA MIGHTY BUILDERS TOW ’N GO TUFF TRUCK (AMLOID)
- This three-in-one Tow ‘N Go Tuff Truck allows little workers to push or tow their truck anywhere around the playroom.
- The truck’s removable storage lid doubles as a play table so children can build on top of the vehicle with blocks for hours of creative play.
- When playtime is over, the included blocks can be neatly stored away inside the truck.
- Ages: 1+
- MSRP: $34.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Jet.com
ELMO’S WORLD HIDE AND SEEK (IDENTITY GAMES USA)
- Elmo Hide and Seek. Elmo wants to play hide and seek. Look at the pictures very closely and try to find Elmo.
- Your best friend is hiding somewhere around the house – but she won’t be gone for long! Based on a timeless play pattern, Elmo “Hide & Seek” is a refreshing update to the beloved classic and features a sturdy character that chirps out little hints when hidden.
- One player or parent hides Elmo, while the others use the enclosed clue cards to find her. A cheerful “I am here, I am here!” helps guide the players to the secret hiding place.
- Ages: 1+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon
GO! GO! SMART FRIENDS SHIMMERING SEASHELL CASTLE (VTECH)
- Little ones will explore an undersea world when they visit the Go! Go! Smart Friends Shimmering Seashell Castle. This castle is full of adventure with mermaid Pearl and four accessory pieces including a mini sand castle, a seahorse, a dolphin, and a vanity.
- Explore the castle and place Pearl on the three MagicPoint® locations to hear her playful phrases and sounds.
- Watch little deep sea divers go on adventures with Pearl and her sea friends when they play on the swing, slide the crab to dance, and discover the magical light-up seashell together. Dive into imagination and discovery with Pearl in her magical sea castle!
- Ages: 1 ½-5
- MSRP: $39.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart
MCLAREN 570S PUSH SPORTS CAR (STEP2)
- This realistic luxury push car in Ventura Orange features the innovative styling of the McLaren 570S sports car plus Whisper Wheels and an easy-fold handle for quick storage and transport.
- A large storage area under the seat, multiple cup holders, and a pretend flat-bottom steering wheel with electronic sounds.
- Ages: 18-48 months
- MSRP: $79.99
- Available: Amazon, Step2.com
ROCKIN’ RIDER VINTAGE ROCKING HORSES (TEK NEK TOYS)
- Rockin’ Rider Vintage Rocking Horses are soft-stuffed and made with beautiful patterned fabrics for a vintage, hand-crafted look. They sits on a beautiful wooden base and sing the exclusive “I’m a Little Pony” song when their left ear is squeezed in addition to six fun talking phrases with sound effects when their right ear is squeezed.
- Other features include leatherette bridle and reins, leatherette high-back saddle, wooden handles, and a twisted yarn mane and tail.
- Some assembly required. Saddle height is 18 inches. Requires 2 AA batteries, included. Recommended for up to 65 lbs.
- Ages: 3-7
- MSRP: $79.99
- Available: Amazon, BuyBuyBaby.com, Hayneedle.com, ToysRUs.com, Walmart.com, Wayfair.com
NICK ’90S 6-INCH VINYL FIGURES (JUST PLAY)
- These vinyl figure sets are perfect for any Nick 90s fan.
- Sets include classic shows like Hey Arnold, Ren & Stimpy, and Rugrats, all detailed with their signature outfits.
- Fans can purchase either collector figure packs for each show that include three-inch figures, or individual vinyl figures of their favorite characters that are six inches and poseable.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $9.99-$12.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
POWER RANGERS NINJA STEEL LION FIRE FORTRESS ZORD (BANDAI)
- The 3-in-1 Megazord playset is over two feet long in Fortress mode, it is Power Rangers Ninja Steel’s biggest Megazord ever by Bandai.
- Three modes of play: Megazord mode, Ultra Megazord mode, and Fortress mode.
- In Megazord mode the Zord stands over twenty inches tall and features a cockpit for a Power Rangers Action Hero figure (sold separately). When the battle gets intense rotate the upper body to activate the Ultra Megazord mode and attach a DX Megazord (sold separately) inside to ensure Galvanax cowers in fear. In rolling Fortress mode he’s is a colossal playset complete with twin firing cannons, a helipad, and a jail to hold captured villain figures.
- Twenty exciting sound effects add to the fun no matter what mode he’s in.
- Requires two LR44 batteries (included).
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $99
- Toys R Us exclusive
BARBIE-ON-THE-GO CAR WASH (MATTEL)
- Barbie™ On the Go small doll and her convertible clean up with fun at the Barbie™ On the Go car wash play set because this motorized vehicle can really “drive.”
- The eight-piece track can be reconfigured in multiple ways and has themed accessories that feature nine movements activated when Barbie® doll passes by on her scooter, like a traffic light, stop sign and service board that turn; a gate that swings; a car wash with rolling washers; and a checkout stand with moving gate.
- A palm tree, bench and water bottle add to the scene.
- To get started, seat Barbie On the Go Doll in the car and push the license plate-shaped button—the motorized wheels start rolling.
- Barbie small doll has flexible hips and knees that allow her to sit and a head that bobbles with movement.
- The 4-inch doll has on a unique outfit with pink pants, a striped top, white sneakers and a pair of removable sunglasses that matches her pink convertible. The vehicle is so cute with yellow accents and star decals.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
BABY ALIVE SWEET TEARS BABY DOLL (HASBRO)
- Kids can play caregiver with the BABY ALIVE SWEET TEARS BABY doll and nurture their doll back to happy smiles and giggles. The SWEET TEARS BABY doll is one of the most expressive doll from the BABY ALIVE brand yet, frowning and even crying tears to let mommy or daddy know when she is feeling a bit under the weather.
- When her nose turns red, kids can use the reusable tissue to wipe her nose and tears, and use the included stethoscope and thermometer to give her a check-up!
- With 35+ sounds and phrases, she will let you know when she is feeling better or needs a tissue!
- With a switch on her back, kids can choose whether the BABY ALIVE SWEET TEARS BABY doll is in “Mommy” or “Daddy” play mode.
- BABY ALIVE SWEET TEARS BABY Doll has beautiful, rooted hair and comes with a removable outfit, reusable tissue, juice box, stethoscope, thermometer, bandage, and hair brush.
- The BABY ALIVE SWEET TEARS BABY doll speaks English or Spanish and is available in three ethnicities.
- Requires 3 AA batteries, included.
- Each sold separately. Additional diapers sold separately.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us Walmart, hasbrotoyshop.com
- FlipaZoo 2.0 is two cuddly plush animals in one that flip back and forth for two sides of fun.
- FlipaZoo is simple and easy to do, and it even doubles as a soft pillow.
- FlipaZoos also come in mini and jumbo sizes.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Walmart
POKÉMON PETITE PALS ESCAPE IN THE FOREST PLAYSET (TOMY INTERNATIONAL)
- Pokemon introduces their new Petit Pals girls line in the fall bringing Pokemon fun for all ages!
- The dream destination for your Pokemon. This wonderful Tree House comes with multiple pieces of furniture and accessories, three adorable Pokemon, and an exclusive Serena 3” articulated figure.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Toys R Us
REMOTE-CONTROL MACHINES: CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES (THAMES & KOSMOS)
- Build eight models of realistic heavy-duty construction vehicles and control them with a remote-control unit in the newest addition in the Remote-Control Machines line. The models can drive around the floor and move their work tools, such as buckets, shovels, forks, and cranes.
- A 64-page, full-color manual guides you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions. Read the manual to learn how the real-life versions of these awesome machines are so powerful and how their various mechanisms function.
- Models include a Bulldozer, Backhoe, Dump Truck, Crane, Skid-Steer Loader, Road Grader, Forklift, and Concrete Mixer.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $99.95
- Available: Amazon, Toys R Us
HEXBUG NANO SPACE COSMIC COMMAND (HEXBUG)
- With the nano Space Cosmic Command playset, create a narrative for tiny robotic nano bugs and watch them journey into a deep space exploration.
- Place a nano inside of the rocket ship, take ahold of mission control, explore new terrain, and deliver resources using the Rover.
- Other features include a rotating gravity trainer, air lock passage, and ion cannon.
- Includes: two nanos, nano rocket ship, rotating gravity trainer, air lock passage, and ion cannon.
- Batteries included.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Amazon, Hexbug.com, Target, Toys “R” Us
- Players shouldn’t let their balloon bot pop in Balloon Bot Battle. Two players go head-to-head trying to pop the other player’s balloon before theirs is popped.
- When the balloons are outfitted with the punching arms, kids can move the levers back and forth to punch their opponent’s balloon. When one balloon pops, the game is over.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
DODGEBALL (IDENTITY GAMES USA)
- Don’t lose your head! Get ready for an exciting game of Dodgeball! In this skill and action game players try to be the first to stack 6 mini balls on their dodgeball goblet. At the same time, they have to make sure that the head of their dodgeball player is not hit by the ball that flies around the arena. Keep dodging the ball and stacking your dodgeballs. If your head is knocked off, you have to start over again. If only you had three hands…..
- Which player can combine skill, patience and bravery?
- Great designed Dodgeball arena with players.
- Dodgeball can be played with two different speed settings, one for beginners and one for pros.
- Ages: 8-88
- MSRP: @29.99
- Available: Amazon
LEGO STAR WARS THE ARROWHEAD (THE LEGO GROUP)
- Go on deep-space missions with The Arrowhead! Lift off the canopy and jump Zander, Kordi, Quarrie and R0-GR into the cockpit. Check the power crystal with the service cart and then head for the stars! If you encounter an Imperial ship, fire the missiles or flip out the ram to send it spinning into space!
- Act out perilous LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures missions with The Arrowhead. This aggressive-looking starship features a lift-off cockpit canopy with space for three minifigures and R0-GR inside, a transparent opening dome revealing the ship’s removable crystal power source element, two spring-loaded shooters, and an impressive flip-out battering ram. There’s also a service cart with tools and ammo as an extra play starter.
- Ages: 8-14
- U.S. MSRP: $89.99
- Canadian MSRP: $109.99
- Available: LEGO brand retail stores, shop.lego.com
- This fast-paced, word-based guessing game for 3 or more players is a great party game for older kids, teens, and even adults. It’s charades, but with words!
- In Word Slam, two teams each have a storyteller. The two storytellers are given the same answer term. Playing at the same time, they must give clues to their teams so the teams can correctly guess the answer. And they must do this quickly, because they are racing the timer and each other. But it’s not that easy. Speaking and acting is absolutely forbidden for the storytellers! They must tell their stories using only 105 cards, each with one word on it: a noun, verb, adjective, or preposition. The storyteller must be creative in using this limited vocabulary to tell the story. And the team members must think quickly and nimbly to interpret the story cards. The team that correctly guesses the answer first gets a point, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. It’s like charades, but instead of acting, you can only communicate with word cards!
- Ages: 12+
- MSRP: $29.95
- Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Vex Robotics Switch Grip (HEXBUG)
- Assemble an imaginative blaster with the VEX Robotics SwitchGrip Launcher. Fill your loader with ammo and perform the launcher’s signature pumping action to send projectile balls flying over 30+ feet!
- 7 balls included.
- 100+ snap together pieces.
- STEM based construction, promotes basic engineering skills.
- Ages: 14+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Hexbug.com
DROPMIX MUSIC GAMING SYSTEM (HASBRO)
- DROPMIX is a dynamic and fast-paced music-mixing game that uses powerful technology to give players a new way to create surprising music mixes while competing and connecting with friends.
- DROPMIX was developed as a collaboration between Hasbro and award-winning video game developer Harmonix.
- Ages: 16+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Best Buy, dropmix.hasbro.com, Target, Walmart
DRONE FORCE: ANGLER ATTACK (ALPHA GROUP US)
- The Angler Attack is a toy drone made especially for children.
- It features one-touch takeoff and landing for both easy indoor and outdoor flight.
- The LED lights help make nighttime flying easier.
- The drone is shaped like an Angler fish exoskeleton shell.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, K-Mart, Kohls, Meijers
