Toy Insider Associate Editor Samantha Connell joined ABC NewsOne at the Toy Insider’s Holiday of Play event to talk about the hottest toys of the year. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below. For a complete rundown of the year’s hottest holiday toys, be sure to check out the Toy Insider’s 2026 Holiday Gift Guide.
PRIMAL HATCH HATCHING MEGALODON
Kids awaken the beast when they add water, which foams, fizzes, and eventually turns red before the Megalodon jumps out. Kids can play with the shark after the reveal, or reset it and reveal it again.
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FUGGLER GOLD EDITION FIGURE BLIND BOX
Weirdness shines even brighter with 4.5-inch Fuggler characters featuring eye-catching gold details, mischievous charms, and golden accessories. There are five to collect.
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SESAME STREET TICKLE ME ELMO GIGGLE MAX
Elmo is back with more giggles than ever before. When kids tickle him, Elmo laughs, flaps his arms, and shakes his body with delight. Elmo also says cute phrases and gets a few hiccups from his laughing fit.
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TONIEBOX LITE MY STORY SET
This kid-powered audio player features tactile controls designed for little ones, includes a sleep timer feature, is compatible with all Tonies, and is small enough for on-the-go play. Kids can place a Tonie on top to discover new stories
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MAGNA-TILES TREETOP ADVENTURE 42-PIECE SET
Kids can use 42 magnetic tiles to build a scene high above the forest floor. Using green baseplates, leaf-covered tiles, and interlocking platforms, builders will create an elevated tree house featuring a slide, a working trapdoor, and forest creatures.
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