Looking for the hottest toys of the holiday season? Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by Fox 2 in San Francisco to show off the year’s most in-demand toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.


SMOOSHY MUSHY PETS (REDWOODVENTURES)

  • Smooshy Mushy from RedwoodVentures is part of the newest collectible craze, full of exciting, super squishy, slow-rise surprises.
  • Each Smooshy Mushy series includes one of eight randomly assorted pets. Kids can unwrap the container to find out which scented Smooshy Mushy squishy surprise is inside.
  • Every pet has a Bestie they can’t live without so kids should keep searching to find out, which tiny squishy “Bestie” is their pets BFF. Sets also come with a “what’s your smooshy name?” game, a nametag, mini container, stickers, and a collectible poster.
  • Kids can collect 24 food-themed Smooshy Mushy Pets to discover, squish, and trade with their friends.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $9.99
  • Available: Walmart

 

Hexbug nano Space Zip Line (HEXBUG)

  • Soar down the zip line and into an intergalactic space adventure with the nano Space Zip Line. This playset comes equipped with a real-working elevator and gravity training simulator.
  • Comes complete with a Hexbug nano to scuttle around the play set.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Hexbug.com, Target, Toys “R” Us

BARBIE-ON-THE-GO CAR WASH (MATTEL)

  • Barbie On the Go is a new set of small dolls and vehicles that come complete with fun tracks.
  • The Barbie On the Go car wash play set includes eight pieces of track that can be reconfigured in multiple ways and has themed accessories that feature nine movements activated when Barbie doll passes by, 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.
  • To get started, seat Barbie 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

MICKEY TRANSFORMING ROADSTER RACER R/C (JADA TOYS)

  • This R/C vehicle is based on the vehicles Mickey drives in the new cartoon Mickey and the Roadster Racers on Disney Jr.
  • The R/C magically transforms from Mickey’s Roaster to the cool Racer at the simple press of a button.
  • The vehicle has lights, sound effects, and even Mickey’s voice.
  • A fully functioning 2.4G R/C, this vehicle can go forward, backward, left, right, honk its horn, and transform all from the easy -to-hold steering wheel shaped remote.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Walmart

3DOODLER START ROBOTICS PEN SET (3DOODLER)

  • With the 3Doodler Start Robotics Pen Set, kids can engineer the future.
  • It’s the perfect toy set for a budding roboticist and engineer.
  • Kids can follow the step-by-step Activity Guide to create simple robots, two-legged, four-legged, and six-legged walking or crawling robots.
  • This 3-D printing pen and its creations are not hot to touch and use BPA-free plastic, making it completely safe for kids to use.
  • Each Set contains: Special edition 3Doodler Start 3D Printing Pen, motor and battery pack, themed Activity Guide with over 6 unique projects, themed DoodleBlocks for “drawing” your own mechanical parts, DoodleSheets, four packs (96 strands) of 3Doodler Start Plastic in eight colors, and Micro USB Charging Cable.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

TEDDY RUXPIN (WICKED COOL TOYS)

  • Parents and grandparents will remember everyone’s favorite storytelling bear from the 1980s.
  • Introducing the new 14-inch Teddy Ruxpin animatronic bear.
  • Teddy Ruxpin enjoys telling tales and singing songs with friends, making him the perfect companion for both little ones who love hearing stories, as well as older children just starting out on their reading journey.
  • He has colored LCD eyes with more than 40 different animations, and an animatronic mouth that syncs to Teddy’s speech.
  • Touch sensors on his paws allow kids to control the story and songs.
  • Teddy features three original pre-loaded stories, including seven sing-along songs.
  • Kids can also download an app (optional) to view the digital books and read along with Teddy, or kids can enjoy listening to the stories without the app, anytime anywhere.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

TICKLE ME ELMO (HASBRO)

  • The magic of Tickle Me Elmo returns – a new version for a whole new generation of fans.
  • Kids can press Elmo’s furry tummy or squeeze his feet to hear his contagious giggle. Continue to squeeze and “tickle” Elmo to make him laugh harder and harder until he starts to move and shake with laughter.
  • Children can’t help but giggle along when they hear his funny sayings and hysterical laughing sounds.
  • Ages: 18 months+
  • MSRP: $29.99
  • Available: Amazon, hasbrotoyshop.com, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

Atari Classic Games Joystick (Basic Fun)

  • Based on the iconic Atari 2600 gaming console, the Atari Classic Games Joystick plugs directly into your TV and offers ten different classic Atari games including Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Missile Command, and more!
  • The games feature retro graphics and all the original gameplay, without all the cartridges.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available:

DISNEY JUNIOR DOC MCSTUFFINS ALL-IN-ONE NURSERY (JUST PLAY)

  • Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins is learning all about baby care in her role as a Chief Resident.
  • Preschoolers can nurture and care for their baby dolls (sold separately) right alongside Doc with the All-in-One Nursery.
  • The role-play center is full of exciting doctor features and accessories to explore.
  • Kids can use Doc’s portable electronic patient laptop to make a diagnosis, featuring a light-up screen, sounds, and lullaby music.
  • The light-and-sound stethoscope is perfect for checking baby’s heartbeat.
  • Kids can measure baby’s height and weight on the scale and use the special nursery tools.
  • After the checkup is complete, give the baby patient a bandage from the sticker dispenser.
  • When it’s time for a nap, spin the baby mobile and rock the cradle.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Kmart

AVENGERS 12V 4X4 (DYNACRAFT)

  • Calling all superheroes! Kids can suit up and ride away in the 12V Avengers 4×4.
  • This two-seater 4×4 features functional roll bar lights and fog lights, along with a removable Captain America shield.
  • The 12V ride-on operates in forward and reverse, reaches a maximum speed of of 5 MPH and comes equipped with adjustable play seat belts.
  • Kids can ride at speed of 2.5 or 5 MPH for up to 45 minutes.
  • Includes a 12V battery and charger and a one-year limited warranty.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $299.99
  • Availability: Walmart

 

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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