It’s never too early to get a jump start on your holiday toy shopping. Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Jackie Breyer stopped by Fox & Friends to show off some of the toys expected to be hot sellers this holiday season. For more on the toys featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and be sure to view our complete holiday gift guide.


Pikachu Feature PlushMy Friend Pikachu (TOMY)

  • Tighten your bond with your beloved Pikachu friend.
  • Hug this feature plush Pikachu to make its ears move, cheeks light up and activate cute sounds.
  • Hot on the heels of Pokemon Go, now every kid can catch the coveted Pikachu!
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $29.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

furreal-friends-torch-my-blazin-dragon-pet_hasbro_2FurReal Friends Torch My Blazin’ Dragon Pet (Hasbro)

  • This amazing pet dragon creature has a spunky personality and engaging features that take pet play to the next level.
  • Share fiery adventures with this adorable plush baby dragon as you watch him breathe flame-colored must.
  • Bring the color-changing marshmallow treat close to the mist and watch Torch “toast” the treat, then feed it to him and listen as he makes happy munching sounds.
  • Torch features more than 50 sound and motion combinations.
  • The sensors around his nose allow Torch to respond to touch in fun ways. After playing, pull him up close to cuddle by adjusting his poseable arms.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us

pjmaskhqplayset_just-playPJ Masks Headquarters Playset (Just Play)

  • The centerpiece of the PJ Masks toy line is the PJ Masks Headquarters Playset, which stands over 2 feet tall and has three character-themed levels filled with engaging kid-powered features.
  • The adventure begins with the light & sound PJ Picture Player where kids can choose their mission, and then recreate the action with the high flying zip line, working elevator, hanging cat rings, trap doors, and pop-out hatches.
  • The excitement continues as kids launch the included Cat Boy figure and Cat Car down the winding ramp” into the night to save the day”.
  • This super-powered playset brings all the show’s action to life with 360 degrees of play
  • Compatible with other PJ Masks 3” figures and vehicles, sold separately.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP $69.99

xpv-rc-skateboarding-mikey_jakks-pacific-incTalk-to-Me Mikey (Playmates)

  • Kids can have hours of fun conversing with Michelangelo, the most fun-loving and energetic of all the turtles.
  • One of the most intelligent Turtle toys ever, Talk-to-Me Mikey recognizes a child’s questions and responds in hundreds of unique ways in less than a second.
  • The highly interactive Turtle features movement and position sensors to react hilariously based on how a child moves Mikey.
  • Known for being the Turtle brother with the most enthusiasm, Mikey even sings songs and plays games with kids.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Toys R Us

llp_snuggleslayingLittle Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy (Moose Toys)

  • Snuggles, My Dream Puppy joins Little Live Pets and moves and feels just like a real puppy.
  • Kids can hold him in his arms and give him a hug. They won’t be able to resist his big brown expressive eyes. They can feed him with his bottle and he’ll fall asleep in their arms, dreaming about them!
  • Snuggles even comes with an adoption certificate for kids to fill in make him their own! He is the no mess pup who loves to be loved!
  • With a pat of the head or a rub of the tummy, Snuggles will close his eyes and make adorable puppy sounds. Kids can even watch him breathe. Snuggles moves, feels and responds just like a real puppy!
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $54.99
  • Available: Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

Mattel_HotWheels_AI_TrackHot Wheels A.I. (Mattel)

  • Hot Wheels’ first Artificial Intelligence racing system combines high-powered vehicle performance and computer enhanced A.I, allowing players to race a friend of take on a computer!
  • Each car has a sensor on the bottom which allows the cars to communicate with the track.
  • The Smart Cars are controlled via a controller, so no smart phone is necessary!
  • The cars feature three race modes, including  one that enables off track free-play mode lets players race across any surface.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Walmart

disney-frozen_northern_lights_elsa2_jakksDisney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa (Jakks Pacific)

  • Elsa needs kids to help bring back the Northern Lights and restore her powers!
  • Children can wave their hand over the snowflake and create beautiful colors, lights, and sounds with Elsa.
  • When kids keep their hand over the snowflake and hold it there, they can watch as the beautiful Northern Lights are restored and sparkle on Elsa’s dress!
  • The doll says 40 phrases and sings “Let It Go”
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

think-learn-code-a-pillar_fisher-price2Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar (Fisher-Price)

  • Preschoolers can arrange Code-A-Pillar’s easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-Pillar on his path: forward, left, right, or even wait for a couple seconds before moving again.
  • Kids can configure the segments in such a way that the Code-A-Pillar can reach targets they set up throughout the room.
  • When kids connect the segments to make Code-A-Pillar move – that’s sequencing!
  • When they figure out a sequence that will create a path for Code-A-Pillar to reach a target, that’s programming (and problem solving, too)! It’s all coding— and it’s all fun!
  • Ages: 3-6
  • MSRP: $49.99

zoomer-chimp_spin-masterZoomer Chimp (Spin Master)

  • With lifelike movements and realistic chimp sounds, Zoomer chimp is the closest kids can get to having their own chimp.
  • Zoomer Chimp can follow you, stand up on his own, and recognize commands through his voice recognition technology.
  • He loves to perform tricks – using voice commands like: “Stand,” “Sit,” “Go Bananas,” “Do a flip,” and more.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $119.99
  • Available: Walmart, Kmart, Toys “R” Us

kurio-watch_kd-group1Kurio Watch (KD Group)

  • This Bluetooth smartwatch is made specifically for kids and features a sleek, modern design with smooth rounded edges,  an adjustable soft silicone band, and a responsive touchscreen with excellent resolution.
  • Features an alarm, calculator, music and video players, front-facing camera, activity tracker, and mini games that detect precise wrist movement thanks to its built-in accelerometer.
  • Kids can also message friends and family via other Kurio or Android devices, all within a safe distance using Bluetooth technology.
  • When connected to a parent’s smartphone, Kurio Watch also becomes a hands-free way for kids to take phone calls.
  • Parents can also enter vital ICE (In Case of Emergency) information, including blood type, any allergies and an emergency contact.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Toys R Us, Walmart, Amazon

lumi_wowweeLUMI (WowWee)

  • LUMI provides exciting drone action while taking some of the fuss out of flying an indoor quadcopter. LUMI can literally fly itself while kids play, direct and command it using the app.
  • With a smartphone or tablet, kids can select one-touch stunts, follow-me mode, or simply take control and fly LUMI with ease, while obstacle avoidance technology helps LUMI avoid your walls and furniture.
  • Various single and multi-player game modes include challenging the player to follow sequences of flashing lights while LUMI flies and dances in the air, reacting to your performance.
  • Players can choreograph a series of flight moves and play them back to music selected from their music library and also save and share their programmed airshow with other LUMI users.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $79.99

vex-robotics-zip-flyer-by-hexbug_hexbugVEX Robotics Zip Flyer (Hexbug)

  • Ready? Set. Take to the sky! Introducing the VEX Robotics Zip Flyer, a re-envisioned take on airborne adventures.
  • This robotic gadget is capable of shooting propellers over 30 feet in the air.
  • Pull the zip-cord stick to release, the faster you pull, the higher they’ll go.
  • The excitement doesn’t stop there, the VEX Robotics Zip Flyer can be built for both handheld and tabletop action; two ways to build, two ways to launch.
  • Once it’s up and running, this model is fun for hours. Includes 3 propeller flyers.
  • Challenge yourself and your friends, how far can you make your propellers travel?
  • Ages: 14+
  • MSRP: $12.99

mario_quadcopterNintendo MarioKart 8 Quadcopter (Carrera of America)

  • Mario has his own quadrocopter with anti-gravity mode!
  • Based on MarioKart 8, it features a six-axle gyro system for flight stability, a protective cage for the rotors, and 2.4 GHz technology for up to seven minutes of flight.
  • It has beginner and advanced modes, and a rechargeable battery.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $99.00
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us

roominate-cotton-candy-carnival_playmonsterRoominate Cotton Candy Carnival (PlayMonster)

  • This STEM kit encourages girls to build and play while learning important engineering concepts.
  • Kids can use more than 145 snap-together pieces to create a ferris wheel, carousel, swings, and game tent.
  • Then, attach two motors to bring the rides to life.
  • Kids can also engage in imaginative play with the Bettina and Jenna dolls.
  • Learn all about intimidating STEM concepts, like physics, engineering, and more.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $44.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

mattel-barbie-dreamhouseBarbie Hello Dreamhouse (Mattel)

  • Go high-tech with the world’s first smart dollhouse – Barbie Hello Dreamhouse! This two-story home has innovative features designed for a modern girl and reflective of the next wave of innovation in the home.
  • Floor sensors recognize where Barbie and her friends are in the house. Embedded speech recognition allows you to control elements of the house, including the slide and elevator. An accompanying app allows further customization.
  • Through a combination of voice commands and embedded switches, kids can imagine, customize, and control their house play.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $299.99

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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