Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined NBC’s The Today Show to show off some of the selections from the Toy Insider’s 2026 Hot 20, STEM 10, and 12 Under $20 toys lists. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.
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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STARBOX NOOK NOOKS SERIES 1 BY STARBOX
Kids can unbox a surprise creature that comes snuggled inside an LED-lit mini home. Discover a bunny that lives in a retro TV, a penguin that sleeps in the fridge, and more.
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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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BARBIE CHEMISTRY ACTIVITY LAB
Kids can join Barbie on a STEM adventure to conduct more than 15 chemistry experiments, creating glowing chalk, slime, and more. The included learning guide helps kids discover how each experiment connects to science concepts.
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KPOP DEMON HUNTERS SINGING FASHION DOLLS
KPop Demon Hunters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey each rock their “Golden” performance looks and sing a clip from the hit song. Each poseable doll’s outfit features sculpted, shimmering details.
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SQUISHMALLOWS ORIGINAL KPOP DEMON HUNTERS DERPY & SUSSIE
Turn cuddles into “Golden” moments with two Squishmallows plush inspired by the film. Collect a 12-inch plush of the blue tiger and an 8-inch plush of Sussie the Magpie.
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V8 RACE CAR
Tweens can build their own model race car with this kit, learning how cars steer, shift, and move throughout the process. The car features a four-speed manual transmission with reverse and neutral gears, shock-absorbing suspensions, and a visible V8 engine.
