When you’re shopping for toys, sometimes it can be tough to find the perfect one. But one thing is for certain: Toys featuring kids’ favorite characters are a sure-fire hit! Don’t know where to start? Start with a character they love!
Whether it’s KPop Demon Hunters, Barbie, or Lightning McQueen, we know these familiar faces will top kids’ wish lists. These toys help bring kids’ favorite fantasy worlds to the playroom and encourage imaginative play and creative storytelling. YouTube stars like Mark Rober make learning fun with Crunch Lab STEM toys. The LEGO Group brings interactivity to the Pokémon universe with new SMART Play sets. Kids can become heroes with Marvel toys, or race through Radiator Springs in a ride-on sized just for them. No matter what you’re looking for, Walmart has a huge selection of toys inspired by kids’ on-screen besties.
The 2026 Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you in part by Walmart, the preferred retailer of The Toy Insider for the holiday season. By bringing together The Toy Insider’s long-standing authority in the industry and Walmart’s expert assortment of toys, the partnership between the toy publication and national retailer helps all holiday shoppers find the right gifts with ease and confidence.
In addition to its trusted Hot 20, STEM 10 and 12 Under $20 lists, The Toy Insider Edit: Walmart Top Toys list is a curated collection of Walmart’s Top Toys that will spark big joy this holiday season. Chosen by The Toy Insider’s expert editors, this list features gifts from top brands, kids’ favorite characters, and toys for all ages, all available at exceptional value at Walmart.
Scroll down to shop a selection of toys featuring kids’ favorite characters. Or, see the full The Toy Insider Edit: Walmart Top Toys list here.
BARBIE TEAM ROLL AND REVEAL SOCCER PLAYER DOLL
Press or roll the ball to reveal Barbie in motion. Unbox eight surprises, including a sticker sheet and seven soccer-themed accessories. Barbie career dolls have diverse looks with different hair color, skin tones, eye colors, and body types, and their modern outfits help immerse imaginations in role-play.
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BLUEY MUFFIN’S HOME PLAYSET
Kids can go on a playdate with Bluey's Muffin and Socks with a playset inspired by Muffin's home. This playset features a two-story design, 10 accessories, and figures of the Heeler cousins.
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CRUNCHLABS BY MARK ROBER — THE CRUNCHINATOR
Kids can crush and mash everyday items like soda cans, bananas, and ping pong balls using the machine’s three interchangeable crunch plates, and record their findings with the set’s included phone holder.
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DISNEY DARLINGS SNUGGLY STARS 101 DALMATIANS
This 11-inch interactive baby doll comes with an outfit and accessories, including a blanket, birth certificate, and pacifier, inspired by Disney's 101 Dalmatians. The soft-bodied doll is lightly scented, has star freckles that glow in the dark, and a hidden Mickey Mouse icon in the eyes. It features several sounds — kids can listen to…
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DISNEY PIXAR LIGHTNING MCQUEEN RIDE-ON
Race into Radiator Springs with Lightning McQueen! This battery-powered ride-on revs up with realistic engine sounds, while the simple pedal accelerator makes it easy for kids of all ages to hit the road. Complete with LED headlights and character-inspired decals, this car is fun on four wheels.
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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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LEGO POKÉMON SMART PLAY: CHARMANDER AND GEODUDE’S CAVERN CLASH
This 198-piece LEGO set includes buildable figures of Charmander and Geodude. Each figure features a SMART Tag that interacts with LEGO SMART Bricks (not included) to add sounds, lights, and more to LEGO play. Kids can also launch rocks by swiveling Geodude's large fists, or use the character's lever function to break rocks apart, revealing…
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MARVEL SPIDEY & HIS AMAZING FRIENDS RESCUE-WEBS FIRE TRUCK
This vehicle set includes the Rescue-Webs Firetruck, a mini helicopter, a 3-inch Spidey figure, and two outfit accessories. The firetruck features 21 sounds and effects, including a repositionable ladder and working rescue water bucket. Kids can store the helicopter and Spidey in the firetruck when playtime ends.
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SUPER LAVA BLAST PLAYSET
Press the button on the front of the volcano to trigger a dramatic eruption, complete with lights, sounds, and flowing lava particles for sensory play. Kids can go on a mission with Marshall to rescue Rhubarb. The hidden waterfall folds out to provide the path to safety.
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STAR WARS ACTION BUDDY GROGU
This interactive, soft-bodied Grogu brings movie magic home with more than 50 sound-and-movement combinations. Kids can press its head for reactions, rock it to sleep, and more.
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