Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined CLE Weekend on CBS in Cleveland to talk about hot toys that procrastinating holiday shoppers can find, even at the last minute. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for a rundown of the best toys, games, and gifts of the season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


PETS ALIVE POLLY THE MAGIC BIRD

Complete your magical menagerie with Polly the Magic Bird! At the tap of a wand, this interactive bird flutters to life, singing, moving, and even repeating what you say. The set includes Polly in her curtained birdcage, a hatching baby bird, a magic wand, and a guidebook containing lots of enchanting magic tricks.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

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JUST DOUGH

Infused with calming, child-safe scents like lavender, chamomile, and vanilla, this safe and nontoxic compound creates a relaxing, sensory playtime.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.97
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

COUNTER BALL

Kids can put their soccer skills to the test with this ball that counts up to 100 kicks. With each milestone, the ball speaks words of encouragement to motivate kids.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $22.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Battery Requirements

Energizer is the official battery partner of The Toy Insider.
  • Type:
  • LR44
  • Quantity:
  • 2

ESPN VIRTUAL REALITY

With these VR goggles, kids can experience more than 20 sports up close while also reading about gameplay and strategy in the included illustrated book.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

SWIFT CLICKS HEISHI BRACELET MAKER

Crafters can use the maker’s refillable, rotating carousel to select their desired colors and thread them by clicking the button. This 2,047-piece set makes more than 20 bracelets, includes 16 Heishi bead colors, and stores easily.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Director of Operations at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A proud and profoundly weird 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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