There’s still time to pick up great gifts for kids this holiday season Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht invited PIX 11 in New York to play with some fun toys at the Toy Insider offices. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the items below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.
Corgi and French Bulldog Puppets (Folkmanis) 
Show and tell is one of the most exciting experiences at school, and now kids can use their incredible puppets to share their stories.
The Corge and French Bulldog are two adorable pups and kids can use them to share their tales.
- Puppets also encourage interaction between kids, strengthening key social emotional skills necessary for school.
- They also encourage expressive action, helping kids gain confidence in their ability to positively express themselves.
- MSRP: $55.99 (Corgi), $29.99 (Frenchi)
- Available: Amazon, Folkmanis.com
Pie Face Showdown Game (Hasbro)
- For the first time, players go head-to-head and face off in the epic Pie Face Showdown Game!
- Each player places his or her head through the mask and races to see who can hit the button the fastest, tug-of-war style.
- Push the button down faster to move the loaded arm closer to the opponent.
- Players must move quickly or someone will end up with a whipped cream or a wet sponge in the face!
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
Nerf Mega Mastodon Blaster (Hasbro)
- Dominate Nerf blaster battles with the first-ever motorized Nerf blaster!
- The Nerf Mastodon blaster boasts incredible rapid-fire speeds to send Whistler darts screaming through the air from its integrated 24-dart drum.
- Bring the Mastodon blaster into action to overwhelm opponents with its imposing size.
- Use the shoulder strap for easy maneuvering to be ready for Nerf battles anytime, anywhere. Includes shoulder strap and 24 Whistler Darts.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $79.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart
K’NEX Thrills: Classic Ferris Wheel Building Set (K’NEX)
- Right from the K’NEX vault, fans old and young will love constructing this first Ferris Wheel build K’NEX ever released!
- The Classic K’NEX Ferris Wheel Building Set includes 744 made in the USA rods and connectors, 1 motor and a detailed instruction booklet that offers 2 additional building ideas.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $54.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Amazon
Meccano Meccasaur (Spin Master)
- Meccasaur is an interactive 3-foot long dinosaur that kids build and program using metal and space-age plastic pieces.
- Use Room Guard mode to protect your stuff. If Meccasaur notices any sounds or change in light, he’ll charge at the intruder while roaring.
- Meccasaur responds to petting, answers yes/no to questions, and stomps around.
- Ages: 10+
- MSRP: $159.99
- Available: Amazon, Toys R Us, Indigo, Mastermind Toys
Geckobot - This wall-climbing robot has a motorized air suction system that enables it to walk vertically up and down perfectly smooth surfaces, such as glass, plastic, whiteboards, and glossy laminates.
- The battery-powered motor drives an innovative gear system that produces a rotating motion, making the legs move in motions that mimic a real gecko.
- A full-color manual guides through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions and scientific information and explanations.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $49.95
- Available: Toys R Us, thamesandkosmos.com
