Looking for toys that are both fun and safe? Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by NBC Sacramento to show off some of the best toys of the holiday season. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and be sure to check out our complete holiday gift guide.


FatBrainToys.SpinAgainSpinAgain (Fat Brain Toys)

  • It’s a stacking toy with a spin—literally!
  • Toddlers can drop the vibrant discs onto the threaded corkscrew pole and watch as they spin down to the base.
  • Dual-sided base allows babies to choose between sturdy or wobble.
  • Each disc is dual-colored, and alternate between daisy style and star-burst shapes.
  • Made of coated plastic that’s pleasant to touch, the discs are solid and BPA free.
  • This visually stimulating toy will keep your little ones enthralled as they practice their hand-eye coordination and color recognition.
  • Ages: 1-3
  • MSRP: $29.95
  • Available: fatbriantoys.com
  • SAFETY TIP: For babies, it’s important to choose toys with large, chunky pieces and always make sure products are BPA and phalate-free. Choose toys that do not pose choking hazards, and help enhance babies’ developmental skills.

little-scholar-mini_school-zone-publishing2Little Scholar Mini (School Zone)

  • This 7-inch children’s tablet comes preloaded with more than 70 apps, books, games, videos and songs that improve your child’s reading, math and spelling skills.
  • The tablet includes Charlie & Company, School Zone’s Intellectual Property video series.
  • Ages: 3-7
  • MSRP: $129
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us
  • SAFETY TIP: Don’t hand kids your iPad, get them a device that features a safe internet experience. The Little Scholar only allows kids to access pre-approved apps and comes pre-loaded with enough content to keep them engaged for hours on end. Plus, the parent report card feature allows parents to see exactly how kids are spending their screen time.

3doodler-start_3doodler13Doodler Start (3Doodler)

  • With the new 3Doodler Start, kids can finally bring all of their wonderful and imaginative ideas to life in 3D.
  • This 3D printing pen extrudes an eco-friendly plastic that cools and hardens rapidly, allowing kids to literally draw in the air.
  • Specially designed to be clean and safe for kids, with no hot parts or messy resins or glues.
  • Easy to use thanks to one speed, one temperature, and no software or technical knowledge required – just turn it on, insert a strand and start doodling in 3D.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us
  • SAFETY TIP: This 3D printing pen does not feature a UV light, and the food-grade plastic is completely eco-friendly. The pen also doesn’t get overly hot, so kids can even draw right on their own skin. Toys that are eco-friendly are always a great option for kids and the environment.

xshot-bug-attack-eliminator-2-predator-tk-3-combo-zuruXShot Bug Attack Eliminator & 2 Predator TK-3 Combo (Zuru)

  • Creepy, crawley bugs have invaded and only XShot Bug Attack can blast them with total accuracy!
  • This combo pack allows for precision blasting with the Eliminator, and stealth attacks with the 2 Predator TK-3 blasters
  • Both items fire the aerodynamic arrows up to 55 feet
  • The combo set includes 1 Eliminator blaster, 2 Predator TK-3 blasters, 5 Creepeez Bug targets and 24 darts.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us
  • SAFETY TIP: These air-soft blasters are not motorized, and only fire soft-foam darts that kids have to manually insert. This product is designed for older kids, and it’s important to always check the packaging and buy age-appropriate toys.

RipStik ElectricRipStik Electric (Razor)

  • The all-new RipStik Electric puts the power of electrifying carving action in the palm of your hand.
  • With its innovative hub motor and lithium ion battery, the RipStik Electric unleashes a continuous flow of twist and carve surf and snowboard inspired action for up to 40 minutes.
  • Get the fun rolling with the hand-held remote, then hit your groove at speeds up to 10 mph.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $179.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us
  • SAFETY TIP: Ride-ons like this are typically designed for older kids, and kids should ALWAYS wear protective gear, such as helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads.

 

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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