Looking to get a head start on your holiday toy shopping? The Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by PIX-11 in New York to show off some of the toys that are expected to be hot sellers this holiday season. For more on the products featured, check out the product info below.
- Stacking toys are classic, but this one has a twist!
- Drop the vibrant discs onto the threaded corkscrew pole and watch as they spin fast and smooth to settle onto the reversible base.
- Pick either the wobble base or turn it over for a solid seat.
- Each disc is dual-colored, and shaped like a starburst or a daisy.
- Ages: 1+
- MSRP: $29.95
- Available: fatbraintoys.com
Lion Guard Training Lair Playset (Just Play)
- Recreate the adventures of Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard with this 3-foot tall play set, full of lights, sounds and secret surprise features, including a pop-out cross bow, light-up waterfall, and break-away doors.
- The play set comes with a rock climbing area, a bungee launcher, a race track, and a telescoping look-out perch.
- A real-working zip line, rock lift, and boulder drop round out the action.
- The set also comes with two exclusive figures, Kion and Janja, to play out the Lion Guard adventures.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Target, and Walmart
CHiP- CHiP (Canine Home Intelligent Pet) is the ultimate AI Robotic Dog.
- CHiP recognizes its master and responds to commands using the included SmartBand, a sleek, rechargeable wearable controller. CHiP also responds to hand gestures and voice commands.
- CHiP plays fetch and fun games with his SmartBall, interacting in all the ways a real dog would… Roll his ball and he’ll bring it back to you, or play soccer with him. Pick up his front legs and he’ll dance with you. Rub your nose against his and he’ll nuzzle right back.
- After a day of endless fun, CHiP knows it’s time to head to its special SmartBed and recharge. With a 360-degree system of play that’s physical, digital and tactile, plus an intuitive, evolving app, CHiP is a welcome addition to today’s connected home and fun for all ages.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $199.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Best Buy
Spirograph Shapes Set (Kahootz)
- This classic toy gets an update for the first time in a generation!
- This kit features 12 wheels in ALL-NEW unique shapes, as well as three new Spirograph rings to create a whole new, never-before-seen assortment of Spirograph designs.
- The sturdy storage box comes with handy organizer tray, three colorful design markers, two 24-page drawing pads, detailed instruction guide and complete set of new shaped wheels and rings—which are compatible with all other Original Spirograph sets.
- Parents can share their childhood memories with kids as they work together to create beautiful designs.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $24.99
Kurio Watch (KD Group)
- This Bluetooth smartwatch is made specifically for kids and features a sleek, modern design with smooth rounded edges, an adjustable soft silicone band, and a responsive touchscreen with excellent resolution.
- Features an alarm, calculator, music and video players, front-facing camera, activity tracker, and mini games that detect precise wrist movement thanks to its built-in accelerometer.
- Kids can also message friends and family via other Kurio or Android devices, all within a safe distance using Bluetooth technology.
- When connected to a parent’s smartphone, Kurio Watch also becomes a hands-free way for kids to take phone calls.
- Parents can also enter vital ICE (In Case of Emergency) information, including blood type, any allergies and an emergency contact.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Toys R Us, Walmart, Amazon
Sqand - Create and display awesome underwater scenes with specially formulated sand that holds its shape!
- Squeeze out the compound and it becomes the ultimate molding fun!
- Make different figures—build up, build out, squish it, squirt it.
- There’s no mess and it never dries out, until it comes out of the water and becomes magically dry.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
- Get ready to be doubled over with laughter with this ridiculous mouthpiece challenge game!
- The Speak Out game brings friends and family together for laugh-out-loud fun as players try to say different phrases while wearing a mouthpiece that won’t let them shut their mouth.
- The laughter continues as players try to decipher what in the world their teammate is trying to say, and must correctly guess the phrase in order to earn the card.
- The team with the most cards at the end of the game wins.
- Ages: 16+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us
