The Summer of Barbie Returns as the Movie Heads Back to Theaters Next Week

Something about last summer hit different. Everyone was dressed in pink, kids yelled “Hi Barbie!” as a form of introduction, and everyone was jamming out to “I’m Just Ken.” It may have only been six months ago, but we can all go back to that time next week.

Starting next Friday, Jan. 26, Barbie: The Movie is coming back to theaters. So kids can put on their best pink outfits, grab their popcorn, and grab one of those super comfortable, reclining movie theater seats.

Everyone has been loving on Barbie: The Movie, including critics and other folks in the film industry. The movie is taking home all sorts of awards and attention including two Golden Globe Awards; six Critics Choice Awards; Screen Actors Guild Award nominations that include Best Cast in a Motion Picture, Best Female Actor in a Lead Role for Margot Robbie, Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Ryan Gosling, and Best Stunt Ensemble; and more.

Barbie: The Movie will only be back in theaters for a week, so you better jump on tickets now!

Make the Most of Kids’ Snow Days with Target’s Winter Sun Squad Collection

Winter is about spending time outside with fun activities like snowball fights, sledding, or even building a snowman. Families can enhance their snow days with Target’s latest collection: Winter Sun Squad.

Target’s summer brand, Sun Squad, prepares for the chilly season with its weather counterpart, Winter Sun Squad. The winter collection features 14 snow-themed products designed to create the best snow day ever! 

Are you looking to declare a snowball fight? Kids can prepare for battle by building forts with the Brick Master and the 7-piece Build a Snow Castle Set. Once defenses are up, little warriors can make ammo with the Snowball Maker and launch them with the Snowball Sling Shot or the Snowball Blaster. 

Racing down the snowy slopes will be a breeze with this line of inflatable snow tubes. Each product features easy-to-grip handles, a large diameter for comfy seating, and fun colors that’ll stand out against the snow. Families can expand their inflatable winter collections with the Extra Long Toboggan, which accommodates two people and holds up to 440 pounds.

Creative family members can add artistic touches to their yards with the Snow Art Dye 12-piece Kit. Kids can use the eight dye packs and four bottles to create colorful designs and patterns in the snow. A snow day wouldn’t be complete without the 13-piece Build a Snow Friend Set, which features everything kids need for dressing up their new snowy friends. 

Families can enjoy the snow and each other with Target’s Winter Sun Squad Collection, now available at target.com/sunsquad.

‘Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin’ to Premiere on AppleTV+ Next Month

The Peanuts gang is made of iconic, relatable characters — so it only makes sense to highlight their background! Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin features Franklin’s origin story. 

Franklin and Charlie Brown ride in the Friendship 1. | Source: WildBrain

You can tune into AppleTV+ on Feb. 16 to discover how Franklin became friends with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts family. The special follows Franklin as he moves around with his dad’s military job and tries to make new friends using friendship advice from his grandfather’s notebook.

Franklin has trouble fitting in with the Peanuts gang until he learns about the neighborhood Soap Box Derby race. He enlists Charlie Brown’s help in building a car, and families can watch as their friendship grows and takes on the pressure of a race. 

The special is produced by Peanuts and WildBrain, and the writers have extensive experience with Peanuts stories, so it’ll be great for family movie night!

Exclusive: Ooh La La — Playmates Toys Unveils Miraculous Ladybug Paris Heroez Playset

One of the most buzzed-about products shown at Toy Fair in New York last fall is now a reality.

Playmates Toys‘ ZAG Heroez Miraculous line expands this summer with the towering, four-foot-tall Miraculous Ladybug Paris Heroez Playset. Designed as a focal point for kids’ imaginative adventures in Ladybug’s hometown of Paris, this feature-packed playset — modeled after the city’s most recognizable landmark — offers multiple floors and environments for play and display.

The foam core prototype at Toy Fair turned heads and the finished playset will be shown at London Toy Fair and Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, Germany later this month.

This playset is a genuine representation of the beloved Miraculous universe. It’s more than just a playset, it embodies the essence of the show centered in Paris, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir! C'est magnifique!”
Georgia Manolas Walker, Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys

The three-floor playset serves as a hero headquarters for ZAG‘s Miraculous Parisian Heroez and features a ground-floor Parisian park, a second-floor restaurant and surprise balcony, a working elevator, a third-floor zipline, four pop-out shops, 40 accessories, and more. The set will hit retail in July with a $149.99 MSRP.

Additionally, Playmates Toys will showcase its full 2024 lineup of Miraculous Heroez products in London and Nuremberg, including the Miraculous Hero Switch Ladybug Fashion Doll and the introduction of Ubiquity and Cosmobug to its mainline fashion doll assortment.

The 10.5-inch Miraculous Hero Switch Ladybug Fashion Doll “miraculously” switches from one hero outfit to another at the push of a button. Ladybug features her signature blue hair and is packaged with a cat ear headband, and two different masks for each hero mode. The doll will hit retail in August with a $24.99 MSRP.

Paris will be top-of-mind for kids and families this summer as the 2024 Summer Olympics gets underway. At the heart of the event, the Champ-de-Mars — the park located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower — will become a temporary outdoor arena to host competitions that will be broadcast globally.

For more industry happenings and a preview of products in the pipeline, look for the 2024 edition of The BIG Toy Book next month. Not a subscriber? Sign up today and celebrate 40 years of The Toy Book with a six-issue subscription to North America’s leading trade publication serving the toy industry for just $40.

Learn a Letter, Send a Letter with the Alphabet Learning Mailbox

Your kid can also practice writing skills and letter recognition in a fun, sustainable way! With Learning Resource‘s Alphabet Learning Mailbox, kids have the opportunity to learn new vocabulary while pretending to send mail.

The mailbox has a welcoming, smiling face. | Source: Learning Resources

There are several learning components to the Alphabet Learning Mailbox, all resulting in ABC fun! The toy includes 2-piece puzzle cards that showcase a capital and lowercase letter on one piece, and a word that begins with that letter on the other. Kids can match the letters to the word, then place a reusable puffy sticker “stamps” on the puzzle card before they put it in the mailbox. 

Each card has three icons and a place for the sticker. | Source: Learning Resources

The puzzle cards have designated areas for the stamp. Each stamp features a letter from the puzzle card and an image of the word on the card, such as rainbow, zebra, donut, or egg. Kids can feel a sense of accomplishment when they match the word to the letter and use a stamp and send their puzzle cards away in the mailbox. The backside of the puzzle cards feature more images of items that begin with the letter on the front, so you can work through sounding out letters using different words and visuals. 

Kids can work on their tracing skills. | Source: Learning Resources

There are also five double-sided write and wipe postcards, so kids can trace lowercase and uppercase letters without wasting paper or sitting through a long workbook. The postcards and letters have border designs that make them look like real envelopes, so it’ll feel like they’re working on a really important message!

Have them “send” a letter to a friend! | Source: Learning Resources

Once they finish tracing letters or practicing letter recognition with the puzzle cards, kids can put the cards in the mailbox slot and rotate the flag. There are also sides of the cards that look like actual postcards, so kids can take a break and “mail” a cute greeting card. After they’ve made their deposit, the red, smiling mailbox face will open downwards like a real mailbox for letter retrieval. 

The mailbox itself is bright and colorful, with the alphabet embedded on the sides. You can also quiz your kid and ask them to trace one specific letter, find the letter on the puzzle and complete the puzzle card, select the correct letter stamp, slip it in the mailbox, then locate the letter on the side of the mailbox.  

Easily slide the postcard into the mailbox slot. | Source: Learning Resources

Encourage your kid to be creative when using the toy; ask them to imagine where the postcard would end up, give them computer paper to draw on and let them put it in the mailbox slot, or put the mailbox outside your door and have them leave drawings or messages throughout the day. 

At the end of the day, when your house is no longer accepting mail, your kid can clean up their workspace by placing the Alphabet Learning Mailbox pieces into the mailbox for storage. 

The toy is designed for kids ages 4 and up, but younger ones will enjoy scribbling on the postcards or playing with the puffy stickers. For kids of all ages, just make sure there’s an understanding of what can fit through the mailbox slot and what should not be forced into it — it’s a great teaching opportunity and will save you from worrying about a slime-filled mailbox!

With the double-sided puzzle cards, double-sided tracing postcards, and stickers, there are numerous ways for your kid to learn about letters, letter sounds, and different vocabulary. With extra sheets of paper, a working mailbox, and a large imagination, the opportunities with this toy are unlimited! 


ALPHABET LEARNING MAILBOX

Practice tracing skills, letter recognition, and beginning sounds with this mail-themed playset. Kids can use alphabet puzzle cards; puffy sticker “stamps”; and write-and-wipe, double-sided postcards to learn the alphabet and new vocabulary words before sliding their work into the mailbox.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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New Fisher-Price Planet Friends Are Adorable Eco-Friendly Animals

Mattel subsidiary Fisher-Price is bringing fun to babies with a new collection made with sustainability in mind!

The new Planet Friends line features soft and cuddly plush guaranteed to charm any little animal lover. The toys are made using between 80-90% post-consumer recycled plastic and come in FSC-certified packaging. Whether the baby in your life wants to be best buddies with an elephant, a snow leopard, a panda, or a turtle, Fisher-Price has the plush toy for them!


FISHER-PRICE ALL EARS LOVEY

This soft plush elephant is made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastics. It features oversized ears and is machine washable.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

The All Ears Lovey sensory toy is ready to listen! This plush comes with a satiny vest and huge ears, both designed to provide sensory play to babies. The variety of colors and textures will keep babies interested in this plush friend.


FISHER-PRICE SPOTTING FUN SNOW LEOPARD

This colorful plush snow leopard has crinkle boots, pull-through legs, a slide-off suspender, and a sliding arm ring. It's made from 95% post-consumer recycled plastics and is machine washable.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

The Spotting Fun Snow Leopard is full of activities for little ones. Kids can pull the legs, crinkle the feet, and feel the soft satiny fabrics.


FISHER-PRICE ROLY-POLY PANDA PLAY MAT

This play mat features a crinkle toy, mirror, and tummy time panel. The mat is machine washable with toys removed and is made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastics.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $27.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

Ready for tummy time, the Panda Play Mat has everything needed for engaging play. The paws can function to prop up the face panel or be used to roll up the mat for travel. The mat comes with a crinkle toy and a self-discovery mirror, everything needed for a full sensory experience.


FISHER-PRICE SEA ME BOUNCE TURTLE

Kids can pull this plush turtle to make it bounce and jingle. The plush also has a BPA-free shell teether, can easily link to strollers, and fabric made from 80% post-consumer recycled plastics.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

This jingly turtle will keep babies interested with its pull-and-release handle and seashell teether. The toy easily attaches to strollers, diaper bags, and more, ready for on-the-go play.

The new Fisher-Price Planet Friends line is available now. Get your baby an animal buddy that’ll provide security, sensory play, and more as they grow into the world!

This Singing Ariel Doll Makes Bath Time a Breeze

Get ready for some fun — under the sea!

One of our favorite Disney Princesses made a big *splash* in theaters earlier this year and we just can’t get enough. Disney The Little Mermaid Under the Sea Exploring Ariel from JAKKS Pacific is an interactive doll that doubles as a water toy.

Designed for ages 3 and up, this doll is inspired by the 2023 film The Little Mermaid, and features Ariel’s new look, style, and hair as seen in the movie.

Ariel sings and lights up when placed in water. | Source: JAKKS Pacific

While little mermaids and mermen can play with the doll in the pool or at the beach in the summertime, the doll also acts as the perfect bath time entertainment all year round.

The doll speaks, sings, and its tail even lights up — in and out of the water. She’s got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty, including a “dinglehopper,” a seashell, and four charms that kids can clip onto the doll’s hair. When kids put the accessories in its hand, the doll will sing “Part of Your World” and say cute phrases like “I love searching for treasures under the sea. Would you like to join me?” and “Do you like my collection? Isn’t it fantastic?”

The doll is about 15 inches tall, plus shimmering fins at the end of its tail, so it’s nice and large for small hands to handle. It also floats in water so parents don’t have to worry about kids trying to dive underwater. And for the best part, after kids are done playing with it, parents can lay the doll out to dry (Its hair even dries perfectly curly!) to reuse over and over again.

Disney The Little Mermaid Under the Sea Exploring Ariel from JAKKS Pacific is a great option for anyone looking for long-term play value. Kids will enjoy singing along with Ariel for months on end!


DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID UNDER THE SEA EXPLORING ARIEL

This Ariel doll can speak and sing “Part of Your World” while its tail lights up. It includes a dinglehopper, a seashell, and hair clip charms. Kids can play with the doll in or out of the water.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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New ‘Programmed to Paint’ Book Teaches Kids to Embrace Imperfection

You don’t need to be a perfect painter to express your creativity!

Penguin Workshop is publishing a new book under Penguin Young Readers that will show kids that art is about more than just perfection.

Programmed to Paint follows Pintro, a robot programmed to do everything perfectly. Pintro is good at math, baking, and more, but wants to find his own individuality in his art. Kids can follow along as Pintro learns to do more than paint perfect copies of his subjects. 

Mauricio Abril brings a heartwarming story and adorable illustrations to the book. | Source: Penguin Workshop

The new book comes from author and illustrator Mauricio Abril. Other works from Abril include illustration for the books Robots Can’t Dance, Yi’s Journey Home, and Meet Everest.

Little readers who want even more books to deck out their shelves this year can look to other offerings from Penguin Young Readers, such as Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman and illustrator Christian Robinson; Just Because by Matthew McConaughey and illustrator Renée Kurilla; and books featuring characters kids already love such as Love from Bluey by Suzy Brumm. 

The new Programmed to Paint book is available now and recommended for readers ages 4-8. Get the little artist in your life a book that teaches them to embrace their individual style and practice and grow as they go!


PROGRAMMED TO PAINT

This children's book follows Pintro the robot as he learns to embrace his individual art style. Written and illustrated by the maker of Robots Can't Dance, this new book from Mauricio Abril is made for readers ages 4-8.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $18.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Express Yourself with Shimmer ‘n Sparkle ABC Fashion Bead Bracelets

It’s no secret that we, collectively as a society, have been in our friendship bracelet era. They’re a fun way to express yourself or your love for someone else. There’s nothing that makes us smile bigger than a personalized bracelet, created just for us with love.

This kit has everything kids need to create friendship bracelets — including more than 800 beads! | Source: Cra-Z-Art

Cra-Z-Art offers an affordable and easy-to-use kit for kids to make that personalized expression so, so simple. The Shimmer ‘n Sparkle ABC Fashion Bead Bracelets Kit comes with two different kinds of bracelet bases: embroidery floss for a woven look or clear elastic cord for a full beaded creation. The beads come in a range of styles: Kids can pick from metallic square, square icon, pony, frosted, round, iridescent, silver, and — of course — alpha beads in square, round, and metallic styles, so kids can (quite literally) spell out clearly what it is they love.

And that variety of beads is not in short supply. With more than 800 beads, kids can deck out their wrists with the things they love and things that describe them best — whether it’s “#SELFIE,” “DANCE,” or maybe “WILDCATS” a red and white bead in between each one. The kit also comes with instructions and a threader so that kids and tweens ages 6 and up can really get the hang of bracelet making.

And as we’ve always known but were recently so clearly reminded, beaded friendship bracelets are all about community and sharing! Kids can make these bracelets for themselves, or share the love by trading and gifting them. The joy of connecting with another person over a shared interest is even better when you have a bracelet that goes with it. Kids can bead together a “BFF” or “BESTIE” bracelet to show their favorite friend how much they love them.

So go on: Make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it —and make memories that will outlast the bracelets themselves.


SHIMMER ‘N SPARKLE DIY ABC FASHION BEADS

Thanks to Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour, friendship bracelets are hotter than ever! Kids can design and create fashion friendship bracelets in bold and bright colors. The ultimate bestie wristwear for kids to wear and share! Show off unique styles by mixing and matching all the chic accessories. Kids can personalize bracelets with sayings using the…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.60
  • Age:
  • 6+

Kids Can Hunt for Haunts with New Ghostbusters Toys

Hasbro is introducing a whole new group of kids to an iconic ’80s movie franchise with new lines of Ghostbusters toys to get kids excited for the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in March. 

There are two sets of action figures in this lineup. There are four 5-inch Fright Features Figures including Callie, Phoebe, and Trevor Spengler along with Gary Grooberson. These action figures feature five points of articulation, a proton pack, and a blaster wand. Each figure also comes with a stretchy ghost, including Pukey, Bonesy, Slimer, or Possessor, that can be stretched over the figure. 

The other new set of action figures is based on the animated series, The Real Ghostbusters. These four figures of the original Ghostbusters each come with a different haunt and accessories to go with them. The Ray Stantz figure comes with the Jail Jaw Ghost, the Peter Venkman figure comes with the Gruesome Twosome Ghost, the Egon Spengler figure comes with the Soar Throat Ghost, and the Winston Zeddemore figure comes with the Scream Roller Ghost. 

In addition to action figures, there are other toys represented in Hasbro’s new line. The Track & Trap Ecto-1 is compatible with the Fright Features action figures and comes with a stretchy Slimer. Kids can also interact with their own Slimer with the Squash & Squeeze interactive toy, which makes more than 40 noises and can be squished and shaken. Finally, kids can strap on the Zap & Blast Proton Blaster to fight ghosts. The blaster features LED light effects and makes more than 20 sound effects. 

Whether kids are already well acquainted with the Ghostbusters or are just discovering them for the first time, they’re bound to have a blast hunting ghosts!

28 Toys and Activities for Winter Family Fun

Kids love to play, and that joy doesn’t go away even when the temperature drops. Winter is finally here, meaning it’s time for snowball fights, ski trips, building snowmen, and much, much more! While the possibilities are endless, it can be challenging to find an activity that’s perfect for everyone. Whether kids (and adults) would rather rush down a snowy hill or stay inside cuddled up with a nice board game, we have collected some of the best toys, games, and activities for families to enjoy all winter long!


STEP2 PUSH AROUND SLED

This sled comes with a molded seat and built-in handles that kids can hang on to for stability, while adults can push the wide, easy-grip handle. The grooves on the sled bottom easily move over any amount of snow, from many inches to just a dusting.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99

STEP2 SNOW RUNNER SLED

This plastic toboggan-style sled has high sides, a backrest, and a full-length footrest to ensure comfort while racing through the snow. The wide body offers increased stability and the molded-in hand grips help kids tackle hills of any size.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

NOLJA PLAY WONDERFUL WORLD PUZZLE

This 100-piece puzzle provides a colorful illustration of the world map, complete with graphics of people, nature, and animals. Kids can also learn about different countries with the included fact sheet, which emphasizes a nation's diversity, traditions, and hidden treasures.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $25
  • Age:
  • 5+

FARTING FRENCHIES

In this game of strategy and betrayal, players attempt to build their team of stinky Frenchies. To unlock each Frenchie, players must play stink cards, which can be neutralized by nice-smelling cards played by other players. Whoever unlocks the most Frenchies, wins!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 7+

WAFFLES VS PANCAKES

It’s a breakfast battle this holiday season with Waffles vs. Pancakes! Players choose a side, grab a spatula, and put on a blindfold. Then players race to fill their plate with waffles or pancakes! Collect bonus Food Fighter Cards, and avoid the Totally Toast Card! It’s a fan-flipping-tastic battle packed with fun for the whole…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

IXI KIX

Kids can shoot their shot with the ultimate trickshot game that’s easy to play, yet hard to master! IXI KIX is an action-packed challenge game that tests kids’ skills as they launch the ixi pieces into the targets. Kids can choose their own style and compete against others to score points. Whoever scores the most…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

MONOPOLY GIANT EDITION

Trading property has never been more fun in this oversized and speedy take on the iconic Hasbro board game Monopoly. Players roll the Giant Die and move their Giant Token that number of spaces on the Giant Gameboard! If a player lands on an empty property space, they MUST buy it. Players mark the space…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

BARBIE THE MOVIE X FUNBOY SNOWMOBILE SLED

Travel to and from Barbie Land in style with the limited Edition Barbie The Movie x FUNBOY Snowmobile Sled. Inspired by the Snowmobile Barbie uses to travel from Barbie Land to the real world and back. Featuring a smooth air cushioned ride and a grooved rubber base for enhanced durability. Holds 1-2 riders or 250…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $109.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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YETI SNOWBRAWL

Players draw cards and race be the first to stack 10 snowballs to win the game. But beware: If you draw the Snowbrawl card, it's time for an all-out snowball fight against your opponents who can knock down your stack.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $31.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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INFLATABLE SNOW GLOBE FORT

Get ready for the winter bliss with this cute inflatable fort. Available in a transparent globe design with sparkles, it will thaw even the frostiest of moods during the cold days of winter. This fancy inflatable fort for kids stimulates imaginative play to spend quality time with your family and keep everyone entertained during chilly…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $104.98
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SNOOPY SNO-CONE MACHINE

Kids can make tasty slushy treats with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy van Pelt! This sno-cone machine comes with a real ice shaver for making the most authentic slushy drinks. Simply add ice, shave ice, pour in fruit punch flavor drink mix, and drizzle syrup on top for the ultimate Peanuts-themed sno-cone! Features Snoopy sno-cone…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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LASER X REVOLUTION ULTRA LONG-RANGE DOUBLE BLASTERS

Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their blasters with more than 20 different colors. Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99; $69.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 6+

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BIGMOUTH x SQUISHMALLOWS WINSTON THE OWL SNOW TUBE

Bring on the snowy fun with the BigMouth x Squishmallows Winston the Owl Snow Tube. The kids’ snow tube slides across a winter wonderland in style with Winston the Owl winking back in his adorable red beanie. With two sturdy handles on either side and an inlay seat for extra comfort, the inflatable sled is…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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ARCTIC ADVENTURES SENSORY KIT

Eco-friendly, sustainable sensory play in a beautiful bamboo storage box. Welcome to the magical winter wonderland with white sand and fluffy snow-like cloud dough. Kids can explore the snowy landscape with fun winter creatures. This kit includes all the fun of a snow day without the wet and cold. Kids can engage the senses with…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44
  • Age:
  • 3+

NEEDOH GROOVY THE GLOWMAN

The holidays can be stressful for everyone, Groovy the Glowman is here to help with sensory squeezes! These squishy snowmen are wearing top hats and are decked in neon colors that glow in the dark!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

FROZEN ELSA SNOW QUEEN GOWN CLASSIC GIRLS COSTUME

This costume is designed to capture Elsa's snow queen look in Disney's Frozen. The costume includes a satin dress with an organza overlay featuring snowflakes, swirls, and icicles.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $31.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

MINTID DOG-E

Each Dog-E has a combination of lights, sounds, and personality traits that makes it unique. Kids can train Dog-E to do tricks, track its needs, and unlock more interactive play with the app.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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DISNEY CASTLE COLLECTION

Immerse yourself in the worlds of fan-favorite Disney heroines: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Elsa, Jasmine, Merida, Mulan, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Each 1,000-piece puzzle illustrates the character along with an interior look at her castle.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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INSERT CARD HERE

In this card game, kids can insert a card between two other cards — one that’s lower in value and one that’s higher. Things move fast as the players quickly change the high and low cards and introduce wild and reverse cards into the gameplay. The first player to play all their cards wins the…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

SNOWMAN LANTERN

There's snowplace like home — especially for this adorable snowman decoration. Create a DIY winter lantern that can chill out around the house. Kids will need Crayola Model Magic, a Crayola Paint Brush, water, ribbon, glitter glue, school glue, an upcycled jar, and battery-operated tea lights.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $15 of supplies
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SCRIBBLE SCRUBBIE ARCTIC PET IGLOO

An adventure of color awaits with the Scribble Scrubbie Arctic Pet Igloo set! Kids are in for a flurry of fun with two color-change pets, an arctic igloo, three washable markers, a sled, a plastic tub, and a brush. Simply use the markers to color the pets, and when kids want a change, they can…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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CREATE-A-CASTLE INDOOR SNOW CASTLE KIT

This castle building toy set is a 25-piece kit including six intricate molds, 2.65 pounds of Magic Snow Compound, and a unique building tool. Completed castles hold their shape! The entire kit is easy to store and reuse – no beach or snow day necessary!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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CREATE-A-CASTLE PRO TOWER KIT

These split molds allow kids to build beautiful sand or snow structures in a short amount of time. Just buckle it, fill it and Create A Castle. The premium pro tower kit includes a 10 inch split cylinder, a stackable 6 inch split system cylinder for additional height, a corbel to add stabilization and a…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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CRAZY ICE BUBBLES BLIZZARD BLOWER

Kids can create bubbles out in the cold with this blizzard blower. After dipping the wand in the water, the cold-weather bubbles can fly up to 200 feet in the air with the press of a button.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $17.99
  • Age:
  • 5+
  • Battery Requirements:
  • 2 AA

LED DIY SNOW CANDLES KIT

Kids can add colorful lights to their snowy nights with this DIY kit. Kids will pack the mold with snow and use the space maker to make a hole for the LED candle. After inserting the waterproof LED light, kids can light up their yards, backyards, and neighborhoods with flameless LED-changing lights.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 5+
  • Battery Requirements:
  • 3 AAA

CRAZY ICE BUBBLES 2-PACK

Kids can blow long-lasting ice bubbles that fly far in the cold. These crazy ice bubbles freeze like snow globes when temperatures are below 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Kids can have exciting outdoor fun in the winter, fall, and spring with bubbles designed with the cold weather in mind.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $8.59
  • Age:
  • 5+

NORDIC SNOW SLEIGH SLED

The Funboy Nordic Sleigh brings the best in sledding and snow play for the whole family. Paying homage to classic winter sleighs, this oversized design holds up to two riders or 250 pounds. Features a comfortable, inflatable air-cushioned ride and durable construction. The ultra-thick K80 snow vinyl material is designed to withstand -25 degrees. Comes…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.00
  • Age:
  • 8+

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PENGUIN SNOW TUBE

Sled the snow with this cool penguin snow tube! All you need to do is inflate! The grippy handles allow for a fun and safe experience this winter. The thick, durable construction provides a smooth and cushy ride for sledders. The penguin measures 4 feet long.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $33.00
  • Age:
  • 1+

Buy Now

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2024 Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out Giveaway Full Contest Rules

2024 Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out Giveaway {Full Contest Rules}

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY OR PAYMENT.
A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.
1. Eligibility
The Toy Insider’s Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out Toy Sweepstakes (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including District of Columbia) who are 18 years or older at the time of entry.
Void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions and where prohibited by law. Entrants must either be the legal guardian of children depicted in the entry picture or have consent from the child’s legal guardian to submit. Employees of Adventure Publishing or any of its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, or any other company or individual involved with the design, production execution or distribution of the Promotion and their immediate family (spouse, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and step-children) and household members (people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year) of each such employee are not eligible. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules (the “Rules”) and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion (that of a parent/legal guardian, if, entrant is a minor ). Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. The Promotion consists of a Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”).
2. Sponsor
Adventure Publishing New York, NY, 307 7th Avenue, Suite 501, New York, NY, 10001.
Adventure Publishing is the prize sponsor of Promotion. Individual toy names and logos are used for purposes of promotion and/or prize only.
3. Timing
The Promotion begins on April 17, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) and ends on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST (the “Promotion Period”). Timestamp on Wufoo.com entry form will be the official time keeping device for this Promotion.
4. How to Enter
To qualify to a The Toy Insider’s Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out Toy Sweepstakes during the Promotion Period, (a) April 17-June 14, 2024 entrants must fill out the embedded sweepstakes form on thetoyinsider.com
Any form of entry other than those described herein is void. Limit: Limit one (1) entry per person, per user name, per email address, during the Promotion Period. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address or username. Any attempt by any participant to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple/ different usernames, email addresses, identities, registrations, logins, or any other methods will void that participant’s plays and that participant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible or misdirected registrations or entries, which will be disqualified. Sponsor is not responsible for lost internet connections resulting in invalid entries. In the event of a dispute as to any registration or entry, the authorized Instagram account holder of the username used to register or enter the Sweepstakes will be deemed to be the registrant or entrant. Potential winners may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and will not be returned.
5. Winner Selection
On the dates set forth below, Sponsor or an independent judging agency will select one (1) entry for the prize described below in Section 8 based on all valid entries received and chosen at random. The winning entrant(s) will be contacted Adventure Publishing via email and may be awarded the prize(s) (subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Rules.) Sponsor’s decisions as to the administration and operation of the Promotion and the selection of potential winners are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Winners will be notified by email approximately one (1) day(s) after the drawing. Failure to respond to the initial verification email within 48 hours of notification or return of email notification as undeliverable after 3 attempts will result in disqualification.
6. POTENTIAL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER(S) IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE PROMOTION.
7. Verification of Potential Winner (s)
Potential winner(s) must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner(s) will be notified by email after the date of winner announcement. The potential winner(s) may be required to sign and return to Sponsor, within three (3) days of the date notice is sent, an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (except where prohibited by law) in order to claim his/her prize(s). If a potential winner of any prize cannot be contacted, fails to reply to contact efforts or prize notification is returned as undeliverable within 48 hours, the potential winner forfeits the prize. In the event that a potential winner of a sweepstakes prize is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may award the applicable prize to an alternate winner based on the creativity among all remaining eligible entries.
8. Prize
Winner will be selected on the Sweepstakes Drawing Date, June 14, 2024 and notified by June 17, 2024.
For all Prizes: No cash equivalent for the prize, prize is non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason. Within 3 days after of receiving the winner’s affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release, Sponsor will mail the winner’s prize(s) via UPS to the address provided therein (if winner is a minor, his/her prize(s) will be delivered care of a parent/legal guardian). Sponsor is not responsible for any delay in prize delivery. Winners (or their parent/legal guardian, as applicable) are responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. Odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Promotion Period.
9. Entry Conditions and Release
By entering, each participant (a parent/legal guardian on behalf of participant, if participant is minor) agrees to: (a) comply with and be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are binding and final in all matters relating to this Sweepstakes; (b) release and hold harmless the Sponsor, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, prize suppliers and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes and Promotion, and all of their respective past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in the Sweepstakes and Promotion, acceptance or use or misuse of prize and/or the broadcast, exploitation or use of entry; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sponsor from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes and Promotion and/or entrant’s acceptance, use or misuse of prize.
10. Publicity
Except where prohibited by law, participation in the Promotion constitutes each winner’s consent (that of a parent/legal guardian, if participant is a minor) to Sponsor’s and its agents’ use of winner’s name, likeness,
photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a winner’s information are in accordance with our
Privacy Policy and in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA ”).
Prize Description
Prize pack of various toys from The Toy Insider’s 2024 Spring & Summer Gift Guide toy list. Products and styles may vary. Prize pack valued at $1,500.
Quantity 1
Approximate retail value $1,500.
11. General Conditions
Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Promotion, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper
functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
12. Limitations of Liability
The Released Parties are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion; (2) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Promotion or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Sweepstakes play, provided that if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance of the to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In event that production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Rules to be available and/or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes among all legitimate, unawarded, eligible prize claims.
13. Disputes
Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, other than those concerning the administration of the Sweepstakes or the determination of winners, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved exclusively by the United States District Court or the appropriate New York State Court located in New York County, New York and that by participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts; (iii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of- pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (iv) under no circumstances rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Promotion, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.
14. Entrant’s Personal Information
Information collected from entrants will be kept private by the Sponsor. Only entrants who opt-in to receive news and information from the Sponsors official newsletter will receive future emails from Sponsor ONLY.
15. Promotion Results
For Promotion results, send a hand-printed, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Winners List –
Adventure Publishing, New York, NY, 307 7th Avenue, Suite 501, New York, NY, 10001.
Requests for the winner list must be received by July 21, 2024.

Hot Toys for Wintertime Fun on The Today Show

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined The Today Show to talk about the best toys to keep kids entertained on snowy days—both indoors and outdoors. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.


CREATE-A-CASTLE INDOOR SNOW CASTLE KIT

This castle building toy set is a 25-piece kit including six intricate molds, 2.65 pounds of Magic Snow Compound, and a unique building tool. Completed castles hold their shape! The entire kit is easy to store and reuse – no beach or snow day necessary!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Buy Now

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COOKEEZ MAKERY

This oven-themed playset lets kids mix and make “dough” to create a new cinnamon- or bread-scented plush. Kids can set the temperature and listen for the “ding” to find a new plush puppy, bunny, or kitten inside the oven.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

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CRAYOLA ULTIMATE LIGHT BOARD

This kit has everything kids need to create and trace incredible drawings! Features Crayola Light Up Drawing Tablet with six mini washable gel markers. Kids can remove the back of the tablet to trace glowing designs, or keep it blank to make their own. Features built-in marker storage that keeps this art set organized and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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BATTLE SOCCER

The Franklin Sport Soccer Shootout table top indoor soccer game is sure to be a hit at the next birthday party, family night, or camping trip. Players battle one another and launch a mini soccer ball towards the net using the flippers to score. First one to 10 wins! Automatic sensors detect when a goal…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Buy Now

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BIGMOUTH x SQUISHMALLOWS WINSTON THE OWL SNOW TUBE

Bring on the snowy fun with the BigMouth x Squishmallows Winston the Owl Snow Tube. The kids’ snow tube slides across a winter wonderland in style with Winston the Owl winking back in his adorable red beanie. With two sturdy handles on either side and an inlay seat for extra comfort, the inflatable sled is…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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BIGMOUTH X SQUISHMALLOWS FIFI THE FOX SNOW TUBE

Bring on the snowy fun with the BigMouth x Squishmallows Fifi the Fox Snow Tube. The kids’ snow tube slides across a winter wonderland in style with Fifi the Fox sporting a cute purple snow beanie. With two sturdy handles on either side and an inlay seat for extra comfort, the inflatable sled is also…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

BIGMOUTH X SQUISHMALLOWS BENNY THE BIG FOOT SNOW TUBE

Bring on the snowy fun with the BigMouth x Squishmallows Benny the Big Foot Snow Tube. The kids’ snow tube slides across a winter wonderland in style with Benny the Big Foot wearing a big smile and an adorable green winter hat. With two sturdy handles on either side and an inlay seat for extra…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

YETI SNOWBRAWL

Players draw cards and race be the first to stack 10 snowballs to win the game. But beware: If you draw the Snowbrawl card, it's time for an all-out snowball fight against your opponents who can knock down your stack.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $31.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Buy Now

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Surprises Await Behind Every Door with New Disney Doorables

You’re going to want to make these new Disney Doorables a part of your world.

For those unfamiliar, Disney Doorables from Just Play are adorable Disney collectibles that kids can discover hidden behind doors (hence the name). Kids can discover dozens of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters in different series of squishable, colorful, magical, delightful forms.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the Disney lover in you’re life, your opportunity is knocking! Check out some of our favorite Disney Doorables collections below.


DISNEY DOORABLES MULTI PEEK TECHNICOLOR TAKEOVER

Each set contains a guarantee of five figures, but some include six or seven! Kids can discover 50 possible characters and 10 special-edition Technicolor Takeover figures that feature a unique ombre coating. Line up the figures to create a rainbow effect.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

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DISNEY DOORABLES SQUISH’ALOTS SERIES 2

Back and squishier than ever! Series 2 features 40 squish-tastic characters from Disney and Pixar. Reuse the capsule container to store, display, or play with figures.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

DISNEY DOORABLES MULTI PEEK TECHNICOLOR TAKEOVER

Each set contains a guarantee of five figures, but some include six or seven! Kids can discover 50 possible characters and 10 special-edition Technicolor Takeover figures that feature a unique ombre coating. Line up the figures to create a rainbow effect.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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.

DISNEY DOORABLES SQUISH’ALOTS SQUISH MACHINE

This adorable 16-piece coin-operated toy vending machine contains 6 mystery capsules with exclusive Squish’alots characters. To discover who’s inside, insert one of the special coins and twist the knob!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Neopets to Re-introduce Classic Art to Gameplay

Neopians young and old have been clambering for it, and it’s finally happening: Neopets will re-introduce its classic art style on Jan. 23!

The update to the online digital pet community means that players will have more choice going forward, being able to toggle between the “unconverted pet” (UC) style from pre-2007 gameplay, and “converted pet” style. The update will be an attempt at democratizing the UC Neopet experience, as UC pets are currently both quite scarce and highly valuable. 

Before 2007, the Neopets art style was beloved, and defined by its somehow-already-retro look. The conversion was introduced when Neopets was sold to Viacom, and was intended to make pet customization easier and to shape Neopets into a more commercialized gameplay atmosphere. A few players were given the option, however, to keep their pets unconverted. These became the valuable UCs that we know today.

The first sneak-peek of Neopets’ new non-binary character. | Source: Neopets

Remaining UCs will be automatically converted to the new style, giving every player an equal opportunity to customize their pet in either the classic UC style, or to update as desired. This folds into another exciting Neopets update. A new Styling Studio will be introduced, and will debut Neopets’ first non-binary character as its shopkeeper!

And for players who feel a little slighted at the loss of their pre-2007 pets, Neopets will reward old-timers with exclusive Old Pet Trophies. Long live Neopia!

Roll a Nostalgic High Score with This Skee-Ball Frame Game!

Skee-Ball is a true classic that’s been delighting players of all ages for more than a century.

Whether you come across a Skee-Ball game at a boardwalk, carnival, or arcade, the timeless challenge of rolling a high score is a compelling, nearly irresistible draw. And because of that, families are always looking for ways to bring the action home.

The biggest factors in adapting Skee-Ball for the at-home market are size (the real machines are huge), cost (again, big, electronic, and mechanical), and capturing the essence of the gameplay. In recent years, the official Skee-Ball brand has been licensed to many companies, with products ranging from tabletop replicas to high-end, professional-quality alleys. 

For most families, the sweet spot is something in the middle and one of EastPoint Sports’ latest offerings might hit the bullseye.

The folding frame makes for a space-saving design | Source: EastPoint Sports

The Skee-Ball Steel Frame Game is a portable alley that folds for space-saving storage. It’s lightweight and comes with four Skee-Balls. This version has built-in, battery-operated electronic scoring (with sound!) for single- or two-player games. 

Assembly is fairly easy but is best approached as a two-person job. In our experience, the real trick is making sure that the nylon material that comprises the alley surface and ball return stays firm, taut, and aligned throughout the gameplay. As long as that happens, the familiar (and addictive!) gameplay pattern works well, but there are a couple of caveats.

For experienced players and Skee-Ball enthusiasts, the traditional weight and heft are missing here. The familiar feel of the heavy Skee-Balls and how they drop, clunk, and roll on a wooden alley is really hard to replicate at this price point — but it doesn’t mean that this isn’t fun. Quite the opposite!

Skee-Ball Steel Frame Game is perfect for outdoor parties, livening up a playroom or bar, and is great for kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike. | Source: The Toy Insider

Last fall, we had our annual block party and the two biggest hits were both EastPoint Sports games: Giant Connect 4 (see that one in action here) and this Skee-Ball Frame Game! The kids in the neighborhood, many of whom had never played Skee-Ball, were instantly hooked and we had a line of eager players waiting in the wings. It was such a popular attraction that neighborhood parents asked me to bring it back out for our Halloween party (I did!).

With home arcades and game rooms growing in popularity, this Skee-Ball Frame Game is a great option for something that can fit in alongside home arcade cabinets when folded and placed up against the wall for storage. When you’re ready to play, simply unfold the alley and get ready to roll!

Game on!


SKEE-BALL FRAME GAME

Skee-Ball has been played in arcades for more than 100 years and is a piece of nostalgia that never gets old! Now you can bring the classic arcade action of Skee-Ball into your home with this officially licensed portable Skee-Ball Game. Roll the balls up the ramp to rack up the points – Electronic scoring…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Mycelia Combines Stunning Visuals and Fungi Fun

Mushrooms are continuing to have their moment. Now, mushrooms are the star of the show in one of Ravensburger’s latest tabletop games

Designed for players ages 9 and up, Mycelia is a deck-building game that transports players to a forest world inhabited by mushroom heroes who are on a mission to deliver dew drops to the Shrine of Life. 

The first time you play Mycelia, it does take some assembly to punch out all of the leaf tokens, action cards, and other cardboard pieces. Players also have to assemble the Shrine of Life, the centerpiece of the game. Once the game is set up, players must carefully pay attention to the instructions, as the game setup varies based on how many players are joining in on the fun.

At the beginning of the game, each player gets their own game board which is covered with dew drops. As players take their turns, they must use their deck to clear their board of dew drops by playing cards. When a player clears a dew drop from their board, the dew drop moves to the Shrine of Life. When the Shrine of Life is full of dew drops, players spin the shrine and spill all the dew drops to the table along with a die. The die reveals where players will need to replace fallen dew drops on their boards while any remaining dew drops get removed from the game. The first player to completely run out of dew drops wins!

Some of the cards players can use to clear dew drops from their board feature heroes that are inspired by real-life mushrooms! Each mushroom hero has different abilities that players can use to their advantage. On top of drawing mushroom heroes from their deck, players can also purchase mushroom heroes using leaves. The more powerful the hero, the more expensive they are. 

Mycelia is a great game to introduce preteens to the world of deck-building games. Once you get started, the instructions are easy to follow and make gameplay a breeze. The art on the cards and the game boards is also visually stunning. Mushrooms are one of those things that fit the Gen Z aesthetic to a T, making this game the perfect gift for a preteen, teen, or young adult who is into cozy cottagecore or frogs, opossums, and other wild creatures. 

One thing I appreciated about Mycelia is how there was a way to play the game with only one player. In single-player mode, players face off against Gwidyon the Ghost Mushroom, a mushroom that has wandered through Mycelia’s forest for ages. Solo play is similar to the two-player version of the game, but with the player also doing Gwidyon’s moves using the solo cards. 

I also liked that the packaging came with baggies to keep all of the loose game pieces in. It’s much better to open an organized box than a mess of leaves, dew drops, and other game pieces. 

Whether kids are already big on tabletop gaming or are just getting started, Mycelia is the perfect game to bring nature lovers together on family game night.

Spread Positivity by Joining Kids for Peace’s The Great Kindness Challenge

Spreading kindness is a small act that greatly impacts those around us. Students can share the positivity with their friends and family with Kids for Peace’s annual The Great Kindness Challenge. Sponsored by OOLY, an arts and crafts supply brand, 20 million people worldwide will unite to perform acts of kindness for the week of Jan. 22.

The Great Kindness Challenge aims to prevent bullying by encouraging kids to perform acts of kindness for a week. More than 40,000 schools will try to complete the challenge’s 50-item checklist, which includes objectives like helping teachers with a task, reading to younger classmates, and sitting with new people during lunchtime.

OOLY supports the challenge and its participants by providing special items to help kids complete their checklist. Students and educators can spread positivity with two limited-edition Create Kindness Packs and three Kids for Peace Bonus Boxes. Kids for Peace will receive a portion of all sales, and products are available at ooly.com/kidsforpeace.

Kids can spread positivity outside the classroom with special kick-off events in Carlsbad, CA. Students can enjoy a field day of kindness at The Great Kindness Challenge Community Kick-Off at Carlsbad Strawberry Fields on Jan. 20. Communities can come together with additional high-energy activities, such as spirit days and school-wide service projects, during the week of Jan. 22. 

Kids can perform acts of kindness by taking part in The Great Kindness Challenge. Educators can enlist their schools and receive toolkits and kindness checklists by signing up for free at thegreatkindnesschallenge.org.

New Kids Series ‘Dee & Friends in Oz’ Joins Netflix Next Month

There’s a new series for preschoolers coming to Netflix next month, and it takes place in the wonderful land of Oz! Dee & Friends in Oz chapters, or episodes, will debut on the streaming platform on Feb. 5.

New series trailer | Source: Netflix Jr.

In the fantasy-adventure musical, Dee meets new friends and must save the day — and the new land she discovered. The cartoon will focus on friendship, courage, confidence, and learning about yourself. 

Dee interacts will all kinds of creatures. | Source: Netflix

This is the first time the Oz property has been adapted and reimagined for a preschool audience in a series format, so you can tune in to history in-the-making. You’ll recognize characters inspired by the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. The series is colorful and bright, with Dee wearing a sparkly skirt and rainbow-colored hair ties.

The series was created by 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films. You might recognize their work on the popular kids’ TV show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Watch the trailer above and make sure to set a reminder for Feb. 5.

Disney Branded Television Acquires Seasons 6 and 7 of ‘Miraculous — Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’

Disney Branded Television has acquired seasons 6 and 7 of the animated series Miraculous — Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir in addition to three original animated specials. 

The seasons and specials will run on Disney Channels worldwide, then stream on Disney+. They are produced in collaboration with Disney Branded Television, Brazil’s Globosat, France’s TF1, and Italy’s KidsMe. Seasons 6 and 7 consist of 26 22-minute episodes. 

“We are excited to continue working with Disney Branded Television to create first-class content for Miraculous fans everywhere,” says Jeremy Zag, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ZAG. “Our audiences resonate with this coming-of-age series about ordinary kids learning the importance of believing in themselves and understanding that you don’t need to be a superhero or wear a mask to reach your dreams and overcome fears.”

In season 6 of Miraculous, the superheroes must face a new enemy in a revitalized, eco-friendly Paris. At the same time, their alter-egos Adrien and Marinette are close, but still keep secrets. Season 6 is currently in production for a fall 2024 launch. 

The first 44-minute special, “Miraculous World: Paris, Tales of Shadybug & Claw Noir,” is now available on Disney Channel and Disney+ in the U.S. The special follows Ladybug and Cat Noir as they discover a parallel world. The second of the three specials is currently in pre-production.

The new seasons and specials will feature new visuals, produced via Unreal Engine, a gaming platform and an advanced real-time 3D creation tool for photoreal visual and immersive experiences. 

“The Miraculous universe continues to expand, captivating an increasingly vast and demanding fan community. These new adventures will meet their expectations and are poised to surprise and inspire dreams,” says Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family.

Tonies Has Three New Figures to Help Kids Relax, Do Yoga, and Even Potty Train

Kids can sing their way to successful mindfulness and potty training thanks to new Tonies!

Tonies are the forever fun collectible figures featuring a whole variety of favorite shows, movies, and other kids’ franchises. Kids just need to put a Tonie figure on top of a Toniebox to listen to songs, audio stories, and more. Now, the company is offering three new figures designed to help kids relax, meditate, do yoga, and potty train.

The new Mindfulness Tonie, Mo the sloth, will guide kids through age-appropriate relaxation and meditation techniques as they explore eight locations. The Potty Training Tonie is designed to make potty training more fun with facts, songs, and a story about two kids learning to use the toilet. The Yoga Tonie, Sara Llama, aims to teach kids about yoga with poses that are simple to follow.

In addition to the new offerings, Tonies has tons of characters kids already love, such as figures featuring Frozen, Disney Princesses, and PAW Patrol.

The new figures are available now on the Tonies online store. Get the kids in your life a gift with a new friend who can accompany them on all the emotional journeys of childhood!

Hit the Slopes with SnowCandy’s Epic Inflatables

With winter fully upon us, kids are dreaming of snow days that will be remembered for years to come. SnowCandy’s inflatables are the perfect toys to add to memories of running around outside in the snow.

SnowCandy’s latest launches include a camouflage inflatable armchair that is perfect for kicking back in the yard, complete with a built-in cupholder and a fabric bottom that will grip uneven ground, and an inflatable snow bunker that is built with snowball fights in mind. The Inflatable Snow Bunker fits two or three kids at a time and protects kids from projectiles on three sides. 

SnowCandy also has snow tubes that are great for sledding in the backyard, including ones shaped like rainbows, animals, candy, and more, along with a Little Tikes inflatable designed for young kids. 

SnowCandy’s inflatable snow tubes are made of PVC and are designed for kids to use in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius, so they can hit the slopes no matter how cold it gets. The tubes also support weights between 150-250 pounds, so adults can have just as much fun.

SnowCandy’s inflatables are perfect for snow days for kids and adults alike. Even if you haven’t gotten a lot of snow yet this year, it’s good to be prepared!

The Official ‘Masters of the Universe: Revolution’ Netflix Trailer Is Here

By the power of Grayskull, the official trailer for the new Netflix series Masters of the Universe: Revolution has arrived! The new Netflix series follows He-Man and the heroic warriors as they face Skeletor.

The series will consist of five 25-minute episodes, so it’ll be easy to gather your kids for family Masters of the Universe night. Voice actors include Diedrich Bader, Melissa Benoist, Mark Hamill, William Shatner, Lena Headey, John De Lancie, and more. 

The poster features characters you probably recognize! | Source: Mattel/Netflix

This chapter in the battle for Castle Grayskull features a newly mechanized Skeletor, armed with the might of Motherboard, as he attacks the heart of Eternia. Prince Adam deals with a new responsibility, and what that means for him as He-Man, while he is forced to make difficult decisions.  

Skeletor in the new series. | Source: Mattel/Netflix

The series also follows new Sorceress Teela as she looks for the secret of Snake Magic to rebuild a magic realm and help He-Man to hold off the return of Hordak, the leader of the Horde Empire. 

The Netflix series will begin streaming on Jan. 25. For more information, visit netflix.com.

New Barbie Career of the Year Collection Celebrates Women in Film

Barbie: The Movie was only the beginning of the love Barbie is showing to the world of film!

Mattel‘s Barbie brand features a yearly Career of the Year collection, highlighting different careers kids can follow. With many a Mattel movie on the horizon, such as the upcoming American Girl film, the company couldn’t have picked a better time to celebrate women in the world of film. 2024’s Career of the Year Collection is ready to showcase all the jobs that make movie magic happen.

The new collection includes four dolls: a Studio Executive, a Director, a Cinematographer, and a Movie Star. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie: The Movie smashed records, earning Gerwig the title of first female director with a billion-dollar film and first U.S. woman director to lead the Cannes Film Festival jury, making this the perfect time to highlight women succeeding in the world of movies.

Previous Career of the Year collections include 2022’s Eco-Leadership Team, with a conservation scientist, environmental advocate, renewable energy engineer, and chief sustainability officer; and 2023’s Women in Sports dolls, including a general manager, a coach, a referee, and a sports reporter.

The new 2024 Career of the Year: Women in Film dolls are available for preorder now at shop.mattel.com, target.com, and walmart.com for $49.99, with expectations to ship next month. Mattel aims to inspire young girls to pursue their creative dreams in film and beyond with this new collection of dolls.


BARBIE CAREER OF THE YEAR WOMEN IN FILM SET OF 4 DOLLS

Four new Barbie dolls celebrate the careers of women in film, with a Studio Executive, Director, Movie Star, and Cinematographer. The dolls are available for preorder now and are expected to ship next month.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Crayola Creativity Week is Ready To Bring Colorful Fun to Kids

Crayola is readying to bring a ton of creative content to kids later this month!

A completely free program for parents and educators, Creativity Week is running this Jan. 22-28. The program offers activity videos, downloadable handouts, and more, for use in the classroom and at home.

Creativity Week encourages kids to enjoy creating. | Source: Crayola

Creativity Week will feature several celebrity guests in its videos. The full lineup includes:

  • Monday, Jan. 22: “Cooking Connects Cultures” with the creator of Sankofa: Chef and TV personality Eric Adjepong
  • Tuesday, Jan. 23: “Leaping Toward Dreams” with the creators of Firebird: Principal Ballet Dancer Misty Copeland and Illustrator Christopher Myers
  • Wednesday, Jan. 24: “Wishing Upon Stars” with NASA astronomers and Illustrator of Always Looking Up: Louise Pigott. 
  • Thursday, Jan. 25: “Seeing Our Strengths” with the creators of I Am A Masterpiece: 13-year-old Author, Actor, and Activist with Down Syndrome Mia Armstrong and Illustrator Alexandra Thompson
  • Friday, Jan. 26: “Writing Your Story” with 14-year-old Actor (Avatar: The Way of Water) and Musician Trinity Bliss, as well as the creators of The Story of You: Author Lisa Ann Scott and Illustrator Sue Cornelison
  • Saturday, Jan. 27: “Finding Music Everywhere” with the creators of Music is in Everything: Grammy-award winning musician Ziggy Marley and Illustrator Ag Jatkowska
  • Sunday, Jan. 28: “Connecting Past and Future” with the creators of I Am Golden and We Are Golden: Style Influencer and New York Times bestselling Author Eva Chen and New York Times bestselling Illustrator Sophie Diao

Partners helping to support the Creativity Week program include NASA STEM, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Astra Publishing House, and more.

Crayola will also host the virtual Creativity Connects Us assembly on Jan. 26, welcoming classrooms and families to join the live event online to listen to encouraging messages from celebrities. The event will host everyone from Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author Jeff Kinney to NFL Running Back for the Minnesota Vikings Alexander Mattison.

Creativity Week will also feature giveaways, with daily prizes for participants. Parents and educators can post student artwork on social media with the hashtag #CrayolaCreativityWeek for a chance to win a variety of supplies such as books, or even teacher lounge makeovers.

Families and educators can sign up for the program now at crayola.com/creativityweek. Crayola reports that more than 3.7 million kids have already registered to join in on the fun this year.

Kids Can Snuggle Up with Build-A-Bear’s New Skoosherz for National Hug Day

There’s always room on kids’ beds for more lovable plush creatures! 

Build-A-Bear’s new collection of plush is super huggable, which is perfect considering its launch on Jan. 12 is just one week before National Hug Day on Jan. 21! Skoosherz are round plush creatures that feature smiling faces that kids will love to cuddle with. 

Skoosherz features some of kids’ favorite animals to love on, including the Spring Green Frog, the Strawberry Cow, the Rainbow Sparkle Teddy Bear, the Red Raptor, and — of course — the pink axolotl. Each animal also has outstretched arms, ready to hug kids all day long. 

Build-A-Bear is launching Skoosherz with a great deal for adults, too. For a limited time, you can buy a Skoosherz for $10 with a purchase of a make-your-own friend online or in-stores. Build-A-Bear is an expert on kids’ plush besties, they know that kids are going to love these plush as much as we do!

Fall in Love with New PatPat x L.O.L. Surprise! Collection This Valentine’s

Spend this Valentine’s wearing the most fashionable collectibles you can find!

MGA Entertainment‘s L.O.L. Surprise! dolls are beloved by little collectors everywhere. Now, kids can look as sleek as their favorite characters from the brand, thanks to a new collab with PatPat. The PatPat x L.O.L. Surprise! collection is releasing just in time for Valentine’s Day (with all the pinks and reds that come with it), giving kids time to pick their favorite outfit for the occasion.

The new collection has enough for a complete closet, with 50 different styles of L.O.L. Surprise! apparel. Kids can get new dresses, pants, T-shirts, swimwear, jackets, and more. Many of the apparel items perfectly embody the style of Valentine’s Day, featuring red heart patterns, pink sparkles, and other themed looks. Characters like Diva and Checkered Chica are looking as fashionable as always as they guarantee these clothes will pop.

Kids who can’t resist a good character collab can get even more from PatPat. The company has apparel featuring favorite characters from Disney, PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, and more.

Refresh the closet of the little fashionista in your life with new pieces from the PatPat x L.O.L. Surprise! Collection. The collection is available now on the PatPat online store.


PATPAT X L.O.L. SURPRISE! COLLECTION

This new kids' apparel collection from PatPat features favorite L.O.L. Surprise! characters. It includes shirts, dresses, pants, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.99-31.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

Disney Edition of Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls Combines Disney and Pixar Heroines with Teamwork

There’s a new game that features your favorite Disney and Pixar ladies! Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) is an adventure game that your prince and princesses can play this summer.

Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) combines storytelling, role-playing, and teamwork into a board game format. Players must work together to create alliances between their favorite heroines like Moana (Moana), Violet (The Incredibles), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), and Maid Marian (Robin Hood). 

Players must restore the Realm of Light. | Source: Ravensburger

The characters materialize as crystal versions summoned into the realm, where they must push shadows of Disney Villains away and restore the Realm of Light! Players will discover a brand-new illustrated world and interact with familiar characters, creatures, and items along the way. 

The game is fully designed and illustrated by women, with diverse missions and a modular board that creates different adventures with each play. Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) is by Ravensburger, the company behind Disney Villainious and Disney Lorcana. If you enjoy those games during family game night, this could be a great addition.

The game is recommended for kids ages 8 and up. It will be available for preorder at target.com on July 7 and available for purchase in stores on July 21 for $29.99. More gameplay details and illustrations will be released at gaming events throughout the year, so you can see exactly what world you might enter.  

Melissa & Doug’s Sticker WOW! Pack Launches Just in Time for National Sticker Day

If there’s one activity kids love, it’s playing with stickers. Melissa & Doug’s latest activity set is Sticker WOW!, an activity pad that kids can fill up with stickers from the included animal-shaped stamper. 

There are four different versions of the set: Cupcake the Unicorn comes with fantasy-themed stickers and activities, Olive the Dinosaur comes with prehistoric-themed stickers and activities, Cocoa the Dog comes with pet-themed stickers and activities, and Pumpkin the Tiger comes with jungle-themed stickers and activities.

Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the sticker stamper is easy for small hands to use, with 300 pre-loaded stickers that have no backs to peel off. The stickers are also easily removable, so parents won’t have to worry about stickers going in unwanted places. 

For National Sticker Day on Jan. 13, Melissa & Doug is hosting a giveaway on its social media channels in which three people will win a set of all four of the Sticker WOW! Packs. Melissa & Doug’s blog also features free printable activities that kids can do using the Sticker WOW! Stamper. 

Disney Doorables Just Got Even More Colorful

Your kids’ Disney Doorables collection is about to feature all the colors of the wind.

Disney Doorables from Just Play are collectible, 1.5-inch Disney and Pixar figures that come hidden behind doors. There’s a whole rainbow of different series, ranging from squishy to sparkly, and the figures are now undergoing a new takeover. Disney Doorables Multi Peek Technicolor Takeover features a guaranteed five figures, but kids could unbox up to six or even seven.

These figures could be any of 50 beloved characters in the Disney Doorable fashion. They have big, sparkly eyes, and *adorable* features. What’s unique to this series is the 10 additional characters kids can discover, which feature a colorful, ombre coating. Kids can find these special-edition figures of Rapunzel, Marie, Cheshire Cat, Stitch, Olaf, Tinkerbell, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh, and Tigger, too. When they line up all 10 , kids will create a rainbow effect that goes well on any collection shelf.

As with other Disney Doorables sets, the figures vary in rarity. Kids could unbox a flocked figure from Disney’s 101 Dalmations or pearlized translucent figures from Disney Pixar’s Elemental. They should also be on the lookout for characters that haven’t yet been given the Doorable treatment. This series features characters ranging from the worlds of Peter Pan and Wendy, Zootopia, Fantasia, Finding Nemo, The Rescuers, and more. There’s also the even-more rare figures: limited-edition Pepita and Genie as Gameshow Host.

All of the figures and their rarity are listed right on the back of the box, so kids can check off who they find as they go. I don’t want to brag, but of the five I revealed, two were rare, one was a special edition, and all were cutie patooties! I can’t get over how adorable each figure is, but I also love that they’re small enough to fit in with any of my kid’s playthings. If she wants to send Rapunzel and Nemo on an exciting adventure through her doll house, she can do so. And, if I want to steal the flocked Rolly for myself to sit on my desk, I can also do so. The Bare Necessities.

If you’re ready to open the door to new Disney-collecting possibilities, the Disney Doorables Multi Peek Technicolor Takeover is available now at major retailers!


DISNEY DOORABLES MULTI PEEK TECHNICOLOR TAKEOVER

Each set contains a guarantee of five figures, but some include six or seven! Kids can discover 50 possible characters and 10 special-edition Technicolor Takeover figures that feature a unique ombre coating. Line up the figures to create a rainbow effect.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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Grocery Shopping Is Always Fun with the Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge

Putting groceries away is not the most exciting task for adults, but it may just be the best way for kids to develop their counting and sorting skills.

The set features a mini fridge, 30 mini foods, 15 double-sided activity cards, and five shopping baskets. | Source: Learning Resources

The Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge from Learning Resources takes the chore of grocery shopping and turns it into a fun activity with many educational benefits.

Kids love mimicking their parents’ actions, even for basic tasks like shopping and storing groceries. Preschoolers can learn new skills with a bright blue mini fridge, 30 mini food counters, five sorting baskets, and 15 double-sided activity cards.  

The trip to the (pretend) supermarket begins after parents or guardians remove the plastic wrappings and slide the five shelves into the preassembled fridge. While these pieces are perfect for kids’ hands, playtime requires supervision if younger children are present, as small parts can lead to potential choking hazards. 

This activity set comes with many educational benefits. | Source: Learning Resources

The counters for this colorful mini-market feature healthy food items, like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, beverages, and condiments. Little shoppers can grab their color-coded baskets to shop for foods that match their colors, such as purple grapes, green lettuce, and yellow bananas. 

If your kids are about to enter preschool, they can prepare for their lessons by engaging with the double-sided activity cards. The cards include many educational activities, including color sorting, shopping lists, color and pattern recognition questions, simple addition problems, and more. Parents can best suit their kids’ learning needs by using the cards or creating their own activities. 

Alongside the educational possibilities, this set is perfect for imaginative play since kids can shop with colorful baskets or make healthy meals by collecting ingredients from the fridge. Kids can also use the activity cards’ shopping lists to ensure they grab everything they need!

When playtime is over, kids ages 3 and up can store their snacks, baskets, and cards in the fridge, making it perfect for easy storage and on-the-go learning. 

The Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge takes an everyday task and turns it into kids’ new favorite learning tool. This battery-free, screen-free activity is a great way to teach kids valuable skills without having lessons (like groceries) feel like a chore.


SORTING SNACKS MINI FRIDGE

Kids can open this fridge-shaped playset to discover 30 miniature foods in five colors, along with five shopping baskets. Kids can use these to practice counting, sorting, identifying patterns, and other learning skills.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $25
  • Age:
  • 3+

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The Smartest STEM Toys on Great Day Live

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined Great Day Live in Tampa to show off the smartest STEM toys of the year. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.


SPACE ROVER DELUXE CODING ACTIVITY SET

With simple push-button coding, kids can code their space rover through customizable mazes and coding challenges. Comes with a coding rover, an astronaut, a flag, space rocks and obstacles, maze tiles, and coding cards.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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MAGIC ADVENTURES TELESCOPE

Kids can look through the digital telescope at up to 110-times magnification to explore the world around them, check out more than 100 NASA videos and images, and play games on the 2.4-inch screen. 5+

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $89.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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PROFESSOR MAXWELL’S VR ATLAS

Discover the world in virtual reality with this 138-page interactive illustrated atlas for kids. Kids can explore points of interest, landmarks, and world wonders in augmented and virtual reality. The set includes 30 pieces loaded with projects and activities to inspire tangible play, while discovering cities, cultures, food, currency, and language from all over the…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99; $79.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 8+

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PYXEL A CODER’S BEST FRIEND

Kids can use a tablet to code Pyxel to perform tricks, make sounds, and more. Pyxel and its companion app will help kids learn the basics of two coding languages: Blockly and Python.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $124.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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3DOODLER FLOW 3D PRINTING PEN SET

With this kit, teens can craft DIY solutions to everyday problems, make art, design things, and customize their space. They can draw freehand or use one of the hundreds of free online projects to make 3D creations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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.

A Build-A-Bear Teddy is Heading to Space in Axiom Mission 3

This is one small step for man, and one giant leap for stuffed animals everywhere!

Build-A-Bear is teaming up with Axiom Space to send a teddy bear beyond the atmosphere. GiGi the Build-A-Bear bear will be joining the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) astronauts for her second space mission. The two companies partnered last year to send GiGi into space with Axiom Mission 2, and she’s ready to once again serve as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator.

Kids can get a Build-A-Bear that looks just like GiGi. | Source: Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear will be celebrating GiGi’s mission in style, with select stores offering sticker giveaways, appearances by mascot Bearemy, and the chance to make a Build-A-Bear outfitted in the Axiom Space’s Next-Generation Spacesuit from Jan. 13-20 at 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The replica spacesuit is currently also available online at the Build-A-Bear website and Axiom Space website for kids who would like to outfit their favorite stuffed companion from home and follow along with GiGi’s journey.

The Ax-3 mission is the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the International Space Station, aiming to help provide a foundation for future Axiom Station plans. The mission includes Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and Spain; Pilot Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force; Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravci of Turkey and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and the European Space Agency; and, of course, Build-A-Bear GiGi.

These 4 New Card Games from Exploding Kittens Mix Competition with Laughter

Family bonding time is always better with laughter, cute animals, and maybe a little competition. The company behind Throw Throw Burrito, Exploding Kittens, is releasing four new card games that will fill your home with some giggles and friendly competitive discussions.

One party game — That Escalated Quickly — is available today, while Power Hungry Pets, Danger Danger, and Hoppy Salmon will be available in stores and online next month.

That Escalated Quickly includes a score mat and cards. | Source: Exploding Kittens

That Escalated Quickly, designed for kids ages 10 and up, is a re-imagined, English-language version of the German game Top Ten. In the game, a prompt card sets the scenario and players must work together to put silly answers in the correct numerical order. The card game encourages players to come up with crazy, creative answers to fit the scenario.

That Escalated Quickly is available now for $19.99 at the links below.

Power Hungry Pets features different cartoon animals. | Source: Exploding Kittens

Power Hungry Pets is a re-imagined version of Love Letter from Z-Man Games. Designed for kids ages 7 and up and deemed as a strategy game for those who hate strategy games, it culminates in a grab for power. The deck showcases Exploding Kittens’ cute little characters and signature artwork, and each card features a number and a way to backstab, steal from, or obliterate other players. Power Hungry Pets will be available at Target, target.com, and explodingkittens.com for $14.99.

In Danger Danger, players draw and play cards as fast as possible for 60 seconds. | Source: Exploding Kittens

Danger Danger is designed for kids ages 7 and up. In the game, players draw and play cards as fast as possible for 60 seconds. The timer is hidden, so players don’t know how much time is left and if they are still playing when the buzzer goes off, they lose! Each card is worth a certain number of points, and the team with the most points wins. Try to be quick!

Danger Danger will be available at Target, target.com, and explodingkittens.com for $14.99.

Happy Salmon has new Easter-themed features. | Source: Exploding Kittens

Hoppy Salmon, designed for kids ages 6 and up, is an Easter-themed adaptation of Exploding Kittens’ Happy Salmon with new Easter-themed actions. Hoppy Salmon will be available exclusively at Target and target.com for $9.99.

Power Hungry Pets, Danger Danger, and Hoppy Salmon will be available to add to your game shelf on Feb. 18.


THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY

Players must respond to the prompt card’s scenario with the intensity of their crazy, silly answer matching a provided secret number. Players can work together to put the absurd answers in correct numerical order based on scales like “tastiest to grossest,” “cutest to scariest,” and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 10+

Step2’s New Toy Storage Box Brings Organization to Your Home

If your floor is absolutely cluttered with toys, Step2 has you covered!

Step2 is known for its large plastic goods that bring active fun, offering jungle gyms, playhouses, sleds, and more. The company also has plenty for kids and adults alike who are looking to declutter with storage options to keep shoes, toys, and even firewood all in one place. Now, the new Harmony Toy Storage Box is here to make any day of play easy to clean up after.

The toy box has a storage base and shelves. | Source: Step2

The Harmony Toy Storage Box is more than a storage container. The box features a large bottom storage area, a middle shelf perfectly sized for books, and a top shelf that kids can use to display their favorite toys. The bottom storage area has more than 4 cubic feet of space for stuffed animals, plastic toys, and anything else kids want to put away. The toy box lid encourages creativity, doubling as a moveable artboard with a clip and a chalkboard surface. After cleaning up all their toys, kids can get straight to drawing!

The new Harmony Toy Storage Box is available now in sage gray, with pink and white versions coming soon. Give the little ones in your life the gift of learning about organization early!


HARMONY TOY STORAGE BOX

This storage box is made with a mix of wood and plastic. It features a large bottom storage as well as shelves to hold books and toys for kids across all age ranges. Available in gray, white, and pink styles.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $149.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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Kids Can Imagine and Discover with PBS Kids ‘Lyla in the Loop’

PBS Kids is welcoming a new, quirky family to their group of educational programs!

Kids can meet new friends and learn to think outside the box by watching Lyla in the Loop. The show features diverse and relatable characters who use STEM-based skills to solve their problems together as a family. 

Lyla is a 7-year-old girl who solves problems in her own creative way. | Source: PBS Kids

The animated series focuses on a Black family, specifically 7-year-old Lyla, who gets things done in her own creative way. Kids can watch the Loops Lunch family solve exciting challenges like building a homemade carnival game or creating a new sandwich for the family restaurant. Suitable for kids ages 4 and up, the show includes STEM-based ideas that encourage viewers to think, design, and try things that are out of the ordinary. 

Kids will love spending time with Lyla as she uses her creative and strategic problem-solving skills to help her family, friends, and community. This optimistic girl sees opportunities wherever she goes and loves to make, build, and create no matter the result…even if she gets carried away sometimes.

Families can stay in the loop with Lyla and her adventures when Lyla in the Loop launches on PBS Kids on Feb. 5. Kids can learn more about the Loops Lunch crew by visiting pbskids.org/lyla.

Create Vibrant Drawings and Displays with Crayola’s Ultimate Light Board

If your kid has been looking for a way to make their artwork pop, Crayola can make it happen! With the Ultimate Light Board, kids can become experts in glowing art. 

Kids can create their own, one-of-a-kind drawings or remove the black panel and replace it with an image they want to trace. The board is reusable, and the included markers allow drawings to easily be wiped away with a paper towel. You can create a blank canvas with a dry paper towel, but a little dampness will make it easier. Remind your kids to dry the board completely before drawing again!

Kids have a large surface to draw on! | Source: Crayola

The creativity center comes with six mini gel FX markers – white, blue, green, orange, yellow, and pink. Crayola suggests that you only use the provided markers, so make sure your little one knows not to ignite their inner artist with other drawing tools. This could be a great opportunity to teach your kid about remembering instructions and taking responsibility for their personal items. 

Watch Crayola’s Ultimate Light Board in action! | Source: Crayola

Kids can showcase their drawings at night or during the day; the lights and markers still produce a vibrant picture during daylight. Kids can draw with the lights on, or wait until they’ve completed their masterpiece to see it light up! 

The board can serve several purposes, depending on when and how you use it! Of course, it’s a great way for kids to draw without going through piles of printer paper, and it adds excitement to each drawing. 

The background slips in and out, so kids can decide to leave it in and watch the neon markers pop against the black, or put in something to trace. | Source: Crayola

You can also use it as a night light, a birthday party sign, a welcome sign, a daily countdown, or a calendar. With a large, blank space to write and draw — coupled with the numerous light modes and the fact that it can stand upright on its own  — the possibilities are endless. 

Art that glows! | Source: Crayola

The plastic drawing board can take pressure and is fairly sturdy. The markers also have designated storage slots on the backside of the board, so there’s no need to worry about grabbing anything other than the board itself. It can lay flat for a fun car ride and is easy to transport, but the super-sized board might be a little too large to bring elsewhere. 

The toy is designed for kids ages 6 and up, but your younger one can still have fun. Just keep an eye out, as the lights may be brighter to younger eyes and the marker caps could be a choking hazard.

You can find the Ultimate Light Board at the links below. The light board is available in blue, red, or white. Happy doodling!


CRAYOLA ULTIMATE LIGHT BOARD

This kit has everything kids need to create and trace incredible drawings! Features Crayola Light Up Drawing Tablet with six mini washable gel markers. Kids can remove the back of the tablet to trace glowing designs, or keep it blank to make their own. Features built-in marker storage that keeps this art set organized and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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This Barbie Pop Up Convertible Is Exactly What *Pink* Dreams are Made of

It’s the best day ever!

After the release of Barbie: The Movie this summer, it’s certainly a Barbie world, and we’re here for it. The Barbie Pop Up Convertible With Musical Key Fob from Sunny Days Entertainment delivers on a number of aspects fans of Barbie have come to know and love, including lots of pink and even more fun.

Made for kids ages 3 and up, the Barbie Pop Up Convertible is basically a life-size version of our favorite little pink convertible, and now the kids in your life can drive around in their very own Barbie convertible (We’ve all had that dream right?). Whether they want to hang out in their bedrooms or cruise to the beach, any Barbie, Ken, or Allan will enjoy this toy, plus there’s plenty of room for all of their weird Barbies to fit.

Source: Sunny Days Entertainment

This perfectly pink car is easy to set up — simply open the box and the car pops open. There are a few rods to insert in order to keep the car from falling and voilá! It’s ready to go. When kids are done playing, the car easily folds back into the box for storage — an added bonus for parents. 

Two Barbies can be seen hanging out of the windows and the car even features “Barbie” on the license plate. Kids can enter the car from the rear entrance and poke their heads out of the top, just like a real convertible! The car stands at about 2 feet tall and 4 feet long, so little ones can even stand up inside. 

It folds up easily for storage. | Source: Sunny Days Entertainment

The musical key fob provides all of the sound effects kids need for an adventure. Kids can honk the horn, rev the engine, and even hear Barbie talk! 

The Barbie Pop Up Convertible With Musical Key Fob from Sunny Days Entertainment is great for open-ended play and lets kids’ imaginations run wild.


BARBIE POP UP CONVERTIBLE WITH MUSICAL KEY FOB

Engage in active, imaginative play with this 4-foot-long convertible pop-up tent that features Barbie-inspired decals. It comes with a key fob with sound effects and Barbie phrases.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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Hot Toys for Winter Fun on Fox & Friends

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined Fox & Friends to show off some of the hot toys to keep kids entertained on snowy winter days. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below.


INFLATABLE SNOW GLOBE FORT

Get ready for the winter bliss with this cute inflatable fort. Available in a transparent globe design with sparkles, it will thaw even the frostiest of moods during the cold days of winter. This fancy inflatable fort for kids stimulates imaginative play to spend quality time with your family and keep everyone entertained during chilly…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $104.98
  • Age:
  • 3+

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CORGI SNOW TUBE

Kids can zip down the hills in style this winter with a corgi snow tube! This corgi hits the slopes like nobody's business while wearing a scarf and snow goggles.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99

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PENGUIN SNOW TUBE

Sled the snow with this cool penguin snow tube! All you need to do is inflate! The grippy handles allow for a fun and safe experience this winter. The thick, durable construction provides a smooth and cushy ride for sledders. The penguin measures 4 feet long.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $33.00
  • Age:
  • 1+

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BARBIE THE MOVIE X FUNBOY SNOWMOBILE SLED

Travel to and from Barbie Land in style with the limited Edition Barbie The Movie x FUNBOY Snowmobile Sled. Inspired by the Snowmobile Barbie uses to travel from Barbie Land to the real world and back. Featuring a smooth air cushioned ride and a grooved rubber base for enhanced durability. Holds 1-2 riders or 250…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $109.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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CREATE-A-CASTLE PRO TOWER KIT

These split molds allow kids to build beautiful sand or snow structures in a short amount of time. Just buckle it, fill it and Create A Castle. The premium pro tower kit includes a 10 inch split cylinder, a stackable 6 inch split system cylinder for additional height, a corbel to add stabilization and a…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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CREATE A CASTLE BUILDMASTER INDOOR ACTIVITY KITS

Kids can build castles using a sand (pictured) or snow compound with these indoor activity kits. The proprietary compounds are mess-free, do not dry out, and hold their shape when kids build.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SNOOPY SNO-CONE MACHINE

Kids can make tasty slushy treats with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy van Pelt! This sno-cone machine comes with a real ice shaver for making the most authentic slushy drinks. Simply add ice, shave ice, pour in fruit punch flavor drink mix, and drizzle syrup on top for the ultimate Peanuts-themed sno-cone! Features Snoopy sno-cone…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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LASER X REVOLUTION ULTRA LONG-RANGE DOUBLE BLASTERS

Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their blasters with more than 20 different colors. Each blaster in this set of two features a range of more than 500 feet and a built-in receiver. Players can light up their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99; $69.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 6+

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These Toddler Dolls Are Nothing Less Than ‘Positively Perfect’

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge uptick in representation and diversity in the doll aisle. Toymakers are making a point across all categories — but especially dolls — to ensure that kids are seeing themselves represented through play. And few are doing it as well as Dr. Lisa Co.

Famous for lines like The Fresh Dolls, Fresh Beats, Fresh Squad, and more, Dr. Lisa Co. introduced a new type of doll to join its inclusive fashion doll lines: the Positively Perfect Toddler Dolls.

The top thing that makes these dolls “positively perfect” is the fact that they provide preschoolers ages 3 and up with some much-needed representation in the toy aisle. The line includes custom-blended skin tones, authentic facial features like full lips and unique noses and eyes, and bodies that feature fuller hips and thighs.

They also feature different hair styles and textures for kids to choose from. All of the dolls’ hairstyles are also washable, so kids can actually wash and style their baby doll’s locks.

Plus, they are the ideal, huggable friends. Each 14-inch doll is ready for snuggles with fashionable pajama sets with chic patterns and phrases like “the snuggle is real,” “dream big,” and “love yourself.” They also come with little accessories to complete their look, and, of course, a pacifier.

Playtime — especially at the preschool age — is so important for not only kids’ physical and mental development, but also for the sparking of interests and world views. It’s so important for kids to see themselves — or be exposed to other people, cultures, and outlooks — through play. These toddler dolls do that, and will ensure that your little one has a positively positive play experience.


POSITIVELY PERFECT TODDLERS — ONESIES

This collection of 14-inch-tall multicultural dolls with colorful onesies reflects diverse beauty. The dolls have a variety of soft, washable hair textures that kids can brush and style.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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Kids Can Now Play with LEGO Braille Bricks in New Languages

LEGO’s Braille Bricks are headed to even more languages! LEGO launched its Braille Bricks, a set that makes learning Braille in English and French more accessible, in August. Now, kids can play with the sets using German, Spanish, and Italian. 

“For blind and partially sighted children — and adults for that matter — it makes all the difference if they can share their journey of learning braille with the people they love the most,” says Martine Abel-Williamson, President of the World Blind Union. “For the blind community, braille is not just literacy, it’s our entry to independence and inclusion into this world, and to have LEGO Braille Bricks made ava!ilable for the wider public is a massive step forward to ensuring more children will want to learn braille in the first place.”

The set comes with 287 bricks in five colors. | Source: LEGO

The LEGO Braille Bricks set comes with 287 bricks and two baseplates that are fully compatible with other LEGO sets. The studs on these bricks are arranged to correspond to numbers and letters in the braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter below the studs. The set also comes in braille-embossed packaging.

LEGO Braille Bricks is available online at lego.com. LEGO’s website also features activities that will help kids develop the skills they need to learn braille, including building games and Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Little Bikers Can Hit the Slopes with Strider Snow Skis

With news of major storms making their 2024 debut this week, parents and kids alike will certainly be looking for ways to make the most of winter’s snow days. Just in time for a little snowmageddon action, Strider has released the perfect answer to little thrill-seeking snow day revelers: Strider Snow Skis!

The Snow Skis are attachments that parents can affix to Strider’s line of balance bikes, offering bicycle fun year-round. Strider balance bikes are 12- and 14-inch bikes meant for the youngest of riders to help them develop bike riding balance and maneuvering skills. The attachments mean bikes (at least the Strider variety) are no longer obsolete for the wintry months.

For those who already have a balance bike, the attachments are available for $39.99 on the Strider site. Major bonus: there’s no tools required, as the attachments are sized to fit both the 12” and 14x Strider Balance Bikes.

Those who don’t already have a Strider bike but would like to invest can find the fully attached, snow-friendly bike sold as a complete unit — the Strider Powder Pony — for about $179.

Whether it’s shaking up the local sledding hill or teaching kids the love and lessons of bike riding, Strider has the prescription for yearlong outdoor fun.

The Disney and Star Wars Villainous Universe Will Expand This Summer

The Villainous franchise is expanding — again! Fans will find new versions of the modern classic on shelves later this year.

There are three Villainous lines: Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel. Each collection features characters from the brands that you love — and some that you love to hate. 

For those looking to venture into the Disney Villainous universe, there will be a new version of Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil that features streamlined gameplay inspired by feedback from fans and players. 

The new Introduction to Evil will have fresh packaging. | Source: Ravensburger

The new Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil ($29.99) will have a refreshed box and feature classic villains like Maleficent, Captain Hook, Ursula, and Prince John. This version, which was first introduced as a limited, Disney100 Edition last year, will make the gameplay experience more welcoming and enjoyable for both beginners and dedicated fans when it debuts in August. 

Plus, two new expandalone games are OTW for $19.99 each. While these games come with fewer characters than the $29.99 version that has the full experience, they can still be enjoyed on their own, right out of the box.

Fans can expect to travel further through the galaxy this summer with the new Star Wars Villainous expandalone game. While the name of the game and details on which characters will be included are yet to be released, this will be the third addition to the Star Wars-inspired series. 

Sugar and Spice features two sickly sweet Disney characters. | Source: Ravensburger

And, Disney Darlings have Disney Villainous: Sugar and Spice to look forward to next June. The game includes King Candy from Wreck-It Ralph and Shere Khan from The Jungle Book. There will also be a Target-exclusive special edition of the game with a candy bar-themed packaging sleeve and an exclusive finish on King Candy’s mover.

Until then, you can battle your friends and family with other Villainous releases like Disney Villainous: The Worst Takes It All or Disney Villainous: Wicked to the Core. 

Kids’ Real and Imaginary Friends Come Together in ‘Imagine You and Me’

A kid’s best trait is their imagination, which tends to result in creative games, out-of-the-box ideas, and even special friends. 

Friendships are a significant part of life, even if those friends may be imaginary. Kids can appreciate their friendships, both real and imaginative, by reading Imagine You and Me from Penguin Random House

Imagine You and Me follows a loveable bear named Randall, who loves playing with his imaginary friend, Parker. She encourages him to befriend the other bears, but as Randall spends more time with them, he finds he’s left Parker behind. Randall must dig through his memories of her in order to reunite with his best friend. 

Written and illustrated by Benson Shum, this book affirms the importance of imaginary friends and how they encourage kids to step out of their shells. Kids ages 3 and up can prepare for the following stages of their lives by understanding the power of friendship and the importance of letting go. 

Parents, educators, and young readers can learn more about Randall and his imaginary friend when they read Imagine You and Me, which goes on sale on Jan. 23. Families can expand their collection of heartwarming stories by visiting penguinrandomhouse.com

Learning and Play Are Like PB&J with the Pretendables School Desk

When looking at educational toys, the most important factor is that the play pattern should make learning FUN! After all, many kids don’t want to feel like they’re “in school” when they’re not in class. But what if pretending they’re in school could flip the script and turn students into teachers for a whole new dynamic?

With the Pretendables School Desk from Fat Brain Toys, kids can get creative and imagine a world in which they’re teaching lessons or knocking out assignments.

Open or closed, the fun never stops! | Source: Fat Brain Toys

This feature-packed role-play set comes with a host of school supplies, activities, and accessories to inspire hours of fun.

The portable, travel-ready desk has a handle that’s perfect for little hands. The durable outside features a magnetic blackboard, a stand for learning cards, and a pair of built-in utensil cups for holding crayons, markers, and more.

When preschoolers open the case, they’ll discover a magnetic whiteboard and internal storage housing learning cards (sight words and math), a pointer for the teacher, a bell to signal the start and end of class, and magnetic tangram shapes, letters, and numbers.

But that’s not all!

This set also includes chalk, an eraser, a dry-erase marker, a calendar, a world map, and a clock card for teaching time.

As a dad who’s raised a couple of kids in the not-so-distant past, I tip my hat to the designer of this set for bringing together so many different elements in one attractive package. Our kids had a chalkboard, a dry-erase board, and many accessories to go with them, but they were often cumbersome and hardly portable.

The Pretendables School Desk Set holds everything and it’s just the right size to take the fun wherever little ones may go!

Learning and play: Two great things that go great together!


PRETENDABLES SCHOOL DESK SET

On the outside of the portable school desk are a magnetic blackboard, two built-in utensil cups, and a stand for the learning cards. Kids will open it up and find a magnetic whiteboard, two lidded storage spaces, plus plenty of supplies including chalk, magnetic letters and numbers, magnetic tangram shapes, sight word cards, math cards,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

These Craft-Tastic Kits Will Have Kids Eager to Create

For kids who have resolved to be even more crafty in the new year, these Craft-Tastic and Craft Crush kits have them covered!

There’s never a bad time to craft, as kids of all ages can get in on the fun of opening a box and find themselves engrossed in a new DIY activity. Whether a kid needs a little more fun to convince them into bathtime or is a teen looking for the next decoration to don their walls, these kits have something for everyone.


CRAFT-TASTIC MAGICAL BATH BUBBLE POTIONS

Kids can make potions during bathtime thanks to Craft-Tastic. This kit includes a cloud-shaped bubble maker, a plastic wand for potion-stirring, five potion recipes that float in water, a vial of mica powder, and a star-shaped bubble bar.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

The littlest crafters can get their hands on the Craft-Tastic Magical Bath Bubble Potions kit. The kit includes a number of recipes to make fun potions in the bath or at a water table, with options like a Wisdom Potion or Lucky Bubbles. If your kid is feeling extra creative, they can even make up recipes all their own.


CRAFT-TASTIC WALL COLLAGE STRING ART

This kit includes everything kids need to create string art. Teens ages 10 and up can make flowers, butterflies, and more with the included cardstock prints, cotton thread, double-sided tape, foam spacers, and glitter paper.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $15.30
  • Age:
  • 10+

For kids looking for wall art with their personal touch applied, they don’t have to look any further than the Craft-Tastic Wall Collage String Art. This kit includes everything needed to transform a plain wall into a full string art collage. Kids 10 and up can make aliens, peace signs, strawberries, and more with the included thread. The kit also comes with foam spacers so kids can apply a 3D pop to their collage.


CRAFT CRUSH DIY ARCHED STRING ART

This kit has everything teens need to make a display piece of string art. The kit includes embroidery thread, a foam canvas, metal pins, die-cut paper, metal wire, and a wooden easel.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 13+

Finally, teens 13 and up are far from too old for a good string-based craft. The Craft Crush DIY Arched String Art kit has everything needed to create a truly elegant art piece that will bring some style to any room. The kit includes a wooden easel for display-ready art and personalization options to let kids make the string art truly their own.

Get the newest round of crafting kits with a personal twist with these Craft-Tastic and Craft Crush goods. And if kids need even more chances to make something new, both brands have plenty to try. From sewing kits to puffy charms from Craft-Tastic and detailed bracelets to nail stickers from Craft Crush, kids won’t be running out of DIY delights any time soon!

Trivial Pursuit Infinite Is Adding Digital Twists to Your Game Nights

Today is National Trivia Day, which means it’s time to play everyone’s favorite question-based game, Trivial Pursuit … but this time, it’s digital!

Hasbro presents Trivial Pursuit Infinite, a game that takes the best parts of the beloved classic and turns it into a new digital experience. Families can now bring their computers, laptops, and mobile devices to game night and test their wits on popular subjects.

Families can keep the classic stylings of Trivial Pursuit with Daily Challenge. In this mode, players answer six questions, one from each of the six classic categories, including Art & Literature, Entertainment, Geography, History, Science & Nature, and Sports & Leisure. Players can return daily to receive a new set of questions and compete with friends to see who can hold the best winning streak. 

Want to go beyond the classic categories? Players can answer trivia about their favorite topics when they play Infinite Pursuit. This game uses AI-generated questions to test your knowledge on any subject, including songs, ’90s characters, and even your latest obsession.

Families can go head to head and see who is the smartest by playing Trivial Pursuit Infinite at trivialpursuit.com. To see Hasbro’s collection of classic, family, and licensed editions of Trivial Pursuit, visit hasbro.com.

Kids Can Create Epic Art with a ‘Bluey’ Spirograph

Kids in need of a for real life activity to express their creativity need look no further. PlayMonster is teaming up with Hasbro to launch a new Spirograph art set featuring some of kids’ favorite characters from the hit show Bluey

Designed for kids ages 5 and up, the Bluey Spirograph Cyclex features Bluey and Bingo hugging each other alongside three rotating stencils kids can use to design Bluey-themed spiral art. The set also comes with six markers and 20 sheets of Bluey paper to create perfect pieces of art inspired by the Heeler family. 

The Bluey fun doesn’t end with kids’ creativity with the Spirograph. The set also includes three sheets of stickers featuring Bluey, Bingo, Chattermax, and more. Even if kids don’t know where to start on their art journey, they can use the included idea guide to send them in the right direction. 

Kids can also take the Bluey Spirograph on the go with the Spirograph Cyclex clip, which features only one stencil and can snap onto a kids backpack to bring creativity anywhere they want.

Whether kids will use the Bluey Spirograph Cyclex while they are rewatching their favorite episodes of the show or as a break from the tablet or TV screen, it is a great way to flex their creativity!

Awesome Outdoor Toys on Great Day Live

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined Great Day Live on CBS in Tampa to show off awesome outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


COCOMELON BIG BOUNCER

This bouncer features CoComelon-inspired graphics, mesh sidewalls, and a built-in pump. It encourages motor skill development, hand-eye coordination, physical play, and dexterity.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $84.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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BABY SHARK FOOT-TO-FLOOR SUBMARINE RIDE-ON

This push-to-go submarine ride-on comes equipped with a periscope and a spinning propeller and is covered in custom Baby Shark and sea-life graphics. It features little bubble-style windows with Baby, Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa Shark peeking through from the inside. It plays theme songs for all five members of the Baby Shark family.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $42.26
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

PAW PATROL AIRCRAFT CARRIER RIDE ON

This ride-on features two jets, a runway, a launcher, and push buttons on the handlebars that play sounds and the PAW Patrol theme song while kids ride.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SONIC RACERS ASSORTED R/C

These R/C cars feature Sonic the Hedgehog characters behind the wheel in 1:28 scale. The line includes Amy Rose, Silver the Hedgehog, and Sonic.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

SONIC CHARGERS FIRE HAWK

Create dynamic aerial stunts with the Fire Hawk Sonic Charger by LumiTek Flight. The Fire Hawk flies indoors or out and has three flying modes: 15-second, 30-second, or no-limit flight modes. Get up to 30 flights on one charge (varies on flight mode). Super bright LED lights for spectacular night flights! Includes one Sonic Charger,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

LASER X ULTRA DOUBLE BLASTERS

This laser tag set features blaster beams that can bounce off walls to hit opponents up to 300 feet away. The receiver vests let kids know which opponent blasted them.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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GIANT CONNECT 4

The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

BLASTER BUMPER POWERED RIDE-ON CAR

This electric ride comes with 50 blaster balls that will blast up to 30 feet. It has soft bumpers that protect walls and furniture, and the adjustable seat belt keeps kids safe and secure. Easy-to-use steering wheel that allows 360 degree spinning with a 2.24 MPH max speed. Just attach the bumper, charge/connect the battery…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $279.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

This No-Mess DIY Activity Makes Kids’ Sticker Dreams Come True

New year, new planner — and that can only mean one thing: You also need new stickers to make it perfectly your own!

While peel-and-stick traditional stickers never get old, the iLY Do-It-Yourself 3-D Sticker Maker from WeCool lets kids make completely customized stickers in minutes.

The sticker maker kit comes with everything kids need to make up to 30 3D stickers, including tons of mix-ins like sprinkles, glitter, and gems. Everything comes in little baggies for easy storage and less mess, and parents will love that there is no glue or tape or anything super sticky involved in the sticker-making process.

This no-mess craft lets kids completely customize their own stickers. | Source: WeCool

Kids begin by choosing a background and a blister shape, they pop the pieces into the super cute smiley sticker maker, add in as many mix-ins as they want, close it up, push down to release the sticker, and voila! That’s all there is to it.

The backgrounds are so trendy, the mix-ins are vibrant and eye-catching, and the shapes offer a lot of variety, so kids can make stars, circles, or square stickers. The 3D effect allows for some fun “bubble popping,” too, and the sprinkles and mix-ins give a satisfying shaking noise for a full-on sensory experience.

Kids can make, trade, and decorate with their unique stickers. The backs are super sticky and easy to re-stick if you want to move them around.

Safe for kids ages 6 and up, older kids and even tweens will also enjoy this, since, let’s be honest: You’re never too old for stickers. The smiley sticker maker will also look cute out on a desk or dresser, and at $14.99, it makes for a great and easy birthday gift or even a fun snow day activity.


ILY DIY 3D STICKER MAKER AND REFILL PACKS

Kids can make their own custom 3D stickers with sprinkles, glitter, and gem mix-ins. Includes one 3D sticker maker, 30 sticker blisters, 30 sticker backgrounds, 30 double-sided sticker adhesives, one sprinkle packet, two glitter packets, and 250 gems.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Monopoly Scrabble Brings a New Challenge to Board Game Enthusiasts

What do you get when you combine Monopoly and Scrabble? An even more exciting game from Winning Moves for family game night!

Designed for kids ages 8 and up, Monopoly Scrabble combines two of the most iconic board games of all time into one experience. To play Monopoly Scrabble, players must put down words using their tiles on the Scrabble section of the board. Each point players earn on the Scrabble board translates to how many places they move in the Monopoly section. To get properties, players must play words on property squares. However, other players can steal property by playing words on top of the same property square. 

Unlike Monopoly, each color property only has one space on the board. Instead, players have more opportunities to land on Chance and Community Chest spaces. These cards are similar to Monopoly’s versions of them, sending players to different spots on the board, including jail, Free Parking, and Go. 

Source: Winning Moves

The game seems intimidating at first, but kids will easily be able to pick up on the rules, especially if they’ve played Monopoly and Scrabble before. 

Monopoly Scrabble is definitely a game more geared towards Scrabble fans than Monopoly fans. The game ends once a player runs out of tiles, which can be quick if you’re using big words. We only made it around the Monopoly section of the board a few times, so paying rent to other players wasn’t very common. The player who won our round of Monopoly Scrabble played the highest point words and made it past Go the most. 

The best part about Monopoly Scrabble is that the game goes by pretty quickly. Unlike Monopoly, this game took us around 30 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick game night with the family. 

Kids who are big fans of board games will especially love Monopoly Scrabble — it’s the perfect combination of the two games. 


MONOPOLY SCRABBLE

This game combines elements of the Monopoly game with the crossword-building play of Scrabble. In place of rolling dice to move around the board, players build words and move ahead by their score. Features custom Community Chest and Chance cards.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

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The Story of Rapunzel Takes a New Twist in ‘Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu’

Many kids know and love the story of Rapunzel – a long-haired princess who gets locked away in a tower by an evil witch. Families can enjoy a tasty twist to the classic tale by reading Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu

Published by Penguin Random House, this 40-page book is written by award-winning author Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by debut artist Crystal Kung. Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu features a modern, feminist twist to the story of Rapunzel with engaging elements from Chinese cuisine and culture.

The story follows Ra Pu Zel, a young princess in China who only wants to cook and eat in peace. When she gets tired of everyone telling her what to do, she locks herself in a tower with her dog, Bao. Ra Pu Zel refuses to come down until a young chef arrives with an intriguing food to share.


To go with the entertaining story, families can try to re-create the young chef’s special dish. The book includes a non-stinky, pan-fried tofu recipe with simple step-by-step instructions and a list of ingredients. 

Kids ages 5 and up can join the princess on her journey and learn about the special dish in Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu. To discover more playful and engaging stories, visit penguinrandomhouse.com.


RA PU ZEL AND THE STINKY TOFU

The story follows Ra Pu Zel, a young princess in China who only wants to cook and eat in peace. When she gets tired of everyone telling her what to do, she locks herself in a tower with her dog, Bao. Ra Pu Zel refuses to come down until a young chef arrives with an…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $18.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Expand Your Collections with New Mini Brands Sneakers and Books

Zuru recently introduced new Mini Brands to the miniature game: shoes and books! Replicate your shoe collection and normal-size bookshelf with mini versions of the same items. 

There are several footwear options with the new Mini Brands Sneakers line. You and your kids can collect real miniature sneaker brands like Reebok, Airwalk, Sketchers, Prince, and more. These mini kicks are heavily detailed to match the real shoes and even come in little shoe boxes!

Readers can unbox different titles. | Source: Zuru

If your kid is more of a bookworm than a sneakerhead, no worries. Zuru released Mini Brands Books so you can create a mini version of your at-home library — with real readable pages. 

You can collect mini books from different genres. | Source: Zuru

There are more than 40 popular book replicas, including minis of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Stranger Things, A Christmas Carol, Dog Man, Colleen Hoover novels, Roald Dahl stories, and a rare glow-in-the-dark mini Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy. Each book comes with a mini bookmark and a mini magnifying glass so you can read the tiny print. 

Mini Brands Books and Mini Brands Sneakers are available at Target and online at Amazon.

10 Toys and Games You Loved Most This Holiday Season

Out of all the toys and games suited for your kid, it might be hard to decide what goes into the toy box. This season, however, there are certain products that The Toy Insider readers and kids enjoyed.

Outdoor ride-ons like the FlyBar Bumper Car XL, bean-filled plush cows and aliens, and Moose Toys’ Beast Lab captivated your kids (and your wallets) as the holiday season progressed. Tummy-time tunnels, Mickey Mouse-themed speakers and L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers also recently brought — or will bring — adventurous, magical vibes to your playroom.

You can find the 10 products readers liked most this season below. If you’re still on the toy hunt and none of these products suit your fancy, you can use The Toy Insider’s Perfect Present Wizard to customize your toy box!


6-IN-1 TUNNEL OF FUN

Babies can bat at dangling toys and get tummy workouts crawling through this vibrant tunnel. The piano's three modes encourage kids to play independently while building vocabulary around animals, numbers, and colors.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $65
  • Age:
  • 0+

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FLYBAR BUMPER CAR XL

This bumper car seats two kids or one adult and reaches a maximum speed of 3 mph. It is made with a soft rubber bumper that protects walls and furniture, and features flashing LED lights and dual joysticks for steering.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $299.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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BALANCE & BUILD SET

Create a custom balance course and encourage movement and creativity with this set, which includes eight connecting beam sections and five sensory step-stones.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $37.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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DISNEY MICKEY AND FRIENDS STARTER SET

This limited-edition Toniebox features a unique speaker design with the Mickey Mouse silhouette and comes with a Mickey Mouse Tonie that plays an audio adventure full of iconic Disney character voices and sound effects.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

COWS VS. ALIENS

Get ready to be “moo-ved” by the captivating charm of Cows vs Aliens as they invade the world of collectibles this “Joo-n”! These adorable bean-filled plushies are more than just ordinary toys. With their brightly colored cow and alien designs, Cows vs Aliens are on a mission to captivate the hearts of collectors with their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5
  • Age:
  • 4+

BEAST LAB

As kids add ingredients to this experiment-based playset, they'll activate sounds, lights, fizzing bubbles, and mist to unleash one of two beasts. When kids reset the beast or repeat the experiment, the beast can evolve with new ways to play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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JURASSIC WORLD RAVENOUS RAPTORS: THE DINO CHOMPING GAME

Players must race to feed their hangry dinosaurs in this fast-paced game that's all about timing and tenacity. Bump the raptors' tails and chomp up all the carnivore and herbivore balls to eat the most and win the game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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L.O.L. SURPRISE! MAGIC FLYERS

These collectibles can take flight with a repeatable unboxing experience. The bottle lights up and shakes until the doll bursts out and flies for up to 4 minutes. Kids can keep the fairy suspended by holding a hand under it.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $30
  • Age:
  • 4+

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BITZEE

Kids can take care of and play with their Bitzee through a screen-free display and the pet will react to touch and movement, creating a two-way interaction. Each Bitzee has three evolutionary stages with the final stage unlocking a Super Bitzee and a special game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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RAINBOW BRITE 3-INCH FIGURES

This collection features several characters from the Rainbow Brite universe, with limited-edition figures such as the metallic Rainbow Brite and the glow-in-the-dark Twink to bolster any true or new Rainbow Brite fan's collection.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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.

Toy Insider Instagram and TikTok 2024 Full Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY OR PAYMENT.
A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.
1. Eligibility
The Toy Insider’s sponsored giveaways (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including District of Columbia) who are 18 years or older at the time of entry.
Void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions and where prohibited by law. Entrants must either be the legal guardian of children depicted in the entry picture or have consent from the child’s legal guardian to submit. Employees of Adventure Media & Events, The Toy Insider, our sponsor of the week, or any of its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, or any other company or individual involved with the design, production execution or distribution of the Promotion and their immediate family (spouse, parents and step-parents, siblings and step-siblings, and children and step-children) and household members (people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year) of each such employee are not eligible.
The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules (the “Rules”) and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion (that of a parent/legal guardian, if, entrant is a minor). Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. The Promotion consists of a Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”).

2. Sponsor
The Toy Insider, New York, NY, 307 7th Avenue, Suite 501, New York, NY, 10001.
The Toy Insider is the prize sponsor of Promotion. Individual toy names and logos are used for purposes of promotion and/or prize only.

3. Timing
The Promotion begins on Jan. 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) and ends on Jan. 1, 2025 at 9 a.m. EST (the “Promotion Period”), and encompasses all giveaways run on the Toy Insider’s Instagram & TikTok page.

3. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Sanctuary Ventures, Inc. as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign.

4. How to Enter
To qualify for The Toy Insider’s giveaways during the Promotion Period, entrants must do the following:
• Enter only on the individual social media post in which the giveaway is posted and during the dedicated time period.
• Follow the instructions given in the TikTok video, Instagram graphic, or the caption on either.
Any form of entry other than those described herein is void. Limit: Limit one (1) entry per task per user per day during the Promotion Period. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address or username. Any attempt by any participant to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple/ different usernames, email addresses, identities, registrations, logins, or any other methods will void that participant’s plays and that participant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible or misdirected registrations or entries, which will be disqualified. Sponsor is not responsible for lost Internet connections resulting in invalid entries. In the event of a dispute as to any registration or entry, the authorized Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other account holder of the username used to register or enter the Sweepstakes will be deemed to be the registrant or entrant. Potential winners may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and will not be returned.

6. Winner Selection
On the dates set forth below, Sponsor or an independent judging agency will select one (1) entry per weekday for the prize described below in Section 8 based on all valid entries received and chosen at random. The winning entrant(s) will receive notification via Direct Message on Twitter and must respond to claim the prize within 24 hours of the sent message. The winning entrant(s) may be awarded the prize(s) (subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Rules.) Sponsor’s decisions as to the administration and operation of the Promotion and the selection of potential winners are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Winners (or their parents/legal guardians if entrant(s) are minors) will be notified by Direct Message approximately 1 hour after the selection. Failure to respond to the initial Direct Message within 24 hours of notification or return of message as undeliverable after 3 attempts will result in disqualification.

7. POTENTIAL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER(S) IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE PROMOTION.

8. Verification of Potential Winner (s)
Potential winner(s) must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner(s) will be notified by Direct Message after the date of winner announcement. The potential winner(s) may be required to sign and return to Sponsor, within three (3) days of the date notice is sent, an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (except where prohibited by law) in order to claim his/her prize(s). If a potential winner of any prize cannot be contacted, fails to reply to contact efforts or prize notification is returned as undeliverable within 24 hours, the potential winner forfeits the prize. In the event that a potential winner of a sweepstakes prize is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may award the applicable prize to an alternate winner based on the creativity among all remaining eligible entries.

9. Prize
Winner will be selected within three business days after the giveaway lapses as indicated on the social media post.
For all Prizes: No cash equivalent for the prize, prize is non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any listed prize for one of equal or greater value for any reason. Within 3 days after of receiving the winner’s affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release, Sponsor will mail the winner’s prize(s) via UPS to the address provided therein (if winner is a minor, his/her prize(s) will be delivered care of a parent/legal guardian). Sponsor is not responsible for any delay in prize delivery. Winners (or their parent/legal guardian, as applicable) are responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. Odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Promotion Period.

10. Entry Conditions and Release
By entering, each participant agrees to: (a) comply with and be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are binding and final in all matters relating to this Sweepstakes; (b) release and hold harmless the Sponsor, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, prize suppliers and any other organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes and Promotion, and all of their respective past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to negligence and damages of any kind to persons and property, including but not limited to invasion of privacy (under appropriation, intrusion, public disclosure of private facts, false light in the public eye or other legal theory), defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, infringement of trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights, property damage, or death or personal injury arising out of or relating to a participant’s entry, creation of an entry or submission of an entry, participation in the Sweepstakes and Promotion, acceptance or use or misuse of prize and/or the broadcast, exploitation or use of entry; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Sponsor from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of or relating to an entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes and Promotion and/or entrant’s acceptance, use or misuse of prize.

11. Publicity
Except where prohibited by law, participation in the Promotion constitutes each winner’s consent (that of a parent/legal guardian, if participant is a minor) to Sponsor’s and its agents’ use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a winner’s information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy and in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA ”).

12. Prize Description
The prize is the product shown on the Toy Insider’s social media posts, donated by the sponsor of the week or provided by the Toy Insider itself. One prize per giveaway will be awarded, unless specifically otherwise noted in the post. . The prize is subject to change based on the sponsor company’s inventory. Approximate retail value is dependent on each giveaway.

13. General Conditions
Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Promotion, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

14. Limitations of Liability
By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless Adventure Media & Events, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

15. Disputes
Disputes: THIS Campaign IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in New York having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

16. Entrant’s Personal Information
By entering the contest, the entrant gives The Toy Insider the right to reshare and otherwise share on social media the entry comment or post and any attached photos. The entrant also gives The Toy Insider the right to tweet the entrant’s social media handle’s when announcing the winner. Information, such as full names, addresses, and other personal information, collected from entrants will be kept private by the Sponsor.

17. By entering and being informed of the accessibility of these terms via thetoyinsider.com, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively accepted and agreed to all of the Official Rules.

Win Prizes in the Toy Insider’s Instagram and TikTok Giveaways

Here at the Toy Insider, we love to share the love!

To spread around the fun, we’re constantly giving away fun toys, games, and other prizes on our Instagram and TikTok pages, making it super easy for you to enter to win! Each TikTok video or Instagram post and/or the captions will provide instructions on

Winners will be notified within three business days of each individual giveaway lapsing. Selected winners must respond to the direct message within 24 hours of being chosen and they must provide The Toy Insider with their shipping information via direct message on the account they entered with. PLEASE NOTE: @thetoyinsider is our only account. Please only look for DMs and engagements from @thetoyinsider. We will never contact you from another account. We will never ask for payment info.

By entering in the contest, you give The Toy Insider permission to repost and otherwise share your entry content and its photos, as well as to announce you as the winner using your social media handle after you have claimed your prize. U.S. residents only!

Full contest rules can be found here.

We’re giving away toys all of the time on TikTok and on Instagram, so check back with us to see the cool toys you can enter to win.

SEE WHAT GIVEAWAYS ARE LIVE NOW:

‘Lola and the Troll’ Empowers Kids to Stand Up Against Bullying

As young kids navigate social and emotional learning, books can be an excellent resource. A new picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author Connie Schultz is one such resource that can inspire kids with lessons of friendship, bravery, and kindness.

Lola and the Troll follows Lola, a cheerful young girl who overcomes bullying and self-doubt to discover that love and kindness are her superpowers. Sandy Rodríguez provides the watercolor illustrations, which depict emotions and real-life scenarios in a kid-friendly way.

Lola loves school, recess, and her imaginary dog, Tank. The one thing she doesn’t love is the walk to school, where she has to pass the neighborhood bully, who wears a troll costume and mocks everything about Lola, from her hair to her shoes to her voice. Lola starts to believe the troll and tries to change who she is so that he’ll leave her alone. Fortunately, Lola seeks comfort at her favorite bookstore, The Bee’s Sneeze, where the owner, Ms. Sneesby, reminds Lola that she LOVES her curly hair, her bright smile, and her big voice. No one can take those things away from her. Lola remembers that she is brave enough to stand up for herself and others, and that she is strong enough to hold the bully accountable while also offering him friendship.

The idea for this book was born from a tweet from Schultz, which caught the attention of Casey McIntyre, an editor at Razorbill. According to the National Association of School Psychologists and Together Against Bullying, more than 33% of elementary school students reported being bullied at school. Lola and the Troll will encourage readers of all ages to embrace their strengths and stand up to bullies with empathy and kindness. Schultz also pays homage to books and a local independently-owned bookstore, sharing the magic and impact they have on readers and communities.

Lola and the Troll will be on sale Feb. 6, 2024 for $18.99 and is recommended for kids ages 4 and up.

Abrams Books Will Kick off the New Year with Three New Character-Themed Stories

Reading can take kids to brand-new worlds without leaving the comforts of their homes. Young readers can experience laughter, fun, and adventure with Abrams Books’ three new children’s books featuring their favorite animated characters.

Kids can uncover the mysteries of Bikini Bottom in SpongeBob SquarePants Mysteries: Stage Fright! The third book in the middle-grade series follows SpongeBob and Sandy Cheeks as they try to solve a series of disastrous mishaps threatening the safety of the Drippy Lane Theater. Kids ages 8 and up can uncover the mysteries of the Blue Lagoon with a 224-page book filled with black-and-white, spot art illustrations. 

Kids ages 4 and up can learn about girl power and self-expression by reading a princess’s tale in Princess Power: Princess Kira’s Kiwi Jubilee. This story is about princesses who join forces to help find homes for every pet at the Royal Animal Shelter. Inspired by the Netflix series Princess Power, this chapter book proves that there’s nothing sweeter than the power of friendship!

Kids ages 6 and up can explore the world of superheroes with help from their friendly neighborhood hero. Spider-Man: Quantum Quest! is the second book in the Might Marvel Team-Up series and follows the web-swinger as he tries to save the great underwater city of Atlantis. The 96-page graphic novel is perfect for kids looking to go on an action-packed adventure. 

Kids can experience mysteries, learn about self-expression, and go on a mission by reading Abrams Books’ upcoming stories available in early January. To read more books about these lovable characters, visit abramsbooks.com.


SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MYSTERIES: STAGE FRIGHT!

Kids can go on undersea adventures with their favorite spongy companion. SpongeBob and Sandy Cheeks must uncover the series of disastrous mishaps to save the Drippy Lane Theater. The third book from the middle-grade series contains 224 pages and is filled with black and white spot art illustrations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

PRINCESS POWER: PRINCESS KIRA’S KIWI JUBILEE

Girls can learn about the power of friendship in this book inspired by the Netflix series Princess Power. In this 80-page chapter book, the princesses join forces to help find homes for every pet at the Royal Animal Shelter. These curious, kindhearted, can-do girls learn that as long as they stay true to themselves and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

SPIDER-MAN: QUANTUM QUEST!

Everyone's favorite web swinger is back on the scene with a very important mission. After a morning of good deeds, the Fantastic Four ask Spider-Man to help them find the great underwater city of Atlantis after it mysteriously disappeared. The 96-page graphic novel is perfect for kids looking to go on an action-packed adventure.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Outright Games Launches New ‘PJ Masks’ Video Game

Outright Games is teaming up with Hasbro to launch a second video game inspired by the new PJ Masks series that launched earlier this year, PJ Masks: Mighty Alliance. 

PJ Masks: Power Heroes is a side-scrolling adventure game in which players can join the nighttime heroes Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko as they travel across the city to defeat fan-favorite villains. This game is a sequel to PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night and features new playable characters and more adventures than ever.

“This brand provides a wonderful opportunity to create a dynamic and fun game and we’re hugely excited to use our expertise to create a fully-accessible game for the very youngest players,” says Stephanie Malham, COO at Outright Games.

The new series, PJ Masks: Mighty Alliance, features fan-favorite characters from the original series, but also introduces kids to new, diverse heroes including Newton Star, An Yu, Ice Cub, Bastet, Lilyfay, and Armadylan. 

PJ Masks: Power Heroes will launch early next year on consoles and PC. 

This Victorian Dollhouse from PlanToys Is a Dream

Dollhouses are some of the most iconic toys of all time, bringing joy to kids of all ages. The Victorian Dollhouse from PlanToys follows in this tradition.

The Victorian Dollhouse has three floors including the attic, each accessible with opening panels and realistic sashes that slide to reveal the interior. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this dollhouse can be personalized with the compatible furniture from PlanToys, which is made to 1:12 scale. Plus, the dollhouse is sustainably made in Thailand using chemical-free rubberwood, formaldehyde-free glue, organic pigments, and water-based dyes.

PlanToys has been making sustainable toys that enhance kids’ development since 1981 and the Victorian Dollhouse is the most popular one available from the company. The dollhouse has the ability to empower kids to build their creativity, imagination, communication, coordination, and emotional skills. Kids will forge unforgettable memories through the unplugged, present play of the dollhouse. This toy will also be a one-of-a-kind family heirloom that can be personalized to reflect your family’s style and then passed down as a cherished keepsake for future generations.

The Victorian Dollhouse is available at plantoys.com for $380.


PLANTOYS VICTORIAN DOLLHOUSE

The Victorian Dollhouse has three floors including the attic, each accessible with opening panels and realistic sashes that slide to reveal the interior. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this dollhouse can be personalized with the compatible furniture from PlanToys, which is made to 1:12 scale.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $380
  • Age:
  • 3+

This Disney Playmobil Building Set Is as Sweet as Honey

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day.” Of course, Winnie the Pooh was speaking about his bestie Christopher Robin, but I think he could also have been talking about the 1.2.3. Disney Winnie and Piglet’s Tree House playset from Playmobil.

All toddlers ages 18 months and up need to do to have the best day ever is to open up the box! The playset is easy for little fingers to assemble with a little help from an adult and has just the right amount of pieces. The set comes with Winnie the Pooh and Piglet figures, a tree house with a moving door, plug-in flowers, and other homey accessories.

If you’re the kind of parent who finds yourself saying “oh, bother” every time another toy is introduced into your home, this one is worth the addition. It’s small enough that when playtime is over, it can fit neatly on a shelf. It’s cute enough that even those dubbed as “sad, beige moms” will want to display it with pride. It adds just a touch of Disney magic into kids’ playrooms, and I love that it introduces my toddler to Winnie the Pooh in an age-appropriate and screen-free way.

Oh d-d-d-dear this set is a-d-d-d-dorable! | Source: Playmobil

I also love that it gets kids’ minds moving. Kids will use their fine motor skills to sort the accessories through the shaped openings at the top of the tree and their creativity to come up with different play scenarios for Pooh and Piglet. They can swing the figures in the tree, twist branches to hear noises, and (Pooh’s favorite) sit down at the table and chow on some honey.

This set is made from quality plastic, so even as kids grow up, they can keep the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood alive. Even if your toddler has a little bit of Tigger energy, it’s safe to say this set will last. 

The set may be small, but in the biggest helpfullest way! 


PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3. DISNEY: WINNIE AND PIGLET’S TREE HOUSE

Kids can train their fine motor skills by placing figures and objects, turning and moving tree elements and the swing, as well as opening and closing the door and planting flowers in this Winnie the Pooh-inspired building set. Sort the objects into the openings in the tree top and watch them slide back out at…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS.+

Start the New Year with These Celebration-Worthy Kids Series on Netflix

A new year means new series to enjoy!

Netflix is known for its huge collection of kids and family offerings, and that collection is about to get bigger! January is bringing a whole pile of new shows for kids to enjoy, everything from Sonic Prime for the little gamers to Not Quite Narwhal for preschoolers. Celebrate the start of 2024 with a show perfect for your next family watch party.

Mighty Bheem’s Playtime | Source: Netflix

The year will begin right on Jan. 1 with a ton of new series and movie drops to Netflix, with Antz, Beethoven, The Croods, The Flinstones, How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, One Piece: Marineford, Peppa Pig Seasons 3-6, and School of Rock. For preschoolers looking for a must-watch series to ready them for school, Mighty Bheem’s Playtime will have young Bheem starting school himself on Jan. 8.

Sonic Prime Chapter 3 | Source: Netflix

Sonic Prime is coming back for a third chapter this Jan. 11. Sonic and some unlikely friends will need to team up to have any hope of getting the Paradox Prism back from Nine. CoComelon season 9 will also be available on Jan. 15.

Not Quite Narwhal Season 2 | Source: Netflix

For colorful preschool fun, the second season of Not Quite Narwhal will drop Jan. 22. Kelp will find new adventures with both unicorns and narwhals as he learns about friendship and more.

Also coming later in January is the American Girl: Corinne Tan movie on Jan. 24 and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go season 2 on Jan. 26.

Catch all this and more streaming on Netflix this January! Cozy up for the new year, get together the whole family, pop some popcorn, and choose a series to enjoy together. Whether kids are rewatching a classic or finding a new favorite, Netflix will have something for everyone.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Is The Party Game That Slaps

A few weeks ago, I visited a group of friends with the game Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza slipped into my back pocket. 

While I was met with some hesitations at the silly name, they ended up asking me if they could keep the game about 5 minutes into the first round. With my $9.99 deck of tacos and goats galore, I had achieved the seemingly impossible achievement of being a game night hero — a title some can only dream of. 

If you want that same feeling of success when impressing even the toughest of groups, you may be wondering how a game with a name like “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” even works. 

The game is visually fun for both kids and adults to enjoy. | Source: Dolphin Hat Games

Well, it’s exactly how it sounds, and it’s refreshingly easy to get the hang of. That is coming from someone who frequently nods along while card game instructions go in one ear and out the other. Players get dispersed an even amount of cards and take turns slapping them down, hoping to match the cards to the order of the spoken words: “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza.” If the word does match the card, the players slap the pile, and whoever is last receives the cards. The winner is determined by who runs out of cards first.

It sounds easy, but your mind will play tricks on you — and so will the game. 

There are a few other characters thrown in there, such as the Narwhal, the Groundhog, and the Gorilla that players will need to race to do the silly action that matches the animal and slap the deck. It’s absolute chaos that will make the whole table roar. This makes for not only a fun time guaranteed for laughs, but also a sneaky experience for kids ages 8 and up to exercise their memory and reflexes. 

What makes this game really stand out is the fact that it’s the classic size of a standard deck of cards. Kids and adults can take it anywhere: get togethers, a restaurant, the side of the road when you have a flat tire, the local dive bar, a school lunchroom — the possibilities are endless. It’s extremely fast-paced and the game itself only lasts about 10-15 minutes. However, take that with a grain of salt, as the rounds and time will slip away from you. 

At an affordable price and available at major retailers, this game will make for priceless memories, and a perfect gift that keeps on giving for any birthday or holiday

Throw in a grandparent, a moody teen, a second grader, or an uncle overstaying his welcome at the function and this Dolphin Hat Games experience will remind you what family time is all about.


TACO CAT GOAT CHEESE PIZZA

Race against other players to slap the pile first when the card matches the spoken word in the "Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza" sequence. It only takes a minute to learn before gameplay can get started, which lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

New ‘Work It Out Wombats!’ Podcast Invites Kids to Play with Favorite Characters

Where there’s a will to get more Work It Out Wombats!, there’s always a way!

GBH Kids is known for its impressive portfolio of beloved kids series, such as PBS Kids classics like Arthur and Molly of Denali. We already told you about The Arthur Podcast that launched last year, but now Work It Out Wombats! is joining the podcast club this Jan. 4. The new listening experience promises fun for kids ages 3-6 as they team up with Malik, Zadie, and Zeke as official “Wombuddies.”

Start the new year with the perfect podcast! | Source: Work it Out Wombats! YouTube

Each episode of the Work It Out Wombats! Podcast is centered around a different playdate, with themes such as blasting off in a rocket ship, playing pirates, camping out, and planning a surprise party for Snout and the other stuffies. Like any episode of the series, the podcast will be jam-packed with music for kids to sing along and dance to.

While kids wait for the release of their new favorite audio series, GBH Kids has even more podcast offerings they can enjoy in the meantime. In addition to The Arthur Podcast, the organization has produced The Molly of Denali Podcast, The Pinkalicious & Peterrific Podcast, and Keyshawn Solves It.

The Work It Out Wombats! Podcast will premiere on Jan. 4 and be available on major podcasting platforms as well as for free at pbskids.org, the PBS Kids Video app, the PBS Kids YouTube channel, and the Work It Out Wombats! Youtube channel. The first season of the podcast will include eight episodes, each around eight minutes long. Kids can have their favorite furry friends right in their ears on their next long car ride thanks to Work It Out Wombats!

‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ New Year’s Day Special Welcomes a New Neighbor

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood with new friends visiting!

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, beloved by both kids and adults nostalgic for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is getting a new special to kick off the new year. The series follows Daniel Tiger and other kids living in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as they learn about emotions, friendship, and more.

Juan Carlos gets to play in the snow for the first time. | Source: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

The new episode features two connected segments focused on Juan and Valentina Carlos’ visit to the neighborhood. In “Juan Carlos Visits the Neighborhood,” Daniel Tiger is eager to show his friend everything he can, but finds he needs to remember to ask Juan what he wants to do as well. “Daniel Shows Juan Carlos the Clock Factory” features Juan explaining he’d like to have a play date in the snow, as he’s never seen it before.

The Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood special will air this New Year’s Day, premiering and streaming on PBS Kids, and will also introduce a new song. Kids won’t be able to resist singing along to, “When your friend comes to visit you, ask what they want to do” (and they might learn a little lesson in the process). Little Daniel Tiger fans won’t want to miss this new episode full of fun and friendship!

Learn About Kindness and Friendship with Festive ‘The Heartbeats’ Holiday Books

This holiday season, you can end each night in a festive mood with stories about love, kindness, and friendship! Two new holiday tales from The Heartbeats book series encompass the spirit of Christmas and New Years while teaching your little one how empathy and kindness are important. 

The Heartbeats – it’s cool to be kind!, a children’s book series by Natalie Savvides, follows Henry and Henrietta through their adventures. The stories revolve around affection, thoughtfulness, and goodwill, traits featured in the new stories Christmas With A Difference and A New Year Is Coming.

In A New Year Is Coming, your little one can brainstorm with the characters on how to make the coming year a positive, exciting one. 

In Christmas with a Difference, the Heartbeats host a holiday party for three generations of family members. Things don’t go exactly as planned, and the Heartbeats must acclimate to the situation. 

Both stories feature themes of love and patience while highlighting the joy of the holiday season! If you’d like to meet the characters before the book arrives, you can find them at theofficialheartbeats.com. 

You can find the new festive tales on Amazon, just in time for a late night gift wrapping session. 

Young Inventors Can Expand Their Imaginations with Fat Brain Toys’ New Game

A colorful imagination can lead people to endless possibilities and adventures. From pretend friends to make-believe games, there’s no one that does imagination better than a kid. Parents can encourage their kids to be creative with Fat Brain Toys’ Make That Most Magnificent Thing The Game. 

If this name sounds familiar, then you may be thinking of the popular kids’ book The Most Magnificent Thing by author and illustrator Ashley Spires. This story about a girl set to make the most magnificent thing becomes a fast-paced creativity game thats all about inventing. Kids can expand their imaginations with 60 idea cards, 185 game pieces, seven ribbon award tokens, and a two-minute sand timer. 

The fun begins when a player draws an card to reveal a whimsical prompt like a Gardening Robot or a Breakfast Making Machine. Players ages 7 and up will use the cut-out pieces to create a device that best matches the card’s magnificent idea. When the timer’s 2 minutes are up, players will take turns describing how their invention works to their friends. 

Unlike most family-friendly games, there are no winners or losers in this contest. Kids will use the seven awards tokens to celebrate each players’ fascinating creation. Every invention has a chance to win a ribbon for different categories, including Most Creative Name, Brainiest Solve, Best Story, Most Innovative, Most Elaborate, Wackiest Contraption, and of course, Most Magnificent Thing.

Parents can appreciate the many educational benefits that come with this screen-free activity. Apart from sparking kids’ imaginations, this game encourages critical thinking, communication skills, and storytelling abilities. Young inventors will also participate in STEM-based learning by building different creations.

Kids can expand their imaginations by going beyond the rules of the game. While gameplay is intended for 2-4 players, this activity is perfect for solo play. To shake up family game nights, kids may create their own prompt ideas rather than using the cards.  

The Most Magnificent Thing The Game is perfect for young inventors looking to expand their creative minds. With this inspiring activity, every kid can make the most magnificent thing! 


MAKE THAT MOST MAGNIFICENT THING THE GAME

In this game, everyone races to grab what they need to build a device that matches their prompt card. Then, when the timer is up, everyone gets to explain why their invention is the most magnificent. Players then vote to decide who gets which of the seven ribbon awards, including Best Story, Most Inventive, Most…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.95
  • Age:
  • 7+

Pet Frenzy Toys on ABC Chicago

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined ABC 7 in Chicago to show off some fun new toys that have all the fun of a new pet, but with none of the mess. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


PUDGY PENGUINS FIGURES 1 PACK WINDOW BOX (S1) + DIGITAL EXPERIENCE REDEMPTION CODE

Adopt your Pudgy Penguins forever friend! Each of these 4.5 inch collectible figures come with interchangeable accessories and a redeemable code, unlocking digital penguin customization using trait boxes. You can obtain rare traits, have a unique Pudgy Penguin registered to your name on the blockchain, and trade traits on the Pudgy Penguin marketplace!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

FINGERLINGS

These baby monkeys know when they're on kids' fingers. They feature glowing hearts, poseable tails, flocked hair, unique personalities, and more than 70 sounds and reactions. Collect four new characters: Charli, Leo, Ava, and Harmony.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $15
  • Age:
  • 5+

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BITZEE

Kids can take care of and play with their Bitzee through a screen-free display and the pet will react to touch and movement, creating a two-way interaction. Each Bitzee has three evolutionary stages with the final stage unlocking a Super Bitzee and a special game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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MY FUZZY FRIENDS: MAGIC WHISPERS KITTY

Kids can place this interactive kitty's light-up heart on their forehead and she will whisper to them. Using special sound-conducting technology, no one else can hear her give advice, say how she feels, or tell cat jokes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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AMI AMIS PARTY PAL

The huggable puppy features the Ami Amis chunky knit style. It walks, plays music, and pops confetti out of its party hat. Includes reusable confetti and a scoop and funnel for easy cleanup and reloading.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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LeapFrog’s Match and Learn Cookies Make the ABC’s Simple and Sweet

Nothing’s better than a sweet treat, unless it’s a (fake) sweet treat that serves an educational purpose!

LeapFrog‘s Match and Learn Cookies will teach your kid several lessons — all while cultivating an interest in baking and trying new flavors! When playing with this toy, your kid can learn about (or start to understand) letter shapes, letter sounds, patience, colors, and flavors while refining their fine motor skills. 

The toy is colorful and full of fake sprinkles! | Source: LeapFrog

The toy looks like a baking sheet with handles to grip and includes 26 cookie-themed plastic letters. Each letter has an assigned “frosting” color, and the corresponding outline on the tray has an image of a flavor. For example, the “V” cookie has white frosting and an image of vanilla on the tray, while the “P” letter has pink frosting and a peach icon on the tray. The cookies are orange, purple, green, pink, yellow, and white; each cookie also has sprinkles in different shapes and designs, so your kid won’t get tired of looking at the same few items. 

There are four different play options, each assigned to a colored button at the top of the tray for educational fun. They can learn to associate letters with its sound and shape; learn about each cookie’s flavor and sound; play matching games with the letter, icing colors, and flavors; and practicing being patient as they place letters within the timing of a song.

The play patterns inspire a lot of educational playtime, and might even spark an interest in different flavors (like coconut), help your kid match and recognize colors, and understand letter sounds. The different play modes also help kids build different skills like recognizing letters, spelling, or following instructions. As an added benefit adults will love, all of this learning is screen free!

The four play options can result in long-term use. | Source: LeapFrog

There are several sounds, songs, and affirmations that play during the directions and when kids put the appropriate cookie in the cut out. They can jam along to the music and hear “You’re a smart cookie!” when they’re successful in identifying the requested icing color, sound, letter, or flavor. If your kid makes a mistake, the audio will kindly mention why the letter they chose does not fit; whether it’s the wrong color or makes the wrong sound. Your kid will feel comfortable making a mistake and have direction on why it wasn’t right. 

Kids will feel like a real baker! | Source: LeapFrog

While the tray might be too large to bring into a restaurant or waiting room, it could easily serve as a car-ride toy. Once pressed in, the cookies are pretty sturdy and can survive some serious shaking without falling out. There’s no way to store the pieces, however, so make sure you have a designated bag or box for the fake cookies when they aren’t in the tray. 

While the toy is advertised for kids ages 2 and up, younger kids can still benefit from playtime with Match and Learn Cookies. They might not understand what the recordings say or mean, but they can practice placing items in the proper cut out, engage with the music, and recognize matching colors. When the cookies are placed in the tray, your young one can utilize their growing fine motor skills to press on the cookies and listen to the sounds that follow. 

If the music and the word “cookie” becomes too much for you, there are three volume modes: off, loud, and louder. Your kids can match the letters, shapes, and colors quietly, or make their own games and sound out each letter without the aid of sound. Challenge yourself and your kid by asking them to spell different words on the tray without the audio guide! 

If your kid doesn’t like trying new things, maybe these fake banana, apple, and coconut cookies will persuade them! If they aren’t too keen on learning something new, this is also a great way to teach them different things while still having fun. 


MATCH AND LEARN COOKIES

Little pastry chefs can pretend to make and bake 26 yummy-looking letter cookies. Press each colorful cookie into the tray to hear letter names, letter sounds, colors and flavors. Now you’re cooking! Take the cookies off the tray and serve the sweet treats to friends and family. Listen closely to hear which cookie to bake…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

Crown Your Family’s Champion of Breakfast in Waffles vs Pancakes

It’s an age-old debate: Waffles or pancakes? Both of these delicious breakfast foods have their fair share of fans, so how will a winner be decided? That’s where the party game Waffles vs Pancakes from Relatable comes in.

Waffles vs Pancakes is the ultimate showdown for players ages 8 and up, who are tasked with scooping up as many waffles or pancakes as they can before time runs out … while blindfolded, of course. The game suggests playing with two or more players, but I found that optimal gameplay occurs when there are four or more. This way, each player can have someone else on their team instructing them on what to do while blindfolded. The box comes with 50 cards, two spatulas, two plates, two blindfolds, and one 60-second sand timer.

The instructions are very easy to follow. Simply scatter the waffle and pancake cards across a flat surface of your choice, shuffling in the Food Fighter and Totally Toast cards. Split into two teams, don the blindfold, and then scoop up as many of your team’s cards as possible onto your plate before the sand timer runs out. Players will also try to grab the bonus Food Fighter cards, evade the enemy, and avoid the Totally Toast card. Play continues until everyone has been blindfolded at least once and the team with the most points wins.

The Food Fighter cards provide extra challenges for you or the other team to do, enhancing gameplay. Some can be pretty sweet, while others might place you in a sticky situation. For example, I got one card called “Cluck Stuck,” which said the only noise I could make that round was the cluck of a chicken. On the other hand, the Totally Toast card raises the stakes. If that card ever touches your plate, the round is automatically over and the other team wins that round.

There are some important rules to remember when playing Waffles vs Pancakes that keep things fair. For instance, your team cannot touch you or your plate, but they can tell you how, where, or when to scoop. Other rules increase the excitement, such as the ability to hit the opposing team’s plate with your spatula.

The contents of the game are designed well, especially the cards, which are slightly bent on purpose to be easier to pick up. The spatulas are firm and make scooping up the cards very simple. One negative is that the plates are fairly thin and liable to be bent during competitive gameplay. However, this could be addressed by using whatever plates you have around if these ones do happen to get damaged. 

Overall, Waffles vs Pancakes is a fan-flipping-tastic game for the whole family on game night.


WAFFLES VS PANCAKES

It’s a breakfast battle this holiday season with Waffles vs. Pancakes! Players choose a side, grab a spatula, and put on a blindfold. Then players race to fill their plate with waffles or pancakes! Collect bonus Food Fighter Cards, and avoid the Totally Toast Card! It’s a fan-flipping-tastic battle packed with fun for the whole…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Toys for Kids who Make & Create on ABC Chicago

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined ABC 7 in Chicago to show off the best new toys for the most creative kids on your holiday shopping list. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


LEGO CLASSIC CREATIVE NEON FUN

This set includes 333 neon-colored bricks in various sizes, including 18 bricks with expressive eyes. Kids can create five models by following the included instructions, or build their own creations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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FLUFFIE STUFFIEZ

Pull, reveal, and stuff a second bestie with Fluffie Stuffiez! | Source: MGA Entertainment

Fluffie Stuffiez are available in several different shapes, including cloud. | Source: MGA Entertainment

Fluffie Stuffiez come with a reusable, sealable bag that turns all the extra fluff into a second Stuffiez. | Source: MGA Entertainment

MGA's Fluffie Stuffiez are available in two sizes. | Source: MGA Entertainment

Remove the outer layer of fluff to discover the character hiding underneath. The packaging doubles as storage for the removed fluff and becomes a second plush toy. Available in six small and four large styles.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99-29.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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MONSTER HIGH GHOULISH GLAM NAIL SALON

Kids can create ghoulish glam styles and design hundreds of spooky nails with this set. It features a “magic mist” feature that cycles through six colors and comes with nail polish and stickers.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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3DOODLER FLOW 3D PRINTING PEN SET

With this kit, teens can craft DIY solutions to everyday problems, make art, design things, and customize their space. They can draw freehand or use one of the hundreds of free online projects to make 3D creations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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AIR TOOBZ

This STEM-based set features a kid-safe turbine that sends foam balls flying through a network of modular tubes and connectors that kids can arrange however they'd like for fun and educational experimentation.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $139.95
  • Age:
  • 3+

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See the Hottest Toys at The Toy Insider’s 3 Toy Preview Events Next Year

Come play with us and enjoy exclusive toy launches next year! The Toy Insider will host three exclusive media and influencer toy preview events in 2024.

In addition to its legacy Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play events, we have added a third event called Spring Fling, which is set to take place in March of next year. Each event will take place in New York City. 

Play with toys at this flower-themed event. | Source: The Toy Insider

On March 14, influencers, media, and trendsetters will come together at Lavan Midtown to explore toy trends at the first-ever Spring Fling toy preview event. Guests can preview products from 35 toy, game, and play companies before they hit retail shelves. Just like at other events hosted by The Toy Insider, guests will enjoy food, cocktails, contests, games, and activations during the event.

Sweet Suite is The Toy Insider’s summer event. | Source: The Toy Insider

The 15th annual Sweet Suite event is The Toy Insider’s second — and largest — toy preview event of the year. On July 17, more than 350 press and digital creators will gather to play with sweet new toys, collectibles, video games, and more from 65 companies. 

Guests can enjoy over-the-top photo ops, contests, games, food, and cocktails at Suite Sweet’s new venue, The Glasshouse. This media event is a fun way to preview hot new toys in a positive, exciting environment. 

Guests can find inspiration for holiday coverage topics at Holiday of Play. | Source: The Toy Insider

The final event that The Toy Insider will host next year is Holiday of Play. On Sept. 17, more than 150 guests will visit Current at Pier 59 for a celebration of gift giving.

At Holiday of Play, guests will see The Toy Insider’s highly anticipated Holiday Gift Guide for the very first time, and get hands-on playtime with toys and games from the Hot 20, 12 Under $20, and STEM 10 lists. They will also get a first look at the season’s top toys from 30 toy companies, discover the latest holiday toy trends, and participate in interactive experiences at the event.  

Each event is carefully designed to highlight the joy of toys while providing guests with an inside, exclusive look at what’s new and trending. The toy experts at The Toy Insider are excited to showcase well-made products and provide guests with unforgettable experiences!

Influencers and press can request invitations and learn more information about each event at thetoyinsider.com/2024-events

The Best Budget Toys on The Hub Today

Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined The Hub Today on NBC in Boston to show off the top toys for shoppers on a budget this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


SHASHIBO WILD SERIES

Tweens can explore the natural world through four of Earth's unique environments — Arctic, Forest, Jungle, and Savanna — each featured on a shape-shifting puzzle box. More than 70 shapes are possible thanks to 36 internal, rare Earth magnets.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $25 EACH
  • Age:
  • 8+

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GUND 12-DAY HOLIDAY ADVENT CALENDAR

This advent calendar brings the cozy to Christmas. It features 12 4-inch plush within an adorable toy store themed package.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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ILY DIY 3D STICKER MAKER AND REFILL PACKS

Kids can make their own custom 3D stickers with sprinkles, glitter, and gem mix-ins. Includes one 3D sticker maker, 30 sticker blisters, 30 sticker backgrounds, 30 double-sided sticker adhesives, one sprinkle packet, two glitter packets, and 250 gems.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

KOOSH FACE-OFF

Play one of three games against your opponent: Around The World, Classic Champ, or Center Toss. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and the target face is reversible to switch between modes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Last-Minute Holiday Toys on Tampa’s News Channel 8

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined News Channel 8 on NBC in Tampa to show off hot toys that procrastinating holiday shoppers can still find at the last minute. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


COWS VS. ALIENS

Get ready to be “moo-ved” by the captivating charm of Cows vs Aliens as they invade the world of collectibles this “Joo-n”! These adorable bean-filled plushies are more than just ordinary toys. With their brightly colored cow and alien designs, Cows vs Aliens are on a mission to captivate the hearts of collectors with their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5
  • Age:
  • 4+

WIXELS

Introducing a new way to color using markers with Wixels Unicorn and Animal Activity Sets. Kids can follow the included color map to create fun, pixelated unicorns, animal art, or create their own design! Watch designs take shape as each square absorbs color into the Wixel Board for a magical 2D outcome. The board is…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SONIC RACERS ASSORTED R/C

These R/C cars feature Sonic the Hedgehog characters behind the wheel in 1:28 scale. The line includes Amy Rose, Silver the Hedgehog, and Sonic.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

ANIME HEROES

These 6.5-inch action figures feature anime characters from titles including Naruto and One Piece. Each figure has 20 points of articulation and comes in manga-inspired packaging.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $21.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

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‘Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast’ Returns for Season 2

Earlier this year, the podcast studio Wondery and Dr. Seuss Enterprises teamed up to launch Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast, a podcast starring everyone’s favorite fuzzy green Christmas thief. Now, a new season of the podcast will launch next fall. 

Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member James Austin Johnson is voicing the Grinch in the podcast, which features a talk show format with special guests including Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson East, WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, actress Skai Jackson, fellow SNL cast member Bobby Moynihan, and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt. 

“The Grinch told me that he found being a talk show host was a surprisingly satisfying experience,” says Marshall Lewy, Chief Content Officer for Wondery in an interview with Variety. “Sure, he was a curmudgeon on set, but Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast gave us all a chance to see the Grinch cracking jokes and hobnobbing with celebrities in a totally new medium. We look forward to bringing him back for more Grinchy snark next holiday season.”

Kids may be months away from hearing the Grinch on their favorite podcast streaming service, but it gives kids something to look forward to!

Eco-Friendly Holiday Toys on Portland’s KOIN 6

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined KOIN 6 on CBS in Portland to show off holiday toys that are great for playtime and great for the environment. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


MY FAIRY GARDEN HOP’S HIDEAWAY

Plant cornflower seeds with Light Fairy Rae and set up Plantimal Hop's Hideaway to watch it grow! Learn more about Hop (who is part tree, part frog), fairies, and plants with the Fairy Field Guide.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

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GUND SUSTAINABLY SOFT DOLLS

GUND’s first sustainable collection of baby dolls. Each doll is sourced from 100% recycled materials, crafted with luxe, ultra-soft recycled plush, fill, and sustainable packaging. Choose from six dolls, each with embroidered facial details, different hair and skin tones. Encourages inclusive, safe, and eco-friendly play. Machine washable.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $20
  • Age:
  • 0+

JET PILOT DASHBOARD

Aspiring pilots can prepare for takeoff with this interactive dashboard, which features lights, buttons, voice playback, a four-position throttle, and more. Kids can turn the steering yolk to move a mini-plane in a scrolling display.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $109.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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LEGO ICONS WILDFLOWER BOUQUET

Crafted entirely from LEGO pieces, the Wildflower Bouquet features eight species of wildflowers on adjustable stems. Budding florists can spend hours building and identifying the blooms inspired by cornflowers, lavender, Welsh poppies, cow parsley, leatherleaf ferns, gerbera daises, larkspur, and lupins. Once complete, these LEGO flowers can be displayed in a vase to become an…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 18+

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SNAP CIRCUITS GREEN ENERGY

Kids can make their own real-working circuits and learn the basics of electronics and alternative energy with this set. With more than 45 parts and 125 projects to explore, kids will gain knowledge about clean energy concepts, including the science behind electric cars, windmills, and hand-generated power.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $104.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

This Monster Jam R/C Is All-Terrain Fun

Get ready to roar with the latest Monster Jam R/C!

One of Monster Jam’s most well-known trucks, Grave Digger, was created out of spare parts scrapped from a junkyard. The monster truck today boasts a huge upgrade, with an edgy black-and-neon-green coloring, a better-quality build, and its signature flame motif. Spin Master is also giving the R/C toy version of the four-time championship title winner an upgrade of its own.

This year, the company introduces the Monster Jam Grave Digger Trax, which features a unique body design and rugged treads that let kids pull off super cool Monster Jam stunts, just like they see at the events. Kids can master everything from front or back wheelies to donuts and more.

The tank treads make this vehicle truly an all-terrain machine, allowing it to power over snow, mud, rocks, and more — it can even travel and float through water. Although this truck packs a lot of power, it’s relatively simple to control with an easy-to-use, dual-joystick remote that makes it manageable for fans ages 4 and up. Plus, kids can really get some range as they control it with the 2.4 GHz controller from up to 150 feet away.

If your kids are ready to roll into a championship title, they’ll want to add this R/C to their wish list. They can conquer any terrain for some rough and tumble, monster truck fun!


MONSTER JAM GRAVE DIGGER TRAX

With the Grave Digger Trax's unique body design and rugged treads, kids can pull off epic Monster Jam-inspired stunts. They can drive in the dirt, over rocks, on grass, and on water with this all-terrain R/C.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

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Super Stocking Stuffer Toys on KATU’s Afternoon Live

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined Afternoon Live on KATU in Portland to show off stocking stuffer toys that are small in size but big on fun. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Buy Now

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PIÑATA SMASHLINGS PIÑATA BOX

Each of these four collectible piñatas comes complete with a piñata stick, a redeemable QR code that enables exclusive DLC content in Roblox, and two Smashlings, one of which is hidden inside the piñata.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99

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COWS VS. ALIENS

Get ready to be “moo-ved” by the captivating charm of Cows vs Aliens as they invade the world of collectibles this “Joo-n”! These adorable bean-filled plushies are more than just ordinary toys. With their brightly colored cow and alien designs, Cows vs Aliens are on a mission to captivate the hearts of collectors with their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5
  • Age:
  • 4+

CATS VS PICKLES LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY

It’s the 12 days of Catmas with the Cats vs Pickles limited edition holiday assortment! This year’s assortment includes festive characters like Noggin’ the eggnog cat, Snuggles the ugly sweater cat, and Brrrrr the Chill Dill.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99-7.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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MGA’S MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI LIFESTYLE

Make and display mini lifestyle collectibles, ranging from mini aquariums with little fish to a mini cactus with tiny bags of soil. There are more than 100 lifestyle materials, packages, and accessories to collect and create.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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MGA’S MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI FOOD CAFÉ & DINER (SERIES 2)

Kids can open the surprise packaging to reveal all of the play ingredients they need to create a miniature, food-themed collectible. The set also includes miniature kitchen accessories and a recipe card.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.99 (café); $9.99 (diner)
  • Age:
  • 8+

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RETRO MAGNADOODLE

Use this pad to practice math facts, work on spelling or draw out worries about going back to school. The ultimate unisex retro magnetic drawing toy for creating fun artwork that erases like magic. Can be used to work on spelling, math, playing games, draw pictures, write messages (secret erasable messages too!), and so much…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

RISK THE 1980’S EDITION

This faithful reproduction features the original artwork and components of RISK from the '80s. Kids can acquire the most armies, play them effectively, and try to conquer the most territories to win the game.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

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BY THE BOOK

In this single-player game, kids will draw one of 40 challenge cards indicating which books they must use and how many of those books they must place horizontally. Then they will try to build a balanced bookshelf following that prompt.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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14-INCH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RAGDOLL

This 14-inch plush Strawberry Shortcake doll features an embroidered face, looped yarn hair, a shiny/glittery fabric outfit, a silky bonnet, and gold shoes with heart accents. The huggable doll smells like sweet strawberries.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $20
  • Age:
  • 3+

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MY FIGURES: RESCUE MISSION

Kids can mix and match Playmobil figures to create the perfect rescue team. The set includes two police officers, two firefighters, one injured person, and two medical staff members. Kids can save the day and complete missions with various accessories, including a house, a hydrant, a water pump, a water syringe, a fire hose, a…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

Top Toy Trends on NBC News Now

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined NBC News Now to talk about what’s trending in toyland this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


POP SOFT MINI ELEPHANTS, SEA TURTLES AND UNICORNS

Pop Art Soft Expands Its Menagerie with New Sea Turtles, Octopus, and Unicorns! Pop Art Soft plushies are known for their colorful and cuddly designs that are fashionable and fun. They’re filled with love, beans, and magic fluff to make them ultra-soft and the perfect weight for cuddling. Pop Art Soft elephants are already popular…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now


ANIME HEROES

These 6.5-inch action figures feature anime characters from titles including Naruto and One Piece. Each figure has 20 points of articulation and comes in manga-inspired packaging.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $21.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 4+

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.

POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • 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.

SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS WALKIE-TALKIES

Your super kid can help Peter Parker, Miles Morales, and Gwen Stacey save the day with these Spidey and His Amazing Friends walkie-talkies. Kids can pretend to battle the Sinister Six and communicate with one another from up to 500 feet.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

SONIC RACERS ASSORTED R/C

These R/C cars feature Sonic the Hedgehog characters behind the wheel in 1:28 scale. The line includes Amy Rose, Silver the Hedgehog, and Sonic.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

Toys for Greener Gifting on Fox 45 Baltimore

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined Fox 45 in Baltimore to show off some holiday toys that are great for playtime and great for the environment. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


GUND SUSTAINABLY SOFT DOLLS

GUND’s first sustainable collection of baby dolls. Each doll is sourced from 100% recycled materials, crafted with luxe, ultra-soft recycled plush, fill, and sustainable packaging. Choose from six dolls, each with embroidered facial details, different hair and skin tones. Encourages inclusive, safe, and eco-friendly play. Machine washable.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $20
  • Age:
  • 0+

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK GRIZZLY BEAR GAMES PLAY SET

Pretend to be a hungry bear and play bear food catching, racing, and search-and-find games with this playful introduction to Yellowstone National Park. Plush versions of some of grizzly bears’ favorite snacks stick to self-stick hook-and-loop tabs on bear paw gloves and the snout of strap-on bear heads.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $37.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

MAXX ACTION 3-N-1 MAXX RECYCLER

This 18-inch recycling truck features flashing lights and realistic sounds. Kids can learn to recycle while they pretend to drive the truck, lift the bin, and dump the included pieces into the back.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • 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.

MY FAIRY GARDEN HOP’S HIDEAWAY

Plant cornflower seeds with Light Fairy Rae and set up Plantimal Hop's Hideaway to watch it grow! Learn more about Hop (who is part tree, part frog), fairies, and plants with the Fairy Field Guide.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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.

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts on ABC 7 San Francisco

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined ABC 7 in San Francisco to show off the hot toys that holiday shoppers can still find at the last minute. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


3DOODLER FLOW 3D PRINTING PEN SET

With this kit, teens can craft DIY solutions to everyday problems, make art, design things, and customize their space. They can draw freehand or use one of the hundreds of free online projects to make 3D creations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

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SONIC CHARGERS FIRE HAWK

Create dynamic aerial stunts with the Fire Hawk Sonic Charger by LumiTek Flight. The Fire Hawk flies indoors or out and has three flying modes: 15-second, 30-second, or no-limit flight modes. Get up to 30 flights on one charge (varies on flight mode). Super bright LED lights for spectacular night flights! Includes one Sonic Charger,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • 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.

CRY BABIES CRAWLING

This interactive doll can crawl across the floor, make up to 35 realistic baby sounds, move its arms and legs, cry real tears, and calm down when kids give it a pacifier. It is available in two different styles.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $26.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

Buy Now

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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES MUTANT MAYHEM PIZZA FIRE VAN

This van opens from the front and the back, with room for four Turtles and Splinter (sold separately). Kids can activate the slide-out pizza launcher, which fires up to eight mini pizza pies.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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SNACKLES SUPER SIZED 14-INCH SNACKLES

Satisfy cuddle cravings with these 14-inch plush. Each comes with an origin story comic to tell kids how their Snackle fell in love with its snack. Ranging in styles from Tabasco to Hershey's, there are 11 Super Sized Snackles to collect.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 3+

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Toys for Kids of All Ages on NBC Miami

Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined NBC in Miami to show off the best gift ideas for all the kids on your holiday shopping list. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


COCOMELON DANCING JJ

Kids can press the buttons on JJ's foot to activate three interactive play modes: Learn to Dance, Fast & Slow, and Freeze Dance. JJ's pajamas light up as he dances, sings, and says CoComelon-inspired phrases.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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PRETENDABLES SCHOOL DESK SET

On the outside of the portable school desk are a magnetic blackboard, two built-in utensil cups, and a stand for the learning cards. Kids will open it up and find a magnetic whiteboard, two lidded storage spaces, plus plenty of supplies including chalk, magnetic letters and numbers, magnetic tangram shapes, sight word cards, math cards,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

SHIMMER ‘N SPARKLE GLAM AND GO BEAUTY CADDY

This beauty caddy comes with everything that tweens need to create glam looks at home or on the go. It features trendy lip colors, eye colors, lip gloss, nail polish, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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YUME DZNR PLUSH COLLECTION — TRANSFORMERS

Yume’s DZNR plush collection celebrates iconic characters and stories. The Transformers line features collectible editions of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron. Each plush comes in its own collector’s display box complete with character-specific details.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $16.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

LITE-BRITE SUPER BRIGHT HD DISNEY100

This Disney-themed Lite-Brite set features a high-definition display and the latest LED technology, resulting in brighter colors and clearer images. Comes with templates featuring iconic Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Simba, and more. Kids can switch between different light modes to jazz up their creations.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.97
  • Age:
  • 6+

Drift Off to Adventure with the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine

Story projectors have been around for decades, initially gaining popularity in the 1970s when they were little more than a flashlight that could beam an image on a wall using a transparent slide.

That idea, like most things, has evolved over the years and now that classic play pattern has merged with new technology in the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine.

With this portable, battery-powered projector, kids can watch, listen, and read along with classic stories, starting with a trio from the famed Little Golden Book series.

Kids simply place a book-shaped story cartridge into the side of the Story Dream Machine to start a new adventure. Each story can be projected onto a ceiling or wall (from a recommended distance of 2-6 feet) and includes narration, sound effects, and vibrant lights for a truly immersive experience. The three stories included are Tawny Scrawny Lion, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, and my personal favorite, The Poky Little Puppy (Yes, I had the Little Golden Book!).

But wait, there’s more!

Since “dream” is part of the name, this handy little unit features calming white noise and a nightlight to help little ones drift off to dreamland. Kids can place a bonus figure of The Poky Little Puppy atop the Story Dream Machine to activate new lighting effects while in nightlight mode.

One of my favorite things about the Story Dream Machine is how perfectly portable it is. The flip-up handle and lightweight design make it perfect for travel adventures, and you can store the three story cartridges on the side of the machine.

The Story Dream Machine has been an immediate hit with families since its launch and the library of stories is expanding. Additional Story Packs (sold separately) feature tales from Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, and other titles from Random House Children’s Books with more on the way. Because this is a cartridge-based system, no connection to the internet is needed for additional content.

If you’re looking for something to keep preschoolers engaged, the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine just might be the toy of your dreams!


STORY DREAM MACHINE + STORY PACKS

Project classic children's stories with this machine, which includes three titles, with additional packs sold separately. It features light and sound effects to enhance the story and doubles as a white noise machine.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

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STORY DREAM MACHINE SHOW & GO STORAGE CASE

Take your Story Dream Machine stories on the go! This storage case holds 32 cartidges and 10 characters. It comes with one exclusive fox character and three exclusive Random House Children's Books stories: Pizza Pig, The Lion and the Mouse, and Duck & Cat's Rainy Day.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Toys with Tons of Replay Value on WISH TV

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined WISH TV in Indianapolis to show off some of the holiday season’s best toys that kids will play with again and again. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


STORYTIME WITH SUNNY

Meet a bright, entertaining friend with Storytime With Sunny! Sunny’s expressive personality engages kiddos as she tells stories with surprising plot twists to keep them hanging on her every word. Sunny invites participation in 300+ activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

SPIDER-MAN 6V TECHNO RACER

Kids can pretend to save the day on this quad inspired by Marvel Spidey and His Amazing Friends. It has light-up eyes and rides up to 2 mph with push-button acceleration.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $74
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

Buy Now

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SPONGEBOB FULL CONTROL R/C

The SpongeBob R/C cars come in two styles: Krabby Patty and skateboarder Spongebob. Each features dual rubber tires and adjustable front-wheel alignment, plus the transmitter features a functional turbo boost button. The R/Cs allow up to 16 racers at once and have a range of 150 feet.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

BLUEY HAMMERBARN SHOPPING PLAYSET

Kids can go on a shopping trip with the Heeler family with this playset, which has nine play areas and an elevator. It plays more than 45 sounds and phrases from the show and comes with exclusive Bluey and Bingo figures.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • 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.

COWS VS. ALIENS

Get ready to be “moo-ved” by the captivating charm of Cows vs Aliens as they invade the world of collectibles this “Joo-n”! These adorable bean-filled plushies are more than just ordinary toys. With their brightly colored cow and alien designs, Cows vs Aliens are on a mission to captivate the hearts of collectors with their…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5
  • Age:
  • 4+

BUMBUMZ

Kids can collect these 7.5-inch, super-soft, collectible plush in different themes, including retro, sports, food, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $8.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now

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CRAYOLA COLOR WONDER

Color Wonder offers a mess free, magic reveal coloring experience that keeps kids busy and engaged by the freedom to be creative, choose their colors, and design their own unique way. The new Color Wonder Foldalopes include Cocomelon and Spidey & His Amazing Friends. Holds everything in one place and features 18 themed coloring pages…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99-7.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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POKÉMON 2023 PUZZLE COLLECTION

Look through this collection of 500- and 1,000-piece puzzles and try not to catch buy ‘em all, we dare you. Each one features exclusive Pokémon artwork and designs.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $16.99-19.99

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The Best Stocking Stuffer Toys on Suncoast View

Toy Insider’s Chief Toy Officer Laurie Schacht joined Suncoast View on ABC in Sarasota to show off stocking stuffer toys that are small in size but big on fun. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


CRY BABIES MAGIC TEARS STARS TALENT BABIES

This lineup features eight dolls that cry real tears. Each doll comes with more than six surprises and has outfits based on its hobbies.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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MINI BRANDS SERIES 5 CAPSULE

There are more than 90 miniatures of favorite brands to collect, including rare surprises. Discover iconic brands including Campbell's, Tabasco, Post-It, Maruchan, and more. The Mini Brands capsules are now made of certified recycled plastic.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.49
  • Age:
  • 3+

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POP SOFT MINI ELEPHANTS, SEA TURTLES AND UNICORNS

Pop Art Soft Expands Its Menagerie with New Sea Turtles, Octopus, and Unicorns! Pop Art Soft plushies are known for their colorful and cuddly designs that are fashionable and fun. They’re filled with love, beans, and magic fluff to make them ultra-soft and the perfect weight for cuddling. Pop Art Soft elephants are already popular…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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PUDGY PENGUINS FIGURES 1 PACK WINDOW BOX (S1) + DIGITAL EXPERIENCE REDEMPTION CODE

Adopt your Pudgy Penguins forever friend! Each of these 4.5 inch collectible figures come with interchangeable accessories and a redeemable code, unlocking digital penguin customization using trait boxes. You can obtain rare traits, have a unique Pudgy Penguin registered to your name on the blockchain, and trade traits on the Pudgy Penguin marketplace!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

DISNEY DOORABLES SERIES 10

Behind every door, a surprise is in store with Disney Doorables Mini Peek Series 10 collectible figures Open the doors to unbox a guaranteed five figures, but perhaps six – or even seven. Series 10 celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, and includes 80 characters from a century of epic storytelling. Some…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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WUBBLE BUBBLES GROOVY GLOW WUBBLE

It looks like a bubble and plays like a ball, now it goes “boing” when it bounces. The ball wobbles, morphs, and floats through the air like a bubble. Comes in a funkadelic tie-dye design that glows in the dark as it wobbles, morphs, and floats through the air like a bubble. The Groovy Glow…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-$24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

TINY WUBBLE

The Tiny Wubble looks just like a bubble but plays like a ball. Kids can inflate it in seconds — no pump required. Available in Tiny Glo Wubble and Tiny Groovy Glow Wubble. Tiny Glo Wubble glows green and Tiny Groovy Wubble has a groovy 70s-inspired tie-dye pattern. Includes one Tiny Wubble and a nozzle.…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5.99-6.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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THE YELLOWSTONE PARTY GAME

In this game of hidden motives, players are either loyal or disloyal, and nobody knows who to trust. It’s game over when someone reaches the train station.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99

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SONIC CHARGERS FIRE HAWK

Create dynamic aerial stunts with the Fire Hawk Sonic Charger by LumiTek Flight. The Fire Hawk flies indoors or out and has three flying modes: 15-second, 30-second, or no-limit flight modes. Get up to 30 flights on one charge (varies on flight mode). Super bright LED lights for spectacular night flights! Includes one Sonic Charger,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

24 Family Games and Activities for a New Year’s Night In

As next year rapidly approaches, you might be trying to decide on how to spend the night with the ones you love — don’t worry, we got you covered! 

Each family member might want to celebrate the new year differently, but the most important part is celebrating together. Your New Year’s night in can combine video games, outdoor activities, and more as a way to satisfy everyone’s definition of family time. 

You can start the night with a few board games, add some card games, maybe throw in a karaoke session, and end the night with an epic lightsaber battle, if you so desire. New Year’s Eve is also the perfect time to invent new Barbie doll scenarios with your kids, or race to see who can complete a puzzle with only 20 minutes and 24 seconds on the clock.

Whether your kid opens a one night only, New Years Eve nail salon, or wants to battle the family in a breakfast food-themed game, you’re sure to have a wonderful time ringing in 2024 with these six activities and games.

If these don’t fit your family’s game night vibe, you could also grab something from our Holiday Gift Guide and customize your New Years Eve as you see fit!


WAFFLES VS PANCAKES

It’s a breakfast battle this holiday season with Waffles vs. Pancakes! Players choose a side, grab a spatula, and put on a blindfold. Then players race to fill their plate with waffles or pancakes! Collect bonus Food Fighter Cards, and avoid the Totally Toast Card! It’s a fan-flipping-tastic battle packed with fun for the whole…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

PUI PUI MOLCAR LET’S! MOLCAR PARTY!

This Nintendo Switch game is inspired by the series Pui Pui Molcar and features the guinea pigs-turned-automobiles! Kids can play 10 minigames, customize their Molcar, and interact with more than 40 Molcars.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • E for Everyone

MONSTER HIGH GHOULISH GLAM NAIL SALON

Kids can create ghoulish glam styles and design hundreds of spooky nails with this set. It features a “magic mist” feature that cycles through six colors and comes with nail polish and stickers.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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NOLJA PLAY WONDERFUL WORLD PUZZLE

This 100-piece puzzle provides a colorful illustration of the world map, complete with graphics of people, nature, and animals. Kids can also learn about different countries with the included fact sheet, which emphasizes a nation's diversity, traditions, and hidden treasures.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $25
  • Age:
  • 5+

STEP2 SNOW RUNNER SLED

This plastic toboggan-style sled has high sides, a backrest, and a full-length footrest to ensure comfort while racing through the snow. The wide body offers increased stability and the molded-in hand grips help kids tackle hills of any size.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

KANGAROO CRAVINGS

This learn-to-read board game focuses on phonetics and the building blocks of literacy, high-frequency sight words. Players race, either competitively or cooperatively, to be the first to reach the pizza. The game is also totally plastic-free, and made with responsibly sourced materials.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.95
  • Age:
  • 4+

BARBIE DREAMHOUSE PLAYSET

This deluxe doll house has a spiral slide and a spacious floor plan with three levels and 10 living areas. It includes more than 75 accessories and customizable spaces, plus pet-friendly touches including a puppy slide and pet pool.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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STAR WARS FORCE FX ELITE LIGHTSABERS

Combining advanced LEDs and entertainment-inspired sound effects, the Force FX Elite Lightsabers is the most realistic Force FX Lightsaber yet. Use the switch and button on the hilt to activate entertainment-inspired sound effects, progressive ignition, battle clash effect, wall-cutting effect, blaster deflect, duel effect, and battle sequence mode. Proudly display this Lightsaber on the included…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $278.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

IXI KIX

Kids can shoot their shot with the ultimate trickshot game that’s easy to play, yet hard to master! IXI KIX is an action-packed challenge game that tests kids’ skills as they launch the ixi pieces into the targets. Kids can choose their own style and compete against others to score points. Whoever scores the most…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

OKAY, GENIUS…

In this game, players will form opinions about ridiculous questions, like "What is the perfect number of clowns to come out of a clown car?" or "How many pairs of underpants should you own?" Everyone shares their opinions, but the player who is the "genius" for the round is always correct.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.97
  • Age:
  • 14+

LEGO DISNEY 100 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATED ICONS

Kids can choose from 72 Disney characters to create a collage that they can display and rebuild with new characters. The 1,022-piece set comes with an exclusive Mickey Mouse minifigure.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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TROLLS BAND TOGETHER: CRANK UP THE COLOR!

Go on a colorful adventure with Poppy, Branch, and all their Troll friends. Inspired by DreamWorks' Trolls Band Together, this activity book has everything kids love, including codes, mazes, word searches, and more! The book also contains over 30 stickers featuring Poppy and the Trolls.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $7.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

DISNEY PRINCESS BLUETOOTH KARAOKE WITH WIRELESS MIC AND EZ LINK+ TECHNOLOGY

This device can store up to 20 Disney playlists, wirelessly stream audio from any compatible device, and displays a multi-colored LED light show! Parents can download a free app to their preferred streaming service for quick and easy setup. Kids can sing along and record; one wireless microphone is included with optional echo effect. It…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

JUMANJI: WILD ADVENTURES

Step into the world of Jumanji to explore jungles, battle enemies, and recover The Jewel of Jumanji. You can grab up to three friends for exciting local multiplayer adventures filled with puzzles, boss fights, and hidden rooms. Players can play as Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse, Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, and Professor Shelly Oberon to defeat…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99

MONOPOLY GIANT EDITION

Trading property has never been more fun in this oversized and speedy take on the iconic Hasbro board game Monopoly. Players roll the Giant Die and move their Giant Token that number of spaces on the Giant Gameboard! If a player lands on an empty property space, they MUST buy it. Players mark the space…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

5-MINUTE CRAFTS BRACELET MAKING KIT

Inspired by the 5-Minute Craft videos, this bracelet making kit has everything you need to make a cute and colorful bracelet! It comes with beads, chain bracelets, bracelet cords, an instruction manual, and a storage kit. It's part of a larger collection of 5-Minute Crafts activity kits.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99

CLUE: SQUISHMALLOWS

Clue has never been so snuggly! In this version of the classic mystery game, kids must solve the crime of the eaten mac and cheese!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

UNO FLIP! TRANSFORMERS

Hasbro’s Transformers make the jump into Mattel Games’ UNO Flip! The two-sided deck features Autobots on one side and Decepticons on the other. When players play a Flip card, the factions switch. Special rules include the Might of Optimus Prime and the Tyranny of Megatron.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $6.49
  • Age:
  • 7+

SESAME STREET COOKING KIT

Support an interest in cooking while teaching your kid about different cultures! This Sesame Street-themed cooking activity kit includes a recipe book with recipes from around the world. It also includes a Cookie Monster apron, a food-themed memory card game, food bingo, and more activities that will teach your kid important skills.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $54.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

DINOBYTES BATTLE ARENA

Kids can face off with their DinoBytes figures in this battle arena. Kids just put the dinosaurs into the ring and press the button to get the dinosaur to lunge. The first dino to knock the other dino’s helmet off wins.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 3

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SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE

Kids can put on a spooky show with this folding theater stage that comes with 32 fairy-tale characters and background settings all made of soft, durable plastic specially designed for creative shadow play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.95
  • Age:
  • 8+

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ALL IS FOUND: A FROZEN ANTHOLOGY

Follow Frozen characters on new adventures in this anthology of stories. This book features 10 authors, for the 10-year anniversary of the movie. It's available for preorder now and expected to release Nov. 7.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $18.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

SUSHI GO!

Pass the sushi! In this fast-playing card game, the goal is to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. Score points for making the most maki rolls or for collecting a full set of sashimi. Kids can dip their favorite nigiri in wasabi to triple its value. The player who gathers…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $13.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

BUFFALO GAMES AND CEACO PUZZLE LINE

Kids will enjoy hours of fun as they piece together a masterpiece! Buffalo Games' US-made puzzles are designed for everyone, from adults to the whole family. With puzzles for every mood, holiday, or interest, we have something for every puzzler. With a careful eye for quality and sustainability, our puzzles use the thickest graphic board,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99–19.99
  • Age:
  • 14+

Travel-Friendly Holiday Toys on Boston’s Fox 25

Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined FOX 25 in Boston to show off the top toys to keep kids entertained on long road trips this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


GOOGAMES

These handheld, pocket-size, sensory water games come in three styles: fruits, gems, and candies. They feature squishy buttons for tactile play and two removable backer cards, each with three challenge levels.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 4+

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POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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PICTIONARY AIR 2

The original drawing game gets a high-tech boost with Pictionary Air 2! Sketch clues in the air and see them on a device or cast to the TV. Now, with this Pictionary 2 update, players can add points and clear the screen using the pen. Kids can also download digital clue packs for all ages…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $22.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

CRAYOLA ULTIMATE LIGHT BOARD

This kit has everything kids need to create and trace incredible drawings! Features Crayola Light Up Drawing Tablet with six mini washable gel markers. Kids can remove the back of the tablet to trace glowing designs, or keep it blank to make their own. Features built-in marker storage that keeps this art set organized and…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Hot Holiday Toys on CW Charlotte

Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined the CW in Charlotte to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


FURBY

Kids can speak to Furby to activate more than 600 responses in Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, and Lightshow modes. Furby comes with clip-on beads and fashion accessories that kids can also wear.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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FINGERLINGS

These baby monkeys know when they're on kids' fingers. They feature glowing hearts, poseable tails, flocked hair, unique personalities, and more than 70 sounds and reactions. Collect four new characters: Charli, Leo, Ava, and Harmony.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $15
  • Age:
  • 5+

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THE MAGICAL WORLD OF DISNEY TRIVIA GAME: 100 YEARS OF WONDER

This limited-edition version of The Magical World of Disney Trivia game features platinum and white details and original Disney and Pixar sketch art. With questions spanning Disney films from Steamboat Willie to Encanto, this trivia game features cards for both fans and kids so the whole family can join. Players will play as iconic Disney…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

YUME DISNEY 100 SURPRISE CAPSULES

Each capsule contains a figure, unique accessories, a background scene card, and a transforming, 360-degree display. Kids can solve the clues to reveal one of 14 characters in Series 1, including two rare chase characters.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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JET PILOT DASHBOARD

Aspiring pilots can prepare for takeoff with this interactive dashboard, which features lights, buttons, voice playback, a four-position throttle, and more. Kids can turn the steering yolk to move a mini-plane in a scrolling display.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $109.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SKY VIPER HAND-CONTROLLED FORCE HOVER DRONE

Kids can fly the Force Hover Drone without a remote control. The drone's smart sensors detect its surroundings, so kids can toss it into the air and control it with their hand movements.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $22.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Top Trendy Toys on Portland’s KOIN 6

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined KOIN 6 on CBS in Portland to show off what’s trending in toyland this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS METALS CITY TRACK SET

Kids can race the included Spidey and Miles Amazing Metals vehicles down the 24-inch dual racetrack and through nine action zones. Along the way, Spidey and His Amazing Friends fans must escape the collapsing bridge, web swing, and more to save the city from the bad guys.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

MONSTER HIGH SKULLTIMATE SECRETS

With this “spooktacular”-themed unboxing experience, kids will discover a Monster High doll and more than 19 surprises, including fashions and accessories. There are five dolls to collect.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99 EACH
  • Age:
  • 4+

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DRILL AND LEARN WORKBENCH

This interactive workbench comes with power tools, hand tools, a tray, a peg board, and more. When kids place each tool on the bench, they'll hear fun facts and sound effects. Includes nine project ideas for young builders.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.97
  • Age:
  • 3+

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE 3-INCH FIGURES

This collection of classic-inspired, 3-inch figures features Strawberry Shortcake and her gaggle of adorable friends, including Blueberry Muffin, Raspberry Tart, Lemon Meringue, Orange Blossom, and more. Each one is deliciously scented.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $5
  • Age:
  • 4+

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RAINBOW BRITE 3-INCH FIGURES

This collection features several characters from the Rainbow Brite universe, with limited-edition figures such as the metallic Rainbow Brite and the glow-in-the-dark Twink to bolster any true or new Rainbow Brite fan's collection.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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SNOOPY SNO-CONE MACHINE

Kids can make tasty slushy treats with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy van Pelt! This sno-cone machine comes with a real ice shaver for making the most authentic slushy drinks. Simply add ice, shave ice, pour in fruit punch flavor drink mix, and drizzle syrup on top for the ultimate Peanuts-themed sno-cone! Features Snoopy sno-cone…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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X-SHOT INSANITY MOTORIZED RAGE FIRE BY ZURU

Kids can load up this blaster's 40-dart, auto-feeding belt to take out multiple targets in seconds. It also comes with accessories and dart storage to hold an additional 46 darts to stay locked and loaded during battle.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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Toys With Tons of Play Value on NBC Phoenix

Toy Insider Senior Editor Nadia Velit joined NBC 12 in Phoenix to show off some of the holiday season’s best toys that kids will enjoy plating with again and again. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


RAINBOCORNS MERMAIDCORN SURPRISE

Kids can hatch open an egg to unbox a new plush friend and more than 35 surprises. There are six Mermaidcorns to collect, each with a peel-and-reveal heart to tell kids what their Mermaidcorn loves.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $26.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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DISNEY PRINCESS BLUETOOTH KARAOKE WITH WIRELESS MIC AND EZ LINK+ TECHNOLOGY

This device can store up to 20 Disney playlists, wirelessly stream audio from any compatible device, and displays a multi-colored LED light show! Parents can download a free app to their preferred streaming service for quick and easy setup. Kids can sing along and record; one wireless microphone is included with optional echo effect. It…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

MAGIC TRACE GLOW TO SHOW STUDIO

When kids shine the light on the included sheets of paper, they will reveal outlines of surprise images that they can trace. The set includes 24 art reveal pages, 10 dual-tip markers, 10 premium crayons, and the light bar.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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FURBY

Kids can speak to Furby to activate more than 600 responses in Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, and Lightshow modes. Furby comes with clip-on beads and fashion accessories that kids can also wear.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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GIANT CONNECT 4

The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

Super Stocking Stuffers on FOX 13 Tampa

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined FOX 13 in Tampa to show off stocking stuffer toys that are small in size but big on fun. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


FOODIE MINI BRANDS SERIES 2 CAPSULE BY ZURU

Kids can discover replicas of their favorite fast food brands in miniature versions. There are more than 95 miniatures to collect, including rare gold and ultra-rare frozen moments.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $8.49
  • Age:
  • 3+

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CRY BABIES MAGIC TEARS STARS TALENT BABIES

This lineup features eight dolls that cry real tears. Each doll comes with more than six surprises and has outfits based on its hobbies.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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PIÑATA SMASHLINGS PIÑATA BOX

Each of these four collectible piñatas comes complete with a piñata stick, a redeemable QR code that enables exclusive DLC content in Roblox, and two Smashlings, one of which is hidden inside the piñata.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99

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POKÉMON TCG MY FIRST BATTLE

Young trainers can get the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) experience through fast decks with simplified rules designed for beginners. Kids will learn the difference between active and benched Pokémon, how to attack and evolve, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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COMPOUND KINGS BUTTER CLOUDZ TUBS

These tubs are filled with stretchy, non-drying, soft, non-sticky DIY slime that reduces screen time and boosts little ones’ imagination! These tubs come in multiple flavors and themes and are great stress busters for anxious children. The slime is a moldable soft compound to create endless shapes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Crayola and TheSoul Team Up to Help Kids Craft Their Own Christmas

Things are getting extra crafty this Christmas!

In partnership with TheSoul Publishing, Crayola is bringing its crafty colorful magic to Christmas this year with a full playlist of holiday-themed crafts. The playlist, Magical Winter Moments || Holiday Crafts, will be featured on the YouTube Kids’ home screen starting today. It encourages kids to take the holidays into their own hands as they decorate the tree, fold paper into new forms, and more.

Make ornaments and more! | Source: Crayola

The first episode in the new playlist includes all sorts of ornaments kids can make for the Christmas tree. They’ll be needed since a mischievous cat has decided to knock the tree down! Next up is a collection of home decorations made with Crayola clay. Whether kids want to create a clay menorah or wreath for the door, there’s a craft perfect for them.

If they aren’t done DIY-ing, they can also enjoy the third video, featuring paper crafts. Kids can make their own folded paper tree or a handprint angel with the help of Crayola paint and markers. Finally, the whole family can get together to create a gorgeous window display and handprint wreath.

The playlist is available now on Crayola’s YouTube channel for kids who are eager to help spread the holiday cheer this year. Grab your hot chocolate and candy canes and settle in for a night of family crafting this Christmas thanks to Crayola!

IMC Toys’ Cry Babies Newborn Helps Kids Explore Nurturing Care

When kids are little, it can be hard for them to understand how to safely interact with newborns. The Cry Babies Newborn from IMC Toys helps toddlers learn how to interact with and soothe newborns and infants. 

There are two dolls in this lineup: Coney and Molly. Coney is a baby doll with light skin, pink hair, and matching pink jammies while Molly has darker skin, purple hair, and matching purple jammies. Both dolls come with a pacifier, a bottle, and a teether. 

Designed for toddlers ages 18 months and up, the Cry Babies Newborn cries real tears and sounds just like an actual crying baby. To get the baby doll to cry real tears, adults need to fill the water tank on the back of the baby’s head. Once the newborn is ready to play, kids can learn how to soothe it by feeding it, giving it a teether, and using its pacifier. 

Kids can also interact with the newborn using the included bracelet. When kids are wearing the bracelet, the baby identifies them as its caregiver and is comforted by their presence. Just like with any other baby doll, kids can swaddle the newborn in its blanket, put it to bed, and gently play with it like a real baby! While kids can mainly interact with the Cry Babies Newborn as a (pretend) parent, they can also snuggle up with the doll at night. The doll’s head is made out of plastic, but the plush body makes the newborn a great cuddle buddy!

The Cry Babies Newborn is a great way for future older siblings to adapt to having a baby in the house and helping take care of it. However, parents who already have a newborn might not want to add more noise to the house. 

Even if kids aren’t going to be an older sibling in the future, the Cry Babies Newborn is great for teaching kids to be gentle and nurturing with other little ones.


CRY BABIES NEWBORN

This newborn doll cries real tears and will calm down when kids give it a pacifier. Available in two styles, each comes with a bracelet that kids can wear so that the doll will recognize and interact with them.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

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Victory Smells Sweet When Playing Farting Frenchies

Most people love man’s best friend, even if they are a little smelly at times. Boss Dog Games’ latest endeavor dives right into a world of smells and French Bulldogs.

Designed for kids ages 7 and up, Farting Frenchies is a game where players must build their pack of French Bulldogs. To collect Frenchies, kids must play stink cards like Grandma’s 50 Year Old Carpet, Midnight Bean Burrito, and Super Sweaty Gym Shoes. Each Frenchie has a different level of stink. The more potent your pups, the more points you get!

However, the other players are also trying to build up their stinky army. Players can neutralize their opponents’ smelliness with nice smelling scents like Rose Petal Bubble Bath, Thanksgiving Dinner, and Fresh Off the Lot New Car Smell. They could even go so far as to steal other players’ Frenchies! The game of scents continues until a player draws the end card. Whoever has the most, stinkiest group of Frenchies takes the game! 

Farting Frenchies only takes 15-20 minutes per round, making it the perfect game for a quick activity on a weeknight or a several-round endeavor during family game night. 


FARTING FRENCHIES

In this game of strategy and betrayal, players attempt to build their team of stinky Frenchies. To unlock each Frenchie, players must play stink cards, which can be neutralized by nice-smelling cards played by other players. Whoever unlocks the most Frenchies, wins!

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 7+

These TMNT-Inspired Fugglers Are So Cute and So Ugly

There’s a new twist on your kid’s favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle character, and it’s … cute? Ugly? Funny? Fuggler, the line of funny ugly monsters, recently released Fugglers for your TMNT-obsessed kid and it’s a mutant combination of cute, ugly, and funny.

The Fuggler x TMNT limited-edition collection features the four iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their fuggliest form. Each fuggler has a belt with the first initial of the corresponding TMNT name and a mask that every TMNT fan can recognize. 

The Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello plush monsters are all 9 inches tall, and either have green felt, fuzz, or extra long fur. They also have fake teeth and a BUTT-on hole.

Pizza box packaging | Source: Fuggler

The fugglers also come in a special delivery — a pizza box! The packaging resembles a classic pizza box from the show and depicts which fuggler you received on the side.

TMNT-lovers and Fuggler fans can find information about the limited-edition characters at fuggler.com. Your kid can learn about the TMNT-inspired monster’s fart velocity and phlegm consistency! Each fuggler also exhibits traits from their TMNT character — the Michaelangleo fuggler still loves pizza!

Your kid can add these TMNT-inspired fugglers to their plush collection now. The line is available at walmart.com for any family looking to add some … interesting toys to the toy box.

The Hottest Toys of the Holidays on FOX 5 San Diego

Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm FOX 5 in San Diego to show off the hottest toys of the holiday that kids will be asking for this year. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


DROYD ROMPER

This electric trike features an all-plastic body, a 24-volt battery, a light-up LED front wheel, and more. The Romper has parental controls and can operate at speeds of 3-6 mph.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $139
  • Age:
  • 3+

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AIR TOOBZ

This STEM-based set features a kid-safe turbine that sends foam balls flying through a network of modular tubes and connectors that kids can arrange however they'd like for fun and educational experimentation.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $139.95
  • Age:
  • 3+

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NERF ELITE 2.0 DOUBLE PUNCH

This motorized blaster has two alternating barrels that move back and forth as kids blast foam darts. It comes with 50 darts in two colors and two 10-dart clips to launch 20 darts in a row.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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BEAST LAB

As kids add ingredients to this experiment-based playset, they'll activate sounds, lights, fizzing bubbles, and mist to unleash one of two beasts. When kids reset the beast or repeat the experiment, the beast can evolve with new ways to play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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GIANT CONNECT 4

The Giant Connect 4 Set is the classic gameplay that kids know and love only now in jumbo size for outdoor parties and for group gatherings. The Connect 4 game set is designed for both adults and kids, making it a versatile option for family fun in the backyard. This yard game set takes just…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $199.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

LASER X ULTRA DOUBLE BLASTERS

This laser tag set features blaster beams that can bounce off walls to hit opponents up to 300 feet away. The receiver vests let kids know which opponent blasted them.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Toys for Kids of All Ages on Arizona’s Daily Mix

Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm Arizona’s Daily Mix on KZAT to show off the best toys for all the kids on your holiday shopping list, from toddlers to tweens. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


BÉBE FUERTE STACK & COUNT KETTLEBELL

This kettlebell-style stacker is part of a language-inclusive TOMY collection. Babies and toddlers can learn to count or stack or pretend to workout with this kettlebell-inspired toy.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.84
  • Age:
  • 6 MOS+

PRETENDABLES SCHOOL DESK SET

On the outside of the portable school desk are a magnetic blackboard, two built-in utensil cups, and a stand for the learning cards. Kids will open it up and find a magnetic whiteboard, two lidded storage spaces, plus plenty of supplies including chalk, magnetic letters and numbers, magnetic tangram shapes, sight word cards, math cards,…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID UNDER THE SEA EXPLORING ARIEL

This Ariel doll can speak and sing “Part of Your World” while its tail lights up. It includes a dinglehopper, a seashell, and hair clip charms. Kids can play with the doll in or out of the water.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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LITE-BRITE TOUCH

Press the board's color-changing buttons and watch as they light up, then keep pressing to change colors. Create new images using the included instructions or design your own. This version also features games to play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $29.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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MGA’S MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI LIFESTYLE

Make and display mini lifestyle collectibles, ranging from mini aquariums with little fish to a mini cactus with tiny bags of soil. There are more than 100 lifestyle materials, packages, and accessories to collect and create.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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WWE WREKKIN’ SLAM CRUSHER MONSTER TRUCK

This 12-inch-tall, WWE-inspired monster truck features eight pull-apart pieces and four removable tires so kids can transform its look. The truck bed's corkscrew tornado launcher can send action figures (not included) flying.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Get Squishmallows with McDonald’s Happy Meals

There’s good news for fans of Squishmallows!

The Squishmallows Happy Meal is making its long-awaited debut at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

Earlier this year, the partnership between McDonald’s and Jazwares launched in select global markets. Now, for a limited time while supplies last, U.S. fans can join in on the fun when the meal hits participating restaurants on Dec. 26.

Fans have collected Happy Meal toys for decades, but they have never had the opportunity to collect up to 12 Squishmallows characters with the purchase of a Happy Meal until now. Iconic characters, such as Cam and Fifi, will be a part of the lineup, as well as everyone’s favorite McDonaldland character Grimace. Plus, there’s a surprise mystery character that select fans may uncover when they open their Happy Meal toy.

Each character comes with a unique playlist, courtesy of Universal Music Group. This is a first for Happy Meal toys. Families can scan the QR code on the Happy Meal box to access each Squishmallow’s playlist, which has been carefully curated based on its unique and fun personality.

Prove Your Loyalty in the Yellowstone Party Game

Games aren’t just for kids. For grownups looking for some fun social time while also celebrating one of the hottest shows on TV, Wilder brings us the Yellowstone Party Game. 

Designed for 4-8 players ages 17 and up, this game is great for a crowd. Rooted in social deduction, the game challenges players to figure out who is loyal and who is disloyal while trying to solve a crisis. 

Yellowstone is a massively popular drama about a particularly complicated family of ranchers. The show is packed with grit, mysterious murders, questionable loyalty, and more — and all of that is reflected in the game. 

Fans will choose from 12 characters to play as, including many of the Duttons, Thomas Rainwater, the Beck Brothers, Governor Perry, and more. Each player then grabs a decoder and three solution cards, and one player draws a crisis card to see what problem everyone needs to solve — and here’s where the fun begins. 

Players pass around the same crisis card and put it into their decoder. If they can see the crisis, then they are loyal, but if they can’t and the crisis card remains blank, that means they are disloyal. Much like the plot of Yellowstone, everything is a secret and everyone has to try to read the other players to figure out what is going on. 

Next, players will play solution cards in response to the crisis. Some of the solutions will make sense, since those players knew what the crisis was. Others won’t make any sense at all, but everyone gets to discuss their suspicions, guesses, and theories openly. Players can defend themselves and each other, and those who are disloyal must try to hide in plain sight. 

If a disloyal player is accused and found, they lose a point. The game ends when any one player gets -5 points. 

Some players in the Yellowstone Party Game will know the crisis, while others are in the dark. | Source: Wilder Games

The game features 50 different crisis cards, so you can play for quite awhile before ever repeating a card. Inspired by the show, the crisis cards include things like “John Dutton has a stomach ulcer” or “the Duttons don’t have enough money to keep the ranch.” Solutions include “call a doctor,” “call a lawyer,” and “use blackmail.” Some solutions played by disloyal players could have some hilarious responses if they don’t fit the crisis. 

Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of Yellowstone, you can still have a great time playing this game. For those who are big fans of the show, there’s so much to enjoy. You can re-live your favorite moments from the show, bond over the best quotes, and even just get a refresh on what happened in past seasons. 

Similar in play to popular social deduction games like Mafia and Werewolf, Yellowstone provides the fun of openly judging other players with a pop-culture twist to delight fans of the show.


THE YELLOWSTONE PARTY GAME

In this game of hidden motives, players are either loyal or disloyal, and nobody knows who to trust. It’s game over when someone reaches the train station.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99

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Watch ‘Trolls Band Together’ at Home This Holiday Season

The glittery, music-filled world of Trolls is making its way to your home!

As it continues its theatrical run, DreamWorks Animation’s newest installment of the blockbuster family franchise, Trolls Band Together, is now available on digital platforms where you can buy or rent from Universal Home Entertainment.

Trolls Band Together showcases an incredible soundtrack of beloved classics and original songs, including *NSYNC’s new single “Better Place.” The movie also has a star-studded cast full of talented actors, musical superstars, and comedic powerhouses. The film stars returning voice talent and Academy Award nominees Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) and Justin Timberlake (The Social Network), alongside Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (How to Train Your Dragon franchise), Icona Pop duo Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjelt, Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), Anderson .Paak, Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory), and Ron Funches (Harley Quinn).  

Trolls Band Together also brings a vibrant lineup of new voice actors to the franchise, including Camila Cabello (Cinderella), Eric André (Sing 2), Amy Schumer (Trainwreck), Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon), Troye Sivan (The Idol), Daveed Diggs (Hamilton), Kid Cudi (Don’t Look Up), Zosia Mamet (The Flight Attendant), and RuPaul Charles (RuPaul’s Drag Race).

Trolls Band Together follows Poppy and Branch on their latest adventure. As the new couple grows closer, Poppy discovers Branch’s secret past as a member of her favorite boyband, BroZone, with his four estranged brothers. When Branch’s brother Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious popstars, Branch and Poppy embark on an action-packed journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd. Along the way, Poppy discovers a family secret of her own, a long-lost sister named Viva.

The joyful, musical world of Trolls Band Together will have kids singing and dancing again and again this holiday season.

The Year’s Hottest New Toys on PIX 11 New York

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined PIX 11 in New York to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


GO! GO! SMART WHEELS SPIRAL CONSTRUCTION TOWER

Kids can roll a toy truck over SmartPoints to hear phrases about feelings, construction, and cleaning up. Build first words and motor skills with this talking dump truck and track set.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $60
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS+

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COCOMELON DANCING JJ

Kids can press the buttons on JJ's foot to activate three interactive play modes: Learn to Dance, Fast & Slow, and Freeze Dance. JJ's pajamas light up as he dances, sings, and says CoComelon-inspired phrases.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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SPACE ROVER DELUXE CODING ACTIVITY SET

With simple push-button coding, kids can code their space rover through customizable mazes and coding challenges. Comes with a coding rover, an astronaut, a flag, space rocks and obstacles, maze tiles, and coding cards.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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TAMAGOTCHI UNI

This Tamagotchi comes on a wearable wristband so kids can nurture their pet on the go. They can explore the Tamaverse to meet other characters and connect multiple devices to play with friends, exchange items, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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ILY DIY 3D STICKER MAKER AND REFILL PACKS

Kids can make their own custom 3D stickers with sprinkles, glitter, and gem mix-ins. Includes one 3D sticker maker, 30 sticker blisters, 30 sticker backgrounds, 30 double-sided sticker adhesives, one sprinkle packet, two glitter packets, and 250 gems.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

IXI KIX

Kids can shoot their shot with the ultimate trickshot game that’s easy to play, yet hard to master! IXI KIX is an action-packed challenge game that tests kids’ skills as they launch the ixi pieces into the targets. Kids can choose their own style and compete against others to score points. Whoever scores the most…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

Budget-Friendly Holiday Toys on Boston’s Fox 25

Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined FOX 25 in Boston to show off some hot holiday toys that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


FURBY

Kids can speak to Furby to activate more than 600 responses in Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, and Lightshow modes. Furby comes with clip-on beads and fashion accessories that kids can also wear.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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FINGERLINGS

These baby monkeys know when they're on kids' fingers. They feature glowing hearts, poseable tails, flocked hair, unique personalities, and more than 70 sounds and reactions. Collect four new characters: Charli, Leo, Ava, and Harmony.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $15
  • Age:
  • 5+

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POKÉMON X SQUISHMALLOWS

Kids can snuggle up and play with these ultra-collectible, ultra-squeezable Pokémon Squishmallows plush. Pokémon Trainers can collect Pikachu, Gengar, Snorlax, and Togepi, each officially licensed by The Pokémon Co. International.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $17.99
  • Age:
  • 0+

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CATS VS PICKLES LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY

It’s the 12 days of Catmas with the Cats vs Pickles limited edition holiday assortment! This year’s assortment includes festive characters like Noggin’ the eggnog cat, Snuggles the ugly sweater cat, and Brrrrr the Chill Dill.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99-7.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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JET PILOT DASHBOARD

Aspiring pilots can prepare for takeoff with this interactive dashboard, which features lights, buttons, voice playback, a four-position throttle, and more. Kids can turn the steering yolk to move a mini-plane in a scrolling display.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $109.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SKY VIPER HAND-CONTROLLED FORCE HOVER DRONE

Kids can fly the Force Hover Drone without a remote control. The drone's smart sensors detect its surroundings, so kids can toss it into the air and control it with their hand movements.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $22.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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Hot Toys for $30 and Under on ABC Memphis

Toy Insider Senior Editor Nadia Velit joined ABC in Memphis to show off hot toys that holiday shoppers can find for $30 or less. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.



REEL BIG CATCH GAME

Players use a fishing pole to catch nine telescoping fish. Then, they use the measuring tape on their catch to explore the correlation between size and measurement and the concept of small, medium, and large.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SONIC RACERS ASSORTED R/C

These R/C cars feature Sonic the Hedgehog characters behind the wheel in 1:28 scale. The line includes Amy Rose, Silver the Hedgehog, and Sonic.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

The Year’s Hottest New Toys on Portland’s KOIN 6

Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined KOIN 6 on CBS in Portland to show off the hot toys that kids are asking for this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


CRAFT YOUR OWN POMPOM PURSE

This kit includes everything kids need to make their own fluffy, ombre purse. The purse is big enough to hold multiple items and kids can style it cross-body or handheld.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $17.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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L.O.L. SURPRISE! SQUISH SAND MAGIC HOUSE WITH TOT

Dig through kinetic sand to discover hidden surprises inside this playset, which is sized for L.O.L. Surprise! Tots. Kids will uncover a doll and a variety of furniture and accessories for the house.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES MUTANT MAYHEM PIZZA FIRE VAN

This van opens from the front and the back, with room for four Turtles and Splinter (sold separately). Kids can activate the slide-out pizza launcher, which fires up to eight mini pizza pies.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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POKÉMON SCARLET & VIOLET 151 ELITE TRAINER BOX

This expansion features all original 151 Pokémon from the Kanto region, re-imagined in Paldea. Includes nine Scarlet & Violet — 151 booster packs, a Snorlax illustration rare-style promo card, accessories, and a collector's box.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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SUPER MARIO BROS. WONDER

Classic Mario side-scrolling gameplay is turned on its head with the addition of Wonder Flowers, which trigger unexpected moments in a course, such as pipes coming alive, characters transforming and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $59.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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BEAST LAB

As kids add ingredients to this experiment-based playset, they'll activate sounds, lights, fizzing bubbles, and mist to unleash one of two beasts. When kids reset the beast or repeat the experiment, the beast can evolve with new ways to play.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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‘Bluey’ Fans Can Head to the Heeler House in Chicago

Everyone’s favorite little blue heeler is coming to Chicago!

CAMP stores are always full of fun, with a space designed for both shopping and play. We already told you about the Bluey x CAMP experience in Los Angeles, featuring some of the show’s locations for kids to explore in person. Now, CAMP’s Chicago flagship store is the second stop on the Bluey x CAMP tour.

CAMP and Bluey are headed to Chicago. | Source: CAMP

Like the Los Angeles location, Bluey x CAMP in Chicago will have a 5,000-square-foot home inspired by Bluey’s house in the series. Little fans can enjoy the full experience with Bluey games like Keepy Uppy and Magic Asparagus; dancing in Bluey’s playroom; a pillow fort and cardboard box castle to explore; a Bluey animation created for the event; Easter eggs referencing episodes from the show scattered throughout; Bluey goods to shop; and a meet-and-greet with Bluey and Bingo.

The new Bluey x CAMP experience will open May 24 at the Midwest flagship store in Chicago. Tickets are available for purchase at camp.com.

Hot Holiday Toys on Spectrum 1 News Los Angeles

Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined Spectrum 1 News in Los Angeles to show off the hot toys kids will be asking for this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


STORY DREAM MACHINE + STORY PACKS

Project classic children's stories with this machine, which includes three titles, with additional packs sold separately. It features light and sound effects to enhance the story and doubles as a white noise machine.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $49.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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MAXX ACTION 3-N-1 MAXX RECYCLER

This 18-inch recycling truck features flashing lights and realistic sounds. Kids can learn to recycle while they pretend to drive the truck, lift the bin, and dump the included pieces into the back.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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SHIMMER ‘N SPARKLE GLAM AND GO BEAUTY CADDY

This beauty caddy comes with everything that tweens need to create glam looks at home or on the go. It features trendy lip colors, eye colors, lip gloss, nail polish, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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BEYBLADE BURST QUADSTRIKE LIGHT IGNITE BATTLE SET

This battle set comes with a Beystadium featuring Glow Tech, two right/left-spin launchers, and two extra Armor Tips (stamina and defense types). Glow Tech changes the color appearance of the tops as kids battle.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $66.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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SQUISHMALLOWS TAKE 4

In this game, players must collect cards from one of four squads: Classic, Sealife, Fantasy, and Food. Whoever collects a full squad first wins! In each round, four new cards are displayed. Players must pick which card they want to collect, but if another player also wants the card, whoever grabs the exclusive Benny the…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

DISNEY DOORABLES SERIES 10

Behind every door, a surprise is in store with Disney Doorables Mini Peek Series 10 collectible figures Open the doors to unbox a guaranteed five figures, but perhaps six – or even seven. Series 10 celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, and includes 80 characters from a century of epic storytelling. Some…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 5+

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Toys to Get Kids Movin’ & Groovin’ on CT Live

Toy Insider Parent and Contributing Editor Charlene DeLoach joined CT Live on NBC in Hartford to show off the best new toys that inspire kids to move, dance, and be active this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


TWISTER AIR

In this app-enabled, augmented-reality spin on Twister, players can strike poses to music beats as they match their wrist and ankle bands to the colored spots on screen. The game includes eight Twister Air bands and a device stand.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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FISHER-PRICE LAUGH & LEARN MIX & LEARN DJ TABLE

This interactive, educational activity table features a piano with three ways to play, plus 12 fine motor activities and three Smart Stages learning levels to keep babies engaged as they grow.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $44.99
  • Age:
  • 9 MOS+

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MONOPOLY GIANT EDITION

Trading property has never been more fun in this oversized and speedy take on the iconic Hasbro board game Monopoly. Players roll the Giant Die and move their Giant Token that number of spaces on the Giant Gameboard! If a player lands on an empty property space, they MUST buy it. Players mark the space…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

KOOSH FACE-OFF

Play one of three games against your opponent: Around The World, Classic Champ, or Center Toss. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and the target face is reversible to switch between modes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $39.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

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EASTPOINT SPORTS PREMIUM AXE THROW TARGET GAME

Grab your safety axe, take aim at the target, and go for the bullseye! This heavy-duty axe throwing target can be set up in the grass, sand, or pavement and is perfect for playing at the beach, park, or in the backyard. STURDY STEEL FRAME: The target frame stands over 5 feet tall and is…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $99.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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The Best Toys for Pets on Wake Up with Cheddar

Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva joined Wake Up with Cheddar to show off the best gifts for the furriest ones on your holiday shopping list. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.


FRISCO FLIP NAUGHTY/NICE HOODIE

This flashy fleece hoodie keeps your pet comfy, warm and in style this holiday season. Pullover design with stretchy ribbing on the chest makes for a snug fit that’s easy to put on and take off. Flip sequins make for dual graphics that you can change to suit your pet’s behavior. One reads “I’m on…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $12.99

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SQUISHMALLOWS PET BEDS

The bed features the Squishmallows design, and the bolsters create a comfortable headrest. The collection includes different Squishmallows and comes in small (20-inch), medium (24-inch), and large (30-inch) sizes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $34.99-59.99