Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Whether you’ve just started or are finishing up your holiday shopping (we fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum), you must check out our Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht showing off amazing gifts that kids will love on The Today Show this morning!
2-in-1 Grocery Store & Puppet Theater (Pacific Play Tents)
- This play tent features a grocery store on one side and a theater on the other.
- Allows kids to engage in hours of imaginative play.
- Features mesh panels, windows, and tunnel ports with roll-up flaps.
- Easy cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Tent carry bag included.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $54.99
- Available at Walmart
Grunting Pig Puppet (Folkmanis, Inc.)
- Kids can entertain their friends and “LOL” with the cuddly Grunting Pig puppet.
- As kids squeeze its pot belly he makes delightful grunting sounds.
- Movable snout, mouth and front trotters.
- Ages 3+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available at Folkmanis.com
Airedale Terrier Puppet (Folkmanis Inc.)
- Known as the “King of Terriers” the Airedale Terrier puppet is ranked with high marks for realism.
- Hard to distinguish from the genuine thing, this puppet features the signature markings of the breed.
- Cradle this cuddly canine in your arms to work his mouth while your other hand wiggles his playful tail.
- Ages 3+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available at Folkmanis.com
Owlet in Tree Stump Puppet (Folkmanis Inc.)
- The OWLET IN TREE TRUNK rests in its stump and pops out for a fun surprise.
- The owlet features soft feathery plush while the textured tree trunk is finished with sweet little fabric leaves.
- Ages 3+
- $27.99
- Available at Folkmanis.com
Ostrich Puppet (Folkmanis)
- The new Ostrich puppet is a rare, beautiful bird with feathery soft plush and lustrous long eyelashes.
- This lovely long-legged creature holds its head up high when you insert your hand into the beak.
- Two handed wing movement allows for pecking, strutting and flapping fun!
- 12-inches long.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available at Folkmanis.com
Imagine by Rubies Costume Kits (Rubie’s Costume Co.)
- With this costume line, boys and girls can dress up as their favorite super heroes.
- Choose among Batman, Superman, Batgirl and more!
- Kits include muscle shirts, capes, masks, and more in small or medium sizes.
- Ages: 3 to 6
- Prices vary.
- Available at CostumeSuperCenter.com
Disney Frozen Cool Tunes Sing-Along Boombox (eKids)
- Little princesses can sing their hearts out with this boombox inspired by the movie.
- Using the real microphone, kids can rock out to built-in music including the hit song “Let it Go!”
- Kids can also connect an audio device to perform a favorite playlist of their own.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available at eKids.com
LeapBand (LeapFrog)
- LeapBand is the first activity tracker designed just for kids to get them up, active, and learning while having fun
- 50 different activities and challenges.
- Tracks kid’s physical activity –the more he/she moves, the more points they earn and are able to unlock additional games, challenges, levels of play, and virtual rewards.
- Features a high-res color screen, built-in accelerometer, rechargeable battery, and a water-resistant design.
- Will be available in green, pink, and blue.
- Ages: 3 to 9
- MSRP: $39.99
- Available at Toysrus.com
Smart Shots Sports Center (VTech)
- Score, learn, and win with the Smart Shots Sports Center!
- Kids can shoot a basket or score a goal with this interactive playset.
- Features an animated LED scoreboard that counts baskets and encourages play with animation.
- 50+ encouraging songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases.
- Helps build fine motor skills and promotes learning through shape and number buttons.
- Includes basketball and soccer ball.
- Ages: 1+
- MSRP: $39.99
- Available at Toysrus.com
Lego
Juniors Fire Emergency (LEGO)
- Sound the alarm! A trash can is on fire and it’s time to call in the brave firefighters!
- Slide down the fire station chute, jump in the fire truck and get that fire under control!
- This fun, fire-themed set is perfect for first-time LEGO brick builders and features a big fire station with an office and a bed for a firefighter to take a nap on, an Easy to Build fire truck with fire hose, and lots of colorful bricks.
- The LEGO Juniors Fire Emergency set also includes inspiring building instructions that will motivate your child to build and create endless play possibilities.
- Includes 2 firefighter nminifigures.
- 123 Piece Count
- Ages: 4 to 7
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available at Shop.Lego.com
Virtual Design Pro Fashion Collection (Crayola)
- Budding designers have everything they need to begin creating their own unique fashions and virtual fashion show.
- Equipped with a 20-page book with fashion templates, colored pencils, markers, stencils, and a pencil sharpener.
- A special app brings kids’ fashion designs to life on a virtual runway.
- Use the app to accessorize the model and customize the fashion show.
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and iPod Touch.
- Comes in a convenient carrying case.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $34.99
- Available at Amazon.com
Tony Hawk Circuit Boards (HEXBUG)
- Kids of all ages can unleash their inner pro-skater with Tony Hawk Circuit Boards!
- Build the ultimate skate park by collecting and connecting all of the Circuit Boards ramp sets! Up to 24 Birdhouse authentic decks to collect.
- Grind the rails, pull off the rock to fakie, or master your own series of gnarly tricks choosing between two ways to play – A) traditional finger board style or B) slap on the power axle and take-off with the remote control, turning on the turbo boost for accelerated ramp action!
- To power on, push and roll the board forward and begin to play. To power off, simply push and roll the board in reverse.
- The most hi-tech motorized skateboard yet – down to the rubber of the wheels, the width of the board, the texture of the grip tape and the look and feel of the ramp sets!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $4.99 – $49.99
- Available at Amazon.com
Treasure Tracker Digital Metal Detector (Scientific Explorer)
- Little scouts are sure to find hidden treasures in the backyard with this handy helper by their side.
- The digital metal detector has all the bells and whistles: an LCD back-lit display, a powerful sensor, volume control, sensitivity control, and an adjustable handle.
- Requires 9 V battery (not included)
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $34.99
- Available at MagicCabin.com
