Want the joy of owning a pet without all the mess? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by Fox 5 San Diego to show off her favorite pet-inspired toys that will keep kids happy without ruining the furniture. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.

merry-mission_build-a-bear-workshopMerry Mission (Build-A-Bear Workshop)

  • Build-A-Bear is excited to continue the story of Merry Mission with Santa’s Reindeers, Glisten, Twinkle and Tinsel, as they make all the toys on Santa’s nice list at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
  • Glisten, the Star-Powered Deer, is the deer that legends are made of. She loves to share her magic with others and learn from her friends while having fun!
  • Twinkle, the Supersonic Deer, has a radiant personality and a supersonic voice that breaks through the darkest clouds! With her ability to speed through the sky, Twinkle sings away the darkness and clears a path for Santa!
  • Tinsel, the Speedster Deer, is a bit shy around others since he’s smaller than most reindeer. But as a Star Deer, he’s got the power of lightning-quick speed within him, and he can control all things electrical with his mighty antlers!
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $25-$28
  • Available: Build-a-Bear Workshop

llp_snuggleslayingLittle Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy (Moose Toys)

  • Snuggles, My Dream Puppy joins Little Live Pets and moves and feels just like a real puppy.
  • Kids can hold him in his arms and give him a hug. They won’t be able to resist his big brown expressive eyes. They can feed him with his bottle and he’ll fall asleep in their arms, dreaming about them!
  • Snuggles even comes with an adoption certificate for kids to fill in make him their own! He is the no mess pup who loves to be loved!
  • With a pat of the head or a rub of the tummy, Snuggles will close his eyes and make adorable puppy sounds. Kids can even watch him breathe. Snuggles moves, feels and responds just like a real puppy!
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $54.99
  • Available: Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

chip_wowwee1CHiP (WowWee)

  • CHiP (Canine Home Intelligent Pet) is the ultimate AI Robotic Dog.
  • CHiP recognizes its master and responds to commands using the included SmartBand, a sleek, rechargeable wearable controller. CHiP also responds to hand gestures and voice commands.
  • CHiP plays fetch and fun games with his SmartBall, interacting in all the ways a real dog would… Roll his ball and he’ll bring it back to you, or play soccer with him. Pick up his front legs and he’ll dance with you. Rub your nose against his and he’ll nuzzle right back.
  • After a day of endless fun, CHiP knows it’s time to head to its special SmartBed and recharge. With a 360-degree system of play that’s physical, digital and tactile, plus an intuitive, evolving app, CHiP is a welcome addition to today’s connected home and fun for all ages.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $199.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Best Buy

zoomer-chimp_spin-masterZoomer Chimp (Spin Master)

  • With lifelike movements and realistic chimp sounds, Zoomer chimp is the closest kids can get to having their own chimp.
  • Zoomer Chimp can follow you, stand up on his own, and recognize commands through his voice recognition technology.
  • He loves to perform tricks – using voice commands like: “Stand,” “Sit,” “Go Bananas,” “Do a flip,” and more.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $119.99
  • Available: Walmart, Kmart, Toys “R” Us

hatchimalsHatchimals (Spin Master)

  • Hatchimals are magical creatures that live inside of eggs. Who’s inside? It’s a surprise!
  • Each egg contains one of two interactive Hatchimals. Kids must and care for their egg as its eyes will light up as it makes cute sounds, telling you how it’s feeling!
  • Once kids have played with it enough, they’ll see rainbow eyes, meaning it’s time to hatch! But, Hatchimals can’t hatch on their own. Kids’ touch encourages them to peck their way out of the egg—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
  • Now, kids get to raise their furry Hatchimal through 3 stages, from baby to toddler, to kid. Hatchimals sing “Hatchy Birthday” each time it enters a new stage!
  • Kids will teach them how to walk, dance, play games and more! It will even repeat what they say in its own voice.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP:$59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, with retail exclusive characters

furreal-friends-torch-my-blazin-dragon-pet_hasbro_2FurReal Friends Torch My Blazin’ Dragon Pet (Hasbro)

  • This amazing pet dragon creature has a spunky personality and engaging features that take pet play to the next level.
  • Share fiery adventures with this adorable plush baby dragon as you watch him breathe flame-colored mist.
  • Bring the color-changing marshmallow treat close to the mist and watch Torch “toast” the treat, then feed it to him and listen as he makes happy munching sounds.
  • Torch features more than 50 sound and motion combinations.
  • The sensors around his nose allow Torch to respond to touch in fun ways. After playing, pull him up close to cuddle by adjusting his poseable arms.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us

Untitled-1Corgi and French Bulldog Puppets (Folkmanis) Untitled-1

  • Show and tell is one of the most exciting experiences at school, and now kids can use their incredible puppets to share their stories.
  • The Corge and French Bulldog are two adorable pups and kids can use them to share their tales.
  • Puppets also encourage interaction between kids, strengthening key social emotional skills necessary for school.
  • They also encourage expressive action, helping kids gain confidence in their ability to positively express themselves.
  • MSRP: $55.99 (Corgi), $29.99 (French Bulldog)
  • Available: Amazon, Folkmanis.com

About the author

Annabelle Canela

Annabelle Canela

Annabelle Canela was an editorial assistant at The Pop Insider, The Toy Insider, and The Toy Book. When she’s not writing about her favorite toys and fandoms, she loves creating poetry, taking her puppy to the park, and chefing up new creations in her Brooklyn kitchen. You can usually catch her reading Spider-Man comic books on the subway or eating dim sum in Chinatown. This New York City native has traveled all over the Caribbean, including to her family’s home country of Dominican Republic. Naturally, she does it all por mi gente.

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