Looking for some holiday gifts that are sure to be a smash? Toy Insider Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski stopped by CBS in Columbus to talk about some great gift ideas that are sure to be a home run with the kids on your shopping list. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.


Crayola Triple-the-fun Art Studio (Grow’n Up Limited)

  • Kids can have a 2-in-1 chalkboard easel and art desk with the Crayola Triple-the-fun Art Studio.
  • Converts from desk to easel in a second and includes a sturdy stool for kids to use while creating. There are removable paper clips for multi-purpose use.
  • There are two storage compartments, giving kids a place to hold their utensils in either mode.
  • Includes: four sheets of colored paper, one eraser, two paint pots, two paint brushes
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us Exclusive

PEPPA PIG LIGHTS & SOUNDS FAMILY HOME (JAZWARES)

  • Kids can enter this lovely 22-inch tall, four-story home with seven rooms and be Peppa’s guest in a home filled with adventure and fun.
  • The playset inspired by the Nick Jr. TV show features three figures: Peppa Pig, George Pig, and Zoe Zebra.
  • There are 13 accessories that bring the house to life with lights and charming sounds.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

FLIPAZOO 2.0 (JAY@PLAY)

  • FlipaZoo 2.0 is two cuddly plush animals in one that flip back and forth for two sides of fun.
  • FlipaZoo is simple and easy to do, and it even doubles as a soft pillow.
  • FlipaZoos also come in mini and jumbo sizes.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Walmart

HEXBUG NANO SPACE COSMIC COMMAND (HEXBUG)

  • With the nano Space Cosmic Command playset, create a narrative for tiny robotic nano bugs and watch them journey into a deep space exploration.
  • Place a nano inside of the rocket ship, take ahold of mission control, explore new terrain, and deliver resources using the Rover.
  • Other features include a rotating gravity trainer, air lock passage, and ion cannon.
  • Includes: two nanos, nano rocket ship, rotating gravity trainer, air lock passage, and ion cannon.
  • Batteries included.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Available: Amazon, Hexbug.com, Target, Toys “R” Us

ULTRA DASH (PLAYMONSTER)

  • Ultra Dash is a fast-paced action game that uses lights and targets to encourage children to test their speed, skills, memory, and teamwork.
  • The active play game provides a thrilling rush of excitement as kids race to match the color of the flashing light on their tagger to the color of the targets!
  • Colors flash randomly and players can change their target course, so it’s a different game each time!
  • Designed for one or more players or teams.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

LEGO STAR WARS FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYER (THE LEGO GROUP)

  • Kids can build the newest adventure in the Star Wars saga with First Order Star Destroyer and recreate scenes from the upcoming blockbuster, The Last Jedi.
  • Join Supreme Leader Snoke as he rules the galaxy aboard the mighty First Order Star Destroyer.
  • Fire the stud shooters to defeat enemy ships and then open the panels to play inside.
  • Ride the elevator to Snoke’s command center and issue orders to the mini hologram.
  • Give the fleet orders from the bridge, prepare for battle in the conference area, get the droids aboard and monitor the ship from the control room.
  • When kids are ready to move out, they can grab the handle on top and zoom into action at hyperspeed.
  • Ages: 9+
  • MSRP: $159.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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