Fall has not officially arrived yet, but that doesn’t mean it is too early to think about what will be the hottest toys for this holiday season. Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by The Today Show on NBC to preview what she thinks will fly off store shelves this holiday season. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the product info below.


love2learn-elmo-plush-toy-and-app_hasbro3LOVE2LEARN ELMO (Hasbro)

  • The LOVE2LEARN ELMO toy delivers the true essence of Sesame Street: With his silly laughs and his creative play, Elmo models a true love for learning!
  • This cuddly plush toy and its accompanying LOVE2LEARN ELMO App deliver a customized play experience for children.
  • Once parents download the free easy-to-use LOVE2LEARN ELMO App, they can program the Elmo toy to know their child’s name, favorite colors, favorite animals, and favorite foods.
  • Additionally, parents can use the app to customize the learning opportunity for their child, choosing from three different content stages and five different subjects, based on their child’s abilities and interests.
  • Ages: 18 months+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Target, Walmart, Amazon

go-go-smart-friends-enchanted-princess-palace2_vtechGo! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace (VTech)

  • This epic palace expands to 4-feet long and has a variety of luxurious rooms including a ballroom, music room, kitchen, bedroom and observation tower.
  • While exploring the palace with Princess Darla, place her on the five MagicPoint locations to experience her friendly personality, lights, and more.
  • When Princess Darla sits at her MagicChat tea set table with a friend (additional characters sold separately), they will interact by chatting and singing with each other.
  • The palace also has a clock with a movable hand and three light-up buttons that introduce words, colors, letters and numbers and songs.
  • Ages: 18 MOS+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us

photo Jeff O'BrienHot Wheels Sky Shock (Mattel)

  • Hot Wheels revolutionizes the race track with Sky Shock, a remote control vehicle that weaves on– and off–ground, up to 200 feet, for the ultimate speed competition.
  • Transform from ground mode to air mode with the push of a button, switching between a land speedster and an aerial stunt plane
  • Includes a built in rechargeable LiPo battery for continuous play and includes USB charging cable
  • Includes extra propellers for non-stop play.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $64.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

simon-air_hasbro2Simon Air (Hasbro)

  • In the new SIMON AIR Game, classic SIMON gameplay gets a modern twist with touch-free technology!
  • Play solo against the new SIMON AIR Game or team up with a friend and work together to remember the sequence, repeat the pattern and conquer the SIMON AIR Game.
  • The Simon game senses every hand motion and registers correct sequences. Stay on top of the game and conquer the speed-increasing levels with double moves, swoop moves, and even moves that light up all four lights!
  • If the pattern is repeated incorrectly, a buzzer will sound and signal the end of the game. The player with the highest score is the winner!
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, 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

y-flyer_yvolutionYFlyer (Yvolution)

  • The Yvolution Y Flyer is a fast, innovative way to travel and have fun at the same time.
  • Kids are the envy of all in the neighborhood as they cruise around on a Y Flyer.
  • With super grip paddles and unique forward propelling motion, the Y Flyer is the ultimate in new and exciting wheeled toy products ensuring a smoother, faster ride.
  • The Y Flyer features motorized pedal power, a hand controlled brake and kickstand. Its strong, durable steel frame folds for easy storage and travel.
  • Age: 7+
  • MSRP: $169.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us

super-duper-art-studio_grown-up2Crayola Super Duper Art Studio (Grow’n Up)

  • Kids can get in touch with their creative side with this four-sided easel!
  • This giant easel converts to a desk and includes a chair.
  • Allows up to four children to create masterpieces at once.
  • Features two chalk boards, two dry erase boards, and clips for paper.
  • Magnetic surface extends the fun, letting kids use magnets for more learning action.
  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Amazon

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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