Hot Holiday Toys on NBC Connecticut

What’s hot in the toy aisle this holiday season? Toy Insider Associate Editor Maddie Michalik stopped by CT Live on NBC Hartford to show off some of the hottest toys of the year. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.

RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES TURTLE TANK (PLAYMATES)

• As seen in Nickelodeon’s new animated series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Donatello builds a villain-bustin’ Turtle Tank to transport the Turtles through New York City and the realms below with all the fire power needed to kick some shell!
• The Turtle Tank is two toys in one. It transforms from vehicle mode into a Mobile Ops unit with a towering secret lab!
• In vehicle mode, the front cab opens and two Turtles can sit inside, driving the brothers into action.
• Then, Donatello’s removable lab rises up and serves as the mobile command headquarters as the Turtles spy and plan to defeat the baddies below.
• The Turtle Tank is compatible with the Shell Hog vehicles (can be connected to each side of the tank) and even fires them off when the Turtles need to get to the battle fast.           
• It is also compatible with Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles basic action figures (sold separately).
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $34.99
• Available: Target, Walmart, Amazon

POMSIES (SKYROCKET)

• Pomsies are loveable, fashionable, interactive plush pets kids can wear and take anywhere!
• Inspired by the pom-pom fashion trend, each Pomsies pet has a soft, cuddly fur face and a tail that kids can wrap around their wrist, hair, backpack, clothing and more.
• They are the ultimate accessory!
• Pomsies are interactive with two modes of play: Virtual Pet Mode and Freeze Dance Mode.
• Pomsies will tell kids when they are happy, sleepy, or hungry with eyes that light up in different colors and adorable sounds.
• Each Pomsie has up to 50 different reactions with sounds only kids can make happen.
• The first series features six characters for kids to collect.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $14.99
• Available: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Justice, Party City, Joann’s

LASER X FUSION (NSI)

• Fusion is a modular system that lets you customize your gear to fit your game.
• The Fusion Set comes with two fusion blasters and accessories that can be used by one person OR shared by two players.
• It comes with a front vest receiver and a micro receiver that can be worn as an armband or back vest. Separate them for 2 players, or one player can wear both. While the micro receiver is smaller, both receivers are equally as effective.
• Kids do not have to hit the receiver precisely to score a hit. The area right around the receiver registers the hit, too.
• When both vests are worn together, the micro receiver activates a “Blast Blocker” that offers three seconds of “invincibility,” where you can’t get hit. You can use this feature every 10 seconds. To activate, just press your front receiver.  
• Fusion comes with everything you need for short- and long-range play.
• All additional Laser X accessories are sold separately.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $79.99 for the complete set
• Available: Target, Meijer, walmart.com and getlaserx.com

L.O.L. SURPRISE! EYE SPY SERIES UNDER WRAPS DOLLS (MGA ENTERTAINMENT)

• L.O.L. Surprise eye spy under wraps includes 15 surprises: a spy glass, a secret message sticker, a surprise code, a bottle, a mystery disguise, shoes, a fashion accessory, an outfit, and L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps doll.
• Find surprise clues with the lol surprise eye spy series spy glass.
• Feed or bathe your lol surprise doll to discover water surprises!
• The capsule becomes a purse carrying case and doll stand.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $15.99
• Available: Amazon, Target, Sears

SHIMMEEZ (BEVERLY HILLS TEDDY BEAR CO.)

• Shimmeez are sparkly, shimmery, two-toned sequin plush.
• They come in three sizes ranging from a backpack clip to an 8-inch and 14-inch plush.
• When you run your hand over the shimmering sequins, the color changes for a magical effect.
• Kids can create their own patterns and designs among the sequins.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: Backpack Clip $3.99; Medium Plush $8.99; Large Plush $16.99
• Available: Walmart Target, specialty stores

HOLLYWOOD RIDES DIE-CAST VEHICLES (JADA TOYS)

• Jada takes iconic Hollywood film and television vehicles from both the past and present and brings them to life with four-wheeled, metal die-cast replicas.
• Each vehicle features a die-cast body and rubber tires and is a must have in any pop culture collection.
• The line features cars from popular entertainment franchises including Transformers, Marvel, and DC.
• Each vehicle features an pening hood, doors, and trunk.
• All of the 1:24 scale collectibles feature exterior styling directly from the movies.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $19.99
• Available: Amazon, Target