Looking for the hottest holiday toys? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by You & Me on WCIU to show off the gifts that will be sure to bring smiles this holiday season. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the items below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.


touch-learn-activity-desk-deluxe_vtechTouch & Learn Activity Desk (VTech)

  • The Touch & Learn Activity Desk is a three-in-one desk with interactive activity cards that’s expandable for more fun and discovery.
  • The desk features an interactive desktop and five pages to explore that are filled wit engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors, and more.
  • Choose from eight expansion packs (each sold separately) that each focus on a specific curriculum like reading skills, animals, and numbers.
  • It also transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard with plenty of storage space for art supplies to encourage play and discovery.
  • The LED display illustrates letter and number stroke order and how to draw basic shapes. For even more fun, toddlers can play with the toy telephone or listen to fun tunes on the music player. Enjoy hours of fun as kids create, discover, and learn.
  • Ages: 2-5
  • MSRP: $54.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

riding-center-with-rider-horses_schleichRiding Center with Rider, Horses, and Accessories (Schleich)

  • This brand new, colorful playset with rider, horses, and additional accessories is guaranteed to provide hours of fun.
  • The riding school can be quickly and easily transformed into an open riding arena. And just like a real horse farm, it has troughs, saddle and bridle holders, and movable gates and windows.
  • It can also be decorated with stickers and adorable flowers to create a personalized riding school.
  • Ages 5+
  • MSRP: $99.99

brynk_winning-moves-gamesBrynk (Winning Moves Games)

  • Will you be able to place your pieces on the teeter-tottering base and get it to stay? Or will you upset the balance and watch as it all comes crashing down in front of you?
  • Completely self contained, package doubles as playing surface and storage container, clean-up is fast and easy, learning to play takes less than 1 minute!
  • Ages: 7+
  • MSRP $19.95
  • Available: Amazon

spirograph-shapes-set_kahootz-toys2Spirograph Shapes Set (Kahootz)

  • Hearts, stars and teardrops… oh my! The classic way for aspiring artists to create amazing designs is getting new pieces for the first time in a generation!
  • This kit features 12 wheels in ALL-NEW unique shapes, as well as 3 new Spirograph rings to create a whole new, never-before-seen assortment of Spirograph designs.
  • The sturdy storage box comes with handy organizer tray, three colorful design markers, two 24-page drawing pads, detailed instruction guide and complete set of new shaped wheels and rings—which are compatible with all other Original Spirograph sets.
  • The creative world of Spirograph is shaping up better than ever!
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart

alex-toys-lil-lockitz-memory-studio_alex-brands4ALEX Toys Lil Lockitz Memory Studio (ALEX Brands)

  • Lil’ Lockitz supplies kids with beads, sparkles, and charms to design a wearable collage that tells a story. Lil Lockitz can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or even a key chain!
  • Memory Maker is a super deluxe design studio for creating Lockitz. With 11 covered compartments there’s room to organize and store all of your charms and locket pieces.
  • Choose the locket you want to make, fill it with the perfect colors and pieces, lock it, and with a turn of the knob, the lights and music infuse the locket with your personal story.
  • The set comes with everything kids need to make 10 Lockitz, including Memory Studio with Locket Display (3 pc), 10 Locket Tops, 10 Locket Backs, 4 Necklaces, 3 Bracelets, 3 Keychain Clasps, 40 Charms, 30 Gems, 16 Backgrounds, Tweezers, and a Photo Stencil.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $29.99
  • Available at Toys “R” Us

 

  • Haywire Group’s latest batch of Worry Eaters, including Wanda, Pomm, Frula, and Biff, is quirky and fun.
  • Each Worry Eater is the perfect confidant for any child who struggles with anxiety and the ability to voice what’s on his or her mind.
  • With the Worry Eater by their side, kids take a sigh of relief as they share their deepest thoughts with their stuffed animal friend.
  • Kids can write or draw on a slip of paper, toss it in the Worry Eater’s Mouth, zip it shut, and instantly feel a weight lift off of their shoulders.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $15.99 (small) and $22.99 (large)
  • Available: Amazon, haywiregroup.com

babw-trollsTrolls (Build-A-Bear Workshop)

  • The new Trolls collection from Build-A-Bear Workshop includes several characters from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film, plus exciting clothing, sounds and accessories, so guests can make their own one-of-a-kind Trolls friend.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $28.99–$58.99
  • Available: Build-A-Bear Workshop

 

 

 

 


trolls-keychains-zuruTrolls Keychains (Zuru)

  • Trolls Mega Keychains are super soft, super-sized 8-inch plush keychains that clip anywhere!
  • They easily attach to school bags, purses or keys and feature favorite characters from the DreamWorks Trolls
  • Each Trolls Mega Keychain comes with an exclusive comb to style the iconic Trolls mane for all occasions.
  • Collect all seven characters for hair-raising adventures!
  • Ages: 1+
  • MSRP: Single Pack, $9.99; 4-pack $34.99
  • Available: Amazon

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

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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