Just because there’s no sun doesn’t mean there’s no fun. Toy Insider Senior Editor Ali Mierzejewski stopped by Better Western Massachusetts to talk about the best toys and games for rainy days. 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 Color & Erase Mat (Crayola)
- The Crayola Color & Erase Mat is a less-mess solution for bright, colorful play. Simply open up the large reusable mat for your little artist and let their creativity run wild.
- The special marker inks create bold colors that are easily wiped away with water using the included eraser tool.
- When done, simply wipe away the colors and roll up the mat for easy storage and portability.
- Includes a Color & Erase Mat, four markers, an eraser tool, and a wipe tool.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Amazon
LEGO Creative Bricks Set (LEGO)
- Build up a storm with this big box of classic LEGO bricks
- With lots of different windows and doors, along with other special pieces to inspire you, you can really run with your imagination.
- Including a wide range of LEGO bricks in dozens of different colors and frames to start building on, LEGO Classic is designed to inspire open-ended creativity with the
- Ideas included with the set and online at LEGO.com/classic to help you get started
- Comes in a useful plastic storage box. Available in regular, medium, and large.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $16.99 to $49.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Walmart, LEGO stores
Riding Center with Rider, Horses, and Accessories (Schleich)
- This brand new, colorful play set 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.
- 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
- Available: Target, Toys “R” Us, Amazon
Farkle - Take a risk, and keep rolling to build your score, or play it safe so you don’t lose your points in a Farkle.
- It’s a fight to the finish in this fabulously fun game of strategy and luck!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $8.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Amazon
ALEX DIY Knot-A Mermaid (Alex Brands)
- Splash into a comfy mermaid tail!
- Kids can just knot and stitch to make a fabulous glittering climb in blanket.
- All pieces are precut and ready to assemble, including precut glittery fleece and felt shapes, a needle, embroidery floss, and easy instructions.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $27.00
- Available: Summer 2017
Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Switch is designed to go wherever you do, transforming from home console to portable system in a snap. So you get more time to play the games you love, however you like.
- Dock your Nintendo Switch and play in HD. Heading out? Take your game with you in handheld mode.
- Use two Joy‑Con controllers to play face-to-face, or jump online for a 4v4 match. The more, the merrier.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $299.99
- Available: Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Toys “R” Us
