Whether it’s an expanded universe of new characters, places and friends or the sheer size of a ride-on dump truck, with toys bigger is almost always better! Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht dropped by WGN-TV in Chicago to show off some of the hottest toys for the holiday season and set the WGN-TV anchors off on some high-speed fun. Just like the team at WGN-TV, you’ll be speeding off to buy these great toys this holiday season!
Tonka 12V Dump Truck (Dynacraft)
• This full-sized battery-operated dump truck vehicle resembles the toys all little boys play with as they grow up.
• The truck has two passenger seats with adjustable play seat belts.
• Makes authentic Tonka truck sounds and has a forward and backward driving functionality.
• Features a real working dump function for enhanced play.
• Maximum speed of 5 miles per hour.
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $349.00
Giant Leonardo Playset (Playmates Toys)
• A giant, 24-inch articulated Leonardo Ninja Turtle action figure that transforms into a complete Sewer Lair Play Set.
• With over 30 features including spring-activated surprises, false floors, a skate park and so much more, this set provides hours of Ninja fun!
• The play set features 9 different rooms for endless Turtle action play, including Turtles’ Living Room, Splinter’s Meditation Room, Skate Park Half-Pipe, Mikey’s Pad, Turtles’ Dojo, Street Level Lookout Tower, Donnie’s Workshop, Computer Lab and Turtles’ Jail.
• Giant Leonardo includes an 18-inch signature Katana sword.
• Play set is compatible with most Turtles basic action figures.
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $99.99
Flipsies Sandy’s House & Ocean Cruiser (VTech)
• Flipsies delivers a great play experience by combining traditional roleplay with collectible dolls and accessories with VTech’s proprietary MagicPoint interactive technology. Flipsies encourages girls to dream big and offers endless ways to play with unique features that capture a child’s imagination and revolutionize the play experience.
• Flipsies Sandy’s House & Ocean Cruiser is a two-in-one play set that transforms from a beautiful house where she can spend time with her friends to an ocean cruiser that she can use to explore ocean life!
• Press the charm on Sandy’s necklace to see it light-up and to experience her friendly personality. Place Sandy on the eight MagicPoint locations on her play set or other MagicPoint locations on Flipsies play sets (each sold separately), and she’ll respond with playful phrases unique to her own personality.
• Collect Sandy’s friends (each sold separately), and they can switch clothes, wigs and accessories for more fun styles.
• When Sandy and one of her friends are on the MagicPoint locations at the dining table, they will chat with each other.
• Ages: $39.99
• MSRP: 4+
Merry Mission Reindeer (Build-a-Bear Workshop)
• Build-A-Bear is excited to continue the story of Merry Mission with Santa’s Reindeer as they make all the toys on Santa’s nice list at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
• Imagine you’re a high-flying reindeer and it is Christmas Eve. Make your own favorite reindeer and team up to deliver lots of holiday spirit!
• Kids can choose their own: Dasher The Athletic Dreamer; Donner The Innovative Builder; Comet The Techie Jokester; Blitzen The Dare Deer; Dancer The Cheerful Friend; Prancer The Pitch-Perfect Planner; Vixen The Swift & Sporty Deer; and Cupid The Crafty Fashionista.
• This year, Build-A-Bear introduces Glisten, the strongest and fastest reindeer ever, who will be helping Santa and his reindeer save Christmas.
• Join the Merry Mission! Hear the whole story at www.buildabear.com/merrymission.
• Download the Merry Mission app on iTunes and Google Play to join Santa’s Reindeer on their Merry Mission.
• All of Santa’s Reindeer come with medallions to unlock special Merry Mission app features, while optional outfits and accessories are sold separately.
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $25.00 each, Glisten: $27.00; additional accessories sold separately
Disney Infinity 3.0 (Disney Interactive)
• Disney Infinity 3.0 is the latest addition to the best-selling toys-to-life video game series.
• Players will be able to experience their favorite Star Wars characters battle, fly and drive authentic Star Wars vehicles and more.
• Includes characters and themes from multiple feature films and the Star Wars Rebels animated TV series.
• Characters include Darth Vader, Yoda, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, Obi Wan Kenobi, Kanan Jarrus and Zeb Orrelios.
• Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic power discs will give players cool character upgrades and boosts.
• Play with Marvel, Disney•Pixar and Disney classic characters together in Toy Box mode.
• Ages: 10+
• MSRP: $64.99
Air Hogs Star Wars Remote Control Millenium Falcon (Spin Master)
• Now you can make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs with the Air Hogs Star Wars Remote Control Millennium Falcon!
• Fly the most iconic ship in the Star Wars universe right in your own backyard!
• The Millennium Falcon takes flight with the power of 4 quad propellers concealed in the ducts of the ship. Its authentic lights and sounds bring the Millennium Falcon to life as you fly.
• Activate Hyperspace mode on the remote control and hold on for a fully loaded hyperspace journey. If your deflector shields go down, you’re still in good shape; the Millennium Falcon is constructed from impact resistant foam making it resilient to a few photon torpedo hits.
• With 2.4GHz communication, you can control the Millennium Falcon up to 200+ feet away!
• Join the rebellion and bring Star Wars home with the Millennium Falcon Quad from Air Hogs!
• Ages: 10+
• MSRP: $49.99
World of Nintendo Remote Control Mario Kart Racer (Jakks Pacific)
• The Mario Kart Racer is an incredible feature RC that brings Mario and his iconic kart to life!
• Have Mario race in standard mode or flip into anti-gravity drugs list.
• With up to a 100′ range this RC can go the distance.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $99.99
- The ultimate drifting machine just grew up! In response to the overwhelming demand for an adult-sized version of the Crazy Cart, Razor presents a full-size, high-powered drift cart for the kid in all adults!
- Sit down in the raised, bucket-style seat and ride at whatever speed feels most comfortable with the chain-driven motor and variable-speed foot pedal.
- The dual inclined rear caster wheels and front wheels with high-impact pneumatic tires help ensure a smooth ride.
- Designed with raised bucket-style seat for a comfortable ride.
- Specially designed steering system allows for unique drifting, turning and stopping action.
- Dual inclined rear caster wheels.
- Variable-speed foot pedal.
- Chain-driven motor offers extra torque and variable speed up to 12 mph.
- Powder-coated steel frame for durability.
- High-impact pneumatic tires on front caster wheels.
- Three 12V sealed lead acid batteries are rechargeable and feature a quick-change compartment.
- Flag included for a cool look.
- Runs for up to 40 minutes of continuous use.
- Ages: 16+
- MSRP: $799.99
