What’s hot in the toy aisle this holiday season? Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa DiBartolo stopped by ABC in San Francisco to show off some of the year’s hottest toys and gifts. 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.
COOL MAKER KUMIKREATOR BRACELET STUDIO (SPIN MASTER)
- Spin to create colorful friendship bracelets with the KumiKreator and braid beautiful bracelets before your eyes!
- Load the colorful spools into the machine, spin and create in minutes! The KumiKreator creates up to ten unique bracelet designs without a single knot needed. Customize and finish off your bracelet with stylish clasps!
- Kumi comes from the Japanese word Kumihimo meaning “gathered threads.” It is the traditional Japanese technique of braiding cords and beads. The KumiKreator makes creating beautiful and intricate friendship bracelets fun to do!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP : $29.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Amazon
DISNEY PRINCESS POP-UP PALACE (HASBRO)
- Kids can recreate magical moments from their favorite Disney stories with the Disney Princess Pop Up Palace playset!
- Pull on the top handle and this royal castle extends up to two feet tall
- Featuring four different themed room settings including Disney princes movie-inspired accessories such as a shell-shaped bathtub, rose detailed table and chair, royal lounge seat, and more!
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: major retailers, HasbroToyShop.com
ORB ODDITEEZ SLIMIBALLZ (ORB)
- OrbOdditezz SlimiBallz and Beadiballz are the wobbly balls that squeeze, flow, and splat.
- Each Ballz is filled with oozing glitter slime or squishy beads, making them nearly impossible to put down.
- Squish and squash each Orballz as it bubbles and transforms, creating a truly unique feeling in your hands.
- Orballz are the coolest new collectable – explore all the different colors and textures today.
Ages: 8+ - MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Target, Walmart, Five Below
POWER ACTION PIKACHU (WICKED COOL TOYS)
- Cuddly and innovative Power Action Pikachu reacts to motion, lights up, has sound effects, speaks, and has a light-up tail!
- Engage with Pikachu by squeezing its hands to either see its tail and cheeks light up or for sound effects and to hear Pikachu speak!
- Innovative sensor technology gives Power Action Pikachu unique interactivity; the more you play and engage with Pikachu, the more varied and dynamic its responses become.
- Hear Pikachu say “Pika-chuuuuu!” when thrown into battle mode or hear a response with a sad “Pikaaa” when it does.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Walmart, Target, Amazon
HIDDEN TEMPLE WITH T-REX SET (PLAYMOBIL)
- Join the Explorers as they embark on a new adventure on Dino Island with the Hidden Temple with T-Rex. Once you discover the temple, use the ancient structure as your research base before heading out to explore the island with the help of the secret map. Simply rub the map to reveal a hidden path where X marks the spot!
- When back at the base, protect the team from the unfriendly T-Rex or enemy explorers with the functioning laser gun (batteries included)!
- The working temple gate also helps keep unwanted visitors out.
- Beware of that T-Rex! His movable arms, legs, and jaw allow for realistic motion and make him one intimidating dino!
- Use the functioning pulley to bring needed equipment up to the top floor.
- Kids can also use the included UV flashlight (one AAA battery required) to reveal cool glow-in-the-dark features, such as with the ruin’s crystal eyes, jungle plant, and more!
- Set also includes the full Explorers team – Nick, Emma, and Will, their pet dog Sammy, T-Rex, laptop, camera, gold statue, microscope, backpacks, storage containers, hiking equipment, and lots of other accessories.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Walmart, Playmobil.us
