Want the full scoop on what the year’s hottest toys will be? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht brought a number of toys to NBC 5 in Dallas and let a group of kids test them out. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.
Gift ‘Ems Hotel & Spa (Jakks Pacific)
- Gift ‘ems is a collectible mini doll line that features a universally known gift box to delight and surprise girls with a friend from different cities around the world, there are 84 to collect!
- Each Gift ‘ems box will open to reveal the doll’s name, city and country, and transforms to showcase iconic scenes from the doll’s home town, as well as an image of the country flag.
- The Gift’ems Hotel and Spa allows you to take all your friends from around the world on a relaxing retreat. Tired from site seeing all day on the tour bus, come here to relax, and get ready to explore the next city and meet new friends!
- Gift’ems bag hotel with portable design as a shopping bag, and holds up to 12 collectible characters.
- Closes up for storage.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $14.99
- 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
Rockin’ Rider Henley and Holly Rocking Horses (Tek Nek Toys)
- Rockin’ Rider Henley and Holly are soft stuffed plush Rocking Horses on a beautiful wooden base.
- They sing the exclusive “I’m a Little Pony” song when their left ears are squeezed and say 6 fun talking phrases with sound effects when the right ear is squeezed.
- Kids will be amazed by Henley’s moving mouth and swishing tail.
- Both ponies come with a removable Rockin’ Rider bandana that can be worn by either the horse or kids. Other features include full-body suedette bridle and reins, suedette high-back saddle, metal stirrups, glittery eyes, wooden handles, and a realistic mane and tail.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $79.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart
- With wheels that twist and turn, the Cyklone360 is an action-packed radio-controlled motorcycle.
- This futuristic style bike has amazing spinning action including 360 degree turns that the kids can control with a pistol-grip controller.
- The rear wheels twist and turn and the LED light changes color while driving.
- Ages: 8+
- $19.99
- Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us
- The all-new RipStik Electric puts the power of electrifying carving action in the palm of your hand.
- With its innovative hub motor and lithium ion battery, the RipStik Electric unleashes a continuous flow of twist and carve surf and snowboard inspired action for up to 40 minutes.
- Get the fun rolling with the hand-held remote, then hit your groove at speeds up to 10 mph.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $179.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
