Who better than Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht to talk about the hottest toys of the year? Laurie stopped by ABC News to talk about the 20 hottest toys of the holiday season. 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.


SCOOP & LEARN ICE CREAM CART (LEAPFROG)

  • This toy ice cream cart delights and surprises with a range of buttons, lights, sound effects, music, and fun phrases.
  • It features eight scoops of ice cream, three toppings, and three flavors of syrup to teach kids 10 colors and flavors.
  • Kids can create tons of delicious looking and imaginative combinations.
  • Insert an order card into the slot on top of the cash register, then build the customer’s order in the correct sequence to help build memory and sequencing skills.
  • Use the magnetic scooper to scoop the ice cream and learn colors, then complete the order by adding toppings and pretend syrup. Kids will love pressing the pump to add pretend syrup as they count along from 1 to 10.
  • Ages: 2+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart.com

GO! GO! SMART WHEELS RACE & PLAY ADVENTURE PARK (VTECH)

  • Go for a ride with Gavin the go-kart on the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Race & Play Adventure Park.
  • Kids can move the go-kart up the hill with the hand crank, pull back the lever, and launch the vehicle to the top and onto the track for a thrilling ride.
  • Watch as it races down the track, through the 360-degree loop, and out the jump ramp.
  • The play set also includes a spinning Ferris wheel, a tumble-down carnival game, and a swinging gate.
  • Gavin the go-kart features SmartPoint technology, and plays fun sounds, phrases, three sing-along songs, and six melodies.
  • Ages: 1-5
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

THOMAS & FRIENDS SUPER STATION (FISHER-PRICE)

  • The Thomas & Friends Super Station is a multi-system track set with three levels of play
  • The set includes 10 iconic Sodor locations, including Tidmouth Sheds, Brendam Docks, Knapford Station, Search & Rescue Center, and more.
  • Includes three engines in three unique scales, plus it works with any Thomas & Friends engines kids may already have.
  • The play set features enough storage space for more than 100 Thomas & Friends engines.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

FURREAL ROARIN’ TYLER, THE PLAYFUL TIGER (HASBRO)

  • Kids can bring home an adorable baby tiger to love, play with, and care for as their own.
  • Make a noise or give a loud jungle roar and Tyler will roar back in response.
  • Kids can enjoy playtime with him using his play chicken.
  • Tyler features more than 100 sound and motion combinations with sensors on his forehead, back, and muzzle allowing him to respond to touch in fun ways.
  • Kids can pull him up close to snuggle thanks to his posable back legs, or nuzzle his cheek and he’ll respond with expressive eyes, sounds, and tail movements.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $129.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, www.hasbrotoyshop.com

MICKEY TRANSFORMING ROADSTER RACER R/C (JADA TOYS)

  • This R/C vehicle is based on the vehicles Mickey drives in the new cartoon Mickey and the Roadster Racers on Disney Jr.
  • Jada’s R/C vehicle features Mickey’s two cars in one that can magically transform at the simple press of a button. In addition, the vehicle has lights, sound effects, and even Mickey’s voice.
  • A fully functioning 2.4G R/C, this vehicle can go forward, backward, left, right, honk its horn, and transform all from the easy -to-hold remote.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Walmart

PEPPA PIG LIGHTS & SOUNDS FAMILY HOME (JAZWARES)

  • Kids can enter this lovely 22-inch tall, four-story home with seven rooms and be Peppa’s guest in a home filled with adventure and fun.
  • The play set inspired by the Nick Jr. TV show features three figures: Peppa Pig, George Pig, and Zoe Zebra.
  • There are 13 accessories that bring the house to life with lights and charming sounds.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

DISNEY JUNIOR DOC MCSTUFFINS ALL-IN-ONE NURSERY (JUST PLAY)

  • Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins is learning all about baby care in her role as a Chief Resident.
  • Preschoolers can nurture and care for their baby dolls right alongside Doc with the All-in-One Nursery.
  • The role-play center is full of exciting doctor features and accessories to explore.
  • Kids can use Doc’s portable electronic patient laptop to make a diagnosis, featuring a light-up screen, sounds, and lullaby music.
  • The light-and-sound stethoscope is perfect for checking baby’s heartbeat.
  • Kids can measure baby’s height and weight on the scale and use the special nursery tools.
  • After the checkup is complete, give the baby patient a bandage from the sticker dispenser.
  • When it’s time for a nap, spin the baby mobile and rock the cradle.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Kmart

PJ MASKS RIVAL RACERS TRACK PLAYSET (JUST PLAY)

  • This play set is based on Entertainment One’s hit TV series PJ Masks, airing on Disney Jr. 
  • Favorite nighttime heroes Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko kick the action into high gear with the new PJ Masks Rival Racers Track Playset.
  • Kids can play out the adventures seen in the show as they zoom through the raceway to save the Museum from Night Ninja.
  • Kids can launch the vehicles into action using one of two built-in mega launchers. Zoom through the loop and around the curves, but watch out for Luna Girl when she pops-up on the track.
  • Playset includes Catboy figure, Cat-Car vehicle, and Night Ninja Bus.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $39.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Kmart

L.O.L. SURPRISE! TOTS (MGA ENTERTAINMENT)

  • L.O.L. Surprise Tots are collectibles that have seven layers of surprise hidden inside.
  • Each layer reveals a hint of which fierce, fashion-forward L.O.L. Surprise doll kids are unboxing. Seven surprises include: a secret message, stickers, a baby bottle, shoes, an outfit, a fashionable accessory, and the L.O.L Surprise doll.
  • Feed or bathe the doll with water to reveal her surprising water feature. The play set (ball) can also be used as a hangout, bath tub, doll stand, and a purse to carry for on-the-go fun.
  • Final layer reveals the doll. Each character is completely different and packed with personality—from rockers to divas to merbabies.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $9.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

TEDDY RUXPIN (WICKED COOL TOYS)

  • Parents and grandparents will remember everyone’s favorite storytelling bear from the 1980s.
  • Introducing the new 14-inch Teddy Ruxpin animatronic bear. He’s totally lovable, and brings magic and friendship to storytime with oodles of interactive technologies and features.
  • Teddy Ruxpin enjoys telling tales and singing songs with friends, making him the perfect companion for both little ones who love hearing stories, as well as older children just starting out on their reading journey.
  • He has colored LCD eyes with more than 40 different animations, and an animatronic mouth that syncs to Teddy’s speech.
  • Touch sensors allow kids to control the story and songs.
  • Teddy features three original pre-loaded stories, including seven sing-along songs.
  • There are two modes of play: with or without the free Teddy Ruxpin app (app is secondary). View the digital books to read along with Teddy using the storytime app, or kids can enjoy listening to Teddy’s stories without the app, anytime anywhere.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

JOJO SIWA CD + G KARAOKE MACHINE (EKIDS)

  • This karaoke machine is inspired by the teen and tween sensation JoJo Siwa!
  • Kids can access their music library and stream content with voice control.
  • Users connect to the TV and sing their hearts out to their favorite JoJo lyrics on screen using the included CD, featuring songs with and without guide vocals.
  • The karaoke machine even features a multi-colored LED light show. Bluetooth wirelessly streams audio from any compatible device, and it also take calls with the included speakerphone.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: Walmart exclusive

SHOPKINS SHOPPIES SUPER MALL (MOOSE TOYS)

  • Shoppies and their Shopkins friends can now ride the elevator lift and discover three levels of fun at the Shopville Super Mall.
  • Kids can join their Shoppies and Shopkins for a movie, feeding their passion for style and fashion, and taking a seat for some treats in the food court.
  • They can also swipe and shop with the VIP card checkout to make their Shopkins drop. The Super Mall includes a Food Court, Fashion Boutique, Beauty Parlor, and Smart-Phone Cinema.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $79.99
  • Canadian MSRP: $79.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart (10/2/17)

OONIES STARTER KIT (MOOSE TOYS)

  • Oonies give kids a new way to create. Kids can take an Oonies pellet, place it in the inflator, and watch it magically grow into an Oonie.
  • They stick to each other so kids can make amazing creatures and designs! No glue, no water, no mess—just air-filled balls of amazing fun.
  • The Oonies Starter pack has everything needed to make awesome Oonies with enough pellets to make six Oonie designs.
  • They’re not a bubble, they’re not a balloon, they’re Oonies.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

SOFT’N SLO SQUISHIES (ORB)

  • Super squeezable and collectible, Soft’n Slo Squishies are based on the latest trend from Japan as a slow-rising and soft collectible.
  • They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and produce a fun transformation that’s different every time.
  • If kids are lucky they may even find the secret limited-edition Soft’n Slo Squishies with a special holographic seal.
  • Soft’n Slo Squishies Sweet Shop features favorite high-end bakery products, including slices of cake, cinnamon buns, ice cream cones, and super squishy s’mores.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $5.99-$14.99
  • Canadian MSRP:$7.99-$21.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

HATCHIMALS SURPRISE (SPIN MASTER)

  • New Hatchimals are arriving from Hatchtopia and they can’t hatch without kids’ help.
  • These eggs are different from any seen before, and they hold a very special surprise.
  •  Hatch the EGG-citement on Hatchimals Day, October 6.
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: Mass retailers

FINGERLINGS (WOWWEE)

  • Fingerlings baby monkeys come to life with endless ways of play and realistic sounds to let kids know how they are feeling. Kids can wrap them on their finger to have a new friend at their fingertips.
  • These silly critters make happy monkey sounds, and have blinking eyes, heads that turn, hands that grip, and a curly hanging tail.
  • Kids can swing them, pet them, kiss them, and even rock them to sleep.
  • There are six different Fingerlings to play, share, and collect.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $14.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

 


SOUNDMOOVZ (CRA-Z-ART)

  • SoundMoovz is a motion-activated electronic device that plays cool music and special effect sounds as users move.
  • Kids can experience the excitement by moving, dancing, and creating unique musical beats.
  • The device uses Bluetooth technology: Simply power on for pairing, download the free app, choose from more than 400 sounds, and start the fun.
  • The product comes with two special bands that users wear to enable the device.
  • Layer your beat onto a song. There are multiple sound modes including Robot, Karate, Instrumental, and Musical.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $69.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Best Buy

NERF RIVAL NEMESIS MXVII-10K BLASTER (HASBRO)

  • Kids can dominate blaster battles with the NERF RIVAL Nemesis MXVII-10K blaster.
  • This blaster has a 100-round capacity to outlast the competition.
  • The fully-automatic NEMESIS MXVII-10K blaster features the first-ever easy load hopper for high-speed reloads, and is compatible with the NERF Rival rechargeable battery pack (sold separately).
  • Ages: 14+
  • MSRP: $99.99
  • Canadian MSRP: $149.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

LEGO STAR WARS FIRST ORDER STAR DESTROYER (THE LEGO GROUP)

  • Kids can build the newest adventure in the Star Wars saga with First Order Star Destroyer and re-create scenes from the upcoming blockbuster, The Last Jedi.
  • Join Supreme Leader Snoke as he rules the galaxy aboard the mighty First Order Star Destroyer.
  • Fire the stud shooters to defeat enemy ships and then open the panels to play inside.
  • Ride the elevator to Snoke’s command center and issue orders to the mini hologram.
  • Give the fleet orders from the bridge, prepare for battle in the conference area, get the droids aboard, and monitor the ship from the control room.
  • When kids are ready to move out, they can grab the handle on top and zoom into action at hyperspeed.
  • Age: 9+
  • MSRP: $159.99
  • Available:  Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

 


NINTENDO SWITCH (NINTENDO)

  • Nintendo Switch, the new home video game system from Nintendo, provides single and multiplayer thrills at home or on the go.
  • For the first time ever, the mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home-gaming system, with unprecedented new play styles brought to life by the two new Joy-Con controllers.
  • At home the system rests in the Nintendo Switch dock, which lets users play with family and friends on a TV in the comfort of their living room.
  • By simply lifting Nintendo Switch from the dock at any time, the system instantly transitions to handheld mode.
  • The portability of Nintendo Switch is enhanced by its 6.2-inch screen, which displays bright, high-definition game play at the park, on an airplane, in a car, or at a friend’s apartment.
  • Ages: 9+
  • MSRP: $299.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

Smooshy Mushy Bento Boxes (RedwoodVentures)

  • Everyone loves a cute bento box! Smooshy Mushy Bento Boxes mix all the squish and your favorite foods from around the world into an awesome portable container.
  • Unwrap the adorable Bento-styled box to find a tasty, squishy Smooshy Mushy surprise. Available in various yummy food themes such as the Extra Cheesy Foxy Taco and OooeyGooey Pizza, every Bento Box includes an adorable Smooshy Mushy Pet, two super squishy Besties, a tiny sweet drink container, and the “Find your Smooshy name” game stickers.
  • Remember, all Smooshy Mushies are scented too! Now you can bring squish from all over the world to lunch, dinner, and everywhere you go!
  • Age: 5+
  • MSRP: $14.99
  • Available: Walmart (October 2017)

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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