Got a wide range of ages for the kids on your holiday shopping list? Toy Insider Parent Charlene DeLoach stopped by Better Western Mass in Springfield to show off some great toys for kids of all ages. 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.
SAFARI LEARNING STATION (LEAPFROG)
- From sitting to crawling and standing, the Safari Learning Station grows with children while keeping them learning and entertained.
- The three-in-one arch adjusts for floor play to standing play and includes three different modes.
- Giraffe, Lion, and Zebra introduce the ABCs and 123s while playing catchy safari-themed songs.
- Press the light-up piano keys to make music and discover shapes and colors.
- Little ones can spin Elephant’s bead spinner for fine motor fun and twist Chameleon’s tail to learn about colors. Children will also love dropping the balls through Monkey’s tail and watching as they roll down the ramp, through the trees, and back to them.
- Ages: 6 MOS.+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Target (exclusive)
STARSHINE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS UNICORN (VTECH)
- Go on an enchanted adventure with Starshine the Bright Lights Unicorn.
- Place the seven charms on any of the three magic hearts to see her horn light up and hear colors, objects, and phrases in English or Spanish.
- Use the charms to answer quiz questions or add sound effects to create your own special song.
- Squeeze the unicorn’s tail to see her beautiful wings flap and hear whimsical phrases and sound effects that encourage imaginative play.
- Starshine’s majestic hooves feature wheels so you can push her as you head off on your next adventure!
- Ages: 18 MOS.+
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Amazon, Walmart, Target
- Pomsies are loveable, fashionable, interactive plush pets kids can wear and take anywhere!
- Inspired by the pom-pom fashion trend, each Pomsies pet has a soft, cuddly fur face and a tail that kids can wrap around their wrist, hair, backpack, clothing and more.
- They are the ultimate accessory!
- Pomsies are interactive with two modes of play: Virtual Pet Mode and Freeze Dance Mode.
- Pomsies will tell kids when they are happy, sleepy, or hungry with eyes that light up in different colors and adorable sounds.
- Each Pomsie has up to 50 different reactions with sounds only kids can make happen.
- The first series features six characters for kids to collect.
- Pomsies Wave 2 features three new characters: Lulu, Sydney, and Zoey at Walmart, with Luna as a Walmart exclusive.
- Wave 2’s Kali is an Amazon exclusive.
- Wave 2’s Stardust is a Target exclusive, available December 1.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Justice, Party City, Joann’s
LEGO CITY PASSENGER TRAIN (LEGO)
- Climb aboard the Lego City 60197 Passenger Train!
- This fun set features a motorized engine with ten-speed Bluetooth remote control and opening nose cone, driver’s cabin with opening window, two cars with removable roofs, seats and tables, a full circular track with 16 curved and four straight rails, plus a buildable platform with two seats and train service map, train signal and four Lego minifigures.
- Ages: 6+
- MSRP: $159.99
- Available: Target, shop.lego.com, Amazon
VOICE ORIGINALS: WHEN IN ROME (SENSIBLE OBJECT)
- Voice Originals: When in Rome is a travel trivia board game that connects to Alexa for a voice-enhanced gaming experience.
- To play, set up the board and open the When In Rome Alexa Skill on your smart speaker or app, divide into two teams, and the game begins.
- Alexa teaches you how to play, keeps score, and immerses you in the world of the game.
- With When In Rome, Alexa will fly you around the world to the 20 different cities on the map, where you’ll be introduced to real recorded locals who ask questions about the city’s music, culture, food, customs, landmarks, and more.
- Alexa also keeps score and remembers what questions you’ve been asked and is always ready to throw a new one at you!
- Requires Amazon Alexa device, sold separately.
- Ages: 13+
- MSRP: $29.99
- Available: Amazon
EXIT: THE GAME, ORIENT EXPRESS OR SUNKEN TREASURE (THAMES & KOSMOS)
- This party game designed for up to six players brings the hit Escape-Room concept to home use.
- Solve a series of riddles and puzzles to escape from a room. Each correct solution brings you to another riddle. How fast can you escape the room?
- Each unique game involves strategy, skill, and teamwork.
- New titles include Orient Express and Sunken Treasure.
- In Orient Express, the culprit is still on board your train, and there is not much time until the train reaches the terminal. The case is perplexing and must be solved quickly so that the perpetrator does not escape!
- In Sunken Treasure, you’re searching for the legendary treasure of Santa Maria and embarking on a dangerous adventure. However, something goes wrong and you become trapped deep in the sea. Can you solve the riddles of the old wreck and recover the treasure?
- Ages: 12+
- MSRP: $14.95
- Available: Specialty stores
