In today’s installment of Toy Insider and Family Circle magazine’s “25 Days of Toys,” Toy Insider Associate Editor Maddie Michalik and Family Circle Social Media Editor Sugey Palomares have three amazing toys that inspire imaginative play. 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.


GRAND DEPARTMENT STORE GIFT SET (EPOCH EVERLASTING PLAY)

  • The centerpiece of the Calico Critters new Town series is the Grand Department Store, the most iconic building in the series, which also introduces Stella.
  • It features elegant, sophisticated styling and a unified design for even more freedom with the layout.  
  • With finely sculpted areas and exquisite attention to detail, it draws children in and enhances imaginative play.
  • The special gift set comes complete with terrace, balconies, custom windows, awnings, flags, and railings to spark even more customizable play.  
  • The play starts at the entrance tower through the revolving doors and continues throughout all levels on the elevator.
  • Once upstairs, children can send their Calico Critters out to the terrace or balconies to watch over the beauty of the Town.
  • Age: 6+
  • MSRP: $129.95
  • Available: 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.
  • Age: 4+
  • MSRP: $59.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart, Playmobil.us

RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 43-INCH EPIC SEWER LAIR PLAYSET (PLAYMATES TOYS)

  • This massive playset is the biggest TMNT action figure playset ever, standing 43 inches tall!
  • This deluxe playset is packed with over 20 features and includes four levels of play and seven rooms for training, kicking back, or taking out the bad guys!
  • Features include Splinter’s Dojo, Raphael’s Weight Training Room, Leonardo’s Rotating Weapon storage wall, Michelangelo’s arcade, the catapult Basketball hoop, hidden projectile launchers for villain invasions, rotating skateboard ramp, collapsing balcony, and so much more.
  • Compatible with Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles basic action figures, which are sold separately.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $119.99
  • Available: Amazon, Walmart, Target

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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