As kids excitedly write their letters to Santa and look forward to Christmas, parents, grandparents, and loved ones are thinking about those entertaining and educational toys to put under the tree. Here’s our top 10 picks to help you decide on a great gift — whether you’re shopping for an infant, preschooler, or an older child.
Melissa & Doug Preschool Toys
Melissa & Doug is the #1 preschool brand for wooden toys, not to mention a top overall brand for preschool-aged children’s toys. Their line includes a wide array of toys that stimulate fine motor skills, imagination, and creativity. We love their sturdy wooden puzzles, magnetic playsets, sticker pads, water wow booklets, and pretend play dress up costumes.
Winfun Preschool Toys
Winfun has a great array of toys focused on developmental play for infants to preschool-aged children. Some of our top picks include the Winfun Sounds ‘n’ Tunes Crib Piano, Cool Sounds Guitar, Side to Side Discovery Cube, and 4-Piece Baby Activity Gift Set.
Pets Alive Pet Shop Surprise
Pets Alive is no stranger to the top toys list. Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama was a hot toy of Christmas 2019. Now, in its plush pets line, the new Pets Alive Pet Shop Surprise Series 2 features a cute slumber-party-themed mystery plush among 8 surprises inside each pet carrier. Talk to your pet and it repeats what you say.
Nerf Dart Blasters
When it’s cold outside, Nerf blasters keep the action going inside. We’ve had many an epic Nerf battle at home (and in our warehouse as a unique team bonding experience). It’s a fun way to keep the kids active — and we can join in on the fun, too. Because we all secretly love reliving the nostalgia of a good old Nerf war.
Crayola Marker Mixer
Crayola is mixing things up with its new Marker Mixer. This art kit allows kids to create their own dual-coloured markers. Just insert two washable Crayola broad line markers into the unit, then add the Mixer Maker with a blank tip and watch it absorb the colours. You can use the newly created marker to draw cool, multicoloured designs.
Family Games
From Battleship to Risk, there are so many classic games to choose from for a memorable game night with friends or family. We also love the new games we’ve added to our collection more recently, like Monopoly Builder, Escape Your House, Pictionary Air Harry Potter, and the Blockbuster and Chill game for adult game enthusiasts.
Barbie
At 63, Barbie is still inspiring young girls they can be anything. She’s tried her hand at 72 different careers. The Barbie Color Reveal Surprise Party Set is a great gift for under the tree, with more than 50 surprises inside. And the Barbie Fashionistas line includes a range of diverse dolls.
Hot Wheels
With an average of 16 cars reportedly selling every second, Hot Wheels is among the best-selling toys and collectibles in the world. The 1:64 scale vehicles and playsets have been a staple in many toy boxes and playrooms for decades. One of our favourites is the Hot Wheels Track Builder Unlimited Infinity Loop Kit. It transforms a standard loop into two thrilling and challenging set-ups that invites kids to experiment with momentum in visually exciting ways!
UNO Premium Card Game
UNO is the number one card game in the world, marking 50 years of bringing people together. The 50th Anniversary UNO Premium Card Game comes in a deluxe, specially designed box and includes cards with a velvety smooth finish. The set also includes a commemorative gold medallion collector coin. When someone plays the special 5050 card, flip the coin to see who will have to draw extra cards.
5 Surprise Mini Brands
There’s just something about miniaturized household products that’s adorably irresistible. With over 18 million capsules shipped worldwide, 5 Surprise Mini Brands have been flying off the shelves since hitting the toy market in 2019. The mystery unboxing brand has further expanded this year, with new Mini Brands Series 4, Toys Series 2, and the addition of Foodie, Fashion, and Disney Mini Brands. From tiny Twizzlers to pint-sized perfume, these cute collectible toys run the gamut.
