Good Housekeeping's 2025 Toy Awards

It’s a busy box that can open up into a long play panel or be taken apart so your baby or toddler can play with a favorite square individually, upright or on the floor. This Vtech activity toy is versatile and full of games, gears, and buttons to discover along with classic toys like a shape sorter, a bead maze, and a pretend phone. Ages 3 months+

TESTER NOTES: “It has many configurations and can definitely be considered four toys in one,” said the parent of a 1-year-old. Another tester said, “It’s so engaging and really grows with a child.”

A toddler can set up this tree home several ways, with a rocking base or standing flat on the ground. The funny, chunky birds fit into the eggs—ask your kid to put blue into blue, for instance, to teach color matching—and there are two doors that open and close. Ages 18 months+

TESTER NOTES: GH toy experts highlighted the interactive pieces on this low-priced LEGO Duplo set. One parent told us their 2-year-old had fun making up stories with the birds and putting them to sleep in their eggs. Another called it “a great introduction to LEGO.”

Find out what it’s all about when you squeeze Sesame Street Elmo’s left hand. He’ll guide you through the Hokey Pokey, leaning in, leaning out, and even turning himself around. Press Elmo’s left foot instead for a freeze-frame dance game. Flip the language switch to do it all in Spanish. Ages 18 months+

TESTER NOTES: If your kid knows and adores Elmo, this is a slam-dunk toy. A mom said her 2-year-old loved it, noting, “She wants to play with it pretty constantly!” and adding that her toddler could move the doll around and dance with it on her own.

Like Whac-a-Mole, but with vegetables! In one mode, your toddler is challenged to tap whichever veggie lights up while the cow keeps count. In free play, they can use the soft mallet to whack to their heart’s content while music plays. The music’s tempo on this Battat toy can be adjusted to be faster or slower, and the sound can be turned up or down. Ages 2+

TESTER NOTES: “This toy was great. No assembly, and easy to play right out of the box,” said one parent. Testers said their kids liked the lights and, no surprise, enjoyed hitting the vegetables.

Squeeze one foot for a sweet peekaboo song and the other foot if you want Peeki to play the peekaboo game with your baby or toddler. The Gund doggie is a foot tall and can look cute in the nursery when not in play. Ages 0+

TESTER NOTES: “The second I gave her the puppy she hugged it,” said the parent of a 1-year-old. “She loved the music!” A different tester, with an 8-month-old, said it was the ear motions that held her baby's attention. And a mom with a 10-month old said, “She would wiggle with excitement about what was about to come, then laugh every time” Peeki played the game.

Activities set off more than 135 different songs, sounds, and phrases about colors, numbers, counting, and shapes. If your baby is not yet upright, tilt this Fisher-Price activity tabletop so they can access it while seated. Later, it flips around to be an easel for drawing and coloring.

TESTER NOTES: A mom of a 1-year-old said this toy held her toddler’s attention long enough for her to get a meal ready. “I kept it by the kitchen and could see that she was entertained and happy. It had a nice range of activities to keep her busy, and she was able to feel independent.”

Toddlers can use these chunky wooden blocks to build farm animals in a few steps, using connecting pieces. The Melissa & Doug set includes 21 blocks, 22 connectors, and two play figures, and the box turns into a ready-made farm scene. Ages 2+

TESTER NOTES: The rolling tractor and all the animals were hits. One tester was pleased that her 2-year-old “figured it out herself, and it did help with hand-eye coordination.” Another noted that both her 2-year-old and her 4-year-old were able to have fun with the set.

Kids can push this mower (just like a grown-up!), and it can transform into a ride-on tractor. In either mode, the VTech toy includes lights, songs, and phrases about the weather and places to visit. The steering wheel and the controls can pop off to function as a portable activity toy. Ages 1 to 3

TESTER NOTES: “Our 2-year-old likes riding the mower, shifting the gears, and ‘driving’ it into his bedroom to ‘park’ before bedtime,” a parent said. A tester with a 1-year-old said, “Our son enjoyed the music that plays when you click the radio button. And he learned to get on the tractor by himself.”

Snapping magnetic pieces together to make a tiger or an elephant is cool enough, but using those pieces to put an elephant head on a tiger body is hilarious — especially if you are a toddler who finds it funny when things are “wrong.” Ages 2 to 5

TESTER NOTES: “Having four possible animals let my 3-year-old have conversations between them,” a dad said. Another tester said of the Lakeshore Learning set, “It helped my son better learn the included animals, but he also thought it was funny to put on a mismatched head or legs.”

Toddlers practice their fine motor skills when they stack the veggies in baskets, open and shut the barn doors, rotate the silo, and move the five animals—which also work as finger puppets!—around the barnyard. This Learning Resources playset is electronics-free. Ages 18 months+

TESTER NOTES: “My 2-year-old loved playing peekaboo with the animals. Opening and closing the little barn doors to ‘find’ each one turned into a giggly game,” a parent said. “She also enjoyed placing animals inside the baskets and ‘feeding’ them.”

Lovevery Play Kits target specific age ranges with developmentally appropriate toys and a parent guide. The one shown, for 3- and 4-month-olds, contains teethers, a rattle, a mirror, a fabric book, and more. Boxes can begin at birth and go through age 4, with the option to buy a subscription for a lower cost per kit. Ages 0+

TESTER NOTES: Our parenting editors appreciate how the service has gotten more flexible: You can now buy a single Play Kit, skip a box, and cancel any time. The parent tips are easy to digest and offer fun ways to introduce educational concepts.

Have fun teaching your toddler the fine art of sitting and spinning when you show them how to position themselves cross-legged, turning the crank in the center. This Playskool classic comes in a fun new color and can be an engaging solution for indoor exercise. Ages 18 months+

TESTER NOTES: A parent told us this caught the eye of her 2-year-old, who happily jumped on and spun for 10 minutes at a time. She added that her 4-year-old also enjoyed it.

A matching game is a classic, and this Wonder Forge set is a fun and affordable version for Moana fans. A kid can play this solo or with a friend, finding and making 36 matches of characters including Maui, Heihei, and more. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “Other matching games we’ve played have had only about a dozen cards, but this has 72, making it a legitimate challenge,” a parent said. “That added to the fun.” Another joked, “I forgot how good little kids’ memories are, so while playing with my son, I felt so helpless. He was kicking my butt!”

Bluey’s Family House has three levels of play: An 83-piece LEGO Duplo build, a play set for pretend scenarios with Bluey, and a game. A parent hides blocks in the home, a kid spins the wheel, and then the kid finds each one, working by memory as they learn what is behind which door. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Several parents reported that their 3-year-olds were able to build this independently thanks to clear pictorial instructions. “It was such a proud mama moment—his focus, and his independence!” one said. The figures and food blocks were also popular. “An all-around slam-dunk toy if your kid likes Duplo and Bluey,” another parent said.

A toy power drill, wrenches, and a screwdriver help your kid build, then take apart, this Goodyear toy engine over and over again. On the other side is a steering wheel. Budding mechanics can also tend to the tires. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Kids were crowded around this toy during our lab’s toy-testing day. An at-home parent tester said, “The more they played, the more my two sons felt comfortable with the different components and tools. I love the fine motor skills it requires.” Another told us, "“My 4-year-old has taken it apart and put it back together more times than I can count.”

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie recently came out, and the plot revolves around Gabby rescuing her magic dollhouse from a villainous cat lady. Your kid can have this 30-inch-tall Gabby’s Dollhouse with a working elevator and dozens of other features as well as a Gabby figure. Kids can add more furniture and fun balconies, sold separately. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “My daughter liked to arrange all the little pieces in the different rooms and send Gabby down the slide, but she especially liked pushing the nose button, which made the eyes open and react,” a parent said. Another noted, “The bright colors, fun details, and interactive features make it a hit.”

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Donald populate this 16-piece Disney Jr. play set, which comes with fun house–style rooms and furniture and a rolling car as well as a loft hidden behind the Mickey ears. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: When kids visited our Lab full of toys, they kept coming back to play with this colorful set full of figures they knew from the show. A parent whose 4-year-old played with it at home said, “My son liked moving the car down the slide the most. But the theming and the figures were all cute.”

Press either of the flowers on Dora’s shoes and she’ll say one of 50 bilingual phrases or sing one of 10 songs, inviting kids to dance with her. The Dora 13.5-inch doll has two interchangeable skirts that magically twirl around her waist, and the two barrettes she wears can be borrowed by a kid. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: A parent said their 3-year-old “loved Dora’s bright colors and danced along to some of the fun songs. She especially loved the twirling skirt, and changing it over and over. Hopefully she’s learning some Spanish along the way.”

Kids can play “kitchen” with this compact Melissa & Doug stovetop. Fill the squeeze bottle and the spatula with water first; that’s the magic ingredient that "cooks" foods like a veggie burger and chicken tenders by turning them brighter. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Kids loved this when visiting our Lab, reminding us that color-changing toys can be a new and exciting concept for preschoolers. A home tester said of their child, “He liked that he could ‘cook’ me food and put it in the little to-go bags provided.”

At about 20 inches long and 9 inches high, this rolling red PAW Patrol firetruck is impressive. It comes with pup Marshall, who can drive the included mini vehicle or the big rig. Ten blue projectiles launch out of the front like water rockets. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: A parent said, “My kids loved everything about this toy, all the functions, but especially the water shooting.” The launcher was popular with our kid testers in the Lab too. Another parent said it was big enough for her child to share and play with alongside other kids.

With 11 cans of Play-Doh, fun molds, and a pretend oven, kids can “bake” and then decorate square or triangular slices of cake and arrange them on the included cake stand. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: One tester said, “It really captured my 3-year-old’s attention and sparked his imagination. He’s started creating pizzas too and has even opened his own pretend restaurant.” Another said her 6-year-old got in on the decorating action. Consider buying extra Play-Doh, because when this is a hit, a kid wants to keep cranking out faux food.

With pretend coins, a little cash register, a shopping cart, and boxes of play food, preschoolers can run a toy supermarket and get familiar with numbers 1 through 4 along the way. The character Numberblock Four, whom they might know from the popular show, is included in this set from Hand2mind. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “My 3-year-old loved putting the coins into the register slot, and my 6-year-old did math, adding up how much two products would cost together,” a parent said.

Did you hear? Peppa got a new little sister, Evie, this year, so now the pig house is even larger, with seven rooms. It comes with all three siblings, and Evie has a crib, George has a dino bed, and Peppa has a loft bed. The Peppa Pig play set comes with 11 accessories plus stickers. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “My 4-year-old very rarely plays by herself, but she asked multiple times if she could have the playroom to herself to enjoy this toy—a first for us,” a parent said. “I like that it’s a full dollhouse that doesn’t have a huge footprint, especially when folded up.”

Six stepping stones (including one that is musical and lights up) and eight wavy balance beams inspire lots of ideas, from playing “The floor is lava” to pretending to be a gymnast. It’s fun to find new ways to set up the pieces of this B. Toys set. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: According to a parent, “It can be used in a number of ways, which makes playing different and fun each time you use it.” Another told us, “The multisensory aspect of this toy was a big hit. It is fun to step on the bumpy beams and get the lights and sounds when you step on the base.” Several noted that their big kids got in on the fun.

When kids set a story figure on top of the Luna Storytime Projector, it reads classic nursery tales and shines pictures on the wall. The starter set includes five stories (including “Goldilocks” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”) and five songs for more than 30 minutes of entertainment. Additional figurines can be purchased separately. At bedtime, set it to play 15 minutes of calming music and it powers off automatically. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “My daughter was engaged listening to the stories because there were little animations while the story was being read,” a parent said. “The battery lasts for a very good amount of time.”

A motorized Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track with this preschool-appropriate train set from Fisher-Price. Thomas can pull a cargo car, load it with barrels, and deliver them further along the line. It includes a bridge, a bell, and a turntable to redirect the engine. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “This keeps my 3-year-old entertained for hours,” said a parent, who added that they purchased a second train car separately. “He loves all the loading, unloading, going over bridges and through tunnels.” Another said, “It’s such a long track for kids to engage with!”

Kids squeeze Spidey’s foot to make this 12-inch Jazwares animatronic superhero execute a backward flip or shoot a web dart. His eyes light up too. He’ll say more than 50 sounds and phrases based on any of his 10 possible missions. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “Shooting a ‘web’ is truly thrilling for my 3-year-old,” one parent said. “He screams with excitement and has built a whole storyline around playing with it.” Another exclaimed, “The flipping element is so cool and impressive.”

Bluey fans can color the four members of the Heeler family, then wash them clean, over and over again with this pool-themed Crayola set. Fill the shower with water and use the eight included washable markers. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Scrubbing them clean can be as fun as redecorating them. “My daughter is in a coloring phase and a cleaning phase, so this was a good blend of both worlds,” a parent said.

This Magna-Tiles set comes with a compact travel case, making it easy to bring (and then build creations) wherever you go. These tiles are much smaller than traditional Magna-Tiles (which adds to the novelty!), though you can combine it with other sets for enhanced options. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Kids absolutely loved playing with it, especially because they could take this set wherever they wanted. One parent praised the portability by saying, “We are excited to take this with us on an international trip we have coming up soon! I know it will come in handy on the plane and fit into my daughter’s little travel backpack.”

Take Barbie “outdoors” with her brand-new camper van. It comes with more than 6o accessories, including a puppy pal, a fully equipped grill (with moldable dough for burgers and water-activated color-changing tools), and a hanging swing chair. There are tons of play areas, and all the pieces can be stored in the camper when it’s time to clean up. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: Parents loved seeing what fun scenarios their kids came up with when playing with it; one mom said it “inspired imagination and creativity” in her child. Kid testers were especially excited about the interactive aspects like the grill, the fold-down picnic table, and the pop-up tent.

Unlike other remote-controlled cars that just go, this one from Monster Jam crumples when you crash it into a wall. The more you crash it, the more smashed it gets. But it’s easy to restart the process, because with a click of a button, your monster truck fixes itself. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: Our analysts loved this toy, especially appreciating how well made it appeared. During our Lab’s toy-testing day, kids couldn’t get enough of smashing it into the walls and “breaking it” and then watching it return to its original shape.

This Squishmallow—a hybrid of a blueberry cheesecake and a cow—is a foot tall, plush, and oh-so-squishy. It comes with a hangtag that tells you about the character: Benito loves to dance and do magic tricks on the subway. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: It was a unanimous hit with our at-home testers, who highlighted how soft and squishy this toy was. Multiple parents said it was comfortable to snuggle, with one telling us her daughter “likes it so much, since it is so comfy to sleep with!”

With five different models to choose from (pictured here is Tyrannosaurus), kids can choose their favorite “Dinozord” figurine to play with on its own. But the best part is that when kids collect all five of these Power Ranger dinos, they can combine them to create the “Megazord.” Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: During our toy-testing event, kids were drawn to this one—especially excited by the fact that you could combine many pieces to make one giant toy. One parent said that their child “loved that it’s super customizable” and that it had become “one of his favorite toys.”

This 188-piece LEGO Friends set not only comes with a suitcase that helps organize the pieces (making it perfect for taking on the go), but also offers multiple models to build. The 2-in-1 design lets kids reconfigure the pieces to create two different beach scenes. In addition to the building pieces, it comes with two figures, a dog, and a dolphin. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Parents loved the flexibility of this LEGO set, with one saying, “This one lends itself to being played with again and again in different ways.”

Tame Dreamworks Dragons Toothless until he trusts you. His eyes change color depending on the mood he is in, and the better he bonds with you, the more interactive he becomes. Rub his head, feed him fish, and unlock different games to play with him as he gets tamed. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: Parents loved how well designed the interactive components were. “My son was totally captivated by this magical toy,” one said. “The interactive features kept him engaged, and he treated it like he got a new pet he needed to take care of!”

Use this Learning Resources toy to teach kids the basics of coding. Set Cooper on the ground, then click the arrows on his head in any order. After a moment, Cooper will move, following your directions. There are also has sensors to detect objects and light, allowing you to customize interactive tasks for Cooper, including having him follow a hand-drawn black line. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Our GH engineer especially liked this toy, as he thought it was an excellent way to introduce programming to children. Kid testers loved being able to press the buttons and decide what directions Cooper would go in.

Raise your own Jurassic World dinosaur with this egg that actually hatches. The baby dinosaur cracks its way out, slowly breaking free. Once the dino has hatched, it becomes an interactive toy, offering sounds and reactions. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Parents raved about this toy, especially the initial surprising experience. “The hatching event was the absolute highlight of the toy,” mentioned one parent, while another said, “Both my son and my daughter loved seeing the T-Rex break out!”

Not only does this FurReal cow have incredibly soft fur, but she is also animated, with 50 different sounds and motions. Pet her, scratch her chin, and feed her with her toy bottle to learn all her reactions. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: Kids adored all the interactive elements, from the cow following them around to her making fart noises. One parent reported that her kid enjoyed it so much, she treated it like her baby and had it with her at all times.

Placing marshmallows (i.e., Chatmallows) on a stick to “roast” over a light-up campfire, families embrace creative storytelling using this Educational Insights game. Each Chatmallow has four sides with different images you use to come up with a brief story. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: GH toy experts loved the simple way to encourage children to get creative, and parents appreciated that the included campfire got kids immersed in the game. One parent said their kids “loved the idea of pretending to roast marshmallows and tell stories over a campfire.”

When closed this looks like a backpack, but when opened it transforms into a Pokemon battleground set. It has four play areas with plenty of interactive components to enjoy. It also comes with Pikachu to help start your kid on their Pokemon journey. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: At-home testers loved the convenient storage this toy provided, with everything folding easily into its backpack shape. Kids enjoyed the interactive features, with one exclaiming, “It’s fun! There’s lots of things for Pikachu to jump on.”

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have your own Experiment 626, now is your chance. Poke, grab, squeeze, and hug Just Play’s Stitch all over to cause him to perform more than 100 different actions. Watch Stitch blink, dance, get angry, and go through other emotions while you play. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: It was a favorite among kids even when they had a room full of toys to play with. They loved dancing with him and admiring how realistic he looked. One mom mentioned that her son and daughter loved playing with him together, and that he had “made them laugh many times.”

This take on a classic bowling set by Spin Master is sure to be a strike with kids! Set the pins up, pull back the shark until its mouth opens fully, and watch as it launches toward and bites at the pins. Follow the template to lay out the pins or let your kid be creative and set them up however they choose. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kids had fun with the swimming and snapping features of the shark, with one mom saying her son was “delighted that the shark’s jaw chomps down on the fish pins.”

In this case you’ll find Kinetic Sand in four colors with an array of pizza-making tools. Use the pizza molds with the sand to build pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and even gummy bears. When you’re done, stuff it all back into the case for easy clean-up. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: The molds were well made, and the sand food items came out looking exactly as intended. Our analysts loved all the accessories that it came with, from the pizza wheel to the “oven” that made the experience feel like they were actually making a pizza.

These bouncing balls by TY are supersoft on the outside but offer impressive bounce. They’re available in a wide variety of characters, from adorable animals like pandas and cats to popular characters like Transformers or Peppa Pig. Kids can play with friends by bounce passing the balls back and forth or use them for solo bouncing.

TESTER NOTES: GH analysts called the toys a unique combination of plush and bouncy, while testers enjoyed the variety of characters. One tester said they were a hit at a family gathering, telling us, “All five of my nieces and nephews loved these plush bouncy balls.”

Unlike other remote-controlled dinosaurs, this one from Terra by Battat doesn’t just stomp forward. The Dilophosaurus also scurries backward, lets out a fierce roar, gnashes its teeth, and shakes its frills. The remote even features “action mode,” allowing the dino to venture around without your kid at the controls. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: When given the chance to play with a room full of toys in our Lab, children were excited to wait for a turn at trying out this one. “I love dinosaurs, and I’ve never seen something like this before,” shared one kid tester. “It walks on all four legs, and it’s really fun to play with.”

American Girl dolls are well loved for imaginative play, and the Truly Me collection adds another layer of fun. With dozens of combinations of skin, hair, and eye colors, you can choose one that looks like your child, making it feel extra special. The doll comes with a colorful outfit and an extra T-shirt, and they’re made to be long-lasting for extended play. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: “It is such a special feeling to not only have an American Girl doll but have one that feels tailored to you,” shared a parent. Our parent testers also loved the versatility of the doll and how many ways their kids could play with it, as well as the trusted quality.

Sticker collecting is back—but it’s cooler and more wearable than ever before. This ultimate Sticki Rolls kit includes 50 rolls of stickers in the shape of beads (each with 10 tiny stickers inside) that can be peeled off for sharing or decorating. It also comes with decorative beads, cords, pendants, and charms as well as a convenient carrying case. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kids were excited about the surprise element of unrolling the stickers. “I loved the whole thing,” said a kid tester, whose parent added, “It was a fun mix of creativity (with the bead-making) and cuteness (stickers, colors, jewelry) and was something she was excited to share with friends.”

Crafting fans can decorate these silly animal designs (like snorkeling penguins and dapper capybaras) from Educational Insights. The kit includes 16 sticky cards, 1,000 colorful pom-poms, and a “pom-pom popper” tool that helps your kid pick up the pieces and place them on the patterns to create 3D designs. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kids felt proud of their completed designs and loved being able to do it by themselves. One parent said, “My child adored the different animal designs,” and another noted, “They’re bright and colorful, and the pre-applied adhesive made the process straightforward and mess-free.”

For only $20, this Hey Bestie set comes with two dolls and an assortment of accessories, such as the puppies with their essentials shown here. The dolls are posable, and have different skin tones and hairstyles. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: The dolls were a hit with both parents and our kid testers, who loved to take the conveniently sized sets on the go. A parent shared, “My daughter loved how there were two toys in each box with multiple accessories to pick and choose from during play. I appreciated what looked like diversity in each toy set.”

If the idea of cows being abducted into space by aliens isn’t silly enough, now your kids can be in control of this scenario thanks to this What Do You Meme? game. Strap on a headband (complete with a dangling magnetic spacecraft) and then, as the cows rotate around the pasture, lean forward to grab one of them with your UFO. Whoever captures the most cows wins! Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: Parents told us their kids kept coming back for more, repeatedly wanting to play with both grown-ups and siblings. Testers said the trickiness of picking up cows using their heads added to the quirkiness and made it even more exciting.

Terra by Battat’s remote control insect not only looks the part but moves like a real bug! Run the fly across the floor or attach it to the wall or the ceiling so it can move in all directions. It includes a simple-to-use remote, or you can opt for auto mode, in which it moves on its own. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kids were delighted by the realistic look and wall-climbing capabilities of this toy. One parent mentioned that though the bug might look creepy, their daughter surprisingly “fell in love with it as she played with it.”

The Littlest Pet Shop mini boutique features a spinning curtain to reveal a store on one side and a decked out dressing room on the other. It includes three pets and plenty of fashionable accessories for dress-up along with shopping essentials like a cellphone, a boba tea, and a bag. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: “She loved the cute characters and the many accessories to dress them up,” said a parent. When he asked his 6-year-old about her favorite aspect of the toy, her response was, “Everything!” The same parent remarked, “We have not put it away since we got it.”

Players take turns drawing animal cards (think dolphins, emus, piglets) then ranking them with a "cuteness meter" in this set from Hootenanny Games. Everyone else guesses how cute the player at turn ranked the animal. Guess correctly to earn points, but get it wrong and you have to flip a blobfish token. Once all three blobfish are flipped, tally your points to determine the winner. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: A parent called it "perfect for any animal lover," and all of our testers—parents and kids!—learned about tons of new animals. They said it was fun for the whole family and exciting to flip over cards to reveal the cute creatures.

With Crayola's marker airbrush and the included stencils, kids can create detailed designs in seconds, or they can let the creative juices flow and try free-handing. Simply remove the tip, pop in a marker, close it up, and press the button to spray streams of color onto your paper. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: When we had this kit in a room full of the latest toys, kids of all ages were lining up to try this one out (and their parents were too!). At-home testers also loved loading the airbrush with their favorite markers and using the stencils to create impressive artwork; "I liked experimenting with it!" one shared.

This new Furby is like none you've ever seen before. It's 22 inches long, super soft and snuggly, and packed full of interactive features. Press the heart on Furby's head before flipping it over onto its belly, which is covered in touch-activated lights that unlock games, silly songs, and sounds. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: "She absolutely loves this toy and can't stop talking to her friends about it," shared a parent of her daughter. Kid testers were excited about the variety of unusual games (like "Fart Finder"), and they grew attached to the soft, cuddly friend that was just as fun for carrying around and tucking into bed.

Combining quick-thinking and fast movements, this Ultra Pro game is simple to learn yet packed with fun. Players start with tiles showing animals getting hit with food, then when the dice are rolled you have to stack your tile on top of the dice that depicts the matching image. Be careful not to knock over a tile, or you're knocked out for the round. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: Parents of testers (as well as our own parenting pros) highlighted how quick and convenient this tabletop game is. Parents said it felt unique compared to others they've played as a family, since it combines dice and tiles. They also told us their kids kept pulling it out for more.

Kids can make their own solar system—without making a mess—thanks to Skillmatics. The craft is simple: Peel off the backing to reveal a sticky surface, then rub a foil sheet on top to create the planet’s patterns. Once all the planets are decorated, kids can assemble their out-of-this-world mobile to hang in their rooms. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: One parent highlighted that the toy “promotes creativity and encourages kids to work with their hands.” She added, “My child was very excited as soon as it arrived. He had a blast trying out all the different foil colors and patterns.” As a bonus, parents loved the included fun-facts sheet and said their kids enjoyed learning about space.

With Flat 2 Fast’s stunt pack, your kid can send race cars flying through a ring of fire, under a tunnel, or over a ramp. Fold the cars down flat, insert them into the launchers, and press a button to watch them pop open. The cars will zoom across the floor and through the obstacles your kid builds. When playtime is over, the cars can be flattened again for easy storage. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kid testers loved the creative element of setting up different courses for the cars to pass through and challenged themselves to launch the cars farther and farther. Parents shared that this was great for travel, even bringing it on family trips.

Filled with sweet and salty toy snacks such as gummy bears, marshmallows, and pretzels, this vending machine from Our Generation serves up tons of fun. Insert the doll-size coins or swipe the credit card and the machine will light up, make sounds, and dispense the snack of your choice, just like the real thing. Plus, it can be refilled for endless excitement. Ages 3+

TESTER NOTES: “My daughter loves playing with doll accessories, and this one was unique compared to other play sets she has,” said one parent. “We were surprised to see that it actually dispenses the toy snacks, making it more interactive than her pretend food toys.”

With this Hot Wheels transporter, the dragons are stacked together but can be separated into two toys: A smaller dragon flaps its wings and chomps on cars, while the larger one breathes fire to sweep cars out of its way. For even more action, the dragons transform into a two-lane racetrack with a launcher, and cars can be stored in the sides of the truck when play is done. Ages 4+

TESTER NOTES: Parents said this toy was perfect for siblings to use together because there were two dragons and several ways to play. They also appreciated how easy it was to stow away. A kid tester said the best part was “the dragon that eats cars,” and kids loved the imaginative details such as sharp teeth and fire breath.

Artsy kids can make their own one-of-a-kind collectibles with this set. They simply layer a few colors of liquid paint, pour that over the figure, and watch as the hues swirl and drip to create cool patterns. This is a good one to get in multiples, because the pour is never exactly the same. In addition to the large bears, ToyMonster’s Pour PalZ also come in smaller backpack-charm sizes. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: “The activity was really easy and fun—essentially making a mess to create art you can display and keep,” said one parent. “But it was very manageable from a cleanup standpoint. The bear shape and colors are adorable, and it feels very cool, creative, and modern—and the size was perfect.”

Gamer kids who want to bring their ideas to the screen can design their own video games with this Pixicade system. Kids draw out the levels using different colors for different functions—black for structures, blue for goals like money, red for hazards, and so on—and an iOS or Android app transforms them into a digital mobile game they can actually play. Ages 6+ with adult help, 10+ without

TESTER NOTES: “I love that it’s designed for colors and not shapes,” said one 11-year-old tester. “You can draw anything random and then add it to your games too! I love that the notebook guides you through every single step. That made it very, very easy to use.”

Created by YouTuber Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, CrunchLabs’ bimonthly subscription box lets STEM enthusiasts take on higher-level coding and robotics projects. Videos provide step-by-step guidanc, and activities include building a robot that sets up dominoes following a preprogrammed path and making a laser tag blaster set. Ages 13+

TESTER NOTES: Young scientists were really enthralled. “My 13-year-old son loved this,” one parent said. “He thought this was the coolest project and was very proud of himself when he successfully put it together. He was so engrossed that he skipped dinner!”

Clixo stands out for the innovative way its flexible pieces connect with magnets, giving kids a different kind of building experience. This set comes with pieces designed to make tropical birds, with vibrant colors and feathery shapes, though kids can also use them for open-ended play. There are even instructions for building a bird that can flap its wings. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: “She loves Clixo and liked that this version had a theme and something specific to build,” said one mom of her 9-year-old daughter. “The birds move and give the feeling of flight, which is a really fun addition.”

Two favorite toy brands combine for one incredible play experience with Play-Doh Barbie’s fashion kits. Budding designers can make ruffles, bows, patterns, hairdos, and even textures like faux fur out of Play-Doh, then dress Barbie up in them and then spin her on the runway to show off her new styles. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: Kid testers (and their parents) unanimously loved playing with it, with several parents highlighting that it was fun for siblings to play with together. “My older daughter likes Barbie and fashion, while my younger one loves Play-Doh,” said one. “Both were able to express their creativity in their own ways.”

This super-cool skater figure feels extremely light when held in a hand—but there’s a good reason for that. Connect the skater to a launcher, and it revs up to up to 8,000 RPM. Let it go, and it really zips—and if it’s aimed at the included 1-foot by 1-foot skate ramp, it pops up really high (up to 6 feet). This is Tech Deck’s first motorized toy, and it feels unique compared with other wheeled and vehicle toys. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: This was a huge hit at our in-person toy testing day, with kids lining up to take a turn sending the skater zooming down the GH Institute hallway, up the ramp, and into the air. (It really does go high!)

When seeking inspiration for its slime, Gui Gui looked to the beauty aisle and the packaging for tweens’ favorite skincare and cosmetics. The result is a luxe slime experience in which kids can unbox their slime, discover a blind-box collectible figure, and add mix-ins and charms. It comes in different textures, too, including gloss, clear, butter, and cloud. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: Many testers noted that the figurine was their favorite part, and kids loved digging it out of the slime and hiding it there again. “The figure and the other charms that came with it were much nicer than the ones that usually come in slime toys,” one parent said.

Kids have been going gaga over Bitzee for a while now, but this newest version is sure to thrill fans of witchraft and wizardry. The Harry Potter version comes loaded with 20 characters from the franchise that get unlocked as a child plays with it. In addition, there are activities and mini games that let kids cast spells, collect objects like the Sorting Hat, or see moments from the movies recreated in pixelated form. Ages 5+

TESTER NOTES: “My daughter loves the Harry Potter Bitzee!” said one mom of a 9-year-old. “It’s a cool concept for a virtual-pet-type toy, and she loves Harry Potter, so it was a win-win.”

For kids who are ready to advance their magnetic-building skills, this Connetix set has super-strong magnets that can actually rotate 360 degrees within the tiles. That means builders aren’t relegated to connecting pieces at the corners; pieces can be offset or staggered and can overlap in ways that weren’t possible before. Also, the tiles are opaque, which gives them a more sophisticated look. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Multiple testers noted how well constructed the pieces seemed, saying they felt sturdier than those of other magnetic building toys. “I liked that pieces get together easily; I like the idea, and I think other kids will love it,” one 10-year-old tester said.

As cashless payments become the norm in the real world, Monopoly follows suit with this version that lets players do all the banking through an app. Each player gets their own bank card (cha-ching!), and when a player buys a property, they can scan the deed to their card. Another change is that there are kid-friendly properties on the board: Instead of the standard Marvin Gardens and Boardwalk, players can buy the moon, a chocolate factory, or a skyscraper waterslide. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Families appreciated how the app made the experience smoother. “It saved the players the time and effort of handling and counting out the dollars,” one parent noted, adding, “The game sustained their attention for long periods of time.”

This DIY kit from Klutz lets kids enjoy two of the biggest trends at once: cozy hobbies and adorable plushes. A knitting loom and a hook tool are used to manipulate the yarn, so crafters don’t have to master the art of using knitting needles. There are enough materials to make 14 different animals, including a fox, a bumblebee, a platypus, and (a kid favorite) an axolotl. Ages 7+

TESTER NOTES: Parents unanimously told us that their kids were able to make the projects on their own by following the helpful instructions and that their kids spent large chunks of time playing with it. “She loved that she could do it herself, and she thought it was very cute,” shared one parent of a 9-year-old.

This Fat Brain Toys set is sure to test their fine-motor coordination: Players are challenged with using a rubber launcher to shoot disc-shaped magnets. The goal is to perform different tricks and stunts with them, such as hitting a target and flying through a hoop. It comes with 15 challenge cards to get players started, but additional Magshuto expansion packs available with more feats to try are available. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: This was a hit across age ranges, with grown-ups saying siblings worked together to achieve the stunts. “It was fun competition for them,” said one tester. “It was also nice to see the older sibling teach his sister how to use it.”

Four iconic Disney villains—Maleficent, Ursula, Hades, and Scar—all enter a shared game board together. Who emerges victorious? In this new entry in the popular Ravensburger Villainous franchise, each player has their own goals and abilities. They have to race the other players to see who can carry out their evil plan fastest. Ages 7+

TESTER NOTES: Families liked that the game could be different each time it was played, depending on which of the characters each person chose (and they really did like playing as the villains). “It’s a fun strategy game that isn’t too intimidating for their age,” one parent noted.

What’s better than getting a dollhouse as a gift? Designing and making one yourself! Kids can use real tools to build out a room, then customize it with wallpaper, bedding, decorations, and other DIY touches. Suite Spaces sets are modular, so other rooms can be added on, and they work best with 3-inch or 4-inch dolls. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: One parent said her daughter especially liked “the different wallpapers and bed covers and creative combinations.” Another noted that her child used her imagination to build “what she wanted her room to look like in real life.”

It looks like a traditional Rubik’s cube, but where did the colors go? Press the logo, and the cube lights up—but only for a short time. After a minute, it’s lights-out again, adding a layer of challenge for advanced players (or people who just think it looks cool to see the cube light up in the dark, since players can press the logo as many times as needed). Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: It delighted parents and kids alike. “My son plays with it for a few minutes at night in his room before going to sleep,” one parent noted. “The upside is that he’s not on his iPhone. The unintended upside is that he is distracted by the toy and it gets his mind off of his anxiousness.”

Beyblade battles get all the more exciting with this set, which is designed to amp up the action. The tops come with gears that fit into the X-Celator rail, which gives them huge bursts of speed. The stadium has different levels inside, which makes it possible for one top to drop down on another from above. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: It was a great option for both Beyblade fans and those new to the game. “My 10-year-old has played with Beyblade toy sets before, so he was familiar with it and excited to test this one,” one parent noted. “He likes playing with friends, and he noticed there are new items in this set that he hadn’t seen in others.”

For kids who really love to build with LEGO, there are instructions to make three different animal families with the same set of bricks. They can make pandas, penguins, or orcas, all of which can be posed and displayed on a shelf. There's a little more than 620 pieces in the set, and when it's built the panda is more than five inches tall. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Kids really liked the variety. "She particularly loved the panda theme, and that it could be taken apart and she could build two other animals with the pieces," said one parent of a 9-year-old. "The panda also has some joints to allow it to make a variety of postures."

Spirograph is a classic that parents (and even grandparents) may remember from their childhoods, but this device puts a new spin on it: Kids can set up the Spirograph the way they want it, push a button, and watch as it swirls the markers around automatically. It’s mesmerizing to witness. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Testers were fans of the automation. “It’s easier to use because it’s electronic and you don’t have to worry about moving your hand by accident and the thing slipping,” said one parent of a 9-year-old. Said another parent, “It’s great for being creative and exploring new ideas.”

Unlike games in which players try to get their pieces all in a row, Foros brings the idea into three dimensions. Players have to place four of their wooden pieces in a row, but they can go across, down, diagonally, or straight up! In addition to the two-player game, this comes with other challenges and brain-teasing activities. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: “It felt very smart and challenging—definitely an intellectual game,” said one 11-year-old tester. “I had a great time playing with my family, and I even managed to beat my parents a few times!”

Who's ready to buy a vowel? Fans can get the fun and excitement of "America’s Game” from this home version by Educational Insights. Players get to spin the wheel, guess letters, and see if they can solve each word puzzle. It comes preloaded with 300 challenges and can be played in two game modes, classic and toss-up. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Our testers reported passing this one around their families. “My daughter had a great time playing with her younger brother,” one parent of a 13-year-old and 11-year-old said, “but I think I also spent hours playing with it.”

Sometimes the most satisfying toys are the ones kids build themselves. With CrunchLabs kits—available by subscription or as a one-off purchase—kids can make their own playthings that each highlight a core concept of engineering, from a strobe light that demonstrates refraction to a catapult that demonstrates projectile motion. The founder is Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and a current YouTube star. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Testers said it offered the right level of challenge. “This hit that nice sweet spot of complicated enough to seem interesting but quick enough to build and play with, and it was also quite fun,” said one parent of a tween.

Get them working on their logic and critical-thinking skills with the newest offering from Educational Insights’ viral Kanoodle line. This brain-teasing puzzle game is a 3D twist on Sudoku, and players are tasked with arranging the cubes so no colors repeat in any row or column. It comes with 100 puzzle cards, and one side of the board is a four-by-four grid, but it becomes a five-by-five grid when players are ready for a tougher challenge. Ages 7+

TESTER NOTES: Entire families got in on the act with this one, with adults noting that they enjoyed it as much as their kids did. “I liked that you could work on the puzzles with someone else,” one tester said.

This e-scooter from Segway lets kids go fast, but not too fast—it tops out at just under 10 mph. In addition, there are cool ambient lights under the deck and a display that shows how much battery life is left. Segway notes that it can go uphill with its 5% climbing ability and is water resistant enough to be ridden in light rain. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: This one created a few e-scooter converts. “Our son is obsessed,” said a parent of a 10-year-old. “He is consistently charging and using the Segway pretty much every single day!” Said another: “My son loves being able to speed down paths on an electric scooter—the freedom, the acceleration, the breeze.”

Who wouldn't want a squad of smiling pickles on their side? Ultra-cute plush toys are definitely a trend, and these pickles from Relatable certainly fit the bill. The set comes with five plush pickles, each with a different emoji-like expression, and kids can give them a squeeze when they need a little pick-me-up. Other emotional support plushes available include pizza, puppies, and Pop-Tarts, all including five funny faces. Ages 0+

TESTER NOTES: There’s already a fan-favorite pickle: Multiple testers picked the one with the sunglasses as the best of the bunch. “She loves it and said it was the best toy ever!” said one parent of a 10-year-old.

Though each is still housed in a little egg, the world of Tamagotchi has gotten bigger than ever. With Tamagotchi Paradise, kids can zoom in on their characters—all the way down to the cellular level. Or they can do the opposite and zoom out to see the planet from beyond it. They can raise characters across generations, passing along various genetic traits, and there are 12 species and more 50,000 possible characters to create. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: Lab experts loved the vibrant colors and the fun designs it came in. Kids were fans too. One parent said it kept both their kids “engaged in daily ‘taking care’ of the characters. It would make little noises to remind them to check on it.”

Just when you thought Pokémon couldn’t make plush get any cuter, they have now come out with characters that are extra snuggly, made from a supersoft shaggy material that almost makes them look like baby toys (though they were was a hit with older kids). Choose from four characters: Charmander, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Ages 2+

TESTER NOTES: All our testers exclaimed over how truly soft and adorable these were. “I love the texture, and the toy is so cute,” raved one 9-year-old. Parents also highlighted the quality, noting that the stitching was done well.

Combining two popular playthings (magnet builders and fidget toys), this set from Tosy comes with 136 strong magnets kids can arrange into different shapes to make their own fidget spinners. Or, they can use them like a Rubik’s cube or build whatever else they feel like making as a way to keep their hands busy. The pieces even glow in the dark, and a UV flashlight is included. Ages 6+

TESTER NOTES: These were a draw during our in-Lab toy testing—all the kids wandered over to give them a try. One at-home tester noted, “My child likes to build and construct, and this was great for keeping her entertained and engaged at a restaurant and on a train ride.”

Casual party games that require physical skill were a big trend this year, and this one from ThinkFun is easy to learn and quick to play. A challenge card shows players a pattern of colors, and they have to shift their pieces from pillar to pillar until they can match it. The trick: Everyone can use only one hand. Whoever finishes first can grab the trophy cup to declare Sweet Victory. Ages 8+

TESTER NOTES: Testers said the rules were easy to understand, so kids could go solo or have adults get in on the act. One parent said, “Though it’s for a family of four, my 10-year-old spent a lot of time doing some rounds on his own because he liked the mental workout. ‘It’s actually challenging and not like one of those easy games,’ he said.”