This might be one of the strangest toys I’ve seen—but there’s no denying what a hit it is among kids. This dancing and farting character (aptly named Chester Cheeks) has been one of the most popular products at every toy preview I’ve attended this year, with kids flocking around to see it in action. Just note that he’s sold out several times, but seems to come back in stock frequently—including right now!
The classic Fisher-Price record player got a major makeover. This deluxe model looks just like an actual vinyl player and comes with six “albums” with sleeves. Our parenting pros recently named it one of our top gifts for 3-year-olds.
RELATED: 35 Best Toys for 3 Year-Olds
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Clickeez are the ultimate temptation for fidget fans. These keychain-style toys look like computer keys and make a super satisfying clacking noise. They fit in a pocket or on a backpack, and each box comes with 12 surprise designs. The brand also sells a keyboard mega pack (a Toy Awards winner that often sells out!) that gives these a resting spot for display.
We don’t typically recommend AI for kids, but this is our first exception. Kids can simply press the button on top and tell the box what they want—like a cow doing hurdles—and the device will make a black and white sticker on thermal paper they can color. While the manufacturer says it’s suitable for ages 3 and up, our testing shows it’s better for kids over 5. Even my 20-year-old played with this for hours and thought it was so fun. It’s on backorder at the time of publishing, but I’d recommend buying now if you want to make sure you get it before the holidays.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Stickerbox Is the First AI-Enabled Toy to Win Over Our Toy Testers
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
This elevated slime is another popular toy for those who always need something to do with their hands. Less sticky than slime, the Better Butter features a smooth texture and a storage tin for easier transport. Plus, butter toys are a huge trend this year, so you’ll seem in-the-know if you gift this.
This one’s a toy our parenting pros have been recommending for years. For one, we like that kids can use it as a seat for rocking and rolling around. They can also use it as a pretend helmet, a hideout for their action figures or cars, or even a bucket. It comes in more than a dozen different fun colors and is one of our best gifts for two year-olds.
RELATED: 40 Best Toys for 2 Year-Olds
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Coloring is even more fun when it lights up. With this light-up board, they can draw freehand or use the shape clings to learn about squares and triangles. The best part is that the washable markers store inside. Just note that both this product and the thinner version for older kids are often discounted, especially during Amazon sales—so keep an eye out.
If kids already have Magna-Tiles in their collection, this holiday-themed set of mini-tiles will connect with their existing toys. This comes with buildable pieces of Santa, a conductor, and a train for some festive countdown fun. Magna-Tiles (and magnetic tiles in general) are always kid favorites, and this is a great value for the amount of pieces they’ll get.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
FurReal always puts out some of my personal favorite interactive stuffed animals each year, and Gabby is no exception. Pet her and she'll purr, then feed her to watch her legs extend as she grows into a bigger tiger.
This hopping fox looks like so much fun, I wish they made a version for adults. Kids can hold on to the ears and bounce around the house, and you can feel at peace knowing it has anti-slip feet to help keep them steady on hardwood floors. It’s one of our favorites to give to two year-olds.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Just add water to this Melissa & Doug set, and you’ll see some real magic happen. Not only does this grill come with an assortment of fake foods, it can go from “raw” to “cooked” with a splash of liquid from the squeeze bottle. This was one of our Toy Award winners in 2025.
If they love drawing or video games, this STEM toy combines both. Kids will draw their own characters and scenes, then take photos and upload them to an app. From there, their creations turn into an arcade game they can share with their friends. Note that it since requires access to a phone or tablet for use, adult assistance is recommended. The original was one of our 2023 Toy Award winners.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
There are a lot of remote control toys out there, but this little guy stands out. At the touch of a button, this lizard can go from slinking around the floor to climbing actual walls. This and the Explodapede are some of our favorites for seven-year-olds.
The original Furby caused a frenzy when it came out in 1998, and ever since this DJ version came out last year, it’s been a popular pick among GH readers. It has a long, rainbow body that’s perfect for cuddling; plus, it plays music and makes noises.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Set this mini-Monster Truck into “beast mode” and watch it go wild and break free of its chain. It will spin in a tornado-like movement and even does wheelies. This one was a big hit with our kid testers, and earned a coveted spot on our annual Toy Awards list. It needs 2 AAA batteries to run the controller, but the vehicle uses a USB-C cable to recharge after 20 minutes of playtime.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Readers Also Read
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below