Wondering how to pick from so many splendid options? We’ve turned to the experts to find the hottest toys to put under the tree this year. We’re talking playsets, science kits, and plush toys suited to various age groups, points, and brands available at popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
For all the best recommendations, The Post consulted Jim Silver, the CEO of TTPM. Each year, Silver and his team put together a list of the best gifts of the season to help shoppers pick out something perfect. According to Silver, both kids and parents tend to be drawn to brands that have built trust over time.
“Trusted brands offer a sense of reliability, ensuring parents that the products are safe and high-quality, while kids are drawn to the excitement and familiarity these toys bring,” he explained.
As for what to watch out for in 2024, he has a few predictions. “We continue to see innovation and popular toys from the big manufacturers including Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO, and SpinMaster,” said Silver.
Below, find Silver’s predictions for the top 23 hottest toys to shop for this holiday season, and be sure to check out our gift guides for 1-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, and more at Post Wanted!
Disney has done it again. This time for the little ones who love a bit of mystery. The Disney Crystal Suprise features one surprise Disney Crystal character, two small crystal accessories, and one CraZArt compound!
“Disney Crystal Surprise is great because it combines collectible play with tactile play, imaginative play and it gives a crystallized look to the characters,” shared Silver.
Bluey is a big deal around here, and his biggest fans are going to love taking their favorite figures for a wild ride. This fabulous contraption transforms from a plane into a resort and a boat. Of course, it also comes with an adorable Bluey in her pilot’s hat and sunglasses.
“This is great for any Bluey fans,” said Silver. “There are tons of fun surprises and kids will love recreating their favorite scenes from the show and hearing phrases that bring characters to life,” said Silver.
Aspiring bakers will delight in this Cookeez Makery Freezy Cakez Fridge. The directions are simple: mix the ingredients, shape the dough, and use the mold tool to turn it into the perfect ice cream cake. Of course, it doesn’t stop there. The Freezy Cakez plush is sure to have a few voice reactions.
Silver loves this toy for a few reasons: “This toy is great for kids because it offers a magical unboxing experience. Kids will like the surprise of finding out which pet they’re getting, as well as the process of “making” it.”
For kids, there’s nothing like an action figure from your favorite show. Fans will take part in a thrilling unboxing experience to reveal the epic MrBeast Lab Iconic Panther. It comes in the signature blue and pink colors and boasts over 20 points of articulation.
Like many, Silver has these Mutators on his list. “MrBeast fans will love the MrBeast Lab Mutators,” he explained. “This brings the Beast Panther logo to life for young fans. The unboxing process is short but is fun to watch, and it adds some roleplay as kids pretend to be working in the lab.”
STEM gifts are loved by kids and parents alike, and this Gumball Rally is set to make some big moves during the holiday season. Not only can it be reconfigured and reused to create all sorts of obstacles, but it also comes with edible gumballs to be enjoyed as snacks along the way.
Silver loves this option for a STEM pick. “This science kit is great for introducing kids to physics concepts in a hands-on way. Building and solving requires creative thinking, and after your machine is built you can eat the gumballs once you’re done sending them through.”
Of course, the best toys of 2024 would not suffice without a major nod to Barbie. The 2024 Holiday Barbie is as glamorous as ever, and a top toy selection by TTPM, as well as one of the most gifted items on Amazon.
This year, she’s decked out in a dramatic red gown that features bright sparkles that allow her to shimmer and shine through the packaging. Of course, she comes in four looks, so you can find one that resonates with your little Barbie want-to-be.
Baby rave? Young DJs will love turning up the beat with this miniature record player. There are five colorful, double-died “records” to choose from, for a 20-song-long mixtape with a number of options.
Silver says this is a wonderful toy to get kids moving: “This toy is great because it encourages preschoolers to get up and be active, while also introducing some developmental skills. It’s easy for kids to use and gives them different ways to play or relax.”
Silver’s list includes a good mix of up-and-coming brands and classic, recognizable favorites, and Pokémon is one that nostalgic parents will certainly enjoy playing with alongside their kids.
The Pokémon Carry Case Beach Battle Playset is surging in popularity on Amazon and is rated as a #1 new release. Parents love that the backpack build makes it easy to travel with, and kids can’t get enough of the interactive beach zones and battle launchers to entrain Pikachu with.
Hot Wheels has a new winner, and it’s not your typical track. Perhaps, you recognize the Hot Wheels City Car Wash from the Netflix series, “Let’s Race.” It’s full of color-changing fun and as detailed as they come.
“Kids will be entertained with this playset as there are so many fun reveals,” stated Silver. “The initial color-reveal feature is a one-time thing, but the car itself has a color-change feature that kids can do over and over again. Kids will love driving the cars through the shark’s mouth.”
Show your kid the power of love. These sweet Hatchimals require some nurturing to enter the world. Kids must cuddle, tap, rock, and lift the eggs to encourage them to hatch and once they do make a magical appearance (complete with mist and rainbows), they’ll become instant BFFs.
Silver has explained that Hatchimals are back and this new version has more magic with the mist and moving egg. “There will be a lot of interaction between Hatchimal and the child once hatched. Kids will have fun seeing all the fun things their Hatchimal can do.”
Silver is after innovative toys that reflect kids’ interests, and if there is one (almost) universal interest for the younger crowd it might be Ms. Rachel. The singing social media icon and early learning instructor has become a superstar for kids and parents alike, and she can come with you anywhere.
The Ms. Rachel Sing & Speak Doll plays 16 signature phrases and four songs from the hit Ms. Rachel show, including the fan-favorite “Icky Sticky Sticky Sticky Bubble Gum.” She even comes with a learning card with play ideas and skill-building tips.
Silver has mentioned that LEGO is one of the top brands that has seen plenty of innovation over the last year — making multiple appearances on TTPM’s Most Wanted List 2024.
One best-seller is the unforgettable “Jaws” scene set, which allows kiddos to recreate the epic moment from the movie where Quint, Chief Brody, and Hooper faced down the shark from the deck of the Orca. The set can be displayed in two ways — either emerging from the water on the sea base or with the Shark standing solo on its own stand.
Your little one will be laughing out loud with this one. It’s a toy and craft two-in-one. Tots can customize their doll’s tail, by mixing the two colors of gell, pouring them into the mold, and letting it set until it’s ready for action!
“These will be lots of fun to unbox and collect,” Silver said. “Kids will love the surprise of the color-change mermaid tails and making a mermaid tail for the Tots dolls. Each mermaid’s experience is different, which also ups the collectability, but all of the dolls will inspire imaginative play.”
Celebrate one of the beloved Sesame Street characters in style — with dancing! The Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo has plenty of tricks up its sleeves. You can expect it to have your kiddo wiggling and giggling to the music.
“This is a fun toy for young Elmo fans ages 1.5 and up. It’s easy to make Elmo dance and sing and encourages kids to get active,” suggested Silver.
Looking for an original gift idea that gets kids moving? Buddy Bumpers were recently featured on TTPM, and we can see why — these massive wearable body bubbles make for non-stop fun and plenty of laughter.
The set of two inflates easily and is constructed of super-durable PVC plastic for hours of play. They can wear them, roll around in them, and bump up against friends. It’s safe to say your kid will be worn out by the end of their play session.
The iconic series may have come to an end, but the Harry Potter lore is going nowhere. In this fun-sized toy, kids can create realistic mini-creations that are replicas of the actual Harry Potter films.
Silver has mentioned that this toy is another great choice for little wanna-be wizards. “Harry Potter fans will have fun collecting some of their favorite potions. It’s a cool unboxing and hands-on experience that results in neat mini replicas that can be used for play or display.”
Mattel is another top brand on Silver’s roster this year. Of course, the legendary toy company has been churning out hits for decades, but this year there are a few innovative finds (from years past) that would be great under the Christmas tree.
The Jurassic World All-Out Attack Tyrannosaurus Rex is an all-out attack! The iconic Tyrannosaurus rex inspired by “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” comes to life at the press of a button. There’s neck thrashing, growing teeth, and even destruction mode. Best of all, it syncs up with the Jurassic World Play App for hours of entertainment.
If you’re not ready to gift them a real pet, consider a super plush, friendly monkey that can hang around all day and requires zero care. Not to mention, it’s pretty adorable and it talks back.
“FurReal Peanut is great because it nurtures roleplay and imaginative play and it offers a realistic monkey experience,” said Silver.
For a game that gets the entire family together, consider Monopoly Go! This thrilling board game is a spin on the popular mobile app with the same premise — the first player to build a landmark wins!
“Monopoly Go is a new twist to a classic game,” said Silver. “This is a faster-paced version of the classic game that plays more like the app than traditional Monopoly. This is a way for app players to play against friends and family in real life,” said Silver.
Lights, camera, action. This Transformer has it all. The Optimus Prime is inspired by the latest movie, features four modes, and flashing lights, and grows in height from eight to 10 inches.
Silver has not forgotten Transformers, either. “This toy lets fans of the new Transformers One movie play out the transforming action. With four different modes, including one that uses that cool-looking Power Flip, Transformers fans will have lots of different ways to play.”
Mechanical toys are great for life action, but Silver also keeps a handful of artisan, learning-based toys on his list. Melissa & Doug is one of the top brands specializing in natural wooden toys, and this adorable wooden vending machine is no exception.
The 16-piece set allows players to insert coins and make selections by pressing corresponding buttons. It’s a wonderful way to teach cause-and-effect and encourage imaginative play, sorting, counting, letter recognition, and other developmental skills. Plus, no batteries are required, so your kiddo will never run out of fun with this little machine.
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! The Barbies Dream Besties let kids explore their interests. This Barbie has dreams of owning her own makeup company and comes with 11 beauty accessories to assist, including sunglasses, a mirror, and obviously, lipstick.
“Barbie fans will have so much fun playing with the Barbie Dream Besties dolls. There are four dolls to collect 4 dolls to collect, each with their own set of cool fashions, and themed accessories which inspire a lot of imaginative play,” said Silver.
Ring in the season with the Pokémon Deluxe Holiday Calendar. This popular pick features a hodgepodge of playful Battle Figures plus eight accessories to celebrate 24 days of holiday fun.
“The Pokemon Deluxe Holiday Calendar is tons of fun for the holiday season,” noted Silver. “There are 24 days of surprises, and the carry case doubles as a playset that will inspire imaginative play.”
In case you didn’t know, PAW Patrol is a big deal for the 10 and under crew, and Silver has identified it among the trendiest toy themes of the season.
This engaging Paw Patrol Tower is 40 inches tall and centers around a command center. as well as a looping ramp, and parking spots for up to six vehicles. Kids can launch cars up and down the slide to active lights and sound to mimic the adventures of their favorite characters.
We’ve got this one fresh out of the oven (or, toy factory for that matter)! There’s no need to hire a delivery driver, anymore. Your little lad or lady will be ready to show off their new set of wheels and practice their baking skills while some delicious playdough pizzas.
Silver is confident this toy will be near the top of the list. “Preschoolers will love pretending to run their own pizza place and ride around the house making deliveries. This playset includes lots of accessories, Play-Doh, and inspires creativity.”
Meet the friendship dolls from the future. Before making her grand entrance, “Wren” can interact with her new friends through a virtual hologram. Your little one is sure to enjoy their conversations with the sassy pixie. She even tells fortunes, so they might get a hint of their future.
“This is an exciting toy where you can bring a Pixie friend to life inside and outside of the Holobrite Pixie lantern,” said Silver. “Kids will have fun meeting Wren and playing all sorts of games with her while inside the lantern and they will like removing the Wren doll from the lantern for even more fun and imaginative play.”
Enter the dollhouse of your dreams. This fantastical pink Barbie Dream House (we should say mansion) may bite a bit more into the budget, but it’s decked out with all the luxe decor and toys to turn your Barbie’s dreams become a reality. She’ll be all moved before you know it.
This set pretty much speaks for itself, but Silver has a few thoughts about why it stands out as the biggest and best: “This three-story Barbie Dreamhouse is the perfect dollhouse for your Barbies to live in. It includes 10 areas, over 75 accessories, and sound effects that enhance imaginative play.”
Silver’s list is filled with wonderful toys for kids of all ages, hobbies, and skill levels, but if there is one TTPM-approved gift for an aspiring artist, we’d say it’s the iconic F.A.O. Schwarz Pottery Wheel.
This little spinning pottery wheel kit includes everything kids need to create clay works of art — modeling tools, paints, clay, and more. It even offers left-handed and right-handed models and comes with built-in tool storage to keep their work area tidy. Not to mention, it’s cheaper than art classes!
This one might seem a little simpler than the decked-out play sets on this list, but it’s no less popular with little ones. Furby is trained with over 600 phrases and listens to five commands: Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let’s Chill, and Lightshow.
“The Furby Galaxy Edition is a new glow-in-the-dark Furby and we love that it combines nurturing pet play with interactive and imaginative play,” explained Silver.
Pickleball is a favorite pastime these days, and it’s even made its way onto TTPM’s toy list. For sporty kids who can’t get enough of the court, this small paddle board will be a superb choice, and let them keep playing even when it’s too cold outside.
Here’s the catch: The rules are a bit different. The tabletop board tasks kiddos with smashing the wiggling pickle with their pickleball paddles. The first player to flip over two of the three pickle lids wins. According to reviewers, it’s a bunch of fast, furious, and face-to-face fun.
This article was written by?Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from?stylish new kids clothes?to long-trusted?diaper brands?with her daughter. She evaluates?baby- and mom-approved products?for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
