The holiday season is near, and we're confident these gifts will be the hottest Christmas toys of 2025.
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As a mom of four, I’m very aware of the “it” Christmas toys. Every holiday season, there are those super popular holiday toys—you know, the gift ideas that sell out overnight, leaving parents scrambling to buy them via third-party vendors at double or triple the retail price. Yes, seeing your children light up when they open the hottest Christmas toys that Santa left under the tree is priceless, but you shouldn’t have to pay beaucoup bucks simply because you waited until the last minute.
This year, I sought out expert advice from Chris Byrne, aka The Toy Guy, to help you stay ahead of the game. With his help, we’ve put together a list of the most wanted Christmas toys of 2025, from big-ticket gifts for boys and girls to stocking stuffers for kids. These gifts for kids include the classics—think Lego, Barbie and Hot Wheels—as well as brand-new releases that have made it onto every list of best toys. But one piece of advice: click “buy now,” or you might miss out!
Jellycats
Babies, toddlers and adults alike will love unwrapping one of these cuddly stuffies. These plush toys were created in London and have taken the world by storm thanks to their whimsical designs, super soft materials and sweet expressions. See one you like? Be sure to grab it right away as they have a tendency to sell out fast.
Shopping editor and new mom Mary Henn says: “I love Jellycats because most of their stuffed animals are safe from birth, with securely stitched seams, no loose or small parts and materials that are nontoxic and hypoallergenic. They’re perfect gifts and comforting companions for babies and toddlers (and adults, of course).”
Yoto Player
We’re not sure who will love this gift more: parents or kids. That’s because this Yoto player functions as a sound machine, nightlight and speaker all in one. As they grow, kids can easily pop in and remove audiobooks and music cards on their own. After all, there are thousands of cards to choose from. Music lovers will enjoy everything from soothing bedtime music to Kidz Bop hits, and bookworms will be delighted by the extensive selection of short stories, classic novels and more. There are even options for older kids, like the popular Wings of Fire and Harry Potter series. You’ll also find free stories, podcasts and sounds that can played through the Yoto app. With kids running their own story time, Mom and Dad get a little extra time to themselves without screens.
And trust me when I tell you this is one toy that won’t lose its novelty. We got our first Yoto player about three years ago and my daughter still uses it every day. I love winding down with her at night listening to Jake on Yoto Daily. From fun facts to exciting trivia games, every day brings something new for us to listen to.
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The recently released Nintendo Switch 2 system is destined to be a hit this year. This upgraded version boasts a larger screen, sharper graphics and controllers that double as mice. Like the OG Switch, the Switch 2 can be used as a handheld device and home console. Grab Target’s Mario Kart bundle so the whole family can get in on the fun!
Gui Gui
Gui Gui slime is one of Byrne’s favorite gift for tweens. And this isn’t any old slime. Inspired by big beauty brands, Gui Gui is as glam as it gets. With 13 different scents and four different textures, kids will delight in creating the ultimate slime. It includes charms, surprise figurines and glitter for an extra special touch. And at just $10, this also makes a great Secret Santa gift.
Flip 7
After Byrne mentioned this family friendly card game, I knew I had to give it a whirl. Months later, it has become a family favorite! Everyone from my seven and 11-year-olds to my parents enjoy round after round of this press-your-luck game which requires you to flip over cards one by one without flipping the same number twice. It may sound easy but each deck of 94 cards contains only one 1 card, two 2’s, three 3’s, four 4’s and so on. Flip two of the same card and you bust! There’s also a handful of special cards that can score you extra points, give you a second chance, or freeze you or your opponents in your tracks. The first player to reach 200 points wins!
Lovevery The Reading Skill Set
Skip adding to an already overflowing pile of toys and give them something that’s as educational as it is fun. The Reading Skill Set from Lovevery includes 10 skill-based games and activities along with seven books that offer a phonics-based approach to reading. They’ll learn letters, sounds and syllables and be on their way to reading in no time! This reading skill set can be purchased as a complete set or makes an excellent subscription gift.
Bluey Supermarket Playset
Grocery shopping has never been more fun thanks to the Heeler family. Kids can stock up with Bluey and Bingo in Bluey’s Supermarket. It’s three stories tall and features a kid-powered escalator along with 24 unique sounds and phrases. Bluey and Bingo figures are included, but be sure to add a few more friends for the most epic toddler gift ever!
Nex Playground
Turn your TV into active family playtime with Nex Playground. Unlike other gaming systems that track your movements, Nex doesn’t require you to wear any clunky headgear or hold onto controllers. Instead, it picks up simple, natural gestures so the whole family can jump right in! The system includes five pre-loaded games but there are optional subscription plans so you can play games like Fruit Ninja, Whack-a-Mole and Go Keeper.
MotorDayz Ford F-150 Remote Control Truck
Oversized tires, spring suspension and true four-wheel drive capability make this Ford F-150 from MotorDayz ideal for indoor and outdoor play. Yep. It has real 4×4 capabilities and a durable metal body for outside play on all sorts of terrain. It includes a pistol grip, battery-operated remote with forward and reverse driving as well as left and right steering.
Madame Alexander My First Baby Doll
A baby doll is a classic Christmas gift. My toddler scooped one of these Madame Alexander baby dolls while we were out running errands and has hardly put it down since. It has a sweet face and soft, cuddly body that’s easy for littles to tote around. Pair it with a diaper bag and crib so they can be just like Mom.
MrBeast Lab Hybrids
YouTube fans will fuse their very own action figures with MrBeast’s Lab Hybrids Pack. Each pack comes with one four-inch-tall MrBeast Lab action figure in a lab-style container. Fans can mix-and-match pieces from different Hybrids to create their own ultimate beast. They’ll be thrilled to hunt for figures in varying levels of rarity including rare, ultra rare, limited-edition and exclusive.
Woom GO 1
You can’t go wrong with a new bike for Christmas. A low-slung, lightweight aluminum frame and 12-inch tires make this balance bike ideal for littles on the go. Designed for children ages 18 months and up, it comes in five colors and has an optional accessories package so your little one can ride in style. Don’t forget to add a big red bow and a helmet to keep them safe while they cycle.
Hex Bots Glow-in-the-Dark Wall Crawler Gecko
Kids will get a kick out of scaring everyone in the house with this remote-controlled, glow-in-the-dark gecko from Hex Bots. Silicone limbs allow this gecko to run up walls and surprise unsuspecting friends and family members. Its glow-in-the-dark eyes and limbs can be seen in the dark, making it extra fun for the jokester in the family. One of my children received this gecko for Christmas last year and it’s still a favorite toy. It really does climb the walls and even skitters across the ceiling!
Bitzee Jurassic World Interactive Digital Pet
According to Byrne, 2025 is the year of virtual pets. This Bitzee dinosaur is a take on the classic ’90s Tamagotchis and Nano Pets you played with growing up. Just like a real pet, it actually responds to swipes, tilts, shakes and touches, and needs plenty of love and care to grow from a baby to a Super Bitzee. Kids will have to feed, clean and play with their Bitzee in order to keep it happy and healthy. During playtime, they’ll embark on exciting expeditions, dig for fossils and hatch 25 different dinosaurs that can be traded with friends. In other words, the fun never ends!
Little Live Pets Ouchies
Another virtual pet that Byrne can’t get enough of is Cooper: a sweet little puppy from Little Live Pets. “I’m having a lot of fun with this one,” he raves. When they see Cooper limping, animal lovers can help this injured pup by wrapping his paw in a cast and treating him with lots of love. Once he’s all better, the limp magically goes away. There are over 50 puppy-inspired sounds and reactions that kids can experience while taking care of their furry friend.
Wicked: For Good Deluxe Glinda Doll
The Wicked fandom have unlimited fun playing with this dazzling Glinda doll from the latest Wicked film. This fashion-forward doll has bendable joints, so she can dance and pose with Elphaba. Don’t wait before adding these witches to your cart—they’re selling fast!
Connetix Pro Constructor Set
Budding architects will love using this magnetic building set to create everything from cars to robots. This 70-piece STEM set features ultra-strong magnets with smart-spin technology so they can experiment with different directions and angles.
CrystaLynx Dragon Egg
Trying to find a stand-out gift for tweens? These collectible fidget dragons are all the rage. These flexible dragons come in an array of gorgeous colors and come packed in a matching 3D-printed dragon egg. They’re durable enough for kids to play with or carry around on their shoulders. They’re also fun to display on a desk, making them a unique gift for coworkers.
Step2 Up and Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide
Little thrill seekers will squeal with delight as they race down this Step2 roller coaster. It comes with 9 feet of coaster track, wide, non-slip stairs and a ride-on car. It is easy to assemble and is designed to be used inside or outdoors. When they’re finished playing, the pieces stack together for convenient, compact storage. That said, we’re confident this is one toy they won’t ever want to put away!
Harry Potter Hogsmeade Village Lego Collectors' Edition
They’ll have as much fun building this Harry Potter Lego set as they will recreating Harry’s action-packed excursions to Hogsmeade. Featuring seven authentically detailed buildings—from Hog’s Head pub and Honeydukes to Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop—it also includes 12 minifigures as well as a horse and carriage for hours of imaginative play.
Saved By the Bell Little People
We’re not sure who will love these Saved By the Bell little people more: millennial parents or their children. This set includes six iconic characters from the hit show that kids can play with or adults can display. And if you happen to be shopping for a kid at heart, Fisher-Price has tons of collectible Little People collector sets including Mean Girls, I Love Lucy and the Backstreet Boys (pre-orders already sold out!).
Step2 Grill & Go BBQ Cart
Tiny chefs will love cooking alongside the grownups on their very own Step2 grill. It comes with a 33-piece toy food accessory set and a removable umbrella for outdoor play. This set has a spinning turntable, an oven door they can open and close, clicker knobs and a sink. They’ll also be delighted to discover that the charcoal lights up and sizzles every time they open the lid.
Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit
Racing enthusiasts will have the time of their life with this Formula 1 racing set. It includes three officially licensed F1 Hot Wheels cars that can race simultaneously around an impressive Grand Prix track set. It even has a lap counter to track the cars as they whiz on by. The track features Speed Snap Track connection points so kids can extend the race with more tracks and sets.
Brio Classic Figure 8 Train Set
All aboard! This classic train set may look simple, but it will keep them busy for hours. Their imagination will run wild as they drive the train around the wooden tracks, over the crossing bridge and arrive at the wooden train station.
Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
This award-winning cash register from Learning Resources is more than just another fun toy. It features a real working calculator that sparks early math skills while providing tons of opportunities for imaginative play. It includes 30 actual-size pretend bills, 40 plastic coins, a pretend credit card and activity guide. Cha-ching!
Fanzone American Football Trivia
“This is expected to be a really good year for games,” says Byrne. “The social experience they create is really valuable.” And while not a football buff himself, Byrne enjoyed playing Fanzone’s football trivia game. It’s programmed with 50o true-or-false football questions across five categories. It’s perfect for game days, tailgating or a good old fashioned family game night.
Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show Playset
Byrne describes this Play-Doh Barbie playset as the perfect gift for young Barbie fans. “It’s creative. It’s Barbie. It’s perfect,” he raves. This set includes one Barbie doll, six cans of Play-Doh, two pattern sheets and essential Play-Doh tools—ruffle maker, cutters, and stampers. Better still, it includes Barbie accessories like shoes, a necklace, sunglasses and belt.
Ultimate Stitch
This interactive Stitch is as cute as he is feisty! He stands 17 inches tall and has over 100 sound and motion combinations for imaginative play. If they touch and hold his nose or belly for two seconds, they’ll be rewarded with a series of adorable sounds, giggles, songs, dances, and declarations of friendship. But if they quickly bop his nose or belly, Stitch’s feisty side comes out in the form of snarls, growls, and rambunctious gibberish. But never fear—all they have to do is hold his hand to calm him down.
V-Tech Kidi Star Drum Pad
This interactive drum set includes over 30 songs for kids to rock out to. Light-up pads, cymbals, and record-and-playback features will make them feel like they’re putting on the rock show of the century!
Meow-Mazing Interactive Dollhouse
With a hit Netflix show and a newly released live-action movie, Gabby’s Dollhouse toys are expected to be wildly popular this year, according to Byrne. We love this Meow-Mazing interactive dollhouse. It features LCD eyes and six magic buttons that kick off a series of interactions, games, guided play and storytelling. The dollhouse includes a Gabby figure, 10 play pieces, and classic dollhouse favorites like a spiral slide and a “catavator”. Better yet, it’s compatible with other Gabby figures as well as other playsets like Cakey’s Sprinkle Cake-tastic Kitchen and Mercat’s Spa-wesome Bathroom.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Lego Set
According to Byrne, you can never go wrong with a good Lego set. “Lego is diverse enough where you can buy a set within your budget,” he says. “It also opens the door for intergenerational play.” We are head over heels in love with this new Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory set. The lucky recipient will spend hours building Wonka’s candy factory. Once they’ve finished building, they can send Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde down the chocolate river on the Wonkatania boat. They’ll pass a flowing chocolate waterfall, Wonka’s office and enjoy hours of imaginative play.
ModRetro Chromatic Tetris Bundle
Parents who reminisce about the good old Game Boy days will love the ModRetro Chromatic. This handheld device is gaming at its finest: no wi-fi, no downloads and no logins to remember. Just insert a gaming cartridge and start playing. It features a a high-resolution screen and is compatible with over 2,000 classic Game Boy cartridges. That means parents can introduce kids to their all-time favorites. Didn’t save your old games? No problem. ModRetro has plenty of classic games to choose from including Atari, Toki Tori and more.
Barbie Dream Camper
They’ll be one happy camper when they open this Barbie playset. It features seven play areas and includes more than 60 accessories. They’ll make Barbie relax on a cozy swing chair before heading over to an adorable fishing pond with her pet puppy. When dinner time rolls around, use the included dough to whip up burgers for Barbie and her crew. Kids will get a kick out of watching the food transform as it “cooks” with color-change action.
Kanoodle Ultimate Champion
Millions of people have taken the #KanoodleChallenge and once you play Kanoodle Ultimate Champion, you’ll understand why. This viral game includes 500 2D and 3D puzzles and a timer so you can race the clock or challenge friends and family. It comes in a compact case making it perfect for travel.
Mindware Polar Bear Prize Claw Machine
Kids will have a blast collecting prizes from this polar bear claw machine. This thrilling game measures 16-inches tall, 11.5-inches wide and 10-inches deep. It features a 360-degree rotating claw and a smooth joystick so kids can grab all sorts of goodies. Fill it with the included plush prizes or order an assortment of your own small toys and treats. We especially love these festive ducks and foam squishies!
