34 Hottest Christmas Toys That Will Be Flying Off the Shelves
Updated: Dec. 04, 2021Buy the hottest toys of the holiday season before they sell out!
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Popular kid toys
Every holiday season, there are those “it” Christmas toys—you know, the gift ideas that sell out long before Black Friday is over, leaving parents scrambling to buy them via third-party vendors at double the retail price. Toy companies are warning that this year could be even more competitive as supply chain issues combine with expected shipping delays from FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service.
“For hot and trending products, or if you’re looking for a specific make, model, or color of an item, my recommendation to parents is to buy now. Current supply chain and inventory issues will make it much more difficult—or unavailable—to buy later,” says retail expert Kristen Gall, president of Rakuten Rewards. She predicts kids will be asking Santa for interactive toys, popping fidget toys, TikTok-famous stuffies, and toys from big names like Disney and Barbie—all of which are sure to be in major demand and harder to get the closer you get to the holiday.
Luckily for you, we have put together a list of the 34 most wanted Christmas toys of 2021, from big-ticket items to stocking stuffers for kids. These gifts for kids include the classics—think Barbie, L.O.L. Surprise!, and Hot Wheels—as well as brand-new releases that have made it onto every list of best toys. And if you are shopping for gifts for teens, gifts for tween girls, gifts for tween boys, gifts for toddlers, and gifts for boys, we’ve got plenty of gift guides for you. But one piece of advice: Click “buy now,” or you might miss out!
American Girl Maritza Doll
Best for: Ages 8+
One of the dolls in the new American Girl World By Us collection, Maritza is a motivated soccer player who also advocates in support of keeping families who have immigrated to the United States together. She’ll teach your child that it’s best to lead with your heart (the title of her book, included) on and off the field.
Pros:
- Teaches empathy and social responsibility
- Diversify your child’s dolls
Cons:
- Pricey
Our Generation Awesome Academy School Room
Best for: Ages 3+
Playing school just got a serious upgrade thanks to Target’s Our Generation. The school room comes with two desks and chairs for students, plus another set for the teacher along with adorable miniature school supplies including a pencil sharpener, tape dispenser, and coffee mug for the teacher. The classroom features a real chalkboard and chalk, a glow-in-the-dark whiteboard, and working lights, clock, fire alarm, and school bell.
Pros:
- Encourages pretend play
- Fosters an interest in education
Cons:
- Lots of small parts that can get lost
Force1 Scoot Cosmo LED Drone
Best for: Ages 7+
They can fly their very own UFO spaceship toy with this new addition to the Scoot drone family: the Scoot Cosmo. Just toss to launch it and then fly with bare hands while enjoying the ultra-bright LED lights and kaleidoscope projections on the ceiling.
Pros:
- Safe and easy to control
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not very sturdy
Aerobie Sonic Fin Football
Best for: Ages 6+
The innovative hollow design creates the ultimate lift and maximum possible distance in the air so every player can go long with throws up to 100 yards. Then they’ll let it land on the ground to see who threw it the farthest. It’s also great for family games of two-hand-touch.
Pros:
- Great for kids learning to throw
- Encourages fitness
Cons:
- Can be hard to get the hang of at first
Rubik’s Connected Cube
Best for: Ages 10+
This reinvented version of the classic Rubik’s Cube fits into the 21st century with style. It’s an innovative app-enabled cube puzzle game that connects to their phone or tablet through Bluetooth and allows them to actually learn how to solve the Rubik’s, play additional mini-games, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Plus, if they learn how to solve a regular Rubik’s cube they’ll impress all their friends for the rest of time—and that’s priceless.
Pros:
- Tests their brain skills
- Will keep them occupied for hours
Cons:
- Expensive
Monster Jam Grave Digger RC Car
Best for: Ages 6+
If big wheels, monster trucks, and remote control cars are all the most coveted features in his world, he’ll love this Monster Jam Grave Digger RC car. With dual optical sensors, this is the only remote control toy that allows you to drive while doing both nose and tail wheelies (yeehaw)!
Pros:
- Does a lot
- Good value
Cons:
- Short battery life
Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory Set
Best for: Ages 3+
Tell them to play with all four-and-a-half pounds of colored and white kinetic sands that won’t make a mess or leave your floors in peril. The set comes with ten tools and molds and is ideal for preschool age and beyond.
Pros:
- Just like sand, but without the mess
- Excellent sensory toy
Cons:
- Tends to pick up any dirt or pet hair on playing surfaces
Force1 Crawler 6-Wheel Remote Control Car
Best for: Ages 6+
This futuristic-feeling six-wheeler offers countless RC car tricks thanks to its unique design, sturdy rubber tires, and all-terrain capabilities. It’s cool enough that adults and teens will want to get in on the action, too.
Pros:
- Can be used indoors or out
- Durable
Cons:
- Short battery life
USA Toyz Laser Tag Set
Best for: Ages 8+
Give them a realistic arcade play experience with this laser tag set for kids. The two included rechargeable laser toy guns feature light and vibration feedback while the matching wearable vests have a spray function that activates once you lose all game lives. It’s a safe, fun, and active way to stay happy even when the weather outside is frightful.
Pros:
- Encourages active play
- Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Expensive
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Movie Magic Studios
Best for: Ages 4+
For the past five holiday seasons since their launch, L.O.L. Surprise! toys have been best sellers. Kids go wild for the big-headed dolls, and this year is no different. O.M.G. Movie Magic Studios is selling like hotcakes. It features 12 of the popular dolls, 70 unboxing experiences, and even a box that doubles as a movie studio. For older sibs, check out the best stocking stuffers for teens.
Pros:
- A one-and-done gift
- L.O.L. fans will go wild for it
Cons:
- Higher price
Little Tikes Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle
Best for: Ages 3+
Whether a Peloton, Echelon, or other fitness cycle, your exercise bike of choice is appealing to little ones who want to be just like Mom or Dad. This new release from Little Tikes will make their hearts pound with excitement and exertion. The Pelican Bike is a fun introduction to fitness, allowing kids to exercise while also providing entertainment—it’s equipped with a smart device mount so they can watch accompanying YouTube training adventure videos. Speaking of fitness, we hear an exercise bike makes a good gift for dads and moms who have vowed to get in shape.
Pros:
- Connects to YouTube training videos
- Bluetooth speaker
- Encourages exercise
Cons:
- Expensive
Rainbow High Color Change Car
Best for: Ages 5+
Fans of the Rainbow High television series will love taking their dolls for a ride in this color-changing convertible. Big enough for two dolls to take a cruise, it starts out white and with the press of a button changes into any color of the rainbow. Last-minute shoppers can rejoice: This is an Amazon Prime gift, so shipping is speedy.
Pros:
- Great alternative to L.O.L. or Barbie
- Will be a hit with kids who love the Rainbow High show
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Dolls sold separately
Moose Toys Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron
Best for: Ages 5+
If there is a single toy expected to win Christmas, it’s Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, which nabbed a spot on pretty much everyone’s toy list, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and TTPM. Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron gives children all the magic they need to create their own Mixie, who is unveiled after a little hocus pocus and mix. Don’t make this a last-minute Christmas gift; if you find one, buy it immediately. They are already sold out at most major retailers but still available for purchase on Amazon.
Pros:
- Interactive toy
- Kids will love the magic activity
- Comes with an adorable creature
Cons:
- Limited availability
My Squishy Little Dumplings Golden Dumpling
Best for: Ages 5+
My Squishy Little Dumplings are perfect for under the tree or even as stocking stuffers. Each palm-sized interactive character has its own larger-than-life personality and will provide endless fun with its adorable reactions, giggles, and even little burps. While this little guy sits firmly in the kids aisle, it’d be a funny gag gift for adults too.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Great stocking stuffer
Cons:
- Kids will want more than one!
Barbie DreamHouse
Best for: Ages 3+
Christmas toys come and go, but the Barbie DreamHouse is here to stay. This year, Barbie’s fully furnished tri-level mansion underwent renovations and is now outfitted with colorful lights and even music. As for the adult homeowners in your life, these hostess gifts will do nicely.
Pros:
- Will last them their entire childhood
- Comes with music and lights
Cons:
- Some assembly required
- Batteries not included
PAW Patrol: The Movie Ultimate City Tower
Best for: Ages 3+
If PAW Patrol: The Movie was a hit with your child, this three-foot-tall play set will be too. It features so many fun and interactive elements, including a light-up rescue ramp, command center, vehicle lift, and pup elevator, along with all six pups to play with. It’s the perfect gift for young dog lovers.
Pros:
- Great one-and-done gift
- Includes pups
Cons:
- Some assembly required
- Batteries not included
CoComelon Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll
Best for: Ages 2+
This interactive plush doll from the hit kids’ show CoComelon is ready to giggle and say his trademark phrases (including “yes, yes, vegetables!”) while your child dresses him up and feeds him peas.
Pros:
- Perfect for little CoComelon fans
- Interactive toy
Cons:
- Limited availability
WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder
Best for: Ages 5+
WowWee’s Got2Glow Fairy Finder is one of the most buzz-worthy Christmas toys of the year, appearing on nearly every hot toy list. The magical fairy jar is ready to go on a virtual quest with your young one, who can search for 30 fairies à la Pokémon. Once caught, the fairies need to be cared for and even have their own personalities. You’ll also want to check out the cutest stocking stuffers for toddlers.
Pros:
- Unique and interactive
- Batteries included
Cons:
- Limited availability
Barbie Color Reveal Surprise Party Set
Best for: Ages 3+
What do you get when you take Barbie and mix in two of the hottest toy trends, the unboxing experience, and color-changing abilities? The ultimate set of 50 surprises, including a Barbie Color Reveal doll and Color Reveal Chelsea doll, both coated in silver metallic with colorful confetti stars. It also includes two Color Reveal pets in metallic pink and purple. For more perfectly girly gifts, check out these gifts for girlfriends.
Pros:
- Color-changing fun
- Exciting unboxing experience
Cons:
- You can’t choose a specific doll
- You might need to help your child, as water is involved
Squeakee the Balloon Dino
Best for: Ages 5+
A robotic dinosaur is always a good idea. Not only is Squeakee the Balloon Dino adorable, stomping, chomping, dancing, and roaring with your child, but the prehistoric pal even plays chicken and tug-of-war.
Pros:
- Batteries included
- Interactive toy
Cons:
- Light assembly required
LEGO Super Mario Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Building Kit and Expansion Set
Best for: Ages 8+
LEGO sets are always a no-brainer for Christmas toys, and one of the hottest of the season is undoubtedly this one from Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise. Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle kit nabbed the 2021 Best Play Set win from the Toy of the Year Awards because it offers hours of building fun followed by even more interactive play. LEGO might primarily be a kids’ Christmas toy, but don’t rule this out as a gift for husbands who still love Super Mario.
Pros:
- Combines problem-solving and interactive play
- LEGO is always a crowd-pleaser
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Chuckle & Roar Pop It!
Best for: Ages 3 to 10
Unless you have been hibernating in a cave over the past year, you are well aware of the viral sensation Pop It! These fun popping toys (think of them like silicone sheets of bubble wrap) are great stocking stuffers and will bring hours of screen-free entertainment to your child.
Pros:
- A great sensory toy
- Non-electronic
Cons:
- Kids may already have one
Star Wars Galactic Snackin’ Grogu
Best for: Ages 4+
Little Star Wars and Mandalorian fans will enjoy playing with this interactive Baby Yoda gift, which reacts with animation and adorable sound effects when it comes into contact with included accessories, like a bowl with tentacles, cookie, shifter knob, and spoon. It’s the perfect Star Wars gift for anyone who thinks Grogu is the cutest character to come along since Baby Groot. So, everyone.
Pros:
- Fun and interactive
- A no-brainer for Star Wars fans
Cons:
- Batteries not included
VTech KidiZoom PrintCam
Best for: Ages 4+
Another one of the top Christmas toys of the season, this fun first camera encourages kids to snap away and even allows them to preview and print 80 photos, with extra printer paper sold separately. Stumped on what to get Dad? Here are the best gifts for men who have everything.
Pros:
- Fun way for kids to explore photography
- Takes photos and videos
Cons:
- Memory card not included
- You will likely need to purchase additional paper
Squishmallows Leonard the Rainbow Mane Lion
Best for: All ages
Kids are wild about Squishmallows, the super-squishy, super-soft, cuddly stuffed friends. They are available in tons of different characters, foods, and animals—and are rapidly selling out this holiday season.
Pros:
- No noise or lights
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Limited availability
Glo-Up Girls Kenzie Fashion Doll
Best for: Ages 5+
If they love a good makeover montage, kids will go wild for Glo-Up Girls. These little dolls are ready for pampering and come equipped with over 25 surprises. Buy one if you can—they are selling out fast. Know some grown-ups who’d appreciate a little pampering? These self-care gifts might make the perfect presents.
Pros:
- Toy and cosmetics in one
- Great alternative to L.O.L. or Barbie
Cons:
- Limited availability
ThinkFun Gravity Maze
Best for: Ages 8+
Another award-winning toy that promotes mind-challenging fun, the Gravity Maze is a great gender-neutral marble run that even parents will enjoy playing. It offers beginner to expert challenges, so it will grow with your kid as well.
Pros:
- A grow-with-you toy
- Brain-stimulating
Cons:
- Not quite as big as some other marble tracks
Pinxies Vet Care Center
Best for: Ages 6+
The STEM-authenticated Pinxies Vet Care set will appeal to kids who tend to shy away from “learning” toys. First, they can build a vet structure out of 110 pieces. Then comes the endless fun as they treat their five mythical creatures to the best veterinary care around. Give it as a gift for the cat lover in your clan.
Pros:
- Building game plus play set
- Brain-stimulating
- STEM-approved
Cons:
- Younger children may need help
Make It Real Color Fusion Nail Polish Maker
Best for: Ages 8+
Cosmetics-loving kids will be thrilled to unwrap this set on Christmas morning. It includes everything needed to create up to 200 shades of water-based, nontoxic nail polish using a recipe book or via a downloadable color-matching app.
Pros:
- Combines creation and play
- No batteries required
Cons:
- May get messy
Beyblade Burst Surge Speed Storm Motor Strike Battle Set
Best for: Ages 8+
Beyblades have been a hot-ticket item for the past few years. This set, just released in August, includes a motorized Beystadium, two spin launchers, and two spinning tops. Keep shopping with Harry Potter gifts your little bookworms will love.
Pros:
- Gender-neutral
- Can be used with other Beyblade toys
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage
Best for: Ages 5+
Guaranteed to be just as popular this year as last, this enormous vertical tower parking garage is built to house over 100 cars. As the vehicles make their way around the twists and turns, they will have to avoid Robo T-Rex. With multiple points at which to connect other Hot Wheels sets, kids can create a huge Hot Wheels City.
Pros:
- No batteries required
- Connects with other Hot Wheels sets
Cons:
- Adult assembly required
Osmo Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop
Best for: Ages 6 to 9
Looking for more Christmas toys that make learning fun? Turn to Osmo’s Math Wizard and the Magical Workshop, which works with an iPad or Fire tablet. This interactive, clever tool smartens up screen time by teaching mathematical skills, such as addition and subtraction, with hands-on play. One note: The game isn’t a tech gift exactly. If you don’t have them already, you’ll need to buy the tablet and tablet base separately.
Pros:
- A fun learning tool
- Guilt-free screen time
Cons:
- iPad or Fire tablet not included
SkyRocket Moji the Lovable Labradoodle
Best for: Ages 4+
The next best thing to a puppy with a bow around its neck on Christmas morning is SkyRocket Moji, the Lovable Labradoodle. The robotic dog has an adorable, animated face that makes sounds, communicates needs, and even follows voice and touch commands.
Pros:
- A maintenance-free alternative to a puppy
- Animated and interactive toy
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle
Best for: Ages 3+
A regal gift for any Disney princess fan, the four-foot-tall Ultimate Celebration Castle is built to house all the princesses in the Disney lineup, with three stories, six rooms, and music that plays to a light show. Check out these other Disney gifts for the fan in your life.
Pros:
- Includes 29 accessories
- Great big-ticket gift for Disney fans
Cons:
- Dolls sold separately
- Batteries not included
- Assembly required
- Expensive
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Source:
- Kristen Gall, president of Rakuten Rewards
CMU Unit
