30 Hottest Christmas Toys That Will Be Flying Off the Shelves
Updated: Dec. 18, 2023
Buy the hottest Christmas toys of the holiday season before they sell out!
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Popular kid toys
As a mom to five kiddos, I’m very aware of the “it” Christmas toys. Every holiday season, there are those super popular Christmas toys—you know, the gift ideas that sell out overnight, 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 shipping delays on even the best last-minute gifts.
“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. Everything from stocking stuffers for toddlers to handmade gifts, is sure to be harder to get closer to the holidays.
Luckily for you, we have put together a list of the most wanted Christmas toys of 2022, 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!
Best for budding photographers:Â VTech KidiZoom PrintCam
The VTech KidiZoom PrintCam is an all-in-one digital camera and printer that’s sure to impress even the most discerning kids. They can click and print instantly after previewing their pictures on a colorful 2.4-inch screen. It’s one of the cutest tech gifts for kids ages 4 and up and one of this year’s most sought-after Christmas toys. Don’t worry about extra batteries—it comes with a USB cable to recharge the built-in lithium batteries.
Best for creative types: Kinetic Sand Deluxe Swirl N’ Surprise Set
Kinetic sand has been on everyone’s Christmas toys lists for the last few years, and this Deluxe Swirl N’ Surprise set is the creative upgrade kid have been waiting for. It puts a fun spin on the classic art-infused moldable sand that never dries out. It’s one of the best gifts for artists—budding or experienced.
Best under $10:Â Cutetitos Carnivalitos
Working with a tight budget doesn’t mean skimping on the hottest Christmas toys of the season. These absolutely adorable Cutetitos Carnivalitos are pocket-sized and wrapped in carnival-themed blankets. They’re collectible, and even come with four uniquely sweet fragrances that rival some of the best scented candles. Plus. they’re bargain-priced.
Best for collectors:Â Calico Critters Pickleweeds Hedgehog Family
Kids with massive Calico Critters fawn over these Pickleweeds hedgehog family figurines. They all come with removable, detailed clothes and fun-to-adjust moveable limbs. Choose from a variety of other animal types as well. Everything from tiny deer to hug-worthy goats are available. Need an idea for a creative handmade gift? Try creating your own DIY habitat and filling it with all sorts of Calico friends.
Best for motor enthusiast kids: Air Hogs Flippin’ Frenzy
If they simply can’t get enough race car, truck and RC action, this Air Hogs Flippin’ Frenzy is one of the best Christmas toys for them. It’s one of Target’s best selling remote control cars this year, thanks to exciting stunt rolls and rotations. It’s best for ages 4 and up, but we’re pretty sure this is a brilliant gift for men too.
Best for screen-free kids: Light Up Pop It! Pro
This exciting Light Up Pop It! Pro is the screen-free gaming experience kids of all ages look forward to. It features a light-up popping game available in three distinct modes to suit ages 5 and up. It’s also one of the most affordable Walmart Black Friday deals you can’t afford to miss.
Best for Pokémon trainers: Mega Pokémon Trainer Building SetÂ
Charmelon-obsessed kids can’t get enough of this Mega Pokémon building set with action figures. It features six moveable characters that are easily posed, plus an impressive training field that looks like the real deal. Pokémon-themed Christmas toys are topping this year’s charts, and this one doubles as one of the best Amazon gifts under $50.
Best for toddlers: Purse Pets Bamboo Boo Koala
This adorable Bamboo Boo Koala character purse is the cutest way to give snuggle-worthy style to the most elegant little girl on your list. It has over 30 sounds and reactions and encourages hours of creative play. It even flutters its lashes and plays music. We also love that this is one of the few Christmas toys to keep kids out of mom’s classic purses.
Best for little helpers: Melissa & Doug Deluxe Sparkle and Shine Cleaning Set
Helpful toddlers get a kick out of cleaning tools designed for people just their size. This charming Melissa & Doug Deluxe Sparkle and Shine cleaning set is one of this year’s hottest Christmas toys thanks to its bright colors and lessons on independence. It’s also easy to handle, use and put back neatly on the included stand. Ideal for ages 3 through 6, it’s a nice touch for little ones trying to copy their parents’ vacuum-mop and sweeping action.
Best for older kids: Merge Cube
Kids with their own smartphones can switch off the social media and enjoy mind-stimulating play with the top-rated Merge Cube. Featuring 100 science simulations, it lets kids delve into the world of augmented reality. They can visually hold digital 3-D objects that are actually holograms, plus load up on dozens of free STEM activities.
Best under $5: Original Slinky
The Original Slinky is trending again thanks to TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing how fun and easy it is to use. It’s a cheap, classic gift kids of all ages can appreciate. Better yet, it can be a really clever gag gift or stocking stuffer when given to tweens and teens who love taking hilarious prank videos of their own.
Best for Gabby fans: Gabby’s Dollhouse Dress-Up Closet
Fans of the hit Netflix show, Gabby’s Dollhouse, will squeal with delight when they receive this playful dress-up closet that looks much like the set of the popular kids’ series. It comes with 14 dress-up accessories like wigs and outfits. They’ll mix and match, then pretend to capture their best looks on the included toy camera that comes with a tripod and four backgrounds. Love this? Check out these other Amazon best sellers for more gift ideas.
Best for athletic girls: American Girl Maritza Doll
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. If the girl in your life plays soccer, this feels more like a personalized gift than an ordinary doll.
Best for unicorn fans: Hatchimals Hatchicorn Set
Hatchimals have been among the hottest Christmas toys for the last several years, and they show no signs of slowing. This year’s winner is the Hatchimals Hatchicorn set. It delights unicorn lovers with flapping wings, two Hatchimals babies and over 60 real lights.
Best for ages 7+: Force1 Scoot Cosmo LED Drone
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. It’s one of the flashiest cheap Christmas gifts on our list and one of the most visually-appealing Christmas toys.
Best for truck lovers: Monster Jam Grave Digger RC Car
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)!
Best for active toddlers: Little Tikes Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle
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 Little Tikes Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle makes their hearts pound with excitement and exertion. It’s a fun introduction to fitness, allowing kids to exercise while also providing entertainment. Equipped with a smart device mount so they can watch accompanying YouTube training adventure videos, it’s a game-changer for indoor play. Speaking of fitness, we hear an exercise bike makes a good gift for dads and moms who have vowed to get in shape.
Best for stockings: My Squishy Little Dumplings Golden Dumpling
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.
Best for children with disabilities: Barbie DreamHouse with Wheelchair Accessibility
Christmas toys come and go, but the Barbie DreamHouse is here to stay. This year, Barbie’s beautiful tri-level mansion underwent renovations and is now outfitted to accommodate a Barbie-sized wheelchair. It’s an inclusive, exciting choice for differently-abled children who may ordinary feel left out of the best Christmas toys.
Paw Patrol: The Movie Ultimate City Tower
If Paw Patrol is a hit with your child, this three-foot-tall Ultimate City Tower 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.
Best for young toddlers: CoComelon Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll
This interactive plush CoComelon doll from the hit kids’ show is ready to giggle and say his trademark phrases (including “yes, yes, vegetables!”) while your child dresses him up and feeds him peas. It’s one of the cutest Christmas toys for little ones between 1 and 3 years old.
Best for early learners:Â VTech Preschool Game Station
Best for Baby Yoda lovers: Star Wars Galactic Snackin’ Grogu
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. The Grogu doll comes 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.
Best for budding bakers: Melissa & Doug French Patisserie Play Set
Another one of the top Christmas toys of the season, this pint-sized take on a realistic Melissa & Doug French patisserie play set is loads of fun for budding bakers and business people. It’s made of sturdy wood and fabric, delivering years of the most delicious childhood moments.
Best for soft cuddles: Squishmallows Leonard the Rainbow Mane Lion
Kids are wild about Squishmallows, the super-squishy, super-soft, cuddly stuffed friends. They’re available in tons of different characters, foods and animals. They’re also rapidly selling out this holiday season thanks to core designs and new styles being some of this year’s hottest Christmas toys.
Best for vintage toy fans: Care Bears Cheer Stuffed Animals
If you remember Care Bears from when you were little, you’re in for a treat. These colorful Care Bears Cheer stuffed animals are some of this year’s most popular Christmas toys. They’re a bright, happy take on typical stuffed bears offering a cheerful dose of color. Choose one, or collect them all for a full rainbow of cuddlies.
Best for fashionistas: Glo-Up Girls Kenzie Fashion Doll
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.
Best for friendly competition: Beyblade Burst Surge Speed Storm Motor Strike Battle Set
Beyblades have been a hot-ticket item for the past few years. This Surge Speed Storm set includes a motorized Beystadium, two spin launchers, and two spinning tops.
Best for car fans: Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage
Guaranteed to be just as popular this year as last, this enormous vertical Hot Wheels tower parking garage houses 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.
Best for dog lovers: SkyRocket Moji the Lovable Labradoodle
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 follows voice and touch commands. Check out these other gifts for dog lovers to keep the adult tails on your list wagging happily.
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Source:
- Kristen Gall, president of Rakuten Rewards
