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Finding the perfect toy for your child can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market. Whether you’re looking for something educational, fun, or a combination, the right toy can spark creativity, boost development, and provide hours of entertainment. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best kids toys of the year, from timeless classics to the latest must-haves, to help you find the perfect gift to bring joy and learning to your little one.
Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit
The 4M Crystal Growing Experiment Kit offers an engaging way for kids and adults to explore the beauty and complexity of crystal growth. You can conduct seven unique crystal growing experiments with step-by-step instructions and watch each dazzling crystal take shape inside its display dome. Once grown, these stunning crystals can be enjoyed for years to come.
This kit makes a fantastic gift for any child interested in science or geology. It includes everything needed: crystal growing compounds, seven display domes, stirring tools, and detailed instructions. Recommended for ages ten and up.
Cupcake Surprise
With a dash of sweet magic and boundless imagination, this kids toy becomes a princess with every Cupcake Surprise! Each princess doll, dressed in a sparkly gown and decorative bonnet, is ready to be the belle of the ball—or the bakery! Serve these charming cupcakes fresh from the oven and enjoy endless wonder-filled playtime. Every Cupcake Surprise doll comes with a deliciously scented fragrance and her styling hairbrush. Available in 12 unique styles and six delightful scents—strawberry, vanilla, grape, chocolate, lemon, and peanut butter—these 2-in-1 toys will inspire imaginative play. They are beyond cute, and you’ll want to collect them all!
Elmo Explores Outdoor Activity Set
Explore the wonders of the outdoors with the Elmo Explores Outdoor Activity Set! This fun-filled four-piece kids toy set includes a durable bucket, rake, shovel, and an Elmo Explores Activity Guide. The guide is packed with exciting activities encouraging kids to ask questions, identify shapes, explore opposites, and, most importantly—have fun! Ideal for play at the beach, in a sandbox, or as a thoughtful gift, this set is designed for little hands and curious minds. The sturdy bucket features a long-lasting, 100% cotton rope handle that won’t snap, and it’s dishwasher safe, making it perfect for water play and easy cleanup!
Green Toys™ Airplane & Board Book Gift Set
Soar through playtime with this fun-filled set! It includes the Green Toys™ Airplane and the A is for Airplane board book. The vibrant airplane features a spinning propeller and an easy-to-hold, tapered body, perfect for little hands. A is for Airplane takes kids on an exciting adventure through air, land, and sea, bringing the alphabet to life from A to Z. Both the toy and the book are made in the USA from 100% recycled materials, making them as eco-friendly as they are fun!
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Bakery Set
Get ready for fun with the Pretend & Play Bakery Set, the perfect kids toy for engaging kids in imaginative baking adventures for special occasions! Watch as they become little chefs, guessing the secret ingredient in a pretend bake-off. With measuring cups and spoons included, they can practice adding just the right amounts. They’ll love slicing the pie and bread to learn about parts of a whole and cutting out cookies in four fun shapes while discovering their names.
This 31-piece set, made from durable plastic, includes a crackable two-piece egg with a yolk and much more. The largest piece, the rolling pin, measures 8.5 inches. Ideal for ages 3 and up, the set works wonderfully with play kitchens, making your little ones feel like real bakers.
At our house, Madison uses it with her play kitchen, filling the pie and popping it in the oven (although her cookies sometimes end up in the microwave). I love that this set doesn’t require batteries and sparks creativity and imagination. It’s also been a great way to keep the kids busy while I cook – they make pretend food while I prepare real meals.
Although the set is recommended for ages three and up, even Will enjoyed most of the pieces. This is truly a must-have for any household with little chefs!
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Sports Zone
Triple the fun with this 3-in-1 sports activity set! Dunk the basketball, score a soccer goal, and roll strikes in the bowling game. Every goal or basket triggers fun sounds and phrases while the backboard lights up with each shot. Knock down the bowling pins to hear music, words, and animal sounds. The adjustable basketball hoop grows with your child, soccer improves motor skills, and bowling introduces shapes, colors, and playful learning. Includes basketball, soccer, and bowling balls and conveniently folds up for easy storage. This kids toy is designed for ages 12-36 months.
Little Tikes Big Waffle Block Set
Classic Big Waffle Blocks are perfect for helping little builders bring big ideas to life! These lightweight blocks securely snap together in all directions, allowing for endless configurations. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, kids can build forts, castles, and anything their imaginations dream up. Designed for little hands, each block measures 14”L x 2”W x 14”H, making them easy to handle. The set includes 18 pieces and is suitable for ages 2 and up.
Little Tikes Construct ‘n Learn Smart Workbench
Build and design three vehicles or create unique designs with the Little Tikes Construct ‘n Learn Smart Workbench! The set includes nine interactive tools (drill, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, Philips screwdriver, tape measure, and level), all equipped with sounds and RFID tags, along with nails, screws, bolts, and blueprints for constructing vehicles. Insert building pieces into the ‘smart’ chassis, and watch as wireless technology syncs with the app to animate the exact vehicle your child is building in real time. This kids toy comes with over 40 accessories for endless creativity.
Little Tikes My First Drone
My First Drone by Little Tikes is the only drone designed for preschoolers that flies, turns, and lands with one-touch control. This ergonomic remote control makes it easy for little hands to navigate. The auto-hover technology keeps the drone suspended in midair for effortless flying, while protective propellers and an emergency shut-off feature ensure added safety. Equipped with LED lights and fun sounds, it brings extra excitement to playtime. Plus, it connects to the remote for quick and easy charging!
Little Tikes Pogo It Toy Ball
The Little Tikes Pogo It Toy Ball combines sports and interactive gaming for a fun, active experience! With two game modes and two levels of challenge, it grows with your child. Once you’ve conquered the beginner level, flip the Pogo-It for an exciting new challenge. How long can you “Hop ’til You Drop?”
Little Tikes RC Bumper Cars
Race to the finish line or crash and send your opponent soaring! The Little Tikes RC Bumper Cars let you bump, crash, and launch your opponent! These easy-to-use remote-control bumper cars provide thrilling action. When a car’s wheel is bumped, the toy figure is launched into the air for extra excitement.
Little Tikes Swim to Me Puppy
Meet the adorable little stray that swims all day—place him in water and watch him go! You can also walk him on land, just like a real dog! With two ways to play, this playful pup will bring hours of indoor and outdoor fun. Let your child enjoy the joy of having their very own Little Tikes Swim to Me Puppy.
Little Tikes Tire Twister Lights
Dial up the action with the Little Tikes Tire Twister Lights! Get ready for this police car that races forward and backward with thrilling 360-degree tailspins! This R/C car performs backflips inside the tire and can reverse directions for double the excitement. The police lights illuminate the tire for an ultra-cool effect, and you can even remove the car from the wheel for wild R/C stunts. With an easy-steer remote control and built-in LED lights, the fun continues even in the dark!
LTX treme Land Sea RC
Conquer any terrain and smash through obstacles with the LTXtreme Land Sea RC! Its large, treaded tires allow you to race across gravel, grass, dirt, and even snow. Want more action? Hit the one-touch transformation button on the remote control to switch from assault vehicle to battle mode. Charge through obstacles and take down your target rapidly or precisely using the built-in cannon. Load up to five missiles and get ready to aim and fire! For ages 8+.
Magformers Shimmer and Shine
This toy is an absolute favorite in our house! We love Magformers—they’re such a fantastic building toy! With the new 42-piece Magformers Shimmer and Shine set you can create Genie Lamps, Balls, and more. Follow along with eight idea mats to transform your Magformers from 2D to 3D creations. Add Genie Jewels and watch your designs sparkle! The set includes eight double-sided character cards featuring Shimmer, Shine, Nahal, Tala, Zac, and Leah, ensuring hours and hours of creative fun!
Tin Can Robot
Spark your child’s curiosity with the 4M Tin Can Robot kit, a hands-on introduction to toys, robotics, and recycling. This exciting kit encourages kids to repurpose a used soda can and transform it into a moving, motorized robot or mechanical monster. Designed for young scientists, it blends creativity with engineering as children learn to build and understand the mechanics behind toys. Recommended for ages eight and up.
T-Rex Dinosaur DNA Kit
The 4M T-Rex Dinosaur DNA Kit offers an exciting introduction to paleontology for any dinosaur enthusiast. Kids can excavate and assemble their very own glow-in-the-dark T-Rex skeleton. The kit includes a long-buried time capsule with augmented reality features or collectible play cards. Children can use the free Dinocode app to return to the Jurassic era for an immersive experience. The kit contains a plaster block with dinosaur DNA fragments, glow-in-the-dark skeleton parts, digging tools, a brush, two 42cm x 42cm play mats, soft wax, and detailed instructions for hours of hands-on and virtual fun.
Choosing the right toy can make all the difference in a child’s playtime experience, whether fostering creativity, encouraging physical activity, or enhancing learning. With so many options available, we hope this guide has made finding the perfect kids toy that matches your child’s interests and developmental needs easier. No matter which one you choose, remember that the best toys bring joy, inspire imagination, and create lasting memories.
