A Definitive List of This Year's Hottest Toys for Kids

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So what's the secret to finding the best gifts for kids? You'll want to keep their age in mind, of course, but it's also important to consider their interests and hobbies. Are they into Bluey? Science? Arts and crafts? Once you've nailed down those details, you'll have to decide if you want to go with a classic gift (like a family board game to add to their collection), something educational (like a STEM toy), or something more trendy, like one of the best new toys of 2023 (hello, DIY craft kits!).

CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR 2023

Still stumped? To help you out, our editors did the research to find all the toys, games, and more that kids are guaranteed to be adding to their wish lists this year. (Take note: As of publish time, every gift on this list will arrive before Christmas Day!)

Top Gift Picks for Kids in 2023:

• Gift Under $10: Kandoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game

• Gift Under $25: Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit

• Gift Under $50: Click N’ Play Keyboard Play Mat

• Gift Under $75: Magic Mixies Magical Misting Crystal Ball

• Gift Under $100: Kicks by Sammy Personalized Blanket

• Luxury Gift: USPS Mail Carrier Ride-On Toy

If you're on the hunt for gifts and toys targeted to specific age groups, also be sure to explore our guides to the best toys for 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, 10-year-olds, 11-year-olds, and gifts for teens.

Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set for Kids

For imaginative thinkers, gift them this 3D doodle pen, ideal for kids between the ages of 6 and 13. They can bring their creations to life using the included "coloring" sticks — and just in case they run out, you can purchase a pack of filament refills so the 3D fun never has to end. Ages 6+

Premium Hooded Shark Towel for Kids

If getting them to take a bath is a struggle, this hooded animal towel is a great asset. With several animals to choose from, they'll be excited to get squeaky clean and dry off with their new wrap. No age listed

Interactive Toy

That's right, Furby is back! The popular '90s toy has received a 21st century update, including brighter, fluffier fur, five voice-activated modes, and over 600 responses. Ages 6+

'The Amazing Adventures of Aya and Pete in Mexico!' by Serrena Minott & Asha Gore

Take them on a trip to Mexico in this vibrant travel story about Aya and her pet sloth Pete as they explore the great sights of Mexico with their local friend, Esme. Ages 3-6

Indoor Silent Basketball with Basket

Encourage them to be active with this silent basketball set that's perfect for indoor use. So even on cold, rainy days, they can practice their layups and shots, without driving their parents mad. Ages 3+

Glitter Light Up Slip-On Sneakers

It's a right of passage to have light-up shoes as a kid. This pair from Fabkids is perfect for those who haven't quite mastered the art of tying their shoes. They can just slip them on and go! Sizes range from a Toddler 5 to a Youth 13.

Don’t Step In It Game: Unicorn Edition

Try not to step in the unicorn poop! The laughs will be flowing with this game that requires you to dodge little "poop piles" of soft clay on a mat. Ages 4+

Shape Shifting Box

This three-time Toy Association STEAM category winner is a huge hit. Ideal for ages eight and up, this magnetic fidget toy can transform into over 70 shapes. They mark off each as they master it on the provided booklet or come up with their own fun shapes. Ages 8+

A to Z Affirmation Cards for Kids

Help them learn the alphabet through encouraging words and affirmations, such as "O: I am Optimistic and Outgoing." One reviewer writes, "These are the best things I've seen on Amazon. I absolutely love them. I use them in my kindergarten [class] and bring them home to use with my daughter, nieces, and nephews. I love them!" Ages 12 months+

Magical Misting Crystal Ball

If you aren't already familiar, the Magic Mixies Magical Mixing Cauldron has been a hot commodity the past few years. Similar to the cauldron, kids follow simple instructions on this crystal ball and, like magic, an interactive creature appears. Ages 5+

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Build a Solar Powered Car

Foster their STEAM skills (and sustainability awareness) with this buildable, solar-powered car. After they're done MacGyvering, they can paint it whatever color or pattern they'd like. Ages 4+

Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set

The Toniebox is a device that even toddlers can operate. It plays songs and spoken stories through characters that magnetize to the top. Several popular options are available, such as Moana, Chase from Paw Patrol, and Peppa Pig. Use the ears to adjust the volume, and tap the sides to change the track. Ages 3+

Custom Neon Sign

For the older kid in your life, opt for this custom neon sign, customized with their name. They'll feel just like a teenager with it hanging on their wall, lighting their room while they work on homework. Choose from over 30 fonts and 12 color options to match their room. No age listed

Career Collection

Show them that women can do anything with Fresh Dolls' inspiring career collection. The trio of figures comes with a surgeon (Mia), President (Nevaeh), and teacher (Luna). Ages 3+

Magic Adventures Globe

Get a head start on exploration by giving the child in your life a globe to introduce them to the world. This one is interactive, so it talks and educates. As they play with this mini version of the world, videos will play on an LCD screen to help them learn even more. Ages 5+

Floor Pillow Case

Slumber parties will never be the same! Ideal for toddlers through teens, simply stuff the patterned cover with pillows, and watch them lounge in comfort. The cover is available in 11 patterns and two size options.

Purple & Blue Baby Fox

Kids love this interactive fox that will cling to their finger. It reacts to motion, touch, and sound by moving its head, blinking its eyes, and making noises, so it's almost like a real woodland creature. Ages 3+

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Dinosaur Friends Personalized Toddler Blanket

Make them feel extra special with a blanket covered in their name. Pick from a host of different patterns and fonts to match their interests, such as zoo animals, trucks, and turtles. Even better, the custom blanket ships in just 3-5 days. No age listed

Keyboard Play Mat

Let your kids explore the sounds of eight instruments — guitar, piano, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, violin, banjo, and xylophone — with this fun, interactive play mat. Ages 3+

Super Art Coloring Kit

Give the little artist in your life 100+ colors to use for their next masterpiece. Complete with crayons, markers, paper, and its own carrying case, both kids and parents will love this set from Crayola. Ages 5+

Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game

Kids will get a kick out of this brain teaser game. They pick a challenge card, follow the setup, then solve it with the remaining pieces. Once they've mastered the 2D challenges, they can move on to the harder 3D ones. Ages 7+

Super Mario Bros. Movie Track Set

Inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, this Hot Wheels Jungle Kingdom race track lets kids launch their car into several stunts, including a broken loop and a waterfall jump! Ages 5+

Fashion Plates All-in-One Studio Sketch Design Activity Set

It's the Year of Barbie, thanks to the blockbuster movie, which means there's tons of merch options for the Barbie fan in your life. We recommend this updated take on the classic '90s fashion plates for kids that love clothes and drawing. Ages 6+

Emotions and Feelings Box Set

In this box set, you'll find eight books on the following "ninja types:" Angry, Inventor, Positive, Lazy, Helpful, Earth, Grumpy, and Kind. Each one is meant to help kids process their feelings. With a growth mindset approach, these books will help little ones solve problems while honing their sense of self. Ages 4-8

800-Piece Earth Puzzle by Number

PLUS PLUS puzzles are great for kids because they're simple in construction yet challenging to execute. This one, of planet Earth, will help them exercise creativity and motor skills, as they work to solve the puzzle by numbers. Ages 5-12

Unicorn Rescue Surprise

Kids can discover over 25 collectible goodies in their Rainbocorn, as they help their furry friend feel better. There are three unicorns to collect, and each one comes in an adorable surprise egg. Ages 3+

Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera

Every pre-teen on your list will love this instant camera for capturing all of their precious memories. Nostalgic for you, but fun and fresh for them, the pictures print immediately after snapping! It'll also give them a break from Instagram selfies and screen time. This one comes with batteries and two 10-packs of film. No age listed

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Unicorn Bath Bombs for Kids

Make bath time their favorite part of the day with these super-fun bath bombs. Inside each one is a squishy toy that your child will play with long after they're clean. Ages 3+

Walkie Talkies

Crisp sound quality and an alert function for incoming calls make these walkie talkies feel like the real deal. One Amazon reviewer writes, "I bought these for my 3-year-old grandson's birthday, and he loved them! They have a wide range, and he loves the flashlight feature too! Happy with purchase." Ages 3+

Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit

Science is fun! Introduce older kids to some STEM fun with this DIY crystal growing kit. Ages 10-15

'On The Plane Activity Book' by Heather Alexander

This activity book will make short and long flights go by in a flash, all the while stimulating their creativity with maps, quizzes, "I Spy" games, and more. Ages 5-8

Portable Doodle Board

This adorable drawing pad is great for long trips in the backseat and requires minimal clean up. Just press the cute nose at the top of the pad, and watch the drawing disappear in a flash! Ages 4+

Giant Bubble Wands Kit

Level up their bubble game with this four-piece wand kit. It comes with a large wand to make giant balloons, plus what seems like industrial-grade balloon solution. They'll be the talk of the playground! Ages 6+

Case Binder for 'Pokémon' Cards

Pokémon is just as cool as it was in the '90s. If the child in your life collects and trades cards, this binder — which comes with 400 pockets — will come in handy. If they've already got one, no worries. They can always use another as they grow their collection! No age listed

Wobble Board

This rocker board allows toddlers to develop balance and coordination, thanks to its semi-spherical design. When it's not in use, it can just as well let their imagination soar by acting as a slide, boat, bed, tunnel, stage, racetrack, or bridge. Age 18 months+

Seriously Super Sized Stuffed Cheeseburger Food Plush

The pre-teen or teen on your list will get a kick out of this giant 24-inch cheeseburger stuffed toy. There's not much else to say about it other than it's two-feet wide and can be cuddled. Ages 3+

'Cocomelon' Bus

In case you didn't know, every toddler and preschooler is obsessed with Cocomelon. This bus will excite, and teach letters, sounds, and more with easy-to-handle tokens. Ages 2+

Big Boggle Classic Edition

This vocabulary-flexing word game is enjoyable for kids and parents alike. Have fun competing against family and friends to find the most point-worthy words in the grid of letters. Ages 8+

Artie 3000 The Coding Robot

This little robot isn't just cute. He'll help kids learn all about coding! As they input the code, Artie will draw lines to create a unique piece of art. "I love that it combines art with code to use both the left side (problem solving and math) and right side (art and design) of their brains," one Amazon reviewer wrote. Ages 7+

Amazing Science

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute created this book that is filled with 83 hands-on experiments that encourage learning science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a fun and unique way. Ages 8-12

Light-Up Terrarium Kit

Kids will love watching their eco-system grow. They can cultivate and create new life with this kit that also glows in the dark at night. Ages 6-12

Baby Doll

This sweet doll will be a great addition to their baby collection. Complete with a fluffy tutu and curly hair, this doll stands out from the crowd. With such great locks, they can even practice braiding and other hair styles. Ages 3+

Smoothie Making Blender Play Set

If your little one enjoys helping in the kitchen, they’ll love having their own pretend blender to experiment with. With several wooden fruits included, you can teach them the names and flavors of each one. One strawberry banana smoothie coming up! Ages 3+

Hair Chalk Set

Let your little one express their personality and style with this fun hair chalk kit. When they’re ready for a new look, just wash it out, and try another color. Ages 8+

Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit

Kids can spread holiday cheer throughout the season by painting the 10 included rocks and placing them throughout their neighborhood. You can also purchase a glow-in-the-dark version to paint and find in a scavenger hunt. Ages 6+

Rainbow Name Crayons

A perfect little stocking stuffer, these crayons are totally usable and come beautifully wrapped. Each letter is unique in makeup, so no two will turn out the same. Ages 3+

Dinosaur Building Kit

Kids ages three and up can actually put these dinos together themselves (with the occasional help from you, of course!). One reviewer writes, "These were perfect and so much fun to put together, but the best part was, they each came with their own tool (not the drill), so each kiddo could do their own dinosaur. Perfect for one kid, and awesome for multiple kids at one time."

USPS Mail Carrier Ride-On Toy

Kids can be just like their favorite mail carrier with this truck that features a mail slot, opening rear door, working headlights, a horn, and a radio. It's pricey, but it's also one of the most realistic ride-on toys out there.

Hover Pup Dance and Follow Learning Toy

Once the button is turned on, this little pup will move around while singing and speaking, allowing babies and toddlers ages nine to 36-months to dance along. They'll also learn about numbers and vocabulary.

DIY Agenda Set

Choose between the agenda set and planner set for the blossoming teen in your life. They are sure to appreciate how fun and customizable the DIY kits are.

Disney Junior 'Mickey Mouse' Funny the Funhouse

This 13-piece Disney playhouse set includes Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy figurines (amongst other pals!). Once kids press the yellow window, they'll experience lights, sounds, and Mickey's iconic phrases.

Ultimate Caravan Adventures

When it comes to Bluey fans, you can't go wrong with this toy set, that includes 12 fun accessories, including three Bluey characters, a transforming caravan playset, stickers, and more!

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Spike the Hedgehog has gotten an upgrade! Now, kids can work on their fine motor skills and senses by twisting, turning, pushing, and pressing Spike's "quills."

John Deere Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Tractor

This monster truck can go forward, backward, and anywhere in between. Once it gets moving, the wheels light up, adding extra fun. It comes with three AAA batteries, so they can start playing as soon as it's unwrapped.

2x2 Classic Stickerless Speed Cube

Give this NEXcube to the 8+ year-old who loves their Rubik's Cube or fidget spinner. This handheld toy features an ergonomic design to smoothly transition between colors with the flick of a wrist.

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