The Hottest Toys Look a Bit Different This Year

And we broke them all down by age group.

BY: Jennifer Belanger

Updated: January 5, 2025

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The Top 4 Toys Today

Hatchimals Alive Mystery

Hatch a surprise mystery interactive pet with more than 100 sounds and reactions that you got to take care of each and every day.

Mr Beast Lab Mutators

Add the mutation liquid to the chamber, press the fingerprint scanner, and watch as it reveals itself and is brought to life.

Peanut the Playful Monkey

The interactive plush monkey, Peanut, features over 100 unique reactions! Peanut can flip, walk, and loves to be gently rocked to sleep.

Poe the AI Story Bear

Design your own stories using safe AI programs to create fun stories from ideas that kids or parents add to the app.

Not sure where to start? We’re making it easier than ever to jump right to the toys that are most suitable to kids by ages and stages this year. So just click on your kiddos age(s) below and you’ll go right to that toy section. Or feel free to scroll our entire list if you got the time!

This year we decided to update our toy guide a bit differently this year. We decided to explore the most popular toys for kids and teens, broken down by age group to suit different developmental stages and overall interests. From soft building blocks and interactive plush toys for toddlers to advanced robotics kits and outdoor activities for teens, we’re going to cover a wide variety of options that support learning, creativity, and active play. Whether you’re looking for toys to enhance motor skills, foster STEM learning, or inspire artistic expression, you’ll find recommendations tailored to each age range to help you choose the perfect toy!

Here’s a quick recap on how we decided what made our toy list this time around. We’ve researched hundreds of toys, read just as many reviews from folks who actually purchased the toys themselves, and some we even bought and/or gifted ourselves.

Hours of Research

68 Toys Considered

258 Total Toy Ideas

55

While being a mom of three kids myself (currently ages 13, 15, and 17) I’ve been purchasing toys for them each Christmas for 17 years. And I’ve also been a gifting and product editor since 2015. But as times and trends change I wanted to make sure I also consulted with additional experts too. This time around I chatted with the editors at the Toy Insider to get their take on current toy trends this year, what kids of all ages are into and what’s important to them. Put all that and the above in a blender and below you’ll find more than 50 of the best toys perfect for Christmas, their birthday, or any time of year. Let’s go!

TOYS: 1- 3 YEARS OLD

Choosing toys for toddlers aged 1 to 3 requires a balance between safety, developmental support, and engagement. At this stage, children are rapidly developing motor skills, language, cognitive abilities, and social awareness. Here’s a breakdown of the best toy types for toddlers and why they’re ideal for this age group.

SOFT BUILDING BLOCKS

Soft building blocks are perfect for children aged 1 – 3 as they encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. At this age, kids enjoy stacking and knocking down blocks, which helps develop coordination and spatial awareness. These blocks are often soft, large, and easy to grip, making them safe for most toddlers.

PUSH-AND-PULL TOYS

Push-and-pull toys are ideal for toddlers who are beginning to walk. They encourage movement, balance, and coordination, all of which are critical for early physical development. These toys also give toddlers a sense of independence and control over their movements, as they can easily move the toys along with them.

Shape Sorters & Stacking

Shape sorters and stacking toys are classic choices for developing cognitive and fine motor skills. Toddlers learn about shapes, colors, and sizes while practicing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. These toys also promote independence as kids learn how to match shapes and stack items on their own.

MUSICAL TOYS

Musical toys are excellent for sensory stimulation and introducing rhythm and sound to the little ones. These toys help toddlers explore sounds and learn cause-and-effect as they make different noises by pressing buttons or tapping instruments. Musical toys are also great for enhancing coordination and can be enjoyable in social play settings.

PRETEND PLAY TOYS

Pretend play toys foster imagination, creativity, and social skills in toddlers. At this stage, many kids begin to engage in symbolic play, imitating real-life activities, which is important for social and language development. Pretend play toys often encourage children to role-play, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of everyday concepts.

Theme: Soft Blocks

Melissa & Doug's Match-n-Build Soft Blocks

Theme: Push & Pull

The VTech Push and Pop Toy Bulldozer

Theme: Musical Toys

Hippo Pop Musical Toy Keyboard Piano

Theme: Pretend Play

Melissa & Doug's Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Store

Theme: Building Blocks

MEGA BLOKS 80-Piece Toddler Toy Set

Theme: Shape Sorting & Stacking

Sassy Stacks STEM Circle Ring Stacking

Theme: Sensory Building Blocks

Infantino 24-Piece Sensory Building Block Set

Theme: Pretend Play

Melissa & Doug Broom, Mop, and Dust Toy Set

Theme: Musical Toys

Montessori Wooden Musical Instrument Set

TOYS: 4 - 6 YEARS OLD

As kids keep growing, so do their interests, levels of play and overall skill level. We chose age and stage appropriate toys that’ll help encourage creativity, critical thinking, fine motor skills, and social play.

BUILDING SETS

Building sets are excellent for fostering creativity, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills in children aged 4 to 6. This age group can handle smaller, more complex pieces, which allows for more imaginative building and early problem-solving. Building sets also encourage independent and cooperative play as kids can build individually or with friends.

ARTS & CRAFTS TOYS

Arts and crafts kits are perfect for many kids between 4 and 6 years old, as they allow for creative expression, build fine motor skills, and introduce early concepts of art and design. These kits come with all the materials needed for so many different projects, like painting, sculpting, and crafting, making it easy for young kids to explore all different types of art forms.

EDUCATIONAL GAMES

Educational games and puzzles are excellent for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and early literacy or math skills. These toys provide engaging ways to learn new concepts, especially when incorporating themes like animals, numbers, or letters. These games can be enjoyed individually or with family and their little friends.

PRETEND PLAY / ROLE PLAY

Pretend play toys encourage imaginative play and social skills, which are important for kids as they begin to understand different roles and scenarios. Role-playing toys also foster language development and empathy as they explore various occupations, activities, and family roles.

OUTDOOR TOYS / SPORTS

Outdoor toys and sports equipment help children stay active, develop motor skills, and learn coordination. These toys are designed for safety and encourage physical activity, making them perfect for kids who enjoy active, outdoor play. They also introduce kids to basic sports concepts and teamwork.

Theme: Building Sets

MAGNA-TILES 32-Piece Magentic Building Set

Theme: Hot New Toy

Disney's Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet

Theme: Pretend Play

Playmobil Ambulance Truck With Siren Sounds

Theme: Arts & Crafts Toys

Crayola 100 Piece Complete Coloring Kit

Theme: Educational

Montessori Logic Road Brain Teaser Puzzles

Theme: Sports Play

Little Tikes Adjustable Basketball Set

Theme: Building Sets

LEGO Brick Box Set (10,000 Pieces)

Theme: Outdoor Sport/Play

Adjustable Plastic Baseball Training Tee

Theme: Hot New Toy

Crayola Gobbles Squishy Fidget Toys (16-Count)

TOYS: 7 - 9 YEARS OLD

We’ve grouped 7 – 9 year olds together because typically many in this age range are ready for more challenging, skill-building toys that foster creativity, problem-solving, social interaction, and active play. Each category below includes popular brands, features, and average costs for toys suited to these ages and stages.

ADVANCED BUILDING SETS

Building sets for kids aged 7 to 9 are more complex and allow for intricate designs and creative engineering. These sets improve fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and often introduce early STEM concepts. Many sets in this age range include technical pieces and detailed instructions, making them both engaging and educational.

SCIENCE & STEM TOYS

Science kits and STEM toys for this age group offer hands-on learning in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. These toys encourage curiosity and experimentation, helping children explore scientific concepts in a fun, interactive way.

BOARD GAMES & STRATEGY

Board games and strategy games are excellent for building critical thinking, teamwork, and social skills. These games introduce kids to strategy, planning, and friendly competition, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

OUTDOOR SPORTS / GAMES

Outdoor toys and sports are ideal for kids in this age range as they promote physical activity, coordination, and teamwork. These toys help kids stay active and develop sports skills, making them a great way to introduce them to outdoor play and organized sports.

CODING TOYS & ROBOTS

Coding toys and robots are ideal for introducing them to the basics of programming and robotics. These toys use interactive, game-based learning to teach kids fundamental coding concepts, often through hands-on activities that encourage logical thinking and problem-solving.

Theme: Advanced Building Sets

LEGO Technic Monster Jam Truck

Theme: STEM Toys

Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

Theme: Hot New Toy

Hatchimals Alive Mystery

Theme: Outdoor Sports/Activity

Razor Kick Scooter

Theme: Board Games

Taco vs Burrito Game

Theme: Arts & Crafts

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

Theme: Science & STEM

Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Exploration Kit

Theme: Outdoor Activities

Foam Stromp Rockets Jr (8 Rocket Set)

Theme: Arts & Crafts

Choose Friendship DIY Friendship Bracelet Maker

Theme: Science & STEM

National Geographic Super Gross Chemistry Set

Theme: Science & STEM

Klutz LEGO Gear Robots Making Toy Kit

TOYS: 10 - 12 YEARS OLD

Ah, 10 – 12 year olds. Now things are really starting to get interesting, right? Many kids in this age range are ready for more advanced, skill-building activities that promote problem-solving, creativity, social interaction, and physical activity. But let’s be real, some are into funny toys, video games, and so much more. We’ve included those too. Let’s keep them engaged, learning, and having fun all at the same time.

ADVANCED CODING SETS

Robotics and coding kits for 10 to 12-year-olds introduce kids to the fundamentals of programming, electronics, and engineering. These kits are hands-on, project-based, and often feature more complex builds, providing an interactive way to explore STEM fields.

3D PUZZLES & CONSTRUCTION

3D puzzles and construction kits are perfect for older kids who enjoy hands-on challenges. These kits promote spatial reasoning, patience, and problem-solving as they work to complete intricate models and constructions.

ADVANCED SCIENCE KITS

Science kits for this age group dive deeper into chemistry, physics, and biology, providing hands-on learning experiences that make abstract concepts tangible. These kits are ideal for curious kids who enjoy experimentation and discovery.

STRATEGY & BOARD GAMES

Strategy games are great for promoting critical thinking, planning, and social skills. These games often involve deeper levels of strategy and planning, which make them suitable for family or group play.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE / SPORTS

Outdoor and sports encourage physical activity and social interaction, and at this age, children can handle more advanced sports gear. This equipment is designed to develop coordination, fitness, and teamwork skills while fostering a love for outdoor activities.

Theme: Outdoor / Adventure

Complete Laser Tag Game Set (4 Player)

Theme: 3D Puzzles / Construction Kits

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Car Model Kit

Theme: Arts & Crafts / Building

LEGO Dots Designer Tool Kit / Craft Set

Theme: Outdoor / Adventure

Derc Mini Toy Drone With 720p Camera

Theme: Advanced Robotics / Coding

LEGO Mindstorms Robot Building Kit

Theme: Hot New Toy

Real Mini Pottery Studio Kit (26-Piece)

Theme: Hot New Toy

Minions Dispicable Me 4 Fart Blaster (With Sounds)

Theme: Gaming

Nintendo Switch Light Handheld Gaming System

Theme: 3D Puzzles / Construction Kits

Star Wars Metal Earth Falcon 3D Model Kit

Theme: Board Games / Strategy

CATAN Board Game

Theme: Arts & Crafts

Glow in the Dark Rock Painting

Theme: Advanced Robots / Coding Kits

Sphero Mini Coding Robot Ball

Theme: Outdoor Adventure / Sports

Ninja Obstacle Course (10 Obstacles)

Theme: Arts & Crafts

Crayola Supreme Blend & Shade Coloring Kit

TOYS: 13 - 17 YEARS OLD

Welcome to the teen years everyone! When it comes to traditional “toys” options are limited. Many teens are no longer playing like they used to, but that doesn’t mean their overall level of play and creativity is gone. The options below cater to teens’ growing interests, skills, and creativity, with a focus on advanced learning, skill development, and self-expression.

Robotics and Engineering Kits

Robotics and engineering kits are highly popular among teens interested in STEM. These kits allow them to build, program, and customize their own projects, offering hands-on experience with coding, electronics, and mechanics.

Professional Art Supplies & Kits

Professional art supplies are great for teens interested in fine arts, design, or crafting. These kits allow them to explore advanced techniques with high-quality materials, which help them refine their artistic skills and develop personal styles.

Game Development Kits

Coding and game development kits are popular among tech-savvy teens interested in software development, programming, and video game design. These kits often include resources that allow them to create their own games, applications, or digital experiences.

DIY Model Building

Model building and craft kits remain popular for teens who enjoy hands-on activities and detail-oriented work. These kits help develop fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail, resulting in rewarding finished projects.

Advanced Strategy Games

Strategy games are perfect for social and intellectual engagement, with complex rules that involve planning, teamwork, and critical thinking. Teens enjoy these games for the social interaction and strategic depth they provide.

The Hottest Toys Look a Bit Different This Year

The Top 4 Toys Today

Hatchimals Alive Mystery

Mr Beast Lab Mutators

Peanut the Playful Monkey

Poe the AI Story Bear

JUMP TO TOYS BY AGES:

Hours of Research

68

Toys Considered

258

Total Toy Ideas

55

TOYS: 1- 3 YEARS OLD

SOFT BUILDING BLOCKS

PUSH-AND-PULL TOYS

Shape Sorters & Stacking

MUSICAL TOYS

PRETEND PLAY TOYS

Theme: Soft Blocks

Melissa & Doug's Match-n-Build Soft Blocks

Theme: Push & Pull

The VTech Push and Pop Toy Bulldozer

Theme: Musical Toys

Hippo Pop Musical Toy Keyboard Piano

Theme: Pretend Play

Melissa & Doug's Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Store

Theme: Building Blocks

MEGA BLOKS 80-Piece Toddler Toy Set

Theme: Shape Sorting & Stacking

Sassy Stacks STEM Circle Ring Stacking

Theme: Sensory Building Blocks

Infantino 24-Piece Sensory Building Block Set

Theme: Pretend Play

Melissa & Doug Broom, Mop, and Dust Toy Set

Theme: Musical Toys

Montessori Wooden Musical Instrument Set

TOYS: 4 - 6 YEARS OLD

BUILDING SETS

ARTS & CRAFTS TOYS

EDUCATIONAL GAMES

PRETEND PLAY / ROLE PLAY

OUTDOOR TOYS / SPORTS

Theme: Building Sets

MAGNA-TILES 32-Piece Magentic Building Set

Theme: Hot New Toy

Disney's Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet

Theme: Pretend Play

Playmobil Ambulance Truck With Siren Sounds

Theme: Arts & Crafts Toys

Crayola 100 Piece Complete Coloring Kit

Theme: Educational

Montessori Logic Road Brain Teaser Puzzles

Theme: Sports Play

Little Tikes Adjustable Basketball Set

Theme: Building Sets

LEGO Brick Box Set (10,000 Pieces)

Theme: Outdoor Sport/Play

Adjustable Plastic Baseball Training Tee

Theme: Hot New Toy

Crayola Gobbles Squishy Fidget Toys (16-Count)

TOYS: 7 - 9 YEARS OLD

ADVANCED BUILDING SETS

SCIENCE & STEM TOYS

BOARD GAMES & STRATEGY

OUTDOOR SPORTS / GAMES

CODING TOYS & ROBOTS

Theme: Advanced Building Sets

LEGO Technic Monster Jam Truck

Theme: STEM Toys

Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game

Theme: Hot New Toy

Hatchimals Alive Mystery

Theme: Outdoor Sports/Activity

Razor Kick Scooter

Theme: Board Games

Taco vs Burrito Game

Theme: Arts & Crafts

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

Theme: Science & STEM