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The 10 Hottest Toys for Holiday 2018

Since we’re all about single-tasking these days, try this task on for size: Sit down for 20 minutes and bang out holiday shopping for your kids (and nieces, nephews and neighbors) all in one go. Simply click to buy the awesomest toys trending this year—have them gift-wrapped while you’re at it. Buh-bye, Black Friday. Hello, To-Do List Tuesday.

Is Single Tasking the New Multitasking?


polly pocket

Polly Pocket (ages 4+)

A throwback to the 1980s, this pocket-size doll is back, and this time she comes with a series of micro-worlds (called “compacts”) to play in, too. Case in point: The mall. (But the beach, a flamingo floatie and sandcastle are also available.)

hatchimal babies

Hatchimals Hatchibabies (5+)

The next iteration of the cult toy from Spin Master, HatchiBabies don’t just hatch on their own. Yep, your little one needs to give them plenty of love and interactive care for them to come to life. (For example, tap on the egg and your growing HatchiBaby will actually tap back.)

soggy doggy

Soggy Doggy (ages 4+)

For any parent looking for the next best family board game, this is it: Soggy Doggy brings the suspense to bath time fun. Race around the board as you take turns giving Soggy Doggy a bath—but, watch out! His favorite thing to do is shake himself dry.

fisher price

Fisher Price Think And Learn Rocktopus

Let your kids mix and match (and remix) musical styles with this interchangeable toy featuring 15 different instruments to create their own tunes. Bonus: Download the app and they can make a music video of their work.

fierce pets

Feisty Pets (ages 5+)

Proof kids love a good surprise factor: Karl the dog is just one of several feisty pets that—with a squeeze behind the ears—go from cute and cuddly to animated and, well, feisty in a few seconds flat.

Buy It

classic play kitchen

Classic Play Kitchen (ages 3+)

For the budding chef or sous chef in your life, this chic and modern kitchen—complete with a spacious farmhouse sink and oven knobs that actually turn—is perfect for teaching your kid the benefits (and joy) of imaginative play.

Buy It

skee ball

Skee Ball The Classic Arcade Game (ages 8+)

This throwback game is just the thing you need to spur a little friendly competition between siblings (and, OK, mom and dad, too).

harry potter legos

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall (ages 9+)

Yes, 20 years later, Harry Potter is still that cool. For the LEGO-lovers in your family, Hogwarts Great Hall (aka the space where Gryffindors and Slytherins intermingle) includes house banners, a tower with its own moveable staircase and a potions room.

bentley toy car

Black 6v Bentley Kids Ride On Car (ages 3+)

This automobile—licensed by the real deal carmaker—drives like an actual car complete with a foot pedal accelerator but also a three miles per hour max speed. (It also comes with a remote control so parents can keep kids safe.)

Buy It

playstation mini

Playstation Mini (ages 10+)

The rumors are true: A miniature recreation of the iconic PlayStation console is coming just in time for Christmas. (The release date is currently scheduled for December 3.) The best part? It’s pre-loaded with 20 fan-favorite games.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College