It’s the season of giving, and for many families, Christmas presents for children are the top priority. However, knowing which toys are trendy (and where to find them) is easier said than done. From the latest electronic gadgets to classic favorites, it can be difficult to know which are the must-have items this season. To help you shop with confidence, Yahoo Canada asked four retail experts to review this year’s popular toys, from interactive digital animals Bitzee to timeless picks like LEGO.
This interactive animal responds to swipes, tilts, shakes and touches.
According to Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master’s executive vice president and head of global toy brands, digital pets are definitely in style this season.
“This gaming model naturally appeals to children because of its interactivity and stimulating nature. Parents love it too, remembering their first digital pet, but this one is nothing like what “They were in the ’90s. The incredible strides made in innovation make today’s digital pet such a richer and more dynamic experience,” Wadleigh said Yahoo Canada.
Wadleigh added that retailers are seeing impressive performance with Bitzee.
“I think it’s a combination of the innovation and unique play model of this digital pet, and great value for money, with 15 pets inside each module at an affordable price “, he explained.
This set brings two Hatchimals Alive characters to life.
In addition to new and innovative toys, Wadleigh said increasingly price-conscious consumers are also looking for value.
“As we prepared for the 2023 holiday season, we anticipated that consumers would look to purchase at more modest prices,” he said.
This is why Wadleigh suggests that the Living Hatchimals make a great Christmas gift. He said it was “a magical time for children at a low cost.”
Wadleigh also chose the Creation of pop style bracelets Cool Makerr as one of this year’s best toys to buy for the 2023 holiday season.
“The super-simple beading system means they can create and recreate 10 unique bracelets without knots, cuts or clasps,” he said.
He also suggested that while friendship bracelets aren’t new, this innovative bead system — and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour — have definitely fueled the friendship bracelet frenzy.
This Furby has five controls: Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let’s Chill and Lightshow.
Hilary Wingate, senior director of toys at Walmart, said Yahoo Canada that “kidults” are interested in technology this year.
“Robotics is a big deal, from the adorable Furby robotic plush to classic robots. Kids today are really passionate about AI and voice recognition, which takes their playtime to a whole new level ” she said.
This is why she selected the Furby as one of the most requested toys for 2023.
This Nerf Elite 2.0 Double Punch Motorized Dart Gun includes 50 Nerf Elite 2.0 foam darts.
Wingate also chose the Nerf Elite 2.0 Duble Punch Motorized Dart Gunr as a popular item for this year’s holiday season.
For kids, a Nerf gun is a ticket to countless hours of imaginative play. In a world filled with digital entertainment, the Nerf gun stands out as a tangible, interactive experience that brings people together.
This would make a great gift for kids who are fans of the PAW Patrol movie.
Paw Patrol’s team of lively, ready-to-rescue puppies is always a hit with kids of all ages. That’s why Wingate suggested adding this lovely set to your holiday shopping list.
Figure has synchronized flashing lights, sound effects and music.
You can never go wrong with LEGO as a gift. This LEGO Speed Champions 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R is a replica of a car building kit inspired by the car from the Lego movie.
This would be a great gift for the “kidult” in your life to help them start a car collection, allowing them to embark on a creative building journey.
Get into the holiday spirit with the LEGO City 2023 Advent Calendar playset.
While we’re talking LEGO, Scott Churchward, vice president of merchandising and Kids Learn and Play at Staples, also suggested a 258-piece playset.
“Canadians love LEGO sets. They offer products for all ages and are perfect toys that help reinforce cognitive learning of fine motor skills, discovery and exploration,” Churchward said.
Churchward added that this Advent calendar is “festive, fun and allows children to countdown with familiar festive characters, mini-builds and seasonal accessories.”
Decorate your windows with the Crayola Butterfly Garden Sun Catcher Maker.
Churchward also suggested this new product from Crayola, adding that it’s the perfect gift for young children.
“This is a unique DIY kit that allows kids to make over 25 sun catchers using simple, step-by-step instructions. Highly detailed designs that kids can color and personalize make it easy to create eye-catching stickers every time,” Churchward said.
You can “bake” your own surprise plush best friend with the “Bake Your Own Plush” oven playset from Cookeez Makery™.
Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, said Yahoo Canada that Cookeez Makery is one of this year’s most popular toys and a must-have for every Christmas list.
“It’s like an Easy-Bake Oven where kids can bake their own stuffed animal and it comes out warm and fragrant. It’s selling out everywhere and we expect Showcase to be one of the only places to find it this Christmas,” Kulkarni said.
Add the 2023 Holiday Rudolph Squad Squishmallows to your collection.
It seems the Squishmallow craze can’t slow down – and Kulkarni said there’s a huge surge in collectibles for Christmas.
“It’s the fun of finding that hard-to-find character or completing that collection – like the all-new Squishmallows Christmas characters,” Kulkarni added.
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