The Toy Insider's top picks: 20 must-have toys for 2026
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The Toy Insider has just released its list of the 20 hottest toys of the year, with options for kids of all ages. Every year, families eagerly await this list to help them find the perfect gifts and see what's new in toys. The Toy Insider team spends months looking for the best holiday toys for kids.
Ali Mierzejewski, Editor-in-Chief at The Toy Insider, told ABC News, "Through industry trade shows starting as early as 14 months out and trend hunting across media events and editorial submissions throughout the year, we sift through thousands of toys to find those that fit our play criteria and will surely be a big hit with our readers."
Mierzejewski added, "Our five play criteria points are play value, originality, skill-building, product quality, and fun factor."
Here are the top 20 toys on this year's list.
Most popular toys for ages 0-2:
Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset, Musical Toddler Toy with 2 Figures
Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset, Musical Toddler Toy with 2 Figures
- $49.96
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
This playset is full of music, sound effects, and surprises inspired by the classic game. Kids can find a question block with a hidden power-up, launch a turtle shell, spin a bonus wheel, and explore fun features like a Chain Chomp and a green warp pipe.
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max 18-Inch Interactive Plush Toy
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max 18-Inch Interactive Plush Toy
- $39.91
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
Elmo is back with even more giggles! When kids tickle him, he laughs, flaps his arms, and shakes with joy. He also says playful phrases and sometimes gets the hiccups from laughing so hard.
Top toys for ages 3-4:
Bluey Light and Surprise Heeler House
Kids can jump into Bluey-inspired adventures with this big 2-foot-tall playset. Each room in the five-story house has themed accessories, and the chimney projects spinning stars and moons, just like Bluey's light projector.
Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane Modular Play House & Figures
Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane Modular Play House & Figures
- $34.97
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
Explore the world of Cherry Lane with this interactive playset. Kids can open and close windows and doors, move the furniture around, and create stories for the included figures using the modular corners and fold-out rooms.
Disney Darlings Magical Birthday Surprises Winnie the Pooh Doll
Disney Darlings Magical Birthday Surprises Winnie the Pooh Doll
- $49.96
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
This interactive doll wears a cute Winnie the Pooh outfit and comes with party-themed accessories. Kids can rock her to sleep, feed her, and use the magic wand to light up her freckles or make Tigger pop out of the cake.
furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Tiger
This interactive plush responds to hugs and play with over 100 sound and motion combinations. Kids can roar at Gabby and she'll roar back. She grows up to 15 inches tall and can shrink back to her cub size with the press of a button.
fDynacraft Wheels Minnie Mouse 6V Roadster
Little ones can zoom around the backyard with this Minnie Mouse roadster. It has pink and white details, a working horn, and a seatbelt for extra fun.
Spin Master Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy
Spin Master Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy
- $44.99
- $64.99
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
Rocky's recycling truck has a fun surprise. Press the light bar to reveal a detachable, inflatable 2-foot dinosaur! It folds back in and pops up again and again for more play.
Hasbro Play-Doh Super Sizzlin' Kitchen Playset
With this Play-Doh kitchen set, kids can make over 25 pretend meals using molds, tools, and interactive cookware. The set includes a pasta maker and a stove that sizzles with lifelike sound effects.
Jakks Pacific Nintendo Yum Yum Yoshi 9.5 inch Feature Action Figure
Jakks Pacific Nintendo Yum Yum Yoshi 9.5 inch Feature Action Figure
- $29.97
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
This 9.5-inch Yoshi figure has a tongue that unrolls to pick up the magnetic apple, so kids can recreate their favorite Super Mario moments.
Hottest toys for ages 5-7:
ChompSaw with Inventor's Workbook
ChompSaw is a safe power tool for kids that encourages creativity and lets them build their own cardboard creations. An optional inventor's club subscription adds patterns, stickers, and more for extra hands-on projects.
GUI GUI Mega Slime Haul, 5 Scented Slimes, 50+ Pieces
This set comes with over 50 accessories and mix-ins, four regular slimes, and a mini slime pack. Kids can create their own slime designs and keep everything in one big container.
Mattel Kpop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Zoey "Golden" Singing Doll
KPop Demon Hunters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey each have their "Golden" performance outfits and sing a clip from the hit song. Each poseable doll has detailed, shimmering outfits.
Schylling NeeDoh Teenie Color Change - Sensory Squeeze Toy
Schylling NeeDoh Teenie Color Change - Sensory Squeeze Toy
- $33
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
NeeDoh has lots of squishy fidgets in bright neon colors, like Dream Drops, Jelly Squish, Fuzz Balls, and Knittens. They come in different sizes and textures, perfect for squishing, stretching, and squeezing.
Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box
Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with this Elite Trainer Box. It features the new Futuristic Rare card, updated visuals, all-foil cards, and brings back 30 classic Pokémon.
Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg Interactive Toy
Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg Interactive Toy
- $49.99
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
Kids add water to wake up the beast. The egg foams, fizzes, and turns red before the Megalodon jumps out. Afterward, kids can play with the shark or reset the egg to enjoy the surprise again.
Most popular toys for ages 8+:
Disney Lorcana TCG: Collection Starter Set - Rapunzel Edition
Disney Lorcana TCG: Collection Starter Set - Rapunzel Edition
- $51.95
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
This set features Rapunzel in high-climbing artwork and comes with four Attack of the Vine booster packs (each with 12 cards), a themed portfolio, a glimmer foil Rapunzel-Enchanted Protector promo card, and a collector's guide.
LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing
LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing
- $127.95
- $159.99
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
Kids can start a LEGO Star Wars adventure with this 962-piece interactive playset. It includes the Emperor's throne room and an A-wing ship. LEGO Smart Bricks add interactive fun with different characters and features.
MGA's Miniverse Real Music Record Player Mini Collectibles, Mini Playable Record Player
MGA's Miniverse Real Music Record Player Mini Collectibles, Mini Playable Record Player
- $21.88
- Valid: 09/28/2026 to 12/31/2026
This mini record player stores and plays collectible mini records (sold separately). The set comes with one vinyl that features a classical rock remix of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.
Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX
Who's that Pokémon? This 16-inch interactive Pikachu plush responds to hand movements with over 120 sounds and actions. Its eyes blink, its mouth moves, and its ears move in two directions.
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