Elmo, Elsa and 6 Other Character Toys to Buy This Holiday Season

It’s definitely Barbie’s year — and the Fashionistas line is one of the most popular in the company’s history. Measuring about a foot tall, the dolls will feel familiar to parents while touting fresh details for kids that make this update pop, like gold hoop earrings and platform jelly sandals.

He may be “just Ken,” but he’s also a hit item this year. The inclusive range of Fashionistas dolls extends to Barbie’s male sidekick, and flaunts trendy looks that bring the classic character into the present with details like a patterned T-shirt and modern white shorts.

Frozen remains a perennial holiday gift classic — kids, dare we say, can’t … let it go. This Elsa doll is posable and comes decked out in her iconic cape and skirt, so little ones can transport their imaginations straight to the icy fjords of Arendelle.

It’s a testament to the power of Sesame Street that its characters remain so beloved even though the show has been on the air for more than half a century. Elmo, who has called it home for more than four decades, is as popular as ever — and any child on your list will love this interactive plush version. When his hand is squeezed, he encourages kids to sing along with him while an LED lights up in his chest.

Young Jedi Adventures has become a hit with the younglings — the Jedi of the animated show trek across the galaxy protecting others while discovering themselves in the process. This set of themed figures has five 4-inch characters, including the popular Kai Brightstar and beloved Jedi master Yoda. It also comes with lightsaber accessories and a training droid.

Just like Barbie, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been given new life this year in the animated movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Gift them one of their favorite pizza-loving dispensers of justice with this Donatello action figure, which is 4.5" tall with 12 points of posable articulation and replicates his new look in the Mutant Mayhem film. Just be sure to watch how you talk about rats around him.

Between the video games, trading cards, animated show and movies, it’s a safe bet that your kid is obsessed with Pikachu — so this set will help them unleash the powers of Fire and Electric wherever they choose to do battle. The detailed Pikachu and Charizard figures are dynamically-posed, so they can jump right into the fray.

Squishmallows are the hot item right now, thanks to the fact that they're insanely squeezable and soft and come in a variety of collectible characters. The tiny Moana fans in your life will delight in hugging and snuggling with their favorite heroine.