Walmart Has Announced Its Top Holiday Toys for 2020, and They're Going to Go Fast!
These picks are definitely kid-approved.
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Finding the best gifts for kids becomes even more of a challenge thanks to all the hot toy releases that come out every year. Walmart is here to help, and the store has put out its predictions for the best toys of the year. The retailer also identified some trends in this year's toy selection, too. Surprise collectible toys continue to be hot, so keep all those L.O.L.s and Treasure X goodies on your to-buy list. Walmart also saw an uptick in interactive toys that respond directly to your kids. And, since everyone is looking to spend more time outdoors, outdoor toys like scooters and ride-ons, are also good choices. Scanning the list, there are going to be some lucky kids this year. Here are some of Walmart's selection: to see the full list, visit walmart.com/TopRatedByKids.
If you're looking for more tailored lists, the Good Housekeeping Institute has its own Little Lab where kid-testers weigh in on toys, and their findings factor into our lists of everything from kid board games to STEM toys to educational toys, for everyone from toddlers to teenagers. Or, if you'd rather shop by developmental stage, you can see our age-by-age toy recommendations here.
Kinetic Sand Kinetic Sand Sandwhirlz Playset
There's something mesmerizing about kinetic sand, and how it always feels like perfect, wet beach sand. This playset comes with two pounds of sand in three colors along with 10 tools including six shape shifters, two extruder tubes and a scoop. Kids can use them to make colorful effects. Ages 3+
Get your little Mozarts started making their own music. This puppy piano comes pre-loaded with 22 demo songs. Or your kids can strike out on their own and press the keys to hear the sounds of the piano, trumpet, music box, organ, violin and, of course, a puppy bark. Ages 2+
Treasure X Treasure X Sunken Gold Shark's Treasure
Kids can rescue the treasure hunter from the shark's jaws, then dissect its belly and dig through the goo to find treasure. After the treasure is retrieved, the hunter can ride the shark and fire torpedoes from its armor, and the shark can chomp with its jaws. Ages 5+
These fairies really fly! Once they launch from a base, kids can control them with their hands — if kids hold their hands up high, she'll fly higher. Ages 5+
Hasbro Bop It! Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Edition
Bop It has entertained everyone from kids to college students in dorm rooms, but this version gets a Star Wars twist. You still have to do one of three actions in random order as the game commands, but you also get to hear the sounds of a Baby Yoda as you play. (Note: This item is extremely popular and sold out immediately, so keep checking back for more information about when it will be re-stocked.) Ages 8+
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You've heard of a lightsaber — now The Mandalorian has introduced us to the concept of the darksaber. This one makes realistic sounds, but it's only available for purchase in Walmart stores (not online). Ages 5+
Not only does this scooter fold up to stash away in a locker or a bag, it has LED lights that flash along the deck, stem and wheels. You can get it in black or an iridescent color. Ages 5+
Hello Kitty fans can have a doll that's just as obsessed with the feline as they are. The doll comes with a Hello Kitty pajama set, slippers, and glasses along with accessories like a Hello Kitty pillow, toothbrush, tube of toothpaste and nail polish, among others. You can also choose between skin tones and hair types. Ages 5+
Normally, getting a toy out of its packaging is a hassle. With The Animal, it's half the fun. Kids have to shake and knock on the crate to get the truck "mad" enough to bust out of its confines. Then, it becomes a truck/animal hybrid with retractible claws, glowing eyes, and a host of interactive features. Ages 2+
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It's a fire truck and a fire station in one! The two included figures can drive around in the fire truck, and when the emergency is over, the top unfolds to a multi-level firehouse. It also includes a mini truck and mini helicopter, ladder and water sprayer, and it can make sounds, sing songs and say fun facts about firefighters. Ages 18 months+
A motorized booster lifts cars more than 2.5 feet into the air, which makes for jumps and mid-air crashes. There's also room in the base to store more than 20 cars. Ages 5+
Give this 10-inch plush a squeeze, and Blue plays Peek-a-Boo with her ears. You can also get a peek-a-boo playing Magenta. Ages 2+
Little People Little People Launch & Loop Raceway Vehicle Playset
This playset features two tracks and a ton of tricks, including a loop-the-loop, a jump ramp and a trap door. Set the two included vehicles loose at the same and see what antics they get into. Ages 18 months+
Beyblade collectors have everything they need to battle in this set, including two launchers and a second level to the arena that can be removed depending on how they want to play. You can also scan the stadium to compete in digital battles through the Beyblade Burst app. Ages 8+
L.O.L Surprise! L.O.L. Surprise! Clubhouse Playset
This playset looks like two shipping containers, but it unfolds to become an L.O.L. Suprise! playset that's three feet wide and includes seven "hangout" areas, including a game room, skateboard zone, patio, movie room and bedroom, among others. In true L.O.L. fashion, it comes with two exclusive dolls and 40+ surprises. Ages 5+
The styling tools including in this vanity come with fun features — the hairdryer makes blowing sounds, for example, and the flat iron lights up. The vanity comes with a pretend flat iron, curling iron, hair dryer, curling brush, comb, scissors and hair clips. Ages 3+
Go! Go! Go! This is the first PAW Patrol vehicle that's motorized, and it can use its all-terrain wheels to take the pups on exciting adventures at the push of a button. There's room for all six pups inside, but only a Chase and a T. Rex figure are included. Ages 3+
Kids have a reputation of living online, but put a camera in their hands and they'll be taken with photos printed on actual film. This set comes with a 10-pack of film. No age specified
Return of the Jedi fans already have this scene committed to memory; now, they can re-created it with LEGO building blocks. It comes with 775 pieces, including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Emperor Palpatine minifigs.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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