Christmas 2016 is almost here and as customary I am providing my yearly list of the most popular toys, trending for this Christmas season as I've provided in
2014 and
2015 and now in
2016. I've reviewed the majority of the toys listed below. This year there is definitely an even bigger push towards technologically advanced toys, with a big emphasis on interactive, self learning, A.I. type toys. From toys for very small kids to toys for teens and adults, technology rule the roost. The list below will be growing as we move closer to the holiday season, so come and have a look regularly. The list features the current top trending toys with a couple of brand new hot releases included. You can also review my
latest list of top kids books for Christmas 2016.
Stop Press - See what others are buying in the days leading up to Christmas -
It is a lot more conservative and lower priced gifts than what you would have expected. The economy is definitely pressing, and things are not going to get easier.
Number 1
This is the latest in a range of educational toys released by Fisher-Price over the past couple of years. This one is really special and gives kids a very early introduction into the thinking that goes into programming a device. I am definitely going to purchase one of these for my youngster.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Code-A-Pillar features 9 easy-to-connect segments that preschoolers can arrange and rearrange to "tell" the toy how to move: forward, left, right, wiggle, dance or even wait for a couple seconds before moving again. Kids can configure the segments in such a way that the Code-A-Pillar can reach targets they set up throughout the room. There's even a motorized head segment with lights,sounds and blinking eyes that brings Code-A-Pillar to life! Ready. set. code! When kids connect the segments-in tons of different ways-to make Code-A-Pillar move left, then right, then forward, or wherever-- that's sequencing! When they figure out a sequence that will create a path for Code-A-Pillar to reach a target, that's programming (and problem solving, too)! It's all coding-and it's all fun! Code-A-Pillar is one of the new learning toys from Fisher-Price that goes beyond ABCs and 123s to help children learn how to think independently. Each toy fosters 21st century skills like curiosity, experimentation and problem-solving in ways kids haven't seen before. They're engaged in hands-on open-ended discovery that helps them become lifelong learners."
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Number 2
This Activity Walker has been designed with the principle in mind to stimulate your youngster as she learns to walk. This will make a great gift for young children from the age of 9 months up to 3 years.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Light the way to active play with the Light ‘n Go series of toys, designed to use light to inspire your baby to get moving. The 3-in-1 Activity Walker is a walker, standing activity table, and sit & play activity center all in one. The walker's projected lights encourage your baby to take their first steps as they grow with this interactive toy. Featuring 70+ activities, songs, and sounds, the 3-in-1 Walker and Activity Table provides hours of fun for years to come. Product Features: • 3-in-1 activity walker for baby • Walker: Projects lights on the ground to encourage baby to take their first steps. • Activity Table: Panel slides up to become a table and features • Sit & Play Activity Center: Folds flat for floor play and is also ideal for easy storage • 70+ activities, songs, and sounds • Activity Panel features a Monkey Slider, Peek A Boo Lion, Spinning Toucan ball that make fun animal sounds and noises, color beads, an animal flipbook, jungle spinning drum, koala and parrot clickers and more! • Ages: 9-36 months"
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Number 3
The Paw Patrol Zoomer Marshall puppy is a fantastic interactive educational toy. This toy will keep kids of all ages (36 months + up to 90 years!) spell bound. It is currently very popular.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Bring home your very own Paw Patrol pup with Zoomer Marshall! This interactive pup really talks, moves on his own, and responds to touch and movement. Marshall is ready for a ruff-ruff rescue and comes complete with a transforming Pup Pack and spring-loaded water cannon launchers. Join Marshall on real missions from the Paw Patrol show, and press his head to make him say real Marshall catchphrases and sounds. Be the hero of your very own Adventure Bay with Paw Patrol Zoomer Marshall!"
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Number 4
This is the latest hot of the press Imperial Stormtrooper Figure released. Play out your own adventures with the foes of the Star Wars movies. This will make a great gift for any child. This figure was only released in the USA on the 30th of September 2016.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Stormtroopers are elite shock troops fanatically loyal to the Empire and impossible to sway from the Imperial cause. They wear imposing white armor, which offers a wide range of survival equipment and temperature controls to allow the soldiers to survive in almost any environment. Stormtroopers wield blaster rifles and pistols with great skill, and attack in hordes to overwhelm their enemies. With over 65 different sound effects and phrases, the Interactech Imperial Stormtrooper figure uses a motion sensor to respond to specific movements. Equip the figure with the included blaster accessory to hear battle sound effects, or have the figure engage in hand to hand combat for punching sounds! Gear up figure with jetpack to initiate flight mode and hear amazing sound effects based on different motion-activated aerial maneuvers! Mission is a go! Star Wars products are produced by Hasbro under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro."
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Number 5
This is the latest in drone technology. Take videos of the surrounding areas in very good 720p HD quality. I was bowled over by the quality of this drone. This is definitely a gift idea for older kids including adults. This is quite an expensive drone, but you will pay more for his level of specification.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"All new exclusive! FPV headset offers a unique, immersive flying experience from the drone's POV! Capture high-flying stunts in 720p high definition with the v2400 HD Streaming Video Drone. With one-touch Panoramic Video Capture, the v2400 is programmed to enter a controlled-spin flight pattern and take breathtaking 360-degree views from up to 350 feet away. This fourth generation drone has been updated with all new Flight Assist features including: Auto Launch, Auto Hover and Auto Land. These features leverage Avionics technology for performance, precision and stability to make learning easy, even for those new to the world of drones. Choose Manual Altitude for complete control of stunt maneuvers or Auto Hover for hands-free altitude control. Also, Sky Viper engineers have enhanced the Clean-Flight control firmware commonly used in racing class drones. The result is Viper Flight, a state-of-the-art technology that makes Sky Viper drones incredibly stable, fast and easy to control. The v2400 HD Streaming Video Drone is a high-performance stunt drone, able to execute one-touch flips and barrel rolls. With all its new and updated features, this drone is easier to master than ever before!"
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Number 6
This is the latest in cutting edge toy technology. Designed by toy visionaries and founders of Anki, Boris Sofman, Mark Palatucci and Hanns Tappeiner. This is a toy with attitude and personality, taking robotics to a new playing field.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Cozmo is a real-life robot like you've only seen in movies, with a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves the more you hang out.Cozmo expresses real emotions in response to your actions. New games and upgrades are unlocked the more you play. Durability and security have been rigorously tested.Cozmo doesn’t just move; he gets curious and explores. He doesn’t just learn; he plots and plans. He doesn’t just see you; he gets to know you. So call him self-aware, call him almost human. Just don’t call him a toy. He's a supercomputer on treads. And he's fun on a whole new level."
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Number 7
What more can I say about the self balancing electric scooters which are starting to make their way into our day to day existence. Since being shown in futuristic movies from the 80's it has actually shown that movies can sometimes predict the future. This will make for a big gift surprise for any kid older than I would say 12 years old!
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"Step on the deck and go with Razor Hovertrax 2.0, the world’s smartest self-balancing electric scooter. It’s the ultimate ride. Intelligently-engineered with EverBalance technology and machined with precision Razor craftsmanship, Hovertrax 2.0 is the only board that auto-levels for a safer, easier mount and a smoother ride. Whether you’re coasting, racing, or commuting, Hovertrax 2.0 is always in balance. Indoors or out, Hovertrax 2.0 does the work so you can enjoy the journey. Hovertrax 2.0 has technology so advanced, it’s simple. Once you learn how to ride, it becomes second nature. Additional new Hovertrax 2.0 features include; cool-blue LED light bar display, dual riding modes for training and normal use, a safe and easy quick change 36V lithium ion battery pack with LG cells, rubber tires with aluminum hub wheels, LED indicator shows battery power and riding mode, shatter-resistant polymer frame with fender bumper protection and anti-slip rubber foot platforms. Recommended for ages 8 and older and will support riders up to 220 pounds. No assembly required. Read all warnings and instructions before riding. The buyer and rider of the Razor Hovertrax 2.0 are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of all Razor electric vehicles and scooters."
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Number 8
The closest doll to having a real baby. The Baby Alive Baby has got all the same actions and reactions a real little bundle of love will have. My daughter is mad about this doll. The fact that he doll reacts to certain actions makes this interactive toy a real winner.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"There’s many ways to play with the Baby Go Bye Bye doll! Better keep an eye on her…because she crawls and talks -- wow, watch her go! Mommies can tickle her tummy and she crawls over. Shake her adorable rattle and she crawls when she hears it. Girls can take her along in the included carrier for on-the-go adventures. Also, feed her by filling her bottle with tap water…and, ut oh! Change her diaper after she wets! Talk to her and she’ll babble back -- she speaks over 30 sounds and phrases in English or Spanish to share lots of lively and giggly moments with Mommy. Brush and style her rooted hair before and after she crawls too. It’s a fun day of play while taking care of baby!"
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Number 9
This is a great toy for babies to help with developing various skills of your child. Fisher-Price quality and innovation when it comes to developing young minds is shining through this winner. This is a really nice toy that will have a faithful following.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
"A new best friend that baby can dance with – and count on, too!
Meet Dance and Move BeatBowWow! BeatBo's four-legged companion is one smart puppy, who's always up for learning something new, and moving and grooving, too! Fun head-bobbing and tail-wagging action, lights, sounds and songs encourage and reward baby as they learn and play! More than 25 songs, tunes and phrases like "1, 2, 3 – follow me!" and "When you see blue, shake your head" help introduce your little one to counting and colors, too.
See what develops.
The fun music and motions encourage your little wiggle worm to move, shake and dance along, helping to exercise gross motor skills. The colorful lights, dancing motions, music, and variety of textures all help stimulate baby’s senses of sight, hearing and touch. And by pressing his paws, baby’s discovering that their actions make fun things happen – a great introduction to cause and effect.
Want to play?
As baby grows, expand the play by using BeatBowWow for counting fun. Ask “How many paws does he have?” or “How many stripes are there on his ears?” You can even get silly by asking questions like, “Do you have stripes on your ears, too?” "
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Number 10
Hot off the press, the latest in racing car sets. Due to be released in the USA on 1 October 2016, this is the latest offering from Hot Wheels, the manufacturer we all grew up with. This artificial intelligence racing set is bringing car racing to a new level. Forget about your traditional Scalextric slot car racing from the past, this is 21st century technology integrated into a great concept. I see some commonalities with the Anki Overdrive sets reviewed on this site as well, but this is the latest in racing car sets that any boy of any age, will give anything to have.
Here is a summary of the features as explained on the Product description.
" Hot Wheels Ai puts YOU in control of the race! Epic innovation delivers the ultimate realistic racing set with enhanced A.i. SMART CARS that stay on track, or drive independently and compete with you! The Hot Wheels A.i. Intelligent Race System Starter Kit includes 2 high-performance RC SMART CARS with scale speeds up to 180 mph and 2 SMART GAMING CONTROLLERS for video game style play and the most realistic racing action ever. There are multiple gameplay modes for all ages and 20 pieces of SMART TRACK for 40+ configurations. The future of racing is here for all you thrill seekers, record breakers and speed demons! This is the most immersive, high-tech, head-to-head racing experience with real-time race announcements and sound FX that keep you in the heat of the action – but heads up – your competition can turn up the heat with virtual hazards like engine failure, tire blowouts, oil spills and pit stops. Includes a carry case box so you can take the action anywhere. Each sold separately, subject to availability. Not for use with some Hot Wheels sets. Colors and decorations may vary."
Number 11 to Number 20 will be added soon...
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I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From the manufacturer: Watch and be amazed at what your music can do with the new Snap Circuits Lights. Connect your iPod or any MP3 player and enjoy your music as the lights change to the beat. Features: Infrared Detector, Strobe Light, Color Changing LED, Lighted and Glow-in-the-Dark Fans, Strobe integrated circuit (IC), Fiber Optic communication, Color organ controlled by iPod or other MP3 player, voice or finger.
From the Manufacturer: Create tomorrow’s innovators and idea-makers with littleBits electronic building blocks. These easy-to-use Bits make creative discovery and invention a snap for next-generation thinkers, designers, and tinkerers of all ages and genders. No programming, soldering or wiring required.
