Holiday Must Haves (USA)
– Updated for 2024 –
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the gifts that will bring smiles in the morning. Whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler or a hard-to-please pre-teen, we’ve got you covered. Our list of must-have toys encompasses a wide range of interests from hands-on building kits to magic sets, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So get ready to find the perfect gifts for the children on your list!
Air Toobz by Fat Brain Toys
For those who love discovering how things work. This set is ideal for young scientists in the making and will provide lots of fun. The hands-on set introduces children to the principles of physics and airflow dynamics in an engaging way. Children can experiment with different configurations of tubes and openings to see where the balls land when the turbine is switched on. It is also helpful for developing logical thinking and trial-and-error learning, the sky really is the limit for creativity and discovery with Air Toobz!
MAGNA-TILES® Space Set
For children 3+ fascinated by space and exploration; this is their toy! A great way to blend creative play with STEAM learning, and just the thing for aspiring astronauts. The set includes a space shuttle that doubles as a handy storage container for keeping the magnetic tiles all in one place. Children will experiment with balance and magnetism as they build rockets, space stations and other cosmic creations, all while developing their visual planning and problem-solving skills. With endless possibilities for imaginative play, this set also promotes creativity and storytelling as children launch into tales of space adventures! Space is also compatible with all other MAGNA-TILES sets – win, win!
Strider Sport 2-in-1 Rocking Bike
Perfect for little ones ready to take their first steps into the world of cycling. Designed for children as young as 6 months, it starts as a stable rocking bike, helping babies to develop essential balance and coordination skills. As they grow, the bike can be removed from the base and transformed into a balance bike for children up to 4 years. The seat and handlebar can be adjusted easily without tools and the tyres are puncture-proof. Great for supporting physical development while encouraging confidence and independence, this bike is a fantastic choice for active, growing children.
My First Bananagrams
For ages 4 and up, and designed to grow children’s vocabulary in a fun way, this fast-paced game is sure to go down well with the whole family this holiday season. Players race each other to create crossword grids, and with no turn-taking – it’s happening all at once! The colorful lowercase letter tiles and special double letter tiles help young learners build words easily. The set includes ten games that support children in spelling, letter recognition and early reading skills, while also encouraging social interaction and friendly competition.
Pennycake SpinSpinShare
A lovely game that brings families together and helps them connect through storytelling. Ideal for family gatherings during the holiday season, or even as part of a bedtime routine. Prompts for the stories come on spinners; six in total. The more spinners you use, the more complex the story gets. Suitable for ages 4 years and up, the game encourages players to tell both real-life memories and imaginative tales; helpful for building communication skills and confidence. You can even capture your stories in the ‘family storybook’ included, and enjoy looking back on them in years to come.
Little Red Riding Hood Deluxe by Smart Games
This exciting logic game comes with 48 challenges and a picture book to bring the classic fairy tale to life. The familiar theme will captivate young imaginations, making the challenges more engaging as players try to guide Little Red Riding Hood to Grandma’s house while avoiding the wolf! With varying levels of difficulty, children can build confidence at their own pace while developing their logical thinking and problem-solving skills. A fun way to combine storytelling with learning, that’s sure to provide hours of entertainment!
BRIO Lift & Load Warehouse Set
This set is fantastic for aspiring builders and engineers. It’s made from high-quality materials, so everything works smoothly, and the variety of pieces is great for sparking imaginative role-play. With 32 versatile pieces to create multi-level tracks, bridges and slopes, they are also compatible with all BRIO World toys, meaning there are endless opportunities for exploration and fun. Good for inspiring creativity and developing skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, this set is sure to keep children engaged and busy.
Hocus Pocus Magic Show
Just the thing for aspiring magicians, this set provides an exciting way to learn the art of magic. With over 20 tricks to master, with the help of professional video instructions, each presents a unique challenge and teaches children that practice makes perfect. The young magicians can then perform their tricks for the family, with as much or as little dramatic flair as they like! Performing to others boosts confidence and helps children learn how to communicate clearly and engage their audience. This set will provide entertainment for the whole family and make the holiday season magical.