The Toy Insider has released its 19th annual Holiday Gift Guide, showcasing expert picks for the best toys, games, and gifts of 2024. This year’s guide includes over 375 toys from 139 different toymakers, categorized into three main lists: the Hot 20, highlighting the most popular playthings of the year; the STEM 10, featuring top toys that promote STEM learning; and the 12 Under $20, showcasing budget-friendly options.
Given the current economic climate, shoppers may face challenges when selecting holiday gifts due to rising prices and increased household debt. To address these concerns, many toymakers are focusing on affordability, with over 75% of the toys in this year’s guide priced under $50. Additionally, more than 175 products are available for under $25.
Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer at The Toy Insider, emphasized that companies are striving to provide toys that meet various budgets while maintaining entertainment value. The Holiday Gift Guide aims to simplify gift-giving by offering hand-picked products that balance play value and affordability.
This year’s guide is sponsored by Energizer, the exclusive battery partner of The Toy Insider. Toys requiring batteries will feature an ENERGIZER BUNNY icon, reminding shoppers to purchase batteries in advance to ensure immediate playability. The guide also highlights current trends in the toy industry, including interactive toys and fresh interpretations of beloved characters from franchises such as Batman, Despicable Me, Bluey, and Disney.
The Toy Insider’s Hot 20
0-2 years
Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll (Spin Master)
PlayTab (Fat Brain Toy Co.)
3-4 years
Cry Babies Morning Routine (IMC Toys)
furReal Peanut the Playful Monkey Interactive Toy (Just Play)
Imaginext Star Wars Darth Vader Bot (Mattel)
PLAi: Poe the AI Story Bear (Skyrocket)
Play-Doh Pizza Delivery Scooter (Hasbro)
Spidey & His Amazing Friends Mega Jump HQ Trackset (Jazwares)
Tile Town Bluey Heeler Home (Moose Toys)
Tiny Target – Checklane (JAKKS Pacific)
5-7 years
Batman Ultimate Transforming Batmobile (Spin Master)
Littlest Pet Shop Playset (Basic Fun!)
Magic Mixies Pixie Supremes Magic Mirror (Moose Toys)
Miraculous Ladybug Paris Heroez Playset (Playmates Toys)
Rainbow High Winter Wonderland (MGA Entertainment)
Real FX Disney Stitch (WOW! Stuff)
8+ years
Godzilla RC (Jada Toys)
Kanoodle Ultimate Champion (Educational Insights)
LEGO Minions and Gru’s Family Mansion (The LEGO Group)
Pokémon TCG: Stellar Crown Elite Trainer Box (The Pokémon Company)
The Toy Insider’s STEM 10
Bill Nye Chemistry Lab VR (Abacus Brands)
Connetix 38-Piece Roads Creative Pack (Connetix)
MAGNA-TILES Space 32-piece Set (MAGNA-TILES)
Pinball Machine Maker: Gumball Rally (Thames & Kosmos)
Plip Kit (Fat Brain Toy Co.)
Shine Bright Light Box (Battat)
Smithsonian 3D LED Solar System (NSI International)
Snap 2 It (Snap Circuits)
Star Wars Galactic Chemistry Lab (Horizon Group USA)
Wow in the World: Dino Dig & Diorama (Thames & Kosmos)
The Toy Insider’s 12 Under $20
Barbie Mini BarbieLand (Mattel)
Disney Crystal Surprise (Cra-Z-Art)
GrossMos! (MGA Entertainment)
Kinetic Sand Squish Motion (Spin Master)
Metal Machines Speed Heroes (ZURU)
Mutations Mix ‘N Match Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Playmates Toys)
Pop Up Bluey (TOMY)
Squish-a-longs 14 Pack (Jazwares)
Star Wars Doorables Galaxy Peek Series 2 (Just Play)
Sticker WOW! (Melissa & Doug)
Sticki Rolls the Sticki Book (Sky Castle Toys)
XOX Kweenie (Moose Toys)