This year, the hottest toys include everything from updates on classic games to futuristic droids and drones. Here are some ideas to get you started shopping for the toy lovers on your list.
Simon Air Game
The classic Simon game gets an update with touch-free technology. Players still need to watch, remember and repeat Simon’s moves, but instead of pressing a pad, the game unit senses motion to determine if a player has followed the correct movements. The game can be played with one or two players. It costs $20 at Target and other stores.
DC Superhero Girls
New DC Super Hero Girls dolls and role-play sets give girls the super sidekicks they’ve always wanted. Choose from 12-inch fully poseable action figures, including Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl and more. Prices for the dolls start at $17. Sets include the DC Super Hero Girls Playset ($50), available at Target and other toy sellers.
Sphero Droid
“Star Wars” fans will love BB-8, the app-enabled droid that shows different expressions based on interactions and voice commands. The droid can explore on its own, be guided by kids or by holographic recordings they record. It costs $150 at toy retailers, including Toys R Us, Target, Kohl’s and Wal-Mart.
Power Wheels 12-volt Wild Thing
Kids ages 5-10 will get a kick out of the Power Wheels Wild Thing battery-powered spinning vehicle. Available in orange or pink, the vehicle does 360-degree spins with use of the dual joysticks. It travels 5 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse. A built-in stability sensor prevents the vehicle from tipping over and the wheels can manage grass or concrete. Parents can set the speed with a control under the seat. Get it for $250 at Toys R Us.
American Girl
American Girl dolls are making an appearance outside of the branded boutiques for a limited time this holiday season. Lea Clark, the American Girl line’s 2016 Girl of the Year, is available at Kohl’s for $120 through Dec. 31. Girls also might like the Wellie Wishers dolls from American Girl, $60 in-store-only at Kohl’s and Toys R Us, or the American Girl Truly Me dolls ($115), available in-store at Toys R Us.
Batman v. Superman Ultimate Batcave Playset
This 2016 kids’ pick takes its cues from the recent movie “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The deluxe play set has a rooftop Bat-Signal with rotating angles, high-tech traps and, of course, the underground command center. A 6-inch Bruce Wayne figure is included and comes with a Batsuit and snap-on armor. The set costs $99, exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Spin and Sparkle Pet Maker
Kids can make their own glitter pets with the Spin and Sparkle Pet Maker from Rose Art. The kit, featured on Toy Insider’s Top 20 toy list for 2016, allows kids to make their own glitter pets by using a hand-powered tool to spin pets out of Magic Cast Powder and water. Kids can make six sparkly pets like puppies, kittens and owls before painting and decorating them with paint, glitter glaze and eyes. The creative kit costs $20 at Kohl’s and other toy retailers.
Drones
Everyone loves a good drone, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone won’t disappoint. Kids can capture stunts in high-definition video as the pre-programmed drone enters a 360-degree spin to give you a full view from up to 350 feet away. The drone features auto launch, auto hover and auto land, and can be flown indoors or out. Remove the camera and it turns into a stunt drone that does flips and barrel rolls. It comes with a micro SD card. Prices may vary by store but should be around $100. Available at Kohl’s, Toys R Us and other toy retailers.
Hatchimals
This is the hottest toy of the season, having appeared on a number of top toy lists. The furry creatures peck through a hard shell and hatch in 10-40 minutes (it goes faster if kids play with the egg). Kids then can raise their newborn Hatchimal through three different life cycles. Once the animal hatches, it can’t go back in the shell. Hatchimals cost $60 at toy sellers, including Toys R Us, Target, Kohl’s and Wal-Mart.
Lion Guard Training Lair Playset
At 3 feet tall, with lights, sounds and surprises, the Lion Guard Training Playset lets kids become king of the jungle. The set includes fun features like a spinning cave, light-up waterfall, Kion’s rock climbing wall, Bunga’s bungee launcher and more. The set includes exclusive Kion and Janja figures, so kids can re-create adventures from the Disney Junior series. It costs $60 at Toys R Us.
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