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They grow up so fast. And as kids sprout, they outgrow things quickly too–clothes, shoes, what they want to be when they grow up. It seems kids are always changing their minds, and as adults it can be challenging to stay in the loop of what’s cool and what’s so last week. That truth can make it difficult to pick the right gifts for your favorite little ones when it comes time for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
I may not be a parent, but helping people find the best products for any and every occasion is my job. And my team happens to be filled with parents, with kids of all ages, who can confirm that yes, these are cool toys kids will actually want.
Below, find a deep dive into the hottest toys for kids you can buy right now. We can’t make any promises, but we think they’ll be pretty excited to play with these ones.
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Cool building sets
Building sets help kids of any age improve their fine motor skills, harness their problem-solving abilities, and encourage perseverance. These are some of the best-selling options you can find online right now.
For ages 3-6.
These stackable, buildable floral bouquets are dishwasher safe for easy clean up.
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For ages 7 and up.
They may have a ways to go before they can drive a real car, but this LEGO monster truck is pretty fun for now.
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Cool gadgets
Technology may get a bad rap, but there are plenty of cool tech gadgets that are fun, engaging, educational, and sure to keep kids entertained.
For ages 8 and up.
These old-school digital pets are back and better than ever. Kids will get to hatch, care for, and raise their own Tamagotchi from egg-hood to adult-hood.
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For ages 3 and up.
Get the best of a tech gadget and interactive play wrapped into one with this smart train set, which can be controlled from an app or screen-free.
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Cool STEM toys
Have a budding chemist or engineer on your hands? Engage their scientific curiosities, inspire their creativity and critical thinking, and make learning fun with one of these unique STEM toys.
For ages 5 and up.
This set comes with 10 3D STEM puzzles to test, and more importantly grow, their problem-solving and mathematical skills.
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For ages 10 and up.
This kit includes everything they need to perform seven different crystal experiments. It even has a display case to show them off once they’re grown.
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For ages 5 and up.
Their love for space will blast off with this starter kit for astronauts-in-training.
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For ages 3 and up.
These magnetic tiles present endless opportunities for play.
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Cool remote-control toys
Kids are used to being told what to do and following directions. Give them some freedom and encourage them to try new things with these toys they can control themselves.
Cool virtual reality gear
Kids already have huge imaginations, but these virtual reality tools help them immerse themselves in new worlds even further.
Bring your budding magician on stage with legendary magicians Penn and Teller. The set comes with step-by-step instructions to learn 28 new magic tricks and comes with VR goggles
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Cool robots and drones
There are plenty of cool robot toys that’ll shock and excite kids and adults alike.
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For ages 6 and up.
If you don’t want a real dog in the house this robot one is a pretty fun option.
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For ages 6 and up.
Give kids the chance to program their own robot with Dash. Dash takes commands, dances, sings, and navigates the world around it.
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Cool musical toys
Whether they want to learn piano or become a rock star in 10 years, these toys will keep your musically-inclined little ones interested.
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For ages 4 and up.
Any surface becomes a stage and any kid becomes a popstar with this Kidz Bop Karaoke Microphone in their hand.
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For ages 3 and up.
Give kids the chance to rock out with a little electric guitar of their own. There’s a volume control so parents can make sure things don’t get too loud.
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For ages 3 and up.
This beautiful wooden piano is battery-operated and pre-programmed to play four popular children’s songs for little ones to jam along with.
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For older kids who really want to learn how to play the piano, this electric keyboard is a great gift. It has light up technology to help them learn how to play and even comes with an app loaded with sheet music and tutorials.
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Cool collectibles
Collectibles are one of the most popular trending kids toys around. From stuffed animals to pop culture figurines, these are the ones kids are loving.
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For ages 3 and up.
Stuffies are all the rage these days and Squishmallows are leading the charge. This grilled cheese option is beyond adorable.
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Fortnite-loving tweens will have fun playing with, and showing off, this collectible vinyl figurine.
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Cool imaginative play toys
For the endlessly imaginative kids who turn cardboard boxes into spaceships and pillows into medieval fortresses, these toys will help them immerse themselves in the make-believe.
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A hand-sewn puppet is a fun addition to their storytelling repertoire.
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For ages 3-5.
Let kids be the hero of their own stories with this 4-foot-long fire truck tent that can be used indoors or outside.
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For ages 1 and up.
Little ones can mix their own beats with this sweet DJ keyboard, which plays real sounds, has a slider to adjust tempo and makes real scratching sounds when they spin the record.
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For all ages.
Because their dolls deserve a two-story mansion made of the finest birch and maple.
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For ages 3 and up.
Load their kitchen with pots and pans, fresh produce, and all of the accoutrements they need to chop, misk, and whisk their way to the most divine imaginary culinary creations.
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Cool arts and crafts sets
Arts and crafts sets always make for popular toys. They let kids express their personality and creativity–and there’s nothing better than getting to see and use your very own creations.
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This easy-to-use sticker-making set will keep kids occupied for hours. They’ll have fun getting to put their own puffy creations on birthday cards, drawings, and more.
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For ages 6 and up.
With a funnel, empty bottles, and sand in 10 bright colors, this set has everything they need to make these colorful keepsakes.
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Cool & educational toys
Learning can be fun. These toys prove just that.
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For ages 1-3.
These simple wooden discs are not only fun, but they help kids learn their colors and how to count.
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For ages 6 and up.
Loaded with five learning games, the Osmo set turns any iPad into a fun and educational tool.
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Cool toddler-approved toys
They may or may not be able to actually tell you what they want at this age, but these gifts are sure to excite your toddler regardless.
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Bluey is the favorite show of toddlers everywhere, which is sure to make this tricycle your toddlers favorite mode of transportation.
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For ages 1 and up.
With 70 wooden blocks in 18 different beautiful hues, this block set will be the basis to all sorts of colorful creations.
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Cool outdoor toys
Fresh air does wonders for people of all ages. If getting kids outside is a challenge, these toys will help.
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With 2x magnification and a breakaway neck strap, these binoculars are a safe and fun way for kids to explore their own backyard.
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If you love golf, let your little one in on the fun with this golf set to help them learn how to drive, chip, and putt.
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Cool games and puzzles
Give them a challenge that’s fun for the whole family with a cool game or puzzle.
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For ages 3 and up.
This affordable puzzle cube provides hours of problem-solving fun, and maybe some frustration along the way too.
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For ages 3 and up.
This game may take place in an imaginary world, but it helps kids learn important lessons about feeling and communicating your emotions.
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Cool interactive toys
The best kids toys are ones that they don’t get bored of, like these interactive toys they can play with for hours.
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For ages 6 and up.
It’s like a supersized chalk board, but a lot less messy and a lot more fun thanks to the fact that it lights up.
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For ages 7 and up.
All trends come back in style. I mean, what 90’s kid didn’t beg their parents for Moon Shoes? Turns out today’s kiddos love them too.
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For ages 4-12.
This playset lets kids draw and create their very own fashion designs, no sewing needed. It includes a mannequin, real fabric, and a doll/fashion designer to make it all happen.
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That’s it! Looking for more toy inspo? Check out our review of the Lovevery block set and Wiwiurka’s three-piece jungle gym.