The Toy Insider, a trusted source for holiday‑season gift ideas, has unveiled its list of the 20 must‑have toys for 2026. Families across the country rely on the annual roundup to discover new play experiences that combine fun, originality and educational value.
How the list is compiled
Ali Mierzejewski, Editor‑in‑Chief at The Toy Insider, explained to ABC News that the team begins scouting at industry trade shows as early as 14 months before the holiday season. “Through trade shows, media events and editorial submissions we sift through thousands of toys to find those that fit our play criteria and will surely be a big hit with our readers,” Mierzejewski said.
The five play‑criteria points used to evaluate each product are play value, originality, skill‑building, product quality and fun factor. Only toys that score well in all categories make the final list.
Highlights from the 2026 list
Classic game‑inspired playset – Features music, sound effects, a hidden power‑up block, a turtle shell launcher, a bonus wheel and iconic elements such as a Chain Chomp and green warp pipe.
Elmo giggle‑machine – When tickled, Elmo laughs, flaps his arms, shakes with joy, says playful phrases and even hiccups from laughing too hard.
Bluey 2‑foot‑tall house – A five‑story playset with themed rooms, a chimney that projects spinning stars and moons, and accessories that let kids recreate their favorite Bluey adventures.
Cherry Lane interactive playset – Modular corners, fold‑out rooms, movable windows, doors and furniture let children craft their own stories.
Winnie‑the‑Pooh‑themed interactive doll – Comes with party accessories, a magic wand that lights up freckles, and a pop‑out Tigger cake figure.
Gabby the plush – Over 100 sound and motion combinations respond to hugs and play; the plush can grow to 15 inches and shrink back with a button press.
Minnie Mouse roadster – A pink‑and‑white backyard vehicle with a working horn and a seatbelt for added safety.
Rocky’s recycling truck – Press a light bar to reveal a detachable, inflatable 2‑foot dinosaur that folds back for repeated play.
Play‑Doh kitchen set – Includes molds, tools, a pasta maker and a sizzling stove, allowing kids to create more than 25 pretend meals.
Yoshi magnetic figure – A 9.5‑inch figure with a tongue that unrolls to pick up a magnetic apple, perfect for recreating Super Mario moments.
ChompSaw power tool – A safe, kid‑friendly tool that encourages creativity and can be paired with an optional inventor’s club subscription for extra patterns and stickers.
Slime‑mix kit – Over 50 accessories, four regular slimes and a mini slime pack let children design their own slime creations.
K‑Pop Demon Hunters dolls – Poseable figures with shimmering “Golden” performance outfits that sing a clip from a hit song.
NeeDoh fidget collection – Bright neon squishy fidgets, including Dream Drops, Jelly Squish, Fuzz Balls and Knittens, available in various sizes and textures.
Pokémon Elite Trainer Box – Celebrates 30 years of Pokémon with a Futuristic Rare card, updated visuals, all‑foil cards and classic favorites.
Megalodon surprise egg – Kids add water, watch the egg foam, fizz and turn red before the Megalodon jumps out; the egg can be reset for repeated play.
Rapunzel card set – Features high‑climbing artwork, four Attack of the Vine booster packs, a glimmer‑foil promo card and a collector’s guide.
LEGO Star Wars 962‑piece set – Includes the Emperor’s throne room, an A‑wing ship and Smart Bricks that add interactive features.
Mini record player – Stores and plays collectible mini records (sold separately) and comes with a vinyl featuring a classical rock remix of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
Interactive Pikachu plush – A 16‑inch plush that responds to hand movements with over 120 sounds, blinking eyes, moving mouth and ears.
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Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
