The Toy Insider, sister publication to The Toy Book and the No. 1 consumer toy resource for parents and gift-givers, has revealed its expert selections for the best toys, games, and gifts of 2025. Now in its 20th year, the Holiday Gift Guide spotlights standout products across three featured lists: the Hot 20, the year’s most in-demand toys; the STEM 10, top picks that inspire learning through play; and the 12 Under $20, affordable finds that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.
This year’s guide showcases hundreds of toys across all age groups, from toddler playsets and preschool favorites to kidult collectibles and gaming must-haves. The lists highlight key trends shaping the toy industry, including interactive pets, hands-on STEM exploration, and fresh takes on iconic brands like Bluey, Disney, and Pokémon.
Shoppers are dealing with higher prices everywhere, toys selling out faster than ever, less time to figure it all out, and the constant worry about costs going up even more — it's honestly overwhelming. That's precisely why we created our largest Holiday Gift Guide yet: to be your solution to all of it, with an abundant selection of toys that do double duty. All our curated picks create those magical holiday moments while respecting any holiday budgets.
The Toy Insider’s Hot 20
0-2 years
- Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-in-1 Activity Easel (Mattel)
- Ms. Rachel Spin Along Learning Wheel (Spin Master)
3-4 years
- Bluey Supermarket (Moose Toys)
- Fisher-Price Imaginext Jurassic World Rebirth Ultimate Action Chomp T. Rex (Mattel)
- furReal Meaglie the Feed & Follow Cow (Just Play)
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Meow-mazing Interactive Dollhouse (Spin Master)
- Imaginarà Bumper Cars (Flybar)
- Simmer & Stir Storytop Play Set with Water Wow! Color Reveal (Melissa & Doug)
- Spidey & His Amazing Friends Amazing Flip Spidey (Jazwares)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Pet Turtle Playset (Playmates Toys)
5-7 years
- Disney Ultimate Stitch Interactive Feature Plush (Just Play)
- Furby DJ Furby Rainbow (Hasbro)
- L.O.L. Surprise! Hair Beads Salon (MGA Entertainment)
- Little Live Pets Ouchies (Moose Toys)
- Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show (Hasbro)
- Tamagotchi Paradise (Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America)
8+ years
- Care Bears x Wicked 2-Pack Boxed Set (Basic Fun!)
- LEGO Technic Ferrari FXX K (The LEGO Group)
- Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle (Nintendo)
- Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box (The Pokémon Co.)
The Toy Insider’s STEM 10
- 3Doodler Candy (Wobbleworks)
- Build-a-Buddy Activity Board (TOMY International)
- ChompSaw (Chompshop)
- Connetix 70-Piece Pro Constructor Set (Connetix)
- ESPN Virtual Reality (Abacus Brands)
- MAGNA-TILES Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece Set (MAGNA-TILES)
- My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon (Thames & Kosmos)
- National Geographic Mega Science Lab (Blue Marble)
- Spy Kit (Elenco Electronics)
- The Amazing Human Body (Thames & Kosmos)
The Toy Insider’s 12 Under $20
- Booksy: The Disney Edition 1 Pack Window Box (PMI Kids’ World)
- CarTuned — Custom Shop Series 1 (MGA Entertainment)
- Clickeez 5 Pack (Goliath)
- Disney ily 4EVER and Pixar Tote-ily Teenies Wave 2 (JAKKS Pacific)
- Goo All-in-One Sensory Station (Crayola)
- Gui Gui (Moose Toys)
- Jelly Bands Peggable Blister (WeCool Toys)
- Marshmallow Madness (PlayMonster)
- Playskool Flip & Fun Sensory Board (Just Play)
- PlayTab Go (Fat Brain Toys)
- RoseArt Crystal Gem Creations (Cra-Z-Art)
- Stretch Armstrong (Basic Fun!)
At thetoyinsider.com, parents and gift-givers can browse the complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, search for toys by age category, and compare prices across authorized retailers. View the entire 2025 Holiday Gift Guide here.
How It Works
The Toy Insider gift guide submission process is open to all toy companies of all sizes. Toys must be new for 2025 and available at retail during the holiday season. All toys featured are evaluated by the editorial team based on play value, originality, skill building, product integrity, and fun factor.
The Toy Insider is an independent organization that delivers the latest toy news, product roundups, and hands-on reviews. Its team of experts attends major toy industry trade shows and events and connects with manufacturers, retailers and analysts throughout the year. Trusted, vetted manufacturers make all toys found on thetoyinsider.com.
