You know you hate the lines and you can’t stand crowds… so why wait until after Thanksgiving, or even Halloween for that matter? ‘Tis the season of stocking up before the stocks get too low. The trendsetters have already spoken: The hottest toys are all right here, so now’s the time to make sure you’re the mama with the mostess. Credit cards ready? Ready, set, shop!
Razor Jr Kuties, Razor Power Core E90
Why risk your family’s life (or a segment on Dateline) with a potentially fiery-dangerous hoverboard (so 2015) when instead you can experience the thrill of a scooter? For the littles, the Razor Jr Kuties are the perfect first scooters that come with a 2-in-1 surprise (either an adorable cowboy or pink unicorn removable plush buddy). The three wheel design and extra-wide deck helps keep kids stable while they scoot, and a patent pending "tilt to turn" steering feature helps tots learn to steer. For older kids, the Razor Power Core E90 both offer up to 80 minutes of continuous ride time and its steel frame, lighter weight and increased torque take performance to the next level. The Razor Jr Kuties starts at $30 and the Razor Power Core E90 starts at $100, and both are available at major retailers.
FurReal Friends Torch the Dragon Doll
Say a Gremlin got romantic with Yoda, and then decided to comingle their DNA with one of the Smurfs, you might end up with a toy that looks like FurReal Friends Torch Doll - My Blazin' Dragon. “From deep inside an enchanted forest, tucked away in a colorful crystal cave, is a mischievous baby that has come to find his new best friend,” says the product description. Torch can breathe flame-colored mist. Torch can eat color-change treats! Torch responds to touch with over 50 sound and motion combinations! But wait—there’s more: Torch can speak and burp! Torch is available for $80 at Target, Toys R Us and WalMart.
Radio Flyer Tesla
Move over, Elon Musk, move over self-driving cars, there’s a new battery powered ride in town fit especially for pint-sized up and comers who weigh under 80 lbs. Each Model S for Kids is a battery powered ride that comes equipped with high-end features that recreate the Tesla experience. Choose the paint color, performance, accessories and personalization; top speeds can reach 6 mph and prices start at $500 (great for ages 3-8). Visit www.tesla.radioflyer.com/build.html
Virtual Reality Headsets
For when those game-happy eyeballs need a completely immersive, VR experience. It’s a little overwhelming for this editorial team to fully comprehend all of the features and mind-boggling details that make up a VR headset, but do know that 2016 is the year when these headsets go from oddball nerdiness to full-on mainstream, and that you can find a VR headset for every budget. The Sony PlayStation VR, due out October 13, is highlighted among the best. Prices start at $399.
Honda Camo Utility ATV Ride-On
Vrrm vrrrm vrrrm! No monster truck show required— this rugged kiddy ATV will satisfy all your child’s off road desires. Each tot-powered Honda ATV Ride-On includes lights, sounds, and ample cargo capacity racks for carrying around stuffies or snacks. Prices start at $36 at Walmart and Amazon.
Num Moms Lip Gloss Truck
Not to be outdone in the truck department, this whimsical science kit on wheels allows kids ages 3 and up to mix up their own flavored lip glosses and serve them up to friends like soft serve ice cream. The Num Moms Lip Gloss Truck takes the show on the road—and fits on the palm of your hand. $27.99 at Amazon.com
Tech 4 Kids 3D Imagi Pen
Using a special ultraviolet gel that turns into solid plastic in seconds, kids can design their very own 3D toys and creations in mid air using the Tech 4 Kids 3D Imagi Pen. Cool! Maybe you can put the kids to work on holiday décor for next year. $19.99 at Amazon.com
BB-8™ by Sphero App-Enabled Droid
Now is not the time to start whining that you never got a chance to play with your own roving R2-D2 when you were a kid. BB-8 is here, and you can be a kid again. Based on your interactions, BB-8 can show a range of expressions and will actually perk up when you give voice commands. You can guide your droid yourself, create holographic recordings, or simply sit back and watch BB-8 explore. $149.99 at Brookstone, Marbles Brain Store and Amazon.com
Sky Rover Voice Command Helicopter
It just wouldn’t be the holidays unless you got a voice-activated helicopter stuck in the chandelier or inside the Christmas tree, now would it? With 12 different voice commands and six-way control, you can send the Sky Rover Voice Command Helicopter in almost any direction using the headset or remote controller. The gyro-balanced engine offers smooth flights, and other features like auto pilot and Smart Hover make the chopper easy for beginners to handle $32.99 at Target.
Hatchimals
It’s an egg! It’s a toy! It’s a complete surprise! Hatchimals are interactive magical creatures, and you don’t know who (or what) will be inside, until your kids love their Hatchimal unconditionally and allow it to hatch. $59.99 at Toys R Us.
