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The 20 hottest toys of 2026

The toy kids want most this year is the KPop Demon Hunters Rumi "Golden" singing doll. For toddlers, get the Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max. For the best STEM toy, get the CrunchLabs The Crunchinator by Mark Rober.

Updated November 202620 toys comparedHow we picked

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Our pick

KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi "Golden" Singing Doll

The year's biggest toy franchise, and the doll kids are asking for. Buy early.

Check price on Amazon Read the review
Best for toddlers

Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max

Mid-rangeCheck price on Amazon
Best STEM toy

CrunchLabs The Crunchinator by Mark Rober

Mid-rangeCheck price on Amazon

The shortlist

All 20 picks at a glance. Tap a name to jump to its review.

  1. 1KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi "Golden" Singing DollHottest toy6+, Singing fashion dollCheck price
  2. 2Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle MaxBest for toddlers18 months+, Interactive plushMid-rangeCheck price
  3. 3Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box6+, Trading cardsPremiumCheck price
  4. 4Bluey Light and Surprise Heeler House3+, PlaysetCheck price
  5. 5PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle3+, Vehicle playsetMid-rangeCheck price
  6. 6Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg5+, Interactive surprise toyCheck price
  7. 7FurReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush Tiger4+, Interactive plushMid-rangeCheck price
  8. 8Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic Interactive Plush8+, Interactive puppetMid-rangeCheck price
  9. 9MGA Miniverse Real Music Record Player8+, Collectible miniCheck price
  10. 10CrunchLabs The Crunchinator by Mark RoberBest STEM toy8+, STEM toyMid-rangeCheck price
  11. 11Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard CutterYoung makers, Maker toolCheck price
  12. 12MAGNA-TILES Undersea Adventure 58-Piece Set3+, Magnetic buildingPremiumCheck price
  13. 13LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing9+, Building setCheck price
  14. 14Play-Doh Super Sizzlin' Kitchen Playset3+, Pretend playCheck price
  15. 15Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset18 months+, Toddler playsetCheck price
  16. 16Nintendo Super Mario Yum Yum Yoshi3+, Action figureCheck price
  17. 17Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane House with Figures and Car2+, Wooden playhouseMid-rangeCheck price
  18. 18GUI GUI Mega Slime Haul6+, Slime kitBudgetCheck price
  19. 19Disney 6V Minnie Roadster Ride-On3+, Ride-on carCheck price
  20. 20Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan EditionBest stocking stufferKids and adults, Puzzle gameBudgetCheck price

How to choose

The questions that narrow it down fastest.

Toddlers (1 to 3)

Go big, simple and durable: Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max, the Little People Mario playset or the Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane house.

Preschoolers (3 to 5)

Character playsets win: the Bluey Heeler House, PAW Patrol Megasaurus, Yum Yum Yoshi, or the Minnie roadster for a big wow. Magna-Tiles last for years.

Kids (5 to 8)

The KPop Demon Hunters dolls, the hatching megalodon, FurReal Gabby and the slime haul are the trending picks. ChompSaw suits kids who like to build.

Tweens (8 and up)

Pokémon cards, the Pikachu Puppetronic, Miniverse collectibles, LEGO SMART Play and the CrunchLabs Crunchinator.

Avoid fakes

Hot toys attract counterfeits, especially squishies, slime and trading cards. Buy listings sold by Amazon or the brand's official store.

The reviews

Ranked from our overall favorite down.

KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi "Golden" Singing Doll

Hottest toy

If one toy defines this year, it's anything from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, and Mattel's singing dolls are the most-wanted pieces. Rumi sings "Golden" in her stage outfit, and she harmonizes with the separately sold Mira and Zoey dolls. It tops The Toy Insider's Hot 20 and the KPop line runs through nearly every retailer's list. Expect these to be hard to find in December, so buy early.

  • Ages: 6+
  • Singing fashion doll

What we like

  • The year's biggest toy franchise
  • Sings the movie's hit song
  • Poseable, with a removable outfit

Watch out for

  • The full trio means buying three dolls
  • Likely to sell out close to Christmas
Check price on Amazon

Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max

Best for toddlersMid-range

Tickle Me Elmo turns 30 this year, and the new Giggle Max is an 18-inch Elmo that laughs, talks and wiggles when you tickle him. It's on both The Toy Insider's Hot 20 and Amazon's Top 100 Toys list. It's an easy win for toddlers and a bit of nostalgia for the parents.

  • Ages: 18 months+
  • Interactive plush

What we like

  • Big, huggable 18-inch size
  • Simple to use for very young kids
  • On both the Toy Insider and Amazon lists

Watch out for

  • Takes batteries
  • Loud, by design
Check price on Amazon

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

Premium

Pokémon turns 30 in 2026, and this anniversary Elite Trainer Box is the card set kids (and plenty of adults) will want. Elite Trainer Boxes bundle booster packs with sleeves, dice and a storage box, which makes them a better gift than loose packs. It's on both The Toy Insider's Hot 20 and Amazon's list.

  • Ages: 6+
  • Trading cards

What we like

  • Anniversary set with collector appeal
  • Comes with everything needed to play
  • Great for kids and adult collectors alike

Watch out for

  • Popular sets get scalped, so buy from a reputable seller
  • Pricier than a few booster packs
Check price on Amazon

Bluey Light and Surprise Heeler House

The Bluey family home as a 28-inch playset with a dozen play areas, lights and sounds. The Toy Insider points out it's big enough for siblings to play together. If your preschooler watches Bluey, this is the big gift.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Playset

What we like

  • Large, with lots of play areas
  • Lights and sounds
  • Works for two kids at once

Watch out for

  • Takes up floor space
  • Extra figures sold separately
Check price on Amazon

PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle

Mid-range

Tied to the new PAW Patrol dino movie, this vehicle inflates a 2.5-foot dinosaur that detaches and becomes its own toy. It's on The Toy Insider's Hot 20 and Amazon's list, and the inflating dino is the moment kids remember.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Vehicle playset

What we like

  • Inflating dinosaur reveal
  • Two toys in one
  • Includes a Rocky figure

Watch out for

  • Inflatable parts can puncture
  • Best for PAW Patrol fans
Check price on Amazon

Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg

Add water and the egg fizzes and changes color until a 16-inch megalodon breaks out with glowing eyes, sounds and chomping jaws. Unlike most surprise toys, the hatch can be reset and repeated. It's one of The Toy Insider's surprise Hot 20 picks.

  • Ages: 5+
  • Interactive surprise toy

What we like

  • Big reveal you can repeat
  • Lights, sounds and moving jaw
  • Great for shark-obsessed kids

Watch out for

  • Needs water and a bit of setup
  • Might be scary for very young kids
Check price on Amazon

FurReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush Tiger

Mid-range

Gabby starts as a cub and "grows" up to 15 inches as kids care for her, with a long list of sounds and movements. The Toy Insider calls her one of the year's big picks, and she's also on Amazon's list.

  • Ages: 4+
  • Interactive plush

What we like

  • Grows as kids care for her
  • Lots of reactions and sounds
  • Plush, so it's cuddly too

Watch out for

  • Uses batteries
  • Novelty can fade for older kids
Check price on Amazon

Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic Interactive Plush

Mid-range

A 16-inch Pikachu you work like a hand puppet. Touch sensors and moving eyes, mouth and ears give it over 120 animations. The Toy Insider says adults are as impressed as kids, and it's on Amazon's list too.

  • Ages: 8+
  • Interactive puppet

What we like

  • Expressive, lifelike movement
  • Appeals to kids and adult Pokémon fans
  • On both major lists

Watch out for

  • Best for ages 8 and up
  • Pricey for a plush
Check price on Amazon

MGA Miniverse Real Music Record Player

A tiny record player that actually plays tiny records, each with a short song clip. Miniverse minis are a big trend with tweens, and this is the most charming one yet. It made The Toy Insider's Hot 20.

  • Ages: 8+
  • Collectible mini

What we like

  • Really plays mini records
  • Fits the collectible-minis trend
  • A great small gift

Watch out for

  • Song clips are short
  • Extra records add up
Check price on Amazon

CrunchLabs The Crunchinator by Mark Rober

Best STEM toyMid-range

From YouTube engineer Mark Rober, the Crunchinator is a hand-powered crusher with three plates for flattening cans, candy and more, built to show how leverage multiplies force. It's on The Toy Insider's STEM 10 and Amazon's list.

  • Ages: 8+
  • STEM toy

What we like

  • Teaches leverage in a fun way
  • Mark Rober fans will love it
  • Screen-free

Watch out for

  • Messy if they crush food
  • Supervision for younger kids
Check price on Amazon

Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard Cutter

A kid-safe saw that cuts cardboard without sharp blades, plus a hole punch and scoring tool. It turns delivery boxes into building material, and it won Creative Toy of the Year. A good pick for kids who always want to help in the garage.

  • Ages: Young makers
  • Maker tool

What we like

  • Safe for young hands
  • Turns boxes into projects
  • Award-winning

Watch out for

  • Works on cardboard only
  • Optional project subscription costs extra
Check price on Amazon

MAGNA-TILES Undersea Adventure 58-Piece Set

Premium

Magnetic tiles are one of the best long-lasting toys you can buy, and this ocean-themed 58-piece set from Amazon's list adds sea creatures to build around. Magna-Tiles sets work together, so it grows with any collection you already have.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Magnetic building

What we like

  • Open-ended play that lasts for years
  • Works with other Magna-Tiles sets
  • Good for a wide age range

Watch out for

  • Pricey per piece
  • Tiles everywhere
Check price on Amazon

LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing

LEGO's new SMART Play sets add a brick with lights and sounds that react to how you play. This Star Wars set has more than 900 pieces and made The Toy Insider's Hot 20.

  • Ages: 9+
  • Building set

What we like

  • Big build with interactive lights and sounds
  • Star Wars play value after the build

Watch out for

  • Smart features need the special brick
  • Higher price than standard LEGO
Check price on Amazon

Play-Doh Super Sizzlin' Kitchen Playset

A play kitchen that reacts with sounds when kids "cook" Play-Doh food, with molds, tools and a pasta maker. The Toy Insider calls it a great imaginative toy.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Pretend play

What we like

  • Pretend cooking with sound effects
  • Lots of tools and molds

Watch out for

  • Play-Doh gets everywhere
  • Dough dries out and needs replacing
Check price on Amazon

Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset

Super Mario made toddler-friendly: a musical playset with a Mario figure and game-inspired pieces sized for small hands. A Hot 20 pick that gamer parents will enjoy as much as the kids.

  • Ages: 18 months+
  • Toddler playset

What we like

  • Built for toddlers
  • Music and sounds
  • Nintendo fans love it

Watch out for

  • Simple for kids over 3
Check price on Amazon

Nintendo Super Mario Yum Yum Yoshi

A 9.5-inch Yoshi whose tongue shoots out to scoop up a toy apple. The Toy Insider notes the mechanism is simple enough for young kids to work on their own.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Action figure

What we like

  • Easy for small kids to use
  • Fun, recognizable character

Watch out for

  • Limited play beyond the tongue gag
Check price on Amazon

Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane House with Figures and Car

Mid-range

A wooden dollhouse with movable furniture, figures and a car, in an Amazon-exclusive version of the Hot 20 pick. The Toy Insider highlights its quality for the price, and wood holds up far better than plastic.

  • Ages: 2+
  • Wooden playhouse

What we like

  • Sturdy wood construction
  • Modular pieces
  • Amazon exclusive bundle with a car

Watch out for

  • Smaller scale than big plastic dollhouses
Check price on Amazon

GUI GUI Mega Slime Haul

Budget

A 50-plus-piece slime kit that leans into the "get ready with me" trend. It's on both The Toy Insider's Hot 20 and Amazon's list.

  • Ages: 6+
  • Slime kit

What we like

  • Huge variety of slimes and add-ins
  • Big hit with tweens

Watch out for

  • Slime and carpets don't mix
Check price on Amazon

Disney 6V Minnie Roadster Ride-On

The "wow" gift for preschoolers: a battery-powered Minnie Mouse roadster that tops out at about 2 mph, with a seatbelt and a parent remote. It's on The Toy Insider's Hot 20.

  • Ages: 3+
  • Ride-on car

What we like

  • Big wow factor
  • Parent remote for control
  • Slow, safe top speed

Watch out for

  • Needs space and charging
  • Outgrown quickly
Check price on Amazon

Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan Edition

Best stocking stufferBudget

A 20th-anniversary edition of the classic pocket puzzle game, from Amazon's list. It's cheap, screen-free and great for road trips, which makes it an easy stocking stuffer.

  • Ages: Kids and adults
  • Puzzle game

What we like

  • Inexpensive
  • Screen-free and portable
  • Hundreds of puzzles

Watch out for

  • Small pieces
Check price on Amazon

Compare the specs

Specs come from manufacturers and independent test data.

ToyPrice tierAgesType
KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi "Golden" Singing Doll6+Singing fashion doll
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle MaxMid-range18 months+Interactive plush
Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer BoxPremium6+Trading cards
Bluey Light and Surprise Heeler House3+Playset
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino VehicleMid-range3+Vehicle playset
Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg5+Interactive surprise toy
FurReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush TigerMid-range4+Interactive plush
Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic Interactive PlushMid-range8+Interactive puppet
MGA Miniverse Real Music Record Player8+Collectible mini
CrunchLabs The Crunchinator by Mark RoberMid-range8+STEM toy
Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard CutterYoung makersMaker tool
MAGNA-TILES Undersea Adventure 58-Piece SetPremium3+Magnetic building
LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing9+Building set
Play-Doh Super Sizzlin' Kitchen Playset3+Pretend play
Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Playset18 months+Toddler playset
Nintendo Super Mario Yum Yum Yoshi3+Action figure
Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane House with Figures and CarMid-range2+Wooden playhouse
GUI GUI Mega Slime HaulBudget6+Slime kit
Disney 6V Minnie Roadster Ride-On3+Ride-on car
Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan EditionBudgetKids and adultsPuzzle game

Questions people ask

What is the hottest toy of 2026?

Toys from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, led by Mattel's singing Rumi, Mira and Zoey dolls, top The Toy Insider's Hot 20. Pokémon's 30th anniversary cards, Bluey and the new Tickle Me Elmo are close behind.

When should I buy hot toys?

Early. The most popular toys tend to sell out in December and resellers mark them up. Black Friday week is usually the best balance of price and stock.

What are the best toys for toddlers this year?

Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max (18 months and up), the Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure playset, and the Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane wooden house.

What is a good STEM gift?

The CrunchLabs Crunchinator by Mark Rober for ages 8 and up, Magna-Tiles for younger kids, and ChompSaw for kids who love building with cardboard.

How do I avoid counterfeit toys?

Buy from listings sold by Amazon or the brand's official store, and be wary of hot toys priced far below everyone else. Fakes are common for squishies, slime and trading cards.

More buying guides