What’s on your child’s wish list for the holidays? Maybe it’s a new bike, or a tech toy that everyone is talking about. No matter what they want, it’s sure to be a long, long list. But for the child who seemingly has it all, these 10 must-have toys for 2019 just might make the holidays more merry and bright.
By: Jennifer Parris
Razor Crazy Cart Shift
If your child has a need for speed, the Crazy Cart Shift from Razor ($200) can help him race with the best of them. Designed for younger kids, your kiddo can have a blast spinning, circling, all while learning how to drive and master control over his vehicle. But don’t worry about him taking off down the block—there’s a hidden top speed control switch that he won’t know about that allows you to set the pace for him—literally. After all, peddling can be so passé.
Carmen Sandiego Handheld Electronic Game
If you want to take your sleuthing on-the-go, the Carmen Sandiego Handheld Game ($25) is the way to go. Travel the world to solve the crime and capture the criminal in this adorable handheld game. Your kid will love the retro look of the original game — and so will you.
Mickey Mouse Snuggle Time Game
When you want your kids to go to bed, the Mickey Mouse Snuggle Time Game ($25) just might help them unwind. Help Mickey, Minnie and the rest of their friends get the farm animals across the soft game board and into the barn before the sun goes down. Your preschooler will learn about colors, shapes, and how to cooperate to get the job done. And maybe once they get the little lambs to bed, they’ll be ready for sweet dreams, too.
Connect 4 Launchers
Forget the grid. The Connect 4 Launchers Game ($119) is a fast-paced, high-flying game of fun and skill. After all, it literally sends your checkers zooming through the air. The goal is still the same: score four in a row. But this time, you’ll need to use your focus to flip your checkers into the spots that you want. The only question is: where will your game pieces land?
Domino Maze
Is there anything more mesmerizing than watching a trail of dominoes come crashing down? In the Domino Maze game ($31) , your child not only get to build complex runs, but she’ll also need to figure out how to get around blockers, through pivots—even go up and down stairs. The game offers over 60 challenges ranging from beginner to expert that will keep your cutie on her toes with quick thinking.
Carmen Sandiego Board Game
I’ve loved Carmen Sandiego ever since she was a Commodore 64 heroine. When you play the Carmen Sandiego Board Game ($18), you’ll travel to exotic locales on the hunt for stolen loot—and determine whodunit. Once you’ve figured out who stole the loot, you’ll travel over to the Isle of VILE to announce your accusation and stop the bad guy (or gal) in their tracks. The game comes complete with a world game board, 9 location cards, Carmen Sandiego mover satnss (4), and 4 Carmen passports—because she’s a gal on the go.
Ravensburger Escape Puzzles
Escape rooms are all the rage, but if you can’t make it to one, you can definitely get in on all the excitement with the Ravensburger Escape Puzzles ($20). You can choose to escape from the Observatory, the Submarine, the Witch’s Kitchen, or the Vampire’s Castle. Put the staggering 759-piece puzzle together, find the mysteries, and them solve them in order to find the escape. The box has a set of instructions — and if you get frustrated, the answers, too.
Pix Perfect
If you loved Lite Brite as a kid, you’re going to love Pix Perfect ($35). The reusable game allows you to create brightly-lit designs that have a retro vibe, and are easy to make. You simply attach the sequin pixels to the pixel board for a sparkly sweet masterpiece. Pix Perfect is also a STEM toy, since your child will need to use counting and problem-solving skills in order to create her mini masterpiece. And something that parents will love: Pix Perfect is a no-mess game, so you won’t be cleaning up glitter or paint afterwards.
Ryan’s World Ultimate Red Titan Interactive Figure
Now your child can get to play just like Ryan! The Ryan’s World Ultimate Red Titan ($23) features an almost 9-inch Red Titan robot, whose eyes light up while he says a bunch of fun phrases. There’s also a mini fig Ryan, and two missiles. But it wouldn’t be a Ryan’s World toy without surprises, so also included is a mystery slime and sidekick to keep your child guessing as he unwraps the package. This titan is totally cool.
Jenga Giant JS7 Hardwood Game
Building with blocks has never been better than with the Jenga Giant JS7 Hardwood Game ($170). There are 54 precision-crafted polished hardwood blocks that stack up to an incredible 5 feet high! It comes with a heavy duty carry bag so you won’t have to worry about spilling the blocks—and possibly hurting your foot. It’s a great party game that doesn’t require tech of any kind, and will allow your child to reach new heights.