If you haven't been able to tell by the tinsel in stores lately, it's toy time.
And even though it's a relief to celebrate the holiday season once again, festivities tend to come with their own kind of stress, like finding gifts for the kids.
To help ensure that your child and your pocket are equally happy, you might want to help your child prepare a Christmas wish list.
Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us, says that checking out the trends might take the pressure off busy parents to find age-appropriate options their kids will love.
"We're so excited to kick off the most magical time of the year with the coolest and most sought-after toys of the season".
Also read: What exactly makes a toy educational, and do they make a difference?
Here's a look at what Jacoby says are the top toys trending this year:
Outdoor educational playsets
Jacoby says that outdoor educational playsets that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are "dominating the shelves".
"A few of the big trends we are seeing in the world of toys which have inspired our top toy must-haves include toy unboxing, outdoor play and creative building, with STEM skills toys, sensory play and educational toys that support remote learning dominating the shelves."
The popularity of outdoor play has also increased due to the pandemic, which has seen families become a lot closer Jacoby says.
Fidget spinners
Not just a passing trend, these stress-reducing and motor skill increasing toys "are very popular right now".
Currently, they come in new colours and designs and may prove a great addition to your child's wish list.
Instant cameras
Since they can now spend more time with friends, an instant camera to capture special memories could make a great gift for your social butterfly tween or teen, Jacoby says.
Also see: 10 ways to avoid gender stereotypes and encourage creative play
Dinosaur figurines
The classic dinosaur figurine is "still a firm favourite", and the more realistic, the better, Jacoby notes.
Radio control toys
Radio control toys are also another classic that remains highly requested by kids. Current options make radio control toys a great choice for children of all ages.
Other expected trending toys, according to Jacoby, include:
- Baby doll sets
- Building blocks
- Playdough
- Child-friendly tie-dye kits
- Stacking blocks
- Educational laptops
What's on your child's Christmas wish list this year?
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