Many parents are likely too preoccupied with their child's back-to-school plans right now to think about the holidays and toys. Will they be in-person or online? Will there even be a Halloween? After all, 2020 has changed how we do things … a lot. But sometimes, having something to look forward to and focus on can be helpful. And kids will still have their wish lists this year of the toys they want most. It's clear they'll have lots of time to play with them.
To help parents get ahead of the shopping dash, we rounded up some of the toys that are already topping "best" and "popular" toy lists. We searched Target, Walmart, Amazon, Melissa & Doug, and more to find the items that kids will absolutely want. Some of these may sell out fast. From Paw Patrol to board and card games that will beat boredom to Star Wars Legos, there's not many ways to go wrong. So consider this a pre-list to their lists and plan ahead. After all, what else can we do?
Daily Calendar
Virutal learning is in full swing, or will be in full swing for lots of kids this upcoming school year. This Daily Calendar toy from Melissa & Doug can help keep the kids on track in a fun and interactive way.
Daily Calendar ($20, Melissa & Doug)
Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck
Paw Patrol may be one of the most popular kids shows right now, so it would make sense they would want to have any toys from the show on their holiday wish lists. This rescue fire truck is sure to be popular.
PAW Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck ($45, Amazon)
Razor Scooter
Razor Scooters have been around for 20 years, and there's a reason they remain one of the most popular gifts for children. They're lightweight, cool-looking, and a great way to have solo (and these days, safe) fun outside.
Razor Scooter ($29, Target)
Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Mani-Pedi Set
With it not being as safe to get and get mani-pedis, it can be hard to take the kids out for pampering as a treat or for bonding time. Now they can do it themselves at home where it's safe and just as fun with this nail art set.
Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Mani-Pedi Set ($25, Target)
Mattel Games Uno
Uno is one of the most universally loved family games. It's fun for all ages, but still requires some strategy, making it challenging enough for older kids. It's a great "at home" game to have on hand for when the kids get bored or they've had too much screen time.
Mattel Games UNO ($10, Amazon)
L.O.L. Surprise All-Star B.B.s Sports
L.O.L Surprise toys have been popular for a few years and it may be the combination of not knowing what the toy is inside and the actual toys themselves. This one is sports-themed and super cool looking. It's one of Amazon's top toys.
L.O.L. Surprise All-Star B.B.s Sports ($10, Amazon)
Baby Yoda Action Figure
Baby Yoda shot to the top of the pop culture phenomenon list in late 2019 when The Mandalorian came out. It makes sense, he's so cute and we predict lots of kids will want figurines of the character.
“Baby Yoda” ($16, Amazon)
Minions Tiny Toot Fart Firing Blaster
Minions will always be fun and popular to kids and it's assumed that kids will be vying for this fart firing blaster. It's a silly toy many kids will get a kick out of, even if they're just pranking one another (or Mom) at home.
Minions Tiny Toot Fart Firing Blaster ($10, Walmart)
Lego 'Trolls World Tour' Pop Village Celebration
The new Trolls movie came out in 2020, which means the toys related to the movie will likely be at the top of many kids' wish lists for the holidays. This Trolls World Tour Pop Village pack has everything they'll need to recreate their favorite scene.
LEGO Trolls World Tour Pop Village Celebration ($40, Walmart)
'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter
So we covered Baby Yoga toys, but kids may want other Star Wars related toys. This The Rise of Skywalker Resistance Starfighter toy may be just what the kiddo wants. It comes with the Starfighter and figurines.
The Rise of Skywalker Resistance Y-Wing Starfighter ($81, Walmart)
NERF Sports Nerfoop Jump Shot
Sometimes it's the simplest toys that kids want the most, especially ones that can be a fun distraction after a long day of virtual learning. This NERF Sports Jump Shot basketball hoop can go on any door in the house and comes with a mini ball.
NERF Sports Nerfoop Jump Shot ($10, Amazon)
UN FENG Remote Control Car
This toy would work for kids who have an interest in STEM or robotics. It's a remote-control car that has two wheels so it can better perform stunts. It's near the top of Amazon's toy list for 2020, so it's clearly in high demand.
UN FENG Remote Control Car ($20, Amazon)
Lego 'Harry Potter' Hungarian Horntail Triwizard Challenge Toy
Millennials aren't the only Potterheads out there. Get the kids who love Witchcraft and Wizardry a Lego Harry Potter Triwizard Tournament set. It comes with a Hungarian Horntail dragon and character figurines.
LEGO Harry Potter Hungarian Horntail Triwizard Challenge Toy ($24, Target)
Skyrocket Blume Doll
Surprise inside type toys are all the rage with kids, and this Skyrocket Blume Doll fits right in with the theme. Just add water and the doll will literally "bloom" right there. It also comes with stickers, a mini friend, and accessories.
Skyrocket Blume Doll ($6, Amazon)
L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper Fashion Camper
Yes, we included another L.O.L Surprise! toys in this lineup — listen we told you it was popular. This L.O.L toy is more than just a doll, though. It's a full-on 2-i-1 fashion camper with all kinds of accessories to make it a glamping trip to remember.
L.O.L. Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper Fashion Camper ($70, Amazon)
WowWee S.W.A.K.
Everyone loves a good fun knickknack, including kids. These WowWee S.W.A.K. key chains from Amazon work well as stocking stuffers. As Amazon says, "This keychain is complete with Kiss Tech which detects your cheek to give you a kiss! The longer you hold, the longer it lasts!"
WowWee S.W.A.K. ($20, Amazon)
Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Jet Command Center
Of course, we need more than one Paw Patrol toy on the list. The show is just that popular. This one is the Super Paws 2-in-1 Transforming Mighty Pups Jet Command Center. The whole toy is a jet but there's a special car in the front.
Paw Patrol, Super Paws, 2-in-1 Transforming Mighty Pups Jet Command Center ($60, Amazon)
'Frozen 2' Anna & Elsa Lullaby Gift Set
It wouldn't be a popular toy recommendation list without a toy that's Frozen or Frozen 2 themed. This Anna and Elsa Lullaby Gift set comes with both sisters (as dolls) and a bed for bedtime stories.
Frozen 2 Anna & Elsa Lullaby Gift Set ($30, Target)
Joss, American Girl of the Year
American Girl is a childhood staple for girls who grew up in the '80s and '90s. It is the quintessential doll, and the company comes up with iconic "Girl of the Year" editions every few years. Getting the next generation one is an amazing idea in our book.
Joss, American Girl of the Year ($110, American Girl)
The Floor is Lava Game
The Floor Is Lava is a Netflix show based off the kids game we all played at least once growing up. Now the game comes in a box with floor tiles and a spinner (and rules). Don't touch the floor while moving across the room because it's … lava! The game kinda works like that.
The Floor is Lava Game ($17, Target)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
