It's hard to believe how fast the strange year that's 2020 has been going. We've had a lot of interesting twists and turns, and we've been trying to go with the flow ever since. Now that we're nearing the end of the year, we get to shift our focus into the gift-giving season. It's a time full of memory-making moments and searching for the gift that's going to bring the largest smile. Thankfully, we have Amazon on our side, and they've shared the hottest toys of this season to get us started.
Although our holiday celebrations might look a bit different this year, it doesn't hurt to start shopping plans early, before the rush of other families. Planning and buying several weeks before the holiday season can increase our chances of getting ahold of the one toy our child has been begging for. It's typically the same one that all the kids want, the "it" toy of the year. That means it's super helpful to know those trends before the toys are sold out, nowhere to be found.
To help busy parents nail their shopping, we've got our hands on Amazon's list of the hottest toys of the 2020 season. These are the gifts that all the kids are going to want, that are still in stock (at least for now), and there's something for kids of all ages and interests.
These are going to fly off the (digital) shelves, so don't sleep on these if you can help it.
Nerf Fortnite TS-R Blaster & Llama Targets
If there are two things a lot of kids like, it's the video game Fortnite and target practice. This toy is recommended for kids 8 and older, and will give them hours of fun playing by themselves and hitting the lama targets with the darts or having a playful battle with a friend.
Symphony Musical Toy Orchestra
We know that music play is great for kids' development, and some kids are more drawn to dancing and trying out their own tunes than others. For parents who find their children grooving to the music, this all-in-one toy orchestra, recommended for kids 3 and older, will give them the time of their lives.
Mickey Mouse & Friends Shape Sorter Truck
This toy is perfect for little ones 1 and older who are building on their color and shape skills. The truck is big enough to allow their small hands to drive it around on the carpet with blocks they can help sort by color or shape into the vehicle. Also, it's a playful toy for the ones who love Disney's Mickey Mouse.
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Pop B.B. Fashion Doll
There's a reason L.O.L dolls have been so popular — they're adorable and always evolving. The O.M.G. remix pop doll is perfect for kids 4 and older, and this one comes with 25 surprises to open up. Each doll comes with two outfits, and there are several ways to remix each look.
LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course
Two classic things come together in one special package with this LEGO Super Mario starter course building kit. With 231 LEGO pieces, this is perfect for children 6 and older who like building, using their imagination, and playing video games. This is beyond just a LEGO set – it's a stepping-stone for coding.
Barbie Fashionistas Doll with Blue Hair
There is something magical about a Barbie doll collection that takes us back to childhood. These days, the Barbie Fashionista line can be more diverse than ever, and there are so many varieties of dolls. This one has blue hair that pops against her patterned pink dress.
Basic Fun Tonka - Steel Classics Bulldozer
These Tonka steel trucks have been around for 70 years, and they were the same type we played with when we were little. Now our kids 3 and older can get in on the fun, thanks to this sturdy toy. These trucks probably will last their whole childhood and then some.
Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set
This gift would be an absolute dream for kids who are fascinated with art, color, and using their imagination. The art case comes with 140 pieces including pencil crayons, markers, paper — all in a convenient case where they can keep it organized together. It's great for children 4 to 15 years old.
'Star Wars' Celebrate the Saga Toys
There's a reason Star Wars toys have been around for as long as the movie has and still make the top 20 kids' toys list years later. The stories are timeless, the characters are memorable, and it's fun for us to play imagination with our kids, the same way we did when we were younger.
The Child Plush Toy
Also, there are still Star Wars stories coming out now, new ones we've not heard before, such as the one centered around The Child. The Mandalorian is one of the hottest shows — the biggest to come out of Disney+ — and now our kids can have their very own little Yoda doll.
Fisher-Price Rollin' Rovee
For anyone looking for an engaging toy for a 6-month-old or above, this Fisher-Price Rollin' Rovee has it all. It grows with a baby up to toddlerhood and childhood as well with four interactive settings. It teaches songs and the alphabet, and it lights up to keep a little one entertained.
Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad
For little artists on the holiday shopping list, this tracing pad from Crayola will take their art skills to the next level. The kit comes with everything they need to practice their art skills from the LED tracing pad, paper, pencil and crayons to encourage kids to continue working on their talent.
National Geographic Earth Science Kit
Being able to encourage kids to follow what interests them is one of the joys of gift giving, and this kit from National Geographic does just that. This Earth Science Kit teaches curious minds more than 15 different science experiments, including making their own tornado and growing their own crystals.
Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
Melissa & Doug know what they're doing, and that's no different for this playful ice cream play counter. The whole set has 28 gorgeously crafted wooden pieces that will allow children to use their imagination to share treats and to pretend to run their own business.
Micro Machines Super Van City Playset
This playset is just the thing for children who are at least 4 years old and perfect for any child who loves cars. These are different than the typical ones we've seen – they're micro. This set includes the Van City playset and 12 bright colored micro-machine cars to zoom up and down the ramps and through the car launcher or across the drawbridge.
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
It's important to encourage our kids to stay active and to try new sports, and with basketball being one of the favorites among littler kids, this easy score basketball set is ideal. It can be placed in their bedroom or the playroom – or it works for outside as well. This kit is the right size for toddlers between the ages of 18 months to five years old and comes with three small basketballs.
Casdon-Dyson Ball Vacuum Toy
OK, so don’t laugh, but surprisingly this toy has been wildly popular. It's a toy vacuum that actually has some suction so it will clean up some messes. No, it's not the same as the real thing, but our kids can mimic vacuum time and feel like they're helping out. It only weighs 2 pounds, so when they carry it up the stairs, it's manageable and adorable to see.
GUND Muttsy Classic Dog Stuffed Animal
Sometimes all our little kids need is something cuddly to hug, and there's no question that this stuffed animal provides exactly that. It's the perfect size where it won't feel like it's overtaking the bedroom or the space on the bed, but sizable enough for there to be a really great hug when kids need an extra cuddle.
Fisher-Price Imaginext DC Super Friends Super Surround Batcave
This Batcave folds out to reveal a huge playing station where kids can have their favorite superhero battle it out with all the villains. This comes with five exclusive figurines, and it plays music and lights up to help little ones build up their imaginative play.
Disney Princess Castle
Young ones can let their imagination soar to with this princess castle featuring Disney princesses. It comes with 16 accessories and six pieces of furniture to get the home started. Although the dolls are not included, the castle is large enough for a typical doll size or smaller ones.
To see the full Top Toys list from Amazon, check out their guide.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom 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.