The 2026 Holiday Toy Guide

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Tap any product in the guide to shop it. Use the toolbar to go full screen or download the PDF.

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Which list is right for my kid?

What are the best toys for a 1 or 2 year old?

Start with the 0 to 2 list: sensory toys, stackers, first push toys, and the plush that gets dragged everywhere. Everything there has been through at least one of our babies.

What are the best toys for a 3, 4 or 5 year old?

The 3 to 5 list is the biggest in the guide: pretend play, building, scooters and ride-ons, and the toys that get played with every single day.

What should I get a 6, 7, 8 or 9 year old?

The 6 to 9 list covers dolls, builders, science kits, slime, and the stuff they ask for by name.

What do you get a 10, 11 or 12 year old, or a teenager?

Our 10 and up list is for tweens and teens: tech, creative kits, games, and a few big-ticket wishes that don't get a shrug.

Do you have stocking stuffer ideas?

Yes, one page with a list for every age: stocking stuffers that actually get used, not just opened.

How do you choose the toys?

We have seven kids between us, from toddler to teen, and nothing goes in the guide until it has survived real play in our own homes. We buy, test, and keep the ones that stick around; the rest don't make the cut.

What if my child is between age groups?

Use the ages as a guide, not a rule. A toy listed for 3 to 5 can be perfect for a young 6 year old, and plenty of 10 and up picks work for a mature 9 year old. The full catalog is the easiest way to browse across ages.