While Christmas is still a long way out, parents all over the country are already starting to make their holiday shopping lists for all of their loved ones and friends. Kids are notoriously tricky when it comes to presents, especially with Santa’s newly accepted policy of three gifts per kid. On top of that, finding the top Christmas toys is made even more difficult due to the countless options and gift ideas out there. This is why I decided to make this guide in order to help you find out which are the trendiest toys for 2021!

Below, we will go through some of the top toys for boys, girls, toddlers, older kids, and also check out a few more categories that can help you narrow down your choice! After that, we will take a closer look at the step-by-step process of choosing the perfect present for a kid!

Best Toy for This Christmas – Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition

Star Wars’ new edition – The Mandalorian brought a lot of new fans to the franchise and gave the viewers a few characters to love and maybe one or two to hate. Without a doubt, the most famous character also referred to as “baby Yoda” is The Child which the Mandalorian protects in their journey. The Child toys quickly swarmed the market and a few of them became instant hits with thousands of people wanting to get them for the younger Star Wars fans!

Who is it for?

This animatronic toy is rated for kids ages 4 and up mainly due to the presence of materials and items that can pose a choking risk. It works well for both boys and girls and can even be an awesome gift for an older Star Wars fan!

What does it do?

One of the standout features of this toy is that it has motorized movements that mimic the ones from the TV series. The head can move up and down, the ears can move back and forth, and the eyes open and close. Another very cool feature is the “Force Activation”. It is turned on by tapping the head of the toy 3 times after which it will lift its hand, close its eyes, and exhale while trying to use the force. After you put The Child down, it will close its eyes and take a force nap.

Best for Boys – Monster Jam All-Terrain RC Monster Truck

While there are some girls that love RC toys, boys will always drool over a cool remote control buggy. Monster Jam is known for making some of the coolest RC toys out there and for this year their Mega Grave Digger is selling like hotcakes. While it is a little pricey, it is well-made and very easy to play with even by a kid that hasn’t had an RC toy before. The Mega Grave Digger is different than other grave diggers by being much bigger, faster, and more powerful. Additionally, it can be controlled from nearly 250 feet away through the joystick controller.

Who is it for?

RC buggies are primarily geared towards boys and will be a better fit for that gender, although you can do a little scouting and find out whether the little girl you are shopping for might want one too. The truck is quite large and heavy, though, so it isn’t suitable for kids younger than 6 years.

What does it do?

This toy is essentially an official Grave Digger replica. It has all the official graphics on its body and even the oversized BKT tires at the sides! The working lights are also a match to the original-sized truck. It can move in any direction through the controller and is quite capable of overcoming a large variety of obstacle courses. Everything is charged via the built-in USB cable while the remote controller works on 2xAAA batteries.

As a whole, this toy has decent long-term durability and is hardly going to ever get boring so it is worth its slightly higher price tag.

Best for Girls – Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse with Pool, Slide and Elevator

While there are constantly new and new ideas coming out for girl’s gifts, there are some classics that you can never go wrong with. One prime example to that is the Barbie Dreamhouse Dollhouse. It is an impressive 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide dollhouse full with a ton of little details that will keep your kid entertained for years to come!

Who is it for?

This girl’s dollhouse is for kids older than 3 years of age mostly due to the abundance of small elements that can be a choking risk.

What does it do?

The dollhouse is peppered with little details and different rooms with their own designs and furniture. It features 3 different stories, 8 rooms in total, an elevator, and a pool with a side on the side. Additionally, the house comes with 70 pieces that can be used for your kid’s development and they can play a major part in any story! There are a ton of more interesting features that just wait to be discovered, such as the expandable couch that becomes a bunk bed for two of the dolls.

While this dollhouse is a bit on the expensive side of things, everything here is made out of durable plastics and brings the typical Barbie quality. So, all in all, when you consider all the features and the overall size of the house, it actually is priced quite competitively to other brands with similarly sized dollhouses.

Best Device – Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet

If you’re browsing for a kid’s present that will help the kid make its first steps into the world full of technologies, the Fire 7 Tablet is one of your best bets. It comes at a great price, is quite durable, and has a ton of educational apps and games to keep them busy throughout the days! Moreover, these tablets work with all sorts of websites and programs that can help the kid excel in its education.

Who is it for?

While there are no strict age restrictions to the Fire 7 tablet, it will best suit kids aged 4 and above, with kids aged between 8 and 12 as the ideal target group. This is when kids should start getting gradually introduced to technologies and this tablet is a good platform to kick things off.

What does it do?

This tablet has a ton of streamable content from PBS Kids, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more! It can connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and save files on its 16 GB of internal storage. Its battery lasts around 7 hours when used continuously. The speakers on the side are relatively loud and are good enough for media consumption during car rides. A few additional features are the tabletop stand and the headphone jack which makes using it that much better!

Despite its cheap price tag, the tablet is well-made and quite durable in the long-run. On top of that, it comes in three very cool colors – Blue, Pink, and Purple, making it a great fit for either a boy or a girl. As a whole, right now there isn’t a better deal on a digital tablet for a kid’s present out there!

Best Lego Present – LEGO Star Wars AT-ST Raider 75254

Continuing the Star Wars theme this holiday season, there can’t be a list of gifts without a Lego set in it. The AT-ST Raider 75254 is a 540-piece LEGO set that is a great christmas gift for any fan of the franchise.

Who is it for?

While LEGO sets are unisex, this particular one gravitates more towards boys. On the age side of things, the set is recommended for kids aged 8 and up.

What does it do?

LEGO sets develop the creative side of kids and give them good material to work with in their imagination when they pretend to be in the Star Wars and Mandalorian Universes. This particular AT-ST is a replica of the one saw in the hit TV series The Mandalorian and it comes with 4 LEGO Star Wars minifigures of the following characters – The Mandalorian, Cara Duna, and 2 more Klatoonian Raiders. The legs of the AT-ST are jointed and can move individually. The turret can turn and open and it can also fire.

The whole set comprises of 540 pieces and doesn’t take more than a few hours to fully assemble. When finished, it is 9 inches high and 5 inches wide and long.

Price-wise, this set makes no exception to other LEGO toys that are priced slightly higher than similar options from other brands. Still, the quality that comes from this company more than makes up for their higher price tags.

Best Star Wars Toy – Original BB-8 by Sphero

While there might have been a few things that upset the hardcore StarWars audience in the last trilogy, there were some characters that really stuck out and became viewer-favorites instantly. This generation was also introduced to their favorite droid. As a seemingly worthy successor of the well-known R2D2, BB-8 won hearts all over the world with its cute and unique nature. As a toy, this droid makes for some cool moments and works well with any smartphone!

Who is it for?

Since this is a more technologically-advanced toy, it kind of falls into the RC category thanks to its control hub app. That makes it more appropriate for grown-up kids rather than younger children. Ages 6 to 14 would all make great use of this toy!

What does it do?

The small droid measures almost 9 inches in height so it isn’t very big, making it easy to move around and carry. Its main feature is the gyroscopic propulsion in a 30m range around the controller (a smartphone). While idle, the toy sits in its platform which doubles as a charging dock. On a full charge, BB-8 can last up to 60 minutes of moving around. Everything is controlled through the free iOS and Android apps.

The toy is also compatible with the force band in order to be controlled through gestures. A few other features include the adaptive personality function (controlled through the app) and the holographic recordings it can play.

Durability-wise, this BB-8 is lined with a tough polycarbonate shell that protects it from drops and impacts. As a whole, the toy is going to make a StarWars fan very happy but it also is very expensive compared to other toys from the franchise.

Best Budget Christmas Present – Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit For Kids

Who said you had to spend a small fortune to get an extremely cool gift for your kids or nephews? Apart from all the discounts that this holiday season will bring, there are also some killer deals out there for presents that are flying way under the radar! This terrarium will allow the kid to explore nature and observe the seeds sprout and row in it while it also learns how to take care of the delicate plants. On top of being extremely easy and fun to set up, it is also very cheap and can inspire even bigger terrarium ideas in the future!

Who is it for?

Terrariums don’t have age restrictions in theory but are best suited for boys and girls aged 6 and above since this is an age where the kid will start learning how to take care of something else and cherish it. There are no toxic arts and craft supplies.

What does it do?

Terrariums are famous for lighting that biology fire in your kids and keeping them engaged through science and care. In this set, you have everything the kids will need for two complete life cycles of the plants. Inside you have a plastic jar, a potting mix, wheatgrass and chia seeds, and figurines and sand that glow in the dark!

There are also detailed instructions on how to create the miniature ecosystem inside the jar. All it takes is less than an hour and 10 simple steps that you can follow through the pictures in the box or on the website. And then, after just 3-4 days, the seeds will start sprouting!

Best Music Toy – Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

Music toys are appropriate for all age groups but are essential and vital for toddlers and small children as they will develop a sense of musicality in them and will start building the brain’s music centers. There are loads of approaches to a music toy but I find that the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube is quite unique in its design and functionality. It is suitable for all ages and is quite durable and toddler-resistant. All of that in a compact and budget package that is worth the consideration!

Who is it for?

The Mozart Magic Cube is ideal for toddlers and small children aged 2-4. It is also suitable for both boys and girls.

What does it do?

The cube has a pretty simple function. It has 6 sides with each having a large colorful button on its side. Upon pressing that button, the Mozart Cube will make the sound corresponding to the instrument drawn on the button. All the buttons are also color-coded so that the kid can start connecting the dots faster when learning its way through the toy. There is volume control at the side of the cube that allows you to toggle between two sound functions. In terms of instruments, there is a Harp, a Flute, a French Horn, Orchestra, Piano, Violin, and more. Each button is also surrounded by a ring of light that will flash in the tempo of the instrument that is playing.

Additionally, there are 8 classical song options randing from Twinkle, Twinkle to Non-Piu Andre (Marriage of Figaro). The cube runs on 3 AA batteries. In terms of its design, there are no sharp corners and the plastics are quite tough and safe to play with.

Best Sports Toy – Franklin Sports Kids Teeball and Baseball Batting Tee

Even though this year hasn’t been perfect for outdoor baseball practices or any sports whatsoever, there are still ways to entertain the kids when they are indoors and want to play their favorite sport! The Franklin Sports Kids Teeball and Baseball Batting Tee is a great indoor playing tool that will enhance the kid’s swing, concentration, and posture if coached correctly. The toy offers a lot of adjustability and fun for the kids and comes at a bargain price!

Who is it for?

This toy is great for kids that love watching and playing baseball or for younger ones that are still yet to know the great sport of baseball! It is good for kids over the age of 3 and is a nice fit for both boys and girls of any age after that thanks to its height adjustability.

What does it do?

This batting tee is great for little kids thanks to its adjustable design and stable construction. It will stick with the kid as it grows and keeps practicing its hitting. The hanging tee is for the youngest baseball players while you can also remove the top part and put the traditional tee which will hold the ball at an appropriate height for grown-up kids. The hanging tee can be adjusted from 18 to 26 inches while the traditional tee can be adjusted from 25 to 36 inches. The whole set comes with a 21″ plastic baseball bat and four baseballs.

The assembly is fairly easy and even though the construction is made purely out of plastics, it is fairly stable and can be rocket quite a lot before tipping. As a whole, for this price, this present is a steal and will make Christmas that much more special for any kid that loves baseball!

Best Bicycle – JoyStar Totem Kids Bike with Training Wheels

Bikes are the universal gift for any kid once it gets to walking age! They are amazing in their ability to develop kid’s motor skills and body coordination. Riding a bike is also a crucial way to learn about the rules of the road and to interact with neighbor kids. For a kid to learn how to ride a bike well and safely, though, you need to start young. This is why a lot of people prefer giving bikes as gifts to their kids, nephews, and friend’s kids aged 2-5. The JoyStar Totem Kids bike is one of the best options in the market currently when it comes to available sizes, colors, durability, and most importantly – pricing.

Who is it for?

Bikes, in general, are good enough for kids above age 2 or as soon as they are comfortable with walking around. For the first few years, the bike will have training wheels that will prevent any potential tipping over. This particular model is unisex and is suitable for kids aged 2-9 thanks to the 4 available sizes. There are also gender-specific colors like pink, teal, and others!

What does it do?

There are a lot of unique features of this bike. For starters, everything is very well put together and also quite comfortable. The tires are wide and big, the seat is well-cushioned, and the handles are soft. All that results in a smooth ride that will be enjoyable for the kid. The assembly of the bike itself is easy and there is little to no maintenance needed in the long run!

Since this bike can practically be used by kids aged 2-9, there is a size chart that has 12, 14, 16, and 18-inch wheel models that all vary in size depending on the Child’s height and inseam. The brand also has other models that vary in design, color, and a few other things. Still, all of their bikes are made out of high-tensile steel and tend to hold up well against the test of time.

Best Scooter – Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter

Electric scooters and scooters, in general, are seeing a huge boom in their popularity in the last few years. With more and more companies chiming in, the prices are continuously trending downwards to a point where you can buy a scooter like this one here for around a hundred dollars. The Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter is one of the biggest hits mainly due to its bargain price but it is also packed full of interesting features and it beats most of its competitors in this price class.

Who is it for?

While good for both boys and girls, scooters are pretty age-restricted, even though that still depends on the parent. Electric scooters are a bit harder to control and use so if you plan on giving this as a gift to a kid make sure that the kid has already ridden a scooter and is at least 8-10 years old.

What does it do?

The E90 uses an 85-Watt high-torque motor that is mounted to the hub of the scooter. The motor is also maintenance-free which really makes owning this scooter easier than some other electric models on the market. The acceleration is smooth and consistent. It gets up to speeds of around 10 miles per hour and is controlled by the throttle on the top-right handle. The left handle has a brake that connects to both wheels, while the whole scooter is rear-wheel drive only. The battery uses a sealed lead-acid technology and can run up to 80 minutes on a single charge.

The whole frame of the scooter is made out of steel which adds a lot to the overall quality and long-term durability. The tires are also air-free in order to prevent unwanted accidents and flat tires. One last thing to mention is that there is a retractable kick-stand which is handy when your kid wants to leave its scooter on the side of the road when buying ice cream!

Best for Toddlers – Free to Fly large Aqua Drawing Mat for Kids

Drawing mats are the perfect canvas for a toddler to explore the world on and to draw out their imagination for its parents to marvel! This particular set comes at a bargain price and has a ton of accessories that will make using the drawing mat fun and engaging to use by kids aged 2-6. The magic pens here include a patented technology that allows for unlimited drawings on the mat by using water only. On top of that, your kid will get drawing molds, drawing templates, and a drawing booklet. As a whole, this is the perfect gift for an artistic kid that loves spending its time drawing and doodling!

Who is it for?

Drawing mats are perfect for kids ages 2 to 6, and they can be used by both genders without any limitations. If you want something very specific, there are countless mats out there with gender-specific designs. This particular one has dinosaurs around its edges that will keep company to your kid while he is creating its next artwork!

What does it do?

The magic pens that come with the drawing mat need to be filled with clean water and they will start drawing on the board. Depending on the ambient temperature and the airflow in the room, the doodles will disappear in 5-10 minutes, so make sure you have that camera prepared nearby! The pens also work on all kinds of other surfaces, including tables, floors, and more. The toy allows the kid to easily develop hand-eye coordination, color perception, and improve its creative skills. All the materials used here are non-toxic and non-polluting. There is no paint and ink used.

Best for Twins – Step2 Fun With Friends Kitchen Playset

When you’re browsing for a Christmas toy for twins or siblings or close ages, there are a few presents that will really stick out and will be great options. While board games are a classic and can involve the whole family, kitchen sets are becoming more and more popular as kids love playing pretend there with each taking on a different culinary task. This Kitchen Playset with an additional Kitchen Accessories set from Step2 is the ultimate bargain for its money and comes with a ton of interesting details and items that will keep the kids busy!

Who is it for?

Due to the vast number of small parts in this set, it isn’t appropriate for kids under the age of 3. Ideally, this would fit best for kids aged 3-7.

What does it do?

This kitchen set features a full set of appliances and cutlery that will help your kids cook the most delicious meal! It has a stovetop burner with electronic sounds and lights which are activated with the frying pan that comes with the set. Additionally, there is a coffee maker, an oven, microwave, a mini-fridge, and a molded-in sink and swivel faucet. There is a ton of hanging storage that will keep their equipment neatly stored and a molded-in dish rack. Below the sink, there are two shelves that have storage boxes and a food/water bowl for the kids’ favorite pet!

As a whole, Play Kitchens improve the creativity, role play, language, social skills, and critical thinking of younger kids, and are a great gift for both twins and single kids!

How to Choose Christmas Gifts for Kids

In order to choose the perfect Christmas gift for the kids, you need to take a few things into consideration. As a rule of thumb, the parents of the kid are always your best guidance. In case you are the parent, then follow all other steps and use all of your insight knowledge to your own advantage! I’ve summarized all the important parts of a thoughtful shopping process for any kid in the following list:

Consider the age

When choosing toys, the age of the kid is going to be one of the most important factors in your final choice. Most toys will have their own advice as to which age group the toy is most appropriate for. Secondly, try using your own good judgment on the situation. For instance, 4-5 years of age is usually a good starting point for a balance bike but not all kids are ready by that age.

To learn how to deal with different age groups and what toys are the most appropriate for each one, make sure you check out my detailed article on the topic!

Take the child’s preferences into account

No matter whether is a boy or a girl, every child has its own sets of preferences that don’t always match the typical choices for their gender. Some girls love playing with RC toys and there are boys that love cooking toys and dollhouses which are traditionally better received from little girls. This is why you should try to find out whether the kid loves a particular kind of toy – superheroes, policemen, trucks, etc.

RELATED: Best Toys for 2-Year Olds – Top Gift Ideas!

Choose shareable gifts

This doesn’t necessarily mean to give the kids presents that they need to actually give to another kid to play but rather think of the board-game type of presents. Those will leave a ton of precious memories in the kid’s life and can strengthen its bond with the siblings and/or parents! These games also promote a healthy level of competitiveness that is good to be harnessed, taught, and controlled from a younger age.

Invest in a long-term toy

Any toy that can last more than a few years is substantially more valuable than another that will break in a few months or will become boring. Assuming the kid is old enough think of toys that it will use for years to come. This requires the toy to be durable and actually interesting to play with no matter how much time the kid spends with it. One very good example of that is lego sets and board-games, as well as bikes and scooters. Most electronic toys don’t tend to last as long and are often appropriate for just one age group.

Ask the parents

One of the best ways to narrow down your gift ideas is to simply ask the parents. They will be able to tell you which toys will be appropriate and what the kid’s interests are. Furthermore, they can have toy restrictions that you aren’t aware of, so asking is always a great idea!

Books are a safe bet

Whenever you are out of ideas and don’t want to leave the kid without a present from its uncle or aunt, a book is never a bad choice. Not only there are countless interesting books out there but they are all divided into different age groups by having appropriate options for kids of all ages. Getting books for presents also gives you bonus points in the eyes of the parents and is going to give the kids much-needed time off the tablets and smartphones.

Consider Safety

It goes without saying that you should be looking for toys that aren’t made out of toxic plastics or materials that pose a choking hazard to the kid. Look for plastics free of phthalates, BPAs, dyes, and toxic chemicals. If you can’t find any information about the materials used in a specific toy, make sure you contact the manufacturer.

The price is a factor

The best way to keep your budget safe is to know what you can spend on all of the presents that you are going to buy and stick with it. Toys can be deceptively expensive, and buying multiple ones for more than a few kids should be done carefully in order to not upset one or the other. That’s why deciding on a budget and separating it into equal parts is the best way to go forward.

RELATED: Best Gifts And Toys for 1-Year Old Boys

Frequently Asked Questions

Which toys will be the most popular this Christmas?

While there are some toys that are always trendy like the Lego sets and some RC buggies, each season brings its own set of top-sellers. For this year, this is undoubtedly the baby Yoda toy in all of its variations. It comes in a lot of combinations of features including singing, moving, talking, and more. This toy is closely followed by the Elsa Doll from Frozen 2 which is and will remain a top seller for at least a few more seasons!

How to check the age restrictions on a toy?

If you are shopping online, make sure you look for the age restriction sign on the toy’s box on any of the pictures. If not, look around the product description to see if it matches the age of the kid you want to give it to. If you can’t find it anywhere, make sure you contact the seller or the company that produces it just to be on the safe side of things.

When is it okay to give a bike as a present?

Kids love riding bikes and they often start learning young. This is why if your kid is 4-6 years old you should be thinking of its first bike. And what better time of the year than Christmas, right? Still, there are things that you need to be aware of when buying the bike such as size, riding comfort, safety features, and more.

How many Christmas presents should a kid get?

It is a well-known fact among kids that Santa has a strict policy of bringing three presents per kid. This is why you should always try to mimic this particular set of gifts by having one main one and two smaller ones which can also be in the form of various treats.

Final Words

Choosing the top Christmas toys for your kids, nephews, or friend’s kids is always a fun process that is greatly rewarded at the end! With the huge amount of toys out there it can often feel overwhelming, though. Hopefully, this guide was able to answer a few of your questions and show you around some of the trending toys for this season!