On the hunt for cool toys for boys and girls? It can be hard
to find the perfect gift that's not only cute and unique, but will also provide
hours of entertainment and fun. Let's face it: It's tricky to stay on top of
which toys kids are currently obsessing over. But after much research, CNET has
determined which toys and gifts will be flying off the store shelves in 2020.
These top toys will be sure to impress kids in every age group, from toddlers
to tweens.
Interactive animals, action figures, superheroes and the
indelible madness that is a slime kit are still in demand this year, and LOL
Surprise dolls and iconic brands like Playmobil and Lego remain top picks for
cool toys. Fun, new tech toys like Osmo, Lumies and #Snapstar are must-haves
for lots of kids. Star Wars is always a force to be reckoned with. And if it's
action and adventure they're after, we have the latest scooter and some retro
roller skates to choose from.
Whether you're shopping for a birthday or for another
special occasion, check out our list of the most popular and best toys to buy
in 2020, and let us help you find the perfect gift for that special kiddo in
your life. We have lots of great ideas and deals for you!
For LOL lovers
LOL Surprise! Amazing Surprise
Amazon
If you've got a little one who loves unboxing toys and
collecting little LOL Surprise dolls (which were the biggest toys of 2017),
this is the ultimate treasure chest for them. The Amazing Surprise is a huge
box that includes 14 exclusive dolls and over 70 unboxing surprises. Among the
bounty are two fashion store play sets, two OMG fashion dolls, three LOL
Surprise dolls, three boys, four pets and two Lils dolls. Plus all the teeny
tiny accessories and clothes needed to annoy parents for the rest of the year.
But it's almost certainly worth it for an unboxing of Surprise toys this
massive. Best for ages 6 to 10.
$119 AT WALMART
For Batman fans
Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Batmobile R/C
Amazon
This toy is on the pricier side, but it'll knock the socks
off your little Caped Crusader. The Transforming Batmobile goes from car to
upright "Battle Mode" with the touch of a button and the remote
control also drives the vehicle (it even spins!). The clincher? There's a
projectile launcher.
$59 AT WALMART
For the snow queen
Playmobil Crystal Palace
Walmart
Frozen 2 has reinvigorated a love for all things snow queen!
Which means this amazing Playmobil Crystal Palace is a surefire win. The royal
family included in this set lives in a glittery, "gem"-filled palace
that includes a cave with working lights (AAA batteries required). They even
have interchangeable outfits, which change depending on the temperature. We
love the detail in Playmobil sets, and this one is truly something special.
Best for ages 4 to 10.
$87 AT WALMART
For the little zookeeper
Spin Master Wildluvs Juno My Baby Elephant
Amazon
Juno My Baby Elephant is pure fun. Best for ages 3 and up,
this interactive toy can respond to kids with sound and movement, and learn
tricks like "eating" and throwing her peanut. This fun toy for girls
or boys also plays with a little mouse friend (included). Batteries not
included.
$68 AT WALMART
For Mighty Pup fans
Paw Patrol Mighty Jet Command Center
Walmart
A transforming jet for superhero dogs? Yes please! Add this
one to your toy list. Four-year-olds will love the coolest new "Paw
Patrol" vehicle. The animated series now has Mighty Pups, wherein the
beloved doggies have super powers. The Jet Command Center has all the high-end
features (working lights! A launcher!), and comes with a mini jet and a Ryder
figure, which shoot out of the Mighty Jet for maximum action.
$35 AT WALMART
For trendy techies
Skyrocket Pomsies Lumies
Amazon
Any color this little odd-looking stuffed animal touches, it
can mimic by glowing. Lumies also react to colors using over 100 different
sounds and phrases, and they can create different kinds of music as a response
to, say, a green rug or purple bedspread (as if your child isn't taking this to
bed with her). Use the styling tool to create fabulously colorful hairdos to go
with the sparkly unicorn horn on this plush toy.
$15 AT AMAZON
For awesome astronauts
Lego Mars Research Shuttle
Walmart
Legos are perfect for encouraging pretend play and fine
motor skills. And the new Lego space shuttle building kit is one of the coolest
toys around. Space-loving kids can build a research shuttle and a Mars rover.
Solar panels? Check. Heli drone? It's here too. Grappling arm to retrieve
geodes? Obviously. The set also includes two astronaut minifigures who will
boldly complete your kid's mini missions to space.
$32 AT WALMART
For baby doll babes
Cry Babies Kristal Interactive Baby Doll
Amazon
A Cry Babies Interactive Baby Doll is the ultimate
interactive toy, and she's pretty popular thanks to her big eyes and adorable
outfits. When you take Kristal's pacifier out of her mouth, she starts making
real baby sounds, but sometimes she can get "sick." Kiddos can help
her feel better by giving her "medicine" and lots of cuddles! The
doll cries watery tears and her skin glows red. Use the glowing thermometer to
measure Kristal's fever. Additional accessories include a syringe, which you
can use to care for this doll until she's all better. AA batteries are
included. Best for ages 3 and up.
$50 AT TARGET
For gamers
Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite
Sarah Tew/CNET
This uber-popular game system from Nintendo is the
fastest-selling home console in history. It's easy to see why: The Switch is
both a home system and a handheld unit. There's a dock that connects to your TV
at home, allowing for multiplayer gaming. Then you can take the tablet out of
the dock and on the go! You can even share the controller and flip the stand to
play with others while out and about. So much versatility in one unit. And fans
will want to check out the Switch Lite, the smaller and more affordable ($199)
handheld version that drops the TV-out support. Read our Nintendo Switch
review.
$299 AT WALMART
$298 AT AMAZON
$300 AT BEST BUY
For little foodies
Little Tikes Tasty Jr. Bake 'n Share Kitchen
Amazon
The coolest thing about Little Tikes' new kitchen is that it
grows with your toddler. This collaboration with Tasty (the creators of
yummy-looking recipe videos) starts out wide and low, but as your little one
gets older, you can make the countertop higher. Other cool features include a
phone holder so your budding Insta chefs can snap their creations (or watch
cooking videos).
$58 AT AMAZON
For dragon trainers
Spin Master How to Train Your Dragon Hatching Toothless
Amazon
This interactive baby dragon from the makers of Hatchimals
is a must for fans of the Dreamworks animated franchise How to Train Your
Dragon. Baby Toothless is ready to make his debut right out of the box, as
batteries are included. Kids will love watching their tiny Toothless poke his
way out of the egg. And once he's out, the fun continues with
"training." When he's tired out, put the little guy back into his egg
base.
$49 AT WALMART
For mini fashionistas
Yulu #SNAPSTAR Pop Royalty: Echo's Debut on the Pink Carpet
Target
Barbie and Cabbage Patch are so last century. Glamour gals
will covet this red carpet setup for the #Snapstar doll Echo. The play set
includes everything needed to make Echo's red carpet debut a snap. After her
entrance, use the green screen and the free #Snapstar Studio app to create cool
images. Best for ages 4 and up.
$20 AT TARGET
For speedy scooters
Razor Power A2 Electric Scooter
Amazon
This electric scooter is pricey, but it's also pretty rad,
making it a top pick. The Razer Power A2 has an electric motor that kicks in
once you start scooting -- kids can get up to 10 mph on this bad boy. And with
a weight limit of 143 pounds, some adults can take it for a spin too. The
lightweight scooter can fold up for easy transport, and acceleration happens
with the push of a button; the throttle control is right there on the
(adjustable) handle bar. Charge it up and your child can use the motor for up
to 40 minutes before it needs a recharge. This is one seriously fun gift.
$162 AT AMAZON
For Hatchimals collectors
Hatchimals Mega Secret Surprise Egg
Amazon
Kids who collect tiny Hatchimals figurines will go nuts for
this Mega Secret Surprise Egg. For good reason: There are more than 40
surprises inside this 9-inch purple egg, including 10 CollEGGtibles characters
and a Pixie doll. Other fun treasures include lip gloss and stickers. The
mystery is so enticing! Ideal for ages 5 to 7.
$34 AT WALMART
For silly littles
Playskool Mr. Potato Head Movin' Lips
Walmart
A classic with a tech twist, the new Movin' Lips version of
Mr. Potato Head will inspire giggles in kids ages 3 and up. Use more than 10
pieces to put your toy together, then watch Mr. Potato Head sing over 40
phrases and songs. Then of course, you can rearrange his face and do it again.
We have to admit, he's pretty entertaining!
$19 AT WALMART
For American Girl aficionados
American Girl Joss Kendrick, 2020 Girl of the Year
American Girl
American Girl's 2020 Girl of the Year is Joss Kendrick, an
intrepid surfer girl who's not afraid of new challenges. Kids can read all
about this new character's life in her first book (included with the doll).
Best for ages 8 and up, the 18-inch doll has a soft cloth body and movable
vinyl limbs. She comes with a zip-up hoodie, a pink swimsuit, a carrying case
for her hearing aid, and more. Joss makes a great addition to any AG fan's
collection. These are special (if pricey) dolls.
$98 AT AMERICAN GIRL
For screen smarties
Osmo Genius Starter Kit
Amazon
Educational toys are the best toys. This cool new tech toy
turns your iPad into a learning game for kids. They can manipulate the play
pieces in problem-solving skills and games, making screen time educational. We
love that Wi-Fi isn't necessary to play, and you can track your children's
progress through an app. There's an Amazon Fire version available as well. Osmo
is something parents and kids will both love.
$84 AT AMAZON
Read more: Find the best board game in 2020
For Play-Doh creators
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Popcorn Party Play Food Set
Amazon
This is one of the best toys for girls and boys who love
smashing things up in the kitchen. Treat those soon-to-be chefs to the new
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Popcorn Party set. Kids ages 3 and up can crank out
squishy popcorn and fill the included buckets during playtime. Plus there are
molds for making candy and cookie treats. Six cans of Play-Doh are included,
plus the "popper" and lots of accessories.
$8 AT AMAZON
For Beyblade battlers
Hasbro Beyblade Burst Turbo Championship Clash Battle Set
Target
Fans are saying this is Hasbro's best Beyblade set ever,
thanks to cool new designs. And your kid is likely to agree! If you haven't
seen Beyblades, they're futuristic-looking spinning top toys that
"battle" each other. The new Beyblade Burst Turbo set features a new
battleground (ahem, "Beystadium") and six coveted tops, plus two
launchers. For added virtual fun, you can scan the tops with the game's app and
challenge friends online. There's even a bracket notepad included for battling
pals in real life.
$80 AT TARGET
For super skaters
Circle Society JoJo Siwa Roller Skates
Amazon
Roller skates are in again! Circle Society makes the coolest
skate styles, and they've got two new pairs from YouTube pop star JoJo Siwa,
including this neon dream. We love that these skates can adjust from sizes 12
to 3, making them a good pick and a solid investment that'll last for years.
Just push a button to adjust the sizing. Circle Society skates are durable and
can be used indoors or out.
$60 AT AMAZON
For unboxing fans
Just Play Ryan's World Super Surprise Safe
Walmart
YouTube star Ryan of Ryan's World doesn't just have a ton of
followers, he also has his own toy line. The Super Surprise Safe includes over
30 little trinkets that kids can unbox. Use the key to open the safe and then
smash, decode, push and open to get to the treasure (spoiler alert: it's
figurines, stickers and slime). Perfect for developing motor skills and hand
eye coordination. Best for ages 3 and up.
$40 AT WALMART
For dollhouse divas
KidKraft City Life Bianca Dollhouse
Walmart
Kids will love the modern design of the Bianca high-rise
dollhouse. KidKraft's latest dollhouse has four stories, but a small footprint,
making it a great space-saver. We love that dolls can take the elevator to the
bottom floor to check out urban amenities like a coffee shop and yoga studio.
Twenty-six accessories are included, and this dollhouse is best for ages 3 and
up.
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