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Plus editor’s picks from each brand
By Brianna Lapolla
•
Published Oct 17, 2023
Holiday traditions may grow and evolve over the years, but one thing remains the same: top toy brands always grace every kid’s wish list. This year, it’s all about imaginative play, getting active, and bringing their favorite movies, TV shows and video games to real life. Which means less screen time (praise be) and more creativity.
From Barbie and PAW Patrol to CoComelon, Bluey and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Walmart is a go-to destination for the best toy brands of the year. Now that you know, do yourself a favor and get a jumpstart on that holiday shopping list. Here are the top brands in order of age-range, plus our favorite gift picks from each.
Best for Ages 18+
CoComelon
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: CoComelon Choo Choo Train Ride On Toy
Polar Express, but make it CoComelon. Kids up to 44 lbs can ride this train from room to room with their books, toys and snacks in tow. It includes a train engine, two cars, a train whistle and a working projector with eight Cocomelon scenes and two songs: “Train Time” and “All Aboard.” Little ones will have no problem starting the engine with its easy push-button drive system that’s both safe and fun thanks to a top speed of 1.5 mph. Charging the 6-volt battery couldn’t be easier—just plug it into the included wall charger to keep the fun going.
Best for Ages 2+
Sesame Street
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: Sesame Street Elmo Slide Plush
It’s time to get moving. The Elmo Slide Plush toy encourages dancing, singing and silliness with two different modes and languages (Spanish and English). Squeeze his left hand to activate the catchy “Elmo Slide” song—he’ll sway, flap his arms and glide side to side while littles two-and-up join in the fun. Squeeze his right hand to play a game of “Elmo Says,” and let kids follow his directions like “Elmo says, lift your arms up!” encouraging them to get up and get active.
Best for Ages 3+
Paw Patrol
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, 6-Piece Toy Figure Pack
When they've watched the PAW Patrol movie a million and one times, let them create new missions with this collectible figure gift pack. It includes Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Skye action figures with realistic fur details and uniforms, making them look like they flew off the screen and into real life. Kids can use their imaginations to re-create their favorite scenes from the movie or make up entirely new ones to explore their imagination and develop fine motor skills along the way.
Best for Ages 3+
Bluey
Bluey
- Editor’s Pick: Bluey Beach Cabin Playset
Let your kids’ imaginations jet off on a beach vacation with this Bluey Beach Cabin Playset. Including a two-inch Bluey figurine and everything she needs to have the best trip ever, kids will love creating their own storylines with the 10 play pieces like a surfboard, sand castle, BBQ and floatie. Standing at 10 inches, the cabin features plenty of space for imaginative play—including its own beach for Bluey to swim in and beach-themed stickers to customize the cabin just how they like.
Best for Ages 3+
Barbie
Walmart
Out of all the magic in the Barbie movie, the life-size dreamhouses were some of the most enchanting. Now, your mini can play out their new favorite movie with this 75-piece Barbie Dreamhouse, complete with a pool and three-story spiral slide. Invite all the Barbies over to play in its 10 indoor/outdoor living areas, which even include a pool and slide for puppy friends. Don't want the play to end? The top floor transforms into a sleepover space for up to four Barbies. Girls' night just got even better.
Best for Ages 3+
Melissa & Doug
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Play Food Set
Rolling snickerdoodles in cinnamon sugar. Pulling out the holiday cookie cutters. Decorating with gobs of icing. Holiday baking is fast approaching, and this Melissa & Doug wooden play set brings all the joy without the daily sugar overload. Colorful, wooden cookies can be cut, baked and decorated with the included cookie toppings and kitchen tools. Your little will practice fine motor skills and let their imagination run wild by doing everything you do in the kitchen—from placing cookies on the baking sheet to removing them from the “oven” with the mitt and spatula to decorating each with the self-stick frosting and sprinkles.
Best for Ages 4+
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Walmart
Super Fly and his minions of baddies don’t stand a chance against the Turtles’ Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van. The van opens from the front and the back to easily fit all four Turtles and Splinter. Press the pizza slice on top to swing the slider door open. Press it again and the pizza launcher slides out the side. Choose a Turtle for the hot seat and press the button to eject up to eight pizzas from the adjustable, motorized launcher.
Best for Ages 6+
LEGO
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: LEGO City Combo Race Pack
Take the LEGO 2KDRIVE video game off the screen and into your kids' reality with the LEGO City Combo Race Pack. The set includes a red sports car, yellow SUV and blue speedboat (just like the game), plus interchangeable front and rear modules for mixing and matching to their hearts' desires. Using the easy-to-follow printed building guide and instructions in the LEGO Builder app, littles will have fun creating their racing companions, playing out hands-on 2KDRIVE action and staging races to stimulate their imaginations in a fun, interactive way.
Best for Ages 8+
Miniverse
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: Miniverse Make It Mini Food Diner Series 2 Mini Collectibles
Nothing will delight your little artist quite like MGA’s Miniverse, Make It Mini Food. Combining crafts with playtime, it allows kids to prep, set and play with their creations for months to come. Each ball is a surprise and includes realistic mini “ingredients” and kitchen accessories to make their own pint-sized replicas of snacks and desserts. Here’s how it works: Follow the recipe card to prep the mini, then set the replica in any UV light to harden the resin; once it's set—voila!—their collectible is ready to display. Looks like they’ll be adding a Make It Mini Food collectible to every gift list from here on out.
Best for Ages 8+
Razor
Walmart
- Editor’s Pick: Razor Carbon Lux Kick Scooter
Whether they’re a city kid in search of a more exciting school commute or a suburban kid looking for some weekend wheels, Razor has always been at the top of the list. The brand’s Carbon Lux Kick Scooter is designed with a textured anti-slip deck and an adjustable handlebar with soft hand grips to grow with riders. The 8-inch, spoked wheels not only look cool but also provide a smooth and steady ride, no matter where the kids’ adventures take it. A convenient foldable design allows for easy storage or carrying, making it a smart choice for parents, too.
Brianna Lapolla
Writer
Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of...
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