Holiday Must-See: Top 10 Toys Revealed

Not to brag or anything, but I’m kind of a gift-giving connoisseur. Most years, I start early and painstakingly make and track down thoughtful gifts for everyone on my list (I’m already behind this year but I digress…). In fact, I get more joy out of watching my friends and family open gifts I’ve selected for them than opening any myself.

That’s why I love creating gift guides. It’s so fun to get a sneak peek at the most sought-after toys, books, games and more, and then pull them all into the most festive roundup of the year. It feels a bit like extending my gift-giving aptitude to our readers, and in short, we do the research so you don’t have to.

So, without further ado—because I know time is a commodity this time of year—here are our favourite picks for the season. Consider it your head start on happy gifting.

Katie
Editor, ParentsCanada

Disney Frozen Toniebox 2 Starter Set 

This bilingual Starter Set (English/French) includes the Sky Blue Toniebox 2 and Elsa Tonie. Kids ages 1 to 9+ enjoy screen-free stories, songs and games, plus new Tonieplay adventures, a Sunrise Alarm and a Sleep Timer, all designed to inspire imagination, independence and joyful playtime every day.

WHY WE LOVE IT

If you haven’t been introduced to the Toniebox yet, you’re welcome. We love that this audio-player is screen-free, to encourage pretend play and provide parents with a much-needed break without the worry of too much screen time.

Price: $169.98

Owlkids Magazine

Owlkids publishes three trusted Canadian magazines: Chirp (ages 3 to 6), Chickadee (ages 6 to 9) and OWL (ages 9 to 13). Parents and educators love their mix of stories, science and puzzles that spark curiosity and confidence. Engaging and age-tailored, Owlkids magazines make a meaningful gift that lasts long after the holidays.

WHY WE LOVE IT

You no doubt remember these magazines from you were a kid—they’re downright iconic in Canada. The trio of publications include so many opportunities to learn and explore all year long (and kids love getting snail mail!). Plus special pricing:

Price: $29.95 (value $35.95)

Hot Wheels® Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter™

This hauler features a detachable dragon that eats toy vehicles! Knock out cars with the fire-breathing dragon, unlock the smaller dragon and transform it into a racetrack! Its wings move and emulate a real dragon that eats cars. Release vehicles into launchers where they take off! Includes two 1:64 scale cars.

WHY WE LOVE IT

A mashup of cars and dragons? Sign us up. The transforming toy delivers thrilling movement and imaginative play as kids launch cars, knock out obstacles and race through nonstop action.

Price: $69.99

Barbie® Tim Hortons® X PWHL™ Doll and Accessories

Barbie® Tim Hortons® PWHL™ doll encourages young girls to explore, try new things and see limitless possibilities—including becoming a hockey player! The doll comes with her own helmet, a pink, purple and teal Tim Hortons® PWHL™ hockey jersey, hockey pants, stick and skates.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This hockey-inspired Barbie encourages girls to dream big and see themselves reflected in a sport they love. We especially love that she comes with all her own gear so she can suit up when your kids do.

Price: $34.99

10” Squishmallows Care Bears HugMees

Squad up with Squishmallows! This ultra-huggable HugMees plush is made with ultrasoft material and always ready for a hug. Squishmallows HugMees are lovable, squeezable and make the perfect cuddle buddy for long flights, late nights—even adventures in Care-a-Lot! Officially licensed by Cloudco Entertainment and only by Original Squishmallows. 

WHY WE LOVE IT

It’s a Care Bear for the next generation. Made with the softest fabric and providing big-time huggability, these plushies are perfect cuddle buddies at home or on the go.

Price: $19.99

Nintendo Switch 2

The next evolution of Nintendo Switch systems, the Nintendo Switch 2 is here! With powerful processing speeds and a bigger, brighter screen, players can enjoy enhanced visuals, either with some of the new Nintendo Switch 2 games or compatible games from their existing Nintendo Switch libraries.

WHY WE LOVE IT

It’s Nintendo. Is that explanation enough? Okay, fine, we’ll elaborate. The upgraded processing power and brighter screen make every game more immersive while still supporting the games kids already have at home.

Price: $629.99

MAGNA-TILES® Rail Racers Deluxe 90-Piece

The MAGNA-TILES® Rail Racers Deluxe Set brings motion to magnetic building with tracks, ramps and race cars kids can engineer themselves. This 90-piece kit boosts spatial reasoning, problem-solving and STEM discovery through hands-on play. Children can design dynamic courses, build towering structures and race their creations for endless, imagination-fuelled fun.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Every kid seems to go through a Magna-Tiles stage (and for good reason—they’re awesome). This set combines magnetic building with motion so kids can design tracks, build structures and experiment with problem-solving through hands-on STEM play.

Price: $129.99

Coco Village Wooden Beauty Station

This glamorous playset lets your little stylist pretend to be a real beautician. They can brush, style hair, pretend shave, and create fabulous looks, just like in a professional salon!

WHY WE LOVE IT

Little stylists can brush, style and experiment with hair using realistic tools like a hairdryer, comb and mini straightener. It’s a fun, hands-on way to encourage pretend-play while building fine motor skills and confidence.

Price: $59.99

AIR TOOBZ

Air Toobz turns air flow into endless fascination with tubes that twist, curve and connect for high-energy STEM play. Kids experiment with cause-and-effect as lightweight balls whoosh through custom paths. It’s an exciting way to spark curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity—perfect for families who love hands-on discovery and open-ended exploration.

WHY WE LOVE IT

This is the perfect gift for science-loving kiddos. Your future physicists, architects, urban planners, etc. will be endlessly entertained as lightweight balls whoosh through custom tube paths, making STEM concepts feel exciting and intuitive.

Price: $199.99

Fisher-Price Little People Wildlife Train & Trek Toddler Gift Set

“R” EXCLUSIVE! Interactive Adventure for Animal Fans! Play-all-day preschoolers will go wild for this irresistible safari set! Includes a train with two detachable cars, pickup truck, two figures and four animals. Littles can explore hands-on fun with interactive habitat elements and enjoy music, animal sounds and more. Suitable for kids 12m+.

WHY WE LOVE IT

Little People are so classic, they’re actually in the Toy Hall of Fame! (Yes, that’s really a thing.) This interactive safari-themed set lets little ones enjoy music, animal sounds and hands-on exploration with vehicles, figures and habitats they can play with all day.

Price: $79.99