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Shopping for kids can be difficult, especially if you haven't a clue what any given age group is into these days (not to mention what's safe for them to play with). Younger children need toys that build on learning basics and strengthening motor skills, while older children need toys that are more challenging and stimulating. Either way, when shopping for gifts for kids, you want to shop for toys that encourage imaginative play and that they'll be thrilled to receive for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions.
Each year, the Good Housekeeping Institute pays close attention to the newest toys hitting the market, keeping up with the latest and best new toys of the year and testing out top-sellers to find out which toys are the best of the best for our annual kid-and pro-approved Best Toy Awards. For this perennial list of the best toys for kids of all ages, we've rounded up current and past Toy Award winners, as well as some of the hottest toys trending right now on Amazon and beyond.
Here, you'll find the best toys for every age group from toddlers to teens, plus STEM toys and board games you can play as a family. And if you're shopping last-minute for the holidays, note that you can easily find these toys on sites like Amazon and Walmart:
Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–4)
They're just starting to fine tune their likes and dislikes. These options, which are also vetted for safety, will help kids explore their interests while learning too.
Kids can use this toy to practice colors, numbers and counting. The bubbles are numbered one through ten in English, Spanish, numerals and raised dots and each bubble gives a satisfying pop when you push it in. This is a 2020 Good Housekeeping Toy Award Winner for its ability to delight.
There are three ways to make sounds with this 2020 Good Housekeeping Toy Award winner: Toddlers can bang on him with a drumstick, rattle his fins or shake up the beads in his belly.
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Ages 1+
Fisher-Price Retro Chatter Phone
Ages 1+
Fisher-Price Retro Chatter Phone
Steer him away from the cell phone and show him the kind of phone you played with as a child. The spinning rotary dial gives him the freedom to have any conversation he imagines.
When little ones make their masterpieces using this 2020 Good Housekeeping ToyAward winner, the paint and paper stay inside a protective case, so the paint doesn't get all over. Genius!
Ages 1+
Fisher-Price Disney Frozen Elsa's Ice Palace by Little People
Ages 1+
Fisher-Price Disney Frozen Elsa's Ice Palace by Little People
This interactive castle brings Elsa and Olaf to life with lights, sounds and hidden surprises to uncover. Plus it's great for kids who want to hear “Let It Go” again and again.
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You might remember this popper from your early-moving days. The pushable handle holds beginner walkers up as they gain leg strength all while making a fun Poppity-Pop sound that keeps baby engaged.
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18 Months+
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Bilingual Electronic Book
18 Months+
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Bilingual Electronic Book
Parents have always relied on 100 words books to expand their toddler's vocabulary, and this version from LeapFrog takes things to the next level. The interactive pages say the words, make sound effects and offer fun facts in both English and Spanish. You can also get these tailored to specific areas of interest, like 100 Animals Book, which was a Good Housekeeping 2020 Toy Award winner.
Ages 2+
WowWee Pinkfong Baby Shark Tablet
This kid-friendly "tablet" helps your toddler practice her ABC's and 1, 2, 3's. It offers several play modes for educational fun.
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Ages 2+
WowWee Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Cube
These soft, stackableBaby Shark toys instantly sold out after they debuted. Now they're back in stock, so get 'em while you can! They play four verses of the official tune when squeezed.
Ages 2+
Teddy Ruxpin Teddy Ruxpin
Ages 2+
Teddy Ruxpin Teddy Ruxpin
The childhood favorite is back, but now more interactive than ever with an animatronic mouth that syncs to his speech and light up LED eyes. He also can be linked to an app so that kids can read and sing along with him.
Ages 2+
Learning Resources New Sprouts Mix It! Stand Mixer Set
Ages 2+
Learning Resources New Sprouts Mix It! Stand Mixer Set
Now 21% Off
This tiny mixer was build with little hands in mind and the plastic piece won't crush his hands during play. It encourages imagination and fine motor skills as he tries to come up with new "recipes."
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Ages 2+
Radio Flyer Red Classic Tricycle
If she insists she's ready to hit the road, this tricycle is durably made from steel construction and rubber tires. The rear step makes it easy to step on and off and the adjustable seat grows as she does.
Ages 3+
Educational Insights Pete the Cat I Love My Buttons Game
Ages 3+
Educational Insights Pete the Cat I Love My Buttons Game
Now 27% Off
No reading is required for this game.Players take turns spinning the wheel and learning about shapes as they fill up their game board.
Ages 3+
hand2mind See My Feelings Mirror
Ages 3+
hand2mind See My Feelings Mirror
These toy mirrors are made from shatterproof glass to ensure safety. The kit comes with guided activities to help kids identify and understand emotions.
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Ages 3+
Mattel Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper Vehicle
Ages 3+
Mattel Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper Vehicle
This transformingcamper is all about letting Barbie recharge after a long day's work. The set includes a doll, puppy, accessories andguided meditation exercises.
Ages 3+
Terra by Battat Miniature Dinosaur Bucket
Ages 3+
Terra by Battat Miniature Dinosaur Bucket
A hot toy trend that hasn't dwindled in the past few years is dinosaurs. This little bucket comes with 24 dinosaurs and makes for easy storage or play on-the-go.
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Ages 3+
Imaginext Transforming Batmobile
At the press of a button, this Batmobile transforms from ordinary vehicle to battle mode right before his eyes. He can also use the remote control to launch projectiles during battle.
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Ages 3+
Green Toys Car Carrier Vehicle Toy Set
This truck and car set is good for both indoor and outdoor play. Plus, our lab experts love the brand's sustainable mission: Every toy is made from 100% recycled milk jugs and contains no metal axles or external coating.
Once she's finished with her creation, she can scan it into the digital Play-Doh World where it then interacts and exists with other characters.
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Marisa LaScala
Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.
Shanon Maglente
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
