Toy and game companies are aiming at holiday wish lists with a broad lineup that ranges from sensory play and modular dollhouses to collectibles, tech-enabled plush, and familiar entertainment franchises. The picks were submitted by the companies, which were invited to highlight holiday drivers for retailers this season.
Several entries lean on hands-on, repeatable play. Goliath’s Chester is a butt-shaped character that wiggles and makes silly sounds when squeezed, and dances when its head is pressed ($29.99, ages 8+). Mattel’s customizable dollhouse includes nine indoor and outdoor play areas, two pools, two slides, more than 65 accessories, and a modular design that can form one large house or two connected houses ($214.99, ages 3+). Fat Brain Toys offers adjustable airflow that sends foam balls through tube builds ($129.95).
Collectibles and franchise tie-ins fill out the list. MGA Entertainment’s mini dolls, inspired by music genres, arrive in pink disco balls with spinning record players ($11.99, ages 4+). The Pokémon Co. International marks 30 years of Pokémon with an Elite Trainer Box that introduces a Futuristic Rare card rarity, all-foil cards, and the return of 30 classic Pokémon ($49.99, ages 6+). An interactive Pikachu plush from Wow! Stuff combines more than 100 action and sound combinations with touch sensors, blinking eyes, and mouth movement ($79.99).
Larger play experiences include a 56-piece BRIO World Space Deluxe Train Set from Ravensburger North America, with a multilevel layout, tunnels, a space station, a rover, and a shuttle with lights and sounds ($279.99). Spin Master’s Rocky recycling truck hides a 2-foot inflatable dinosaur that pops out when kids press the light bar ($64.99). Just Play’s 18-inch Tiggle Me Elmo Giggle Max adds full-body movement and laughter for ages 18 months and up ($39.97).
The roundup also spans travel-friendly building sets, blind-box collectibles, keyring arcade games, card games, and craft kits, showing how toy makers are spreading their holiday bets across price points and play styles.