This holiday season, what will be the toy every kid has to have? Thanks to Toy Insider, we have a pretty good idea. Every year, they release their "Hot 20," a list of the year's hottest toys, including those that are sure to sell out as the holidays approach.
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The Hot 20 sits inside The Toy Insider’s 21st annual "Holiday Gift Guide," which includes nearly 400 expertly reviewed toys from more than 190 toymakers. This year's selection will probably look familiar if you follow pop culture or, you know, talk to any kids: KPop Demon Hunters, Bluey, Pokemon, NeeDoh and more.
In this article: Mattel Kpop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi “Golden” Singing Doll, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy and Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard Cutter
And then there are the toys nobody could have seen coming, like a scary hatching shark toy, a miniature record player and other surprises. Here are the top 20 toys to watch for this holiday season, including our editors' early favorites.
Mattel Kpop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Rumi “Golden” Singing Doll
For kids who have had "Golden" on repeat all year, this movie-inspired doll sings the hit solo or alongside separately sold Mira and Zoey dolls. She's dressed in her signature performance outfit from the hit movie and has posable joints so kids can play everything from concerts to fight scenes.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy
Press the light bar and this PAW Patrol vehicle automatically inflates a 2.5-foot-tall dinosaur that goes with it. The dino then detaches as a separate toy, and the included Rocky figure can either pilot the car or ride on the dinosaur's back.
Chompshop ChompSaw Cardboard Cutter
ChompSaw lets kids cut cardboard without sharp blades or spinning parts, turning shipping boxes into forts, costumes and other creative builds. This is the must-have toy for kids who always want to help their dad in the garage — and it won Creative Toy of the Year for 2026.
Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Shark Egg Interactive Toy
This shark makes a dramatic entrance: Add water to the tank and the egg fizzes and changes color before a 16-inch Megalodon breaks out with glowing red eyes, sounds and chomping jaws. The hatching process can be reset and repeated, adding to the fun.
Play-Doh Super Sizzlin' Kitchen Playset
This realistic play kitchen reacts when Play-Doh creations are placed on the burners by making frying and boiling sounds. It also has a removable pasta maker that can create four different noodle shapes, and built-in molds for making pretend foods.
MGA's Miniverse Real Music Record Player
This miniature record player is more than just shelf decor: It actually plays tiny records loaded with 30-second song clips. The Beethoven edition includes a playable vinyl with a classical-rock remix of "Beethoven’s Fifth," plus two display-only speakers. Additional records are sold separately.
Fisher-Price Little People My Mario Adventure Play Set Toddler Toy
This play set scales Super Mario down to toddler size, with hands-on activities inspired by the video games like collecting coins, dodging Chain Chomp and powering up. It's also loaded with game-inspired music and sounds that activate during play.
Bluey Light and Surprise Heeler House
At more than 28 inches tall, this five-story Bluey house has more than 10 play areas, including Bandit’s office, a laundry room and veranda. The chimney lights up and projects stars, and the set encourages imaginative play with more than 50 sounds, phrases and songs.
Just Play furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Interactive Plush Tiger
Gabby starts out as a cub just over a foot long, and grows as kids interact with her to reach 15 inches. She comes with more than 100 sound-and-motion combinations, including roars and purrs, and responds to feeding, petting and play.
Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX
This interactive Pikachu uses hand-controlled puppeteering and touch sensors to produce more than 120 animations. Movements can trigger its mouth, blinking eyes, dual-motion ears, glowing cheeks and sounds, while touching its head, nose or tummy unlocks even more effects.
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max 18-Inch Interactive Plush Toy
This bigger-than-ever 18-inch Tickle Me Elmo responds when kids tickle his belly or feet, breaking out into giggles, phrases and movement. His arms bounce, mouth opens and closes, and body shakes as he laughs. The iconic plush toy celebrates 30 years of Tickle Me Elmo.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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