As experts can tell you, finding the best new toys can be every bit as fun as fiddling around with actual playthings themselves, and with so many great new options to pick from, you and your little (or not so little) ones are in for a treat. In the words of Ariel, we’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty (like Nintendo Switch and Nerf Laser Ops Pro AlphaPoint) and whozits and whatzits galore (e.g. Pomsies and Hatchimals) for you to consider. No matter who you’re shopping for, simply read on to find out more about the best toys of 2018, and the top gift-giving options for kids of all ages.
| Name | Description |
| Hatchimal Mystery | Only you can discover what’s in store with your new Hatchimal. Your mystery animal could be Pandor, Hedgyhen, or maybe even Bunwee. These furry creatures will learn your name as you raise them from babies to kids! Help them expand their wings with love and care from the second you crack your egg. |
| Fingerlings Untamed Dinosaur Raptors | These feisty finger friends will roar and chomp their way into your heart. Not as tame as their monkey and unicorn counterparts, the raptors have a wild side that you’ll discover the second they latch onto your digits. |
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo’s popular console lets you play both in front of your television set and on the go. The device is easily transportable and comes in three modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld. Users can play on their own or with a friend with the two Joy-Con controllers. Wi-Fi connectivity and over six hours of battery life make sure the good times keep rolling. Games sold separately. |
| Kinetic Sand | Enjoy all the magic of a visit to the beach without the mess — Kinetic Sand is pliable, playable, shapeable, and shareable. The best part is that there’s no messy cleanup once the fun is done. Always moist and without a greasy texture, Kinetic Sand encourages kids to shape and mold while also providing a sensory experience they’ll enjoy. |
| Boxer – Interactive A.I. Robot Toy | Boxer is no regular robot — he’s a robot with personality. Zoom him around the room with the remote control or connect with the app to control him from your phone. He has 10 card games to share with you and many ways to interact. |
| The Kano ‘Harry Potter Wand’ Coding Kit | This creative kit blends the science of coding with the magic of Harry Potter to bring you an experience that you design. Cast spells through interactive challenges and learn to code in the process via a tablet or computer. |
| L.O.L. Surprise! Bigger Surprise! | Fans will find over 60 surprises waiting in the new set, including exclusive dolls and accessories. If you haven’t already checked out the L.O.L. Surprise! House (which features over 85 surprises to unbox), add that to your list as well. |
| Nerf Laser Ops Pro AlphaPoint | You can elevate your Nerf experience by syncing your Ops Pro AlphaPoint to a partner app. Customize your battle and track your progress through your smartphone to emerge the victor. Ops Pro also comes with an armband for your smartphone so you can stay on top. |
| Pomsies Interactive Pom Pom | These precious, furry friends’ eyes change color depending on what they want and make over 50 sounds when it’s time to emote. They fit in the palm of your hand, but the twistable tail lets you attach them to your wrist or backpack so that they can travel anywhere you go. |
| Sesame Street – Let’s Dance Elmo | Perfect for the Sesame Street fan who likes to move and groove, Let’s Dance Elmo offers three musical modes. Your little one can learn about animals and colors through Elmo’s groovy tunes. He even changes color to match the song! |
CHEAT SHEET
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Assistant Editor Ciara is a DC native and East Coast roamer with degrees in both English Professional Writing and Drama & Theatre Studies from Elon University. She's written for a variety of publications including Highway 64, Travel Writing at Elon, and Odyssey. More of her work can be found at ciaracorcoran.com.
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