8 Popular Toys to Give Grandkids and Children

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Donna Fuscaldo,

AARP

En español

Published December 08, 2023

From plushies to race cars, there is a toy for everybody and every budget this holiday season. If you have grandkids or are shopping for children, experts suggest getting toys with lasting power.

“The longevity factor is important, especially for grandparents who want to give something the kids will be excited about and appease the parents,” says Charlene DeLoach, contributing editor, The Toy Insider. “Make sure you are gifting something that’s not just taking up space in the house.”

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The good news for holiday shoppers is that toys are cheaper than last year. Prices are down 3.7 percent as of October, according to the latest consumer price index.

Before you set out to shop, DeLoach says to talk to the parents about what’s needed to fill the playroom and what they don’t want. And, don’t forget your budget.

As for what’s trending this year, DeLoach says there are several categories where grandparents can delight their grandkids across all budgets. Here’s a look at eight of them.

Budget-friendly buys

1. Toy cars. This classic toy has been popular for decades, and that’s still true. What makes it so appealing is toy cars tend to fit most budgets and can yield hours of imaginative play.

But it’s not just cars. There are race tracks, toy parking garages and many other products that can make your toy-obsessed grandkid happy. It’s no wonder Hot Wheels topped the list of fast-selling toys during Cyber Monday, according to Adobe Analytics.

2. Plushies. What better way to keep you in their thoughts than with a plush animal they can cuddle up with at night? It can be comforting and entertaining, and it won’t break the bank. DeLoach pointed to Gund Sustainably Soft Plush, Emotional Support Fries and Sesame Street Elmo Slide as some of the trending plushies this year.

Most Popular

3. Fake food. The fake food and play category is big this year, with kids clamoring to get their hands on everything from kid-safe blenders to pretend mixers. This is the year it goes high-tech, with some companies integrating virtual reality into the experience.

4. Creative crafts. From designing their own fashions to coloring in a doll, creative crafts are a good choice for DIY kids. “This year it’s a mix of arts and crafts with fashion design,” says DeLoach. “There’s make-your-own pom-pom-purse, make your own pillows and even dolls.”

Pricier presents

5. Interactive pets. Yes, this classic toy is back and bigger and better. Take Furby, which is popular again this holiday season. It has gone from doing a handful of things to more than 600, including singing songs, telling jokes and responding to hugs. Another pretend pet that’s getting a lot of attention is Dog-E, says DeLoach. It’s a robotic dog the grandkids can interact with.

6. Building toys. Whether you have a granddaughter or grandson, you can’t go wrong with gifting a building toy. Available for all age groups, they are consistently popular with kids. Toddlers may appreciate soft building blocks while a LEGO or a K'NEX building system could be a hit with kids and tweens. LEGO toys were among the top-selling items during Cyber Monday, according to Adobe Analytics.

7. Video games and consoles. Game consoles and video games are always popular gifts, and that’s good news since there are many to choose from. When gifting a video game, be mindful of the rating. Some games are not appropriate for all age groups. Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch are trending game consoles. Popular games include Spider-Man 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, NBA 2k24 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, according to Adobe Analytics.

8. Outdoor toys. Anything that gets them up and moving should be the focus when selecting an outdoor gift for your grandkids, says DeLoach. A popular one is a pickleball set. “Pickleball is taking everything by storm,” says DeLoach. “There are outdoor ones, indoor ones, even a night light-up one.”

Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Investopedia and HerMoney.

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