Barbie wearing Keith Haring prints
Mattel's Barbie brand is now so cool that it includes dolls of David Bowie, Sally Ride, Frida Kahlo (and other queer icons) as well as a tween wearing Keith Haring prints, and a new line of gender-inclusive dolls (with clothing and hair styles they can mix and match)! The march to inclusivity in fashion also includes the Curvy Barbie Fashionistas Doll and the Made-to-Move Doll, who uses a working wheelchair (which comes with a ramp, and accommodates all body types offered including tall, curvy, and original. Take that, Bratz! (prices vary, Mattel.com)
Disney Stories for 2-Year-Olds
Disney Stories for 2-Year-Olds has 14 short stories with bright illustrations that spark the imagination. ($13, StudioFun.com)
Petness’s hemp oil dog treats
Dogs dig Pet-Ness's hemp oil dog treats, which help with inflammation, anxiety, pain relief, and more (our mascot loves Thrive baked treats). Or go fancy with Orijen's gently freeze-dried treats with all-natural ingredients--including free-range poultry and wild-caught monkfish. ($22, PetNess.com; $15+, Orijen.ca )
Giggly Goggles
Giggly Goggles are super cute neoprene mask goggles for kids of all ages, which lets them become characters like mermaid, butterflies, or underwater superheroes. ($25, DaphDaph.com)
Olli Ella’s See-Ya Suitcase
Olli Ella's See-Ya Suitcase is kid-size luggage that can be wheeled or carried, and a built-in elastic bands ensure that a favorite plush toy can come along for the ride too. ($85, US.OlliElla.com)
Osmo
Osmo recently unveiled a myriad of fun tablet-based games for ages 3 to 10 that encourage problem-solving, creativity, spelling, and math. Try the Creative Starter Kit or watch their drawings come to life with the new Super Studio Frozen 2. It's like gaming that makes them smarter. ($10 to $100, PlayOsmo.com)
The Elf Pets Arctic Fox
From the folks behind Elf on A Shelf, comes The Elf Pets Arctic Fox an adorable stuffed animal that comes with a children's book, explaining that Santa can only deliver Christmas presents in one night because the fox pauses time and protects his sleigh.
It comes with a glow-in-the-dark mini snow globe and an official adoption certificate. ($25, Shop.ElfOnTheShelf.com)
Orna-Pop! Advent Countdown
My Robotic Pet Tumbling Hedgehog may be a STEM experiment that teaches kids 7-and-above about gears, motors, sound sensors, and LEDs, but once this 172-piece robot is assembled it is simply a fun toy that responds to sounds. Clapping will have it tumbling across the floor. It can also bristle its spines, roll, spin, sleep, and play. Comes with at 36-page manual. ($40, ThamesAndKosmos.com)
My Robotic Pet Tumbling Hedgehog
My Robotic Pet Tumbling Hedgehog may be a STEM experiment that teaches kids 7-and-above about gears, motors, sound sensors, and LEDs, but once this 172-piece robot is assembled it is simply a fun toy that responds to sounds. Clapping will have it tumbling across the floor. It can also bristle its spines, roll, spin, sleep, and play. Comes with at 36-page manual. ($40, ThamesAndKosmos.com)
Magformers Amazing Police 50-Piece Set
Magformers Amazing Police 50-Piece Set is a great STEM toy for kids 3 and up. The magnetic construction makes putting the pieces together a breeze, and a follow-along booklet will help the make 50 creations or spark their imagination to build their own. Compatible with all other Magformers. ($60, Magformers.com)
Cry Babies Magic Tears Blind Bottle
With Cry Babies Magic Tears Blind Bottle they won't know which of the dozens of Cry Babies they've got until you open the cupcake shaped "bottle house." But all of the cute babies come with 8 fun accessories: a bottle, a bib, a bow, a lollipop, a pacifier, a blanket, a chair, and stickers. Feed the doll water from their bottle and press their belly to make them cry liquid tears. 3 and up. ($10, Target.com)
Hot Ice Crystals and Magic Sand
Thames & Kosmos, was founded by a science museum director dedicated to making more fun and engaging educational toys. It has racked up awards and gained a fan base of kids and parents. The company's Ooze Labs line make great stocking stuffers. Each test tube container includes a simple science experiment that create chemically fascinating and fun material. Two favorites are the award-winning Hot Ice Crystals and Magic Sand. The hydrophobic sand repels water, so it never gets wet and forms interesting edifices underwater. ($5 ThamesAndKosmos.com)
Damned If You Do . . . The Outrageous Book of Bizarre Choices
Filled with conversation starters guaranteed to get even a sullen teen talking, Damned If You Do . . . The Outrageous Book of Bizarre Choices offers dozens of "Would you rather..." questions--and interesting trivia that might change your thinking about which terrible choice to make. ($10, Workman.com)
