You never know when you'll need to quickly pick up a toy to bring to a birthday or holiday gathering [1], and if you're not well versed on the trends, you might end up buying something that's lost its steam. We've gone ahead and rounded up the best activity blocks, coding kits, and some of the obvious pack leaders so that you have something to refer to the next time you need to grab a present. Be sure to keep this list handy at all times!
LeapFrog Scribble and Write
Learning to write your letters and numbers is a lot more fun with LeapFrog's Scribble and Write [2] ($20).
Electro Dough Plus
The Electro Dough Plus [3] ($35) comes with six pots of conductive dough and everything your little one needs to make fun shapes and even simple circuits.
Woody Shufflerz Walking Figure
Woody Shufflerz Walking Figure [4] ($13) is going to a big hit.
Air Hogs Supernova
Your kid will learn how to control things with the Air Hogs Supernova [5] ($37).
Disney Doorables Mega Stack Playset
This Disney Doorables Mega Stack Playset [6] ($30) has three different sets to mix, match, and stack, and includes three exclusive mini collectible Disney figures.
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic Sand [7] ($13) will keep your toddler busy for countless hours, and unlike playing in actual sand, there's hardly any cleanup.
Fisher-Price Dance & Groove Rockit
Your baby is going to have a blast with this Fisher-Price Dance & Groove Rockit [8] ($40), which interacts with baby as they grow and develop new skills.
Minecraft Grass Activity Block
This Minecraft Grass Activity Block [9] ($6) offers six activities to help kids calm down and focus.
Osmo Genius Kit
The Osmo Genius Kit [10] ($100) contains five award-winning games that transform your kids' iPad into a hands-on learning tool.
Fisher-Price Smart Scan Word Dash
As a part of Fisher-Price's new Think & Learn line, the Smart Scan Word Dash [11] ($17, originally 24) teaches tots early literacy skills and helps tots connect animals and their habitats.
Pinkfong Baby Shark Official Dancing Doll — Baby Shark
Pinkfong Baby Shark Official Dancing Doll — Baby Shark [12] ($30) will take over your home.
Ozobot Bit Coding Robot
Ozobot Bit Coding Robot [13] ($47, originally $60) is a pocket-size, basic bot for building early STEAM skills in kids as early as age 6.
Spell Educational Toy Set by Coerni
Your little ones will become grammar stars with this Spell Educational Toy Set by Coerni [14] ($10).
Hatchimals Mystery
Hatch one of four mystery interactive creatures with a Hatchimals Mystery [15] ($60) egg.
Lego Boost Creative Toolbox
With the Lego Boost Creative Toolbox [16] ($160), your child can build, code, and play in numerous ways.
L.O.L. Surprise! Biggie Pet Dollmation
There are over 15 surprises in this L.O.L. Surprise! Biggie Pet Dollmation [17] ($35)!
L.O.L. Surprise! Bigger Surprise!
This L.O.L. Surprise! Bigger Surprise! [18] ($90) has over 60 surprises.
Little Live Scruff-A-Luvs
Little Live Scruff-A-Luvs [19] ($20) arrive as a sad ball of matted fur, but once your child bathes them, dries them, brushes them, and loves them, they will discover what kind of pet they really are.
IQ Twist
Don't limit educational toys to the house. This on-the-go IQ Twist Game [20] ($9, originally $12) gets kids thinking with 100 solvable brain-teasers.
Mega Construx Pokemon Scyther
The Mega Construx Pokemon Scyther [21] ($20) is suitable for children age 3 and older.
M.A.X. Robotic Interactive Toy With Artificial Intelligence
M.A.X., Meccano's Robotic Interactive Toy With Artificial Intelligence [22] ($67, originally $150) gives younger kids insight into the worlds of engineering and robotics with this adorable little robot who learns through AI, but can also be programmed by your child (hello, coding skills!).
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 Smart Car
Picture your little one scooting around in this popular Fisher Price Laugh & Learn 3-in-1 Smart Car [23] ($50).
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Rocktopus
With the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Rocktopus [24] ($56) your toddler can learn basic coding through Rocktopus's three modes of play.
Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Vet Play Pet Set
This 24-piece Melissa & Doug Examine and Treat Vet Play Pet Set [25] ($21, originally $30) allows your child to become a vet for the family pet and their stuffed animals right in their own living room.
Moj Moj Claw Machine Playset
The Moj Moj Claw Machine Playset [26] ($50) is almost as fun as the ones you've played at arcades.
L.O.L. Surprise! Pets Series
Each of these L.O.L. Surprise! Pets Series [27] ($20) has seven layers of surprises!
New Bright RC 1:10 Scale 4x4 Radio Control Trailbuster
Your kid will spend countless hours playing with this New Bright RC 1:10 Scale 4x4 Radio Control Trailbuster [28] ($50).
Hairdorables Collectible Dolls
This Hairdorables Collectible Dolls [29] ($10) will be a popular purchase.
Twisty Petz
These bejeweled Twisty Petz [30] ($10) turn into bracelets!
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
The Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog [31] ($15) is an educational toy for babies 18 months and older.
Polly Pocket Transformation Playset
Feeling nostalgic? This Polly Pocket Transformation Playset [32] ($40) allows your kids to play with Polly just like you did.
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit
The Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit [33] ($22, originally $35) gives curious children hands-on experience working with electrical circuits.
Zoom Tubes Car Trax
Racing cars just got way more fun with Zoom Tubes Car Trax [34] ($30).
Fortnite Llama Nerf MicroShots Dart-Firing Blaster
Fortnite Llama Nerf MicroShots Dart-Firing Blaster [35] ($10)
Glowing Bath Time Pals
Why yes, these out-of-the-box Glowing Bath Time Pals [36] ($20) will make getting your little one into the tub a breeze.
L.O.L. Surprise! House
After your child opens up all the surprises in their L.O.L. toys, they can engage in imaginative play with this L.O.L. Surprise! House [37] ($200).
Imaginext Jurassic World Jurassic Rex
Fans of the film will love playing with the Imaginext Jurassic World Jurassic Rex [38] ($99).
Nerf Laser Ops Pro AlphaPoint
The Nerf Laser Ops Pro AlphaPoint [39] ($40) is a two-pack, which is perfect for siblings or kiddos who have friends over often.
Tenergy Dynamo Lantern Educational STEM Building Toy
Kids can learn how electricity works with this Tenergy Dynamo Lantern Educational STEM Building Toy [40] ($15). The clear tool is powered by hand-cranking it so they can see the process working.
Magic Pad
The Magic Pad [41] ($20) is tons of fun.
Pomsies Patches Plush Interactive Toy
Pomsies Patches Plush Interactive Toy [42] ($15) will tell your child when they feel tired, cold, or hungry with adorable light-up eyes, purring, and cute sounds.
The Incredibles 2 5-Pack Junior Supers Action Figures
Your kid can act out their favourite scenes from Incredibles 2 with these Junior Supers Action Figures [43] ($15).
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Diggity Dance and Play
Hot dog! Your kids will love dancing with this Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Diggity Dance and Play [44] ($40).
Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set
The Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set [45] ($49) puts kids' skills to the test with three crash zones and boosted crashing and smashing.
LittleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
This 18-piece LittleBits Avengers Hero Inventor Kit [46] ($150) lets your kid flex their STEAM muscles.
The Moodsters Feelings Flashlight and Storybook
The Moodsters Feelings Flashlight and Storybook [47] ($8) helps children navigate their feelings and learn how to express themselves.
Fingerlings Untamed
These dino Fingerlings Untamed [48] ($40) come with a jailbreak play set.
Oball
The Oball [49] ($13) is a fun walker toy that helps littles learn how to walk.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
Your little one can serve up cones with this Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter [50] ($40, originally $50).
Pomsies Patches Plush Interactive Toy
Pomsies Patches Plush Interactive Toy [51] ($15) will tell your child when they feel tired, cold, or hungry with adorable light-up eyes, purring, and cute sounds.
Treasure X Legends of Treasure Set
There's real gold-dipped treasure inside the Treasure X Legends of Treasure Set [52] ($30)!
L.O.L. Surprise! Glam Glitter Series Doll
The L.O.L. Surprise! Glam Glitter Series Doll [53] ($25) includes seven surprises: a secret message sticker, collectible stickers, a water bottle, shoes, an outfit, a fashion accessory, and an L.O.L. Surprise! glam glitter doll.
Personalized 80-Piece Art Set
Customize thus Personalized 80-Piece Art Set [54] ($35).
LeapFrog LeapTV
The LeapFrog LeapTV [55] ($142) is a video gaming system specifically designed for kids ages 3 to 8 years old that fuses educational concepts with familiar characters and active play.
The Amazing Smart Cube
The Amazing Smart Cube [56] ($8) is a great introduction to problem-solving.
Magna-Qubix Magnetic 3D Building Shapes
From the makers of Magna-Tiles, these Magna-Qubix Magnetic 3D Building Shapes [57] ($30) are STEM-approved.
Little People Take Turns Skyway
The Little People Take Turns Skyway [58] ($40) stands over three feet tall.
Puzzle Cubes
These Puzzle Cubes [59] ($20) have four sides of illustrations.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Hyperdrive BB-8
The Star Wars: The Last Jedi Hyperdrive BB-8 [60] ($100) will be so much fun to play with.
The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game
Get ready for some laughs when you play The Original Tiny Hands Challenge Game [61] ($15, originally $20) at your next family game night.
LEGO Friends Heartlake City Pet Centre
This newly released LEGO Friends Heartlake City Pet Centre [62] ($48) is a great activity for children.
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K
The Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII-20K [63] ($200) shoots eight foam balls per second!
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall
How magical is this LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall [64] ($100)?
Lil' Gleemerz
Lil' Gleemerz [65] ($20) are interactive toys with fluffy tails and adorable, glowing eyes.
Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit
Your teen can learn to code in a magical way with the Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit [66] ($100), which allows them to build a wand that responds to their movements.
Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck
This Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck [67] ($60) has a two-foot-tall extendable ladder!
FurReal Munchin' Rex
This adorable FurReal Munchin' Rex [68] ($50) responds with over 35 sound-and-motion combinations, hops, and begs with excitement for treats, like broccoli and caveman cookies.
Barbie Care Clinic Vehicle
Barbie can come to the rescue with this Barbie Care Clinic Vehicle [69] ($53).
Scientifically Accurate (or Thereabouts) Motorized Solar System
The Scientifically Accurate (or Thereabouts) Motorized Solar System [70] ($45) helps kids understand the way planets orbit, as well as about 38 constellations.
Cozmo
Cozmo [71] ($180), a real-life robot, is ready to be your child's loyal sidekick!