Hi everyone! One thing I LOVE to do when shopping for toys is not just look at long-term bestseller lists – but to look at the trends developing with toys using a “movers and shakers” list that shows current sales and consumer feedback. Today I’ve gathered the top 10 toys that are steadily climbing rapidly up the bestseller list.
Some are classics, some are new releases. All are favorites by consumers, so you can’t go wrong!
#1 – Monster High Basic Travel Deuce Gorgon Doll
This doll from the popular Monster High collection is in high demand and he’s rare, too. Deuce Gorgon is the 16-year-old character whose sharp green eyes can make people turn into stone. The son of Medusa, he’s one of the most popular kids at the school and he’s the boyfriend of Cleo de Nile.
The doll has jointed arms and legs so he can be easily posed. He comes with shorts, a drawstring hoodie, travel bag and shoes. The wrap-around glasses he has are what helps him keep his stone-turning power under control.
#2 – Rummikub
I wanted to buy this one last night but couldn’t find it in our local Target. So we got Bananagrams instead. This is a family game that entertains both adults and kids. The goal of the game is to the first player or team to play all the tiles on your tray. The game has four trays to hold the tiles up so your opponent can’t see them.
It’s a game of strategy but you have to be prepared with an alternate game move because just when you think you have your move ready, another player can change the tile layout! No two games are ever the same and that’s what makes this one of the best family games to buy.
The game comes with 106 tiles and can be played using between 2 to 4 players or more if you use teams. This is a great way to teach younger kids math skills and older kids about strategic thinking.
#3 – Rat-A-Tat-Cat
This is a fast paced card game for 2 to 6 players that teaches kids quick addition and strategy as well as improves memory. The object of the game is to be the player with the lowest score.
With the cards constantly moving, knowing the sum of the cards you have can be tricky. The rats are the high cards and the cats are the low ones. Each card has a number and the numbers add up in the hand but change as kids swap and draw cards.
There are 54 cards in this game that’s suitable for ages 6 and up. This game is fun and kids love it but it helps kids to improve math skills while they’re having fun. I’ll have to get it for our own family. Looks fun! Here’s a video that show you what the game is all about:
#4 – Fisher-Price Drillin’ Action Tool Set
This set is perfect for toddlers who want to be like Mom and Dad and help fix things. The tool caddy has a sturdy carrying handle and storage for all the pieces. It holds a drill, a hammer, nails and screws.
The drill also has two drill bits. Kids can drill in the screws or take them out with the forward and reverse ability of the drill and it has real drill noises too! Kids love pounding the nails in and they love having a tool caddy they can call their own. My kids always LOVED their hammer type fake tools.
#5 – LEGO Ninjago The Golden Dragon 70503
Your child will love adding The Golden Dragon to his LEGO Ninjago sets. This set is bracing for the time the Golden Dragon must fight against the evil that Lord Garmadon has planned. With Ninja Lloyd at the helm of the Dragon, the battle is sure to be won.
The set has 252 pieces and includes Lloyd as well as two other minifigures – a warrior and a scout. The dragon’s wings can extend and his legs and arms are moveable. The set comes with various weapons and also includes a catapult.
#6 – Minecraft Foam Sword
Okay confession time – my two younger kids (ages 8 and 13) AND my 40 year old husband are Minecraft addicts. It’s a GREAT game for kids and adults. And you might be thinking, “Foam sword?” But it’s THE crux of the Minecraft game, so if you have a fan of the game in your house, don’t underestimate how impressed they’ll be with this gift.
In case you’re not familiar with it, Minecraft is a 3D game world where players can create worlds, they can build castles or homes, they can work together, they can have fun and they learn to protect themselves from the enemy. Inside this world, weapons come in handy in the fight to protect themselves and one of those weapons is the Minecraft sword.
Outside the game, kids clamor for this sturdy sword that’s designed to look like a replica from the game right down to the pixel appearance. The sword is made of tough foam so it’s both durable and fun. This is a popular birthday gift as well as a gift for kids who want to play pretend Minecraft.
#7 – LEGO Loki’s Cosmic Cube Escape 6867
The cosmic cube is at risk! Loki’s on the run with it and Iron Man has to get to him before he gets away. Even though Iron Man is wearing his armored suit with the opening face mask, will it be enough to protect him from the evil plot of Loki as he chases the off roader?
The off roader is packed with 2 flick missiles so you need to get Loki out of it. The tipping function can help Iron Man win this battle and save the cosmic cube!
The Gazillion Bubble Machine can churn out an amazing display of bubbles to delight kids. Every 60 seconds, the machine can put out 500 bubbles so the fun never ends! It comes with a special non-toxic bubble solution made just for the machine that’s safe for both kids and pets.
Operating the machine is easy – all you have to do is load the machine, turn it on and watch the bubbles release into the air. The machine is a great addition for any child’s birthday party or just for fun on a spring or summer day like we use them. I usually get my kids some sort of bubble toy in their Easter baskets.
#9 – Scrabble Deluxe
Scrabble Deluxe is the ultimate game for Scrabble lovers. This game design not only lets you take it with you when you travel, but it has two slide out trays that will keep the tiles handy as well as protect them against loss.
The game board has recessed slots for the tiles so they don’t get jarred out of their spot. (That’s what always bugs me – when the tiles slide off). The board can spin in any direction thanks to the attached wheels-so no more trying to read a word upside down! The game has 100 tiles, 4 tile holding racks and a pouch for the tiles.
#10 – Super Mario Brothers: 2″ Mini Figures
The Super Mario Brothers has a variety of the characters that kids love. The Mario Brothers, Yoshi, Princess Peach and the Toadstool as well as other characters are all included. This makes a great set for kids to play with but it’s also a great gift idea for collectors.
Some people buy the set and use the figures to decorate cupcakes or birthday cakes or use them on the table as a center decoration. If you do this, and allow the guests to take home their figure, then I suggest you get the birthday boy or girl an extra set so they’ll have all the figures to play with. The colors on the characters are true to the actual characters and there’s a lot of attention to detail.
Which one is your favorite? I have to go with the Minecraft Sword. I know my kids always play swords anyway and if they had the Minecraft Sword (which they will), it would be that much better.
Tiff 😉