If you grew up during a certain few decades, you might remember the best part of the holiday season was when the holiday toy list catalogs arrived. The bundle of thick catalogs was always noticeable in the mail. And soon enough there would be many dog-eared pages and circled items to let your loved ones know what you were hoping to score.
These days, kids do their browsing and list making online. If you're not an online shopper, it can be difficult to find what they're looking for. Even if you do shop online, it's hard to shop for kids. You never know if you're getting something cool or popular that they'll really be wowed by.
Thankfully, those holiday toy lists are still alive, even in the online format. We've scoured all of the biggest ones to bring you all of the absolutely must-have toys that are available in stores and online this holiday season.
Here's your ticket to earning some major points as the best gift giver in the whole family this holiday season.
'The Child' Animatronic Edition
Baby Yoda is the gift for kids ages 4-plus this holiday season. Touch the top of the Child's head to activate over 25 sound and motion combinations inspired by The Mandalorian. When the Child has had enough, lay him down for his eyes to close, prepared for a "force nap."
Shop Now: 'The Child' The Animatronic Edition (Amazon, $59.99)
Treasure X Sunken Gold Shark's Treasure
There's treasure to be discovered, and the tools to discover it are in your little explorer's hands. There are 16 levels to get through before finding the ultimate treasure. It will take wits to get through them all, but the payoff is well worth it.
Shop Now: Treasure X Sunken Gold Shark's Treasure (Walmart, $16.82)
Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Mani-Pedi Set
Take your beauty fanatic's mani-pedi to the next level! The all-in-one salon comes with a built-in dryer and delivers salon-quality manicures and pedicures on any size nail. It comes with five trendy patterns to get glam with to start!
Shop Now: Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Mani-Pedi Set (Target, $19.89)
Lego Super Mario Adventures With Mario Starter Course
This set brings all the noises you recognize from Mario games throughout the years to a physical play set. The interactive course changes each time players rebuild it for countless entertaining scenarios. You can even get some help from the free Lego Super Mario App.
Shop Now: Lego Super Mario Adventures With Mario Starter Course (Amazon, $59.95)
Hatchimals Pixies, Crystal Flyers
Hatchanimal Pixies can really fly! Simply use the included USB to charge her and she's ready to emerge from her crystal egg and dance through the world. A sensor keeps her close to your hands so she doesn't get away from your little one during indoor play. They're available in pink and purple.
Shop Now: Hatchanimals Pixies, Crystal Flyers (Walmart, $24.82)
Ryan's World Shadow Warrior Mystery Box
If your kid loves Ryan's World, they'll love this chance to be just like Ninja Ryan. The set includes three exclusive mystery figures, a ninja star spinner, foam ninja sword, headband, belt, stickers, all in a stealth dojo storage case. They'll feel like martial arts masters in no time.
Shop Now: Ryan's World Shadow Warrior Mystery Box (Target, $54.99)
Hexbug Flash Nanotopia
Move vibration-powered robots through a fun track. You can invent and reinvent the track over and over with more than 130 pieces. It's also great for little engineers, safe for ages 3 and up.
Blue's Clues & You! Peek-A-Blue
Squeeze Blue's belly to see her bark and raise her ears. Then play hide-and-seek together. The toy is available in both Blue and Magenta, so your child can bond with their favorite character.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Botley helps kids as young as 5 learn the invaluable skill of coding while having a blast. The sweet little robot can be transformed into a train, police car, ghost, and more. The 78-piece activity set can help kids build coding sequences with up to 150 steps.
Shop Now: Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set (Amazon, $76.49)
Beyblade Burst Rise Hypersphere Vortex Climb Battle Set
Your kids can unbox this and go straight to battle right away! The Hypersphere Vortex Climb customizable Beystadium consists of four sections specially designed for exciting Beyblade Burst battles. Customize as you battle for endless paths to victory and challenges to defeat.
Shop Now: Beyblade Burst Rise Hypersphere Vortex Climb Battle Set (Walmart, $39.73)
PJ Masks Transforming 2-in-1 Mobile HQ
PJ Masks fans will love this transforming mobile HQ playset! It stands 3 feet tall and includes five different levels for kids to explore. Kids can get their mission, then race off to save the day with their favorite characters.
Shop Now: PJ Masks Transforming 2-in-1 Mobile HQ (Target, $59.99)
Playmonster Drone Home Game
Getting your aliens in the drone is just half the battle. Keeping them there while your opponents try to knock them out is the real challenge. The game play includes a real drone that kids will get a kick out of.
Shop Now: Playmonster Drone Home Game (Target, $14.99)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
