Thursday, October 30, 2014

Hottest Toys for Christmas 2014

One Halloween I actually had all my Christmas shopping finished early. It was 2004. My oldest daughter was two and I was pregnant with my second child. My due date was December 7 and I knew that, after her arrival, I wouldn't be able to get much shopping done, especially since that was before the days of much online shopping. Also, back then I had much less to buy - only two children and a couple nieces and nephews. 

Nowadays, I have three kiddos, eight nieces and nephews, more extended family, and teachers to buy gifts for. My list is considerably longer than it used to be. Every year I vow to get my shopping done early and every year I fail. As of today, I haven't bought one single solitary Christmas gift and have only even started a skeleton of a list. 

In an effort to do better and shop earlier, it has become my annual blog tradition to post a list of the toys that are predicted to be the most popular during the upcoming holiday season. Big retailers actually publish their predictions in late September or early October. This year, I compared the lists from Toys R Us, Target, WalMart, and Amazon to compile the following list of this year's hottest toys.




  1. Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile Cart - Doc is a much loved Disney character, so any items associated with her are bound to be popular. However, retailers predict that this one in particular will be flying off the shelves. It is a stuffed animal ambulance complete with gurney, lights, and sirens. It also features phrases from Doc herself and the show's theme song. It costs $50-60.
  2. LeapFrog TV - From the makers of the educational LeapFrog toys kids and parents love, comes this new interactive educational system. Think Wii or Playstation - just educational games for younger children that also get them moving! It costs about $150.
  3. Fur Real Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walkin' Pup - This adorable pet has a remote control leash that allows it to follow kids wherever they go! It also barks and has an app (iOS or Android). The cost is about $50.
  4. Zoomer Dino - Last year, Zoomer the Robot Dog was a big hit! This year, toymakers have created Zoomer Dino. Kids can train this robot dino to dance and chomp. It also roars and has light up eyes. Cost is about $100.
  5. Razor Crazy Cart - Kids and parents are all familiar with the ever popular Razor scooters. Now, there's something even crazier! The electric Crazy Cart looks like lots of fun. You child can ride it go cart style in a straight line, but with the pull of a lever, it goes wild, spinning and twisting in all different directions. It includes a rechargeable battery and is also crazy expensive! It will cost you about $350.
  6. Snow Glow Elsa - There had to be something from Frozen on the list, right? While all toys from this beloved movie are sure to be a hit, this one is predicted to be especially coveted. Her dress lights up and she sings "Let it Go." If she's on your child's list, be prepared to let go of about $35. (Olaf figure is included.)
  7. Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch - Maybe this is the kids' version of the Apple watch! Available in three colors (green, pink, blue), it records video and audio, has games, and, of course, tells time. The cost is $50-60.
  8. Transformers Stomp and Chomp Grimlock - With three daughters, I don't know much about Transformers, but this toy was on several lists. He transforms from a robot to a dinosaur with eyes that light up and jaws that chomp. He also costs about $70.
  9. Hot Wheels Street Hawk Remote Control Flying Car - With the remote control, kids can race it on the ground or fly it throughout the air! It costs $50-60.
  10. Palace Pets Magic Dance Pumpkin - Pumpkin is Cinderella's puppy. With Pumpkin's magic wand, your child can dance with her, too. She can also bow and wag her tail on command. Pumpkin costs $50-60.


    Honorable Mentions

    These toys didn't quite make the top ten, but were on some of the lists and deserve a mention.

  • Paw Patrol HQ Look-out Playset-From Nickelodeon's รผber popular show, kids can recreate their favorite episodes with an elevator that moves and a working periscope. ($40) 
  • Light Up FlutterBye Fairy - These fairies fly and light up! ($30)
  • Air Storm Fire Tek Bow - With LED lights and whistling arrows, this one is bound to be a hit. ($30)
  • Hot Wheels Super Loop Chase Race Track - Kids can launch multiple cars and watch them race around the three-foot tall loop! ($45)

    I hope this list was helpful as you begin to make your holiday gift list! 
    Will your kids be asking for any of these??? What else is on their lists?

This post was written as part of the Finish The Sentence Friday Linkup.


Finish the Sentence Friday

This week's hosts are:
Kristi from Finding Ninee
Dana from Kiss My List
April from 100lb Countdown

38 comments:

Janine Huldie said...

I had Lily in 2010 right before Thanksgiving and that year I too did my Christmas shopping early. I knew I also wouldn't get any shopping done either after she arrived. But still great list and thank you for it, because I need to get some shopping done hopefully in the next few weeks, because this year I am definitely not ahead at all.

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

I am such a loser. I never ever think about these things before hand and now want for Tucker (like HUGE BAD) to get that dino thing I didn't even hear of last year. He's such a sucker for TV toys and crap that I tune him out mostly when he says "I WANT THIS" because he wants everything from that un-poppable bubble to I dunno stuff. I am emailing this to my husband so he can order that dino thing NOW. Also. I want a Lego table for Tucker and can't find one that's good at all, except on Etsy for like $600. Gah. Great post, Lisa!

Brittnei Washington said...

Aw. I've seen several Leap Frog products. I didn't know about this one. They have a cool line of fun toys and ones that promote healthy kids which I like. That razor crazy cart looks like it would be so much fun for a kid. Reminds me of go carts!

Kelly Mckenzie said...

Ok this is seriously cool. If I had kids who were small this would be the best post ever. I'd consult it and consult it. Good on you. As for myself - should anyone ask - I'm kind of thinking the watch is my fave.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Me neither Janine! I was just telling my husband "Saturday it's NOVEMBER!!" I usually at least have a basic list by now, but so far this year am a WAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY behind!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Turth?? I kind of want the unpoppable bubble thing! The big one that I can put my kids in and roll them down the hill in our backyard. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Does that make me the worst mom ever?? Or maybe the most fun one?? I've got to get started soon, but I am really at a loss. I love doing this list every year, but my girls (especially the two oldest) are really too old for most of it. My 9 year old wants the crazy cart, but $350?!?!?!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

This one is new. It does look like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I think all my girls are really too old for it.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Kelly! My three daughters are pretty much too old for any of it as well, except maybe my 7 year old. My favorite is actually the Elsa doll, though I'm not sure how many more time I can take "Let it Go." ๐Ÿ˜œ

Allie Smith said...

Thank you for this - I haven't even "gone there' yet in my mind. But I'm going to order that Transformer. My son will love it!

Michelle Grewe said...

I love the list. Still not sure what I'm going to be getting for the older two, but the youngest has already made it clear what she wants. Baby doll stuff and a robot. I'll tell you from experience the fly fairies don't really fly much, but they will sing non-stop in the toy box (the ones I got sang). And I just found a flying helicopter that has a ball looking guard around it, and so far it's better than normal ones because kids always fly them right into the ceiling, and this one can roll on the ceiling. It was by Air Hogs.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Great! Glad it was helpful!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

That sounds cool! We got one of the fairies last year and my kid played with it for about a week. Mine are all girls and I have no idea what to get my two oldest - ages 9, & 12 (although the 9 year old wants the $350 Crazy Cart). My youngest, 7, wants an American Girl Doll, a bike, & an EZ Bake oven.

Dana said...

Very clever take on the prompt, Lisa. I have to say that I am very happy to not have to buy toys anymore. My kids need to start their lists soon, though. James has decided that he wants an ATV, to the tune of about four grand. Keepy dreaming, kid.

April @ 100lbcountdown said...

I don't think I want any more toys for the kids this year. Year before last, I managed to get everyone's gift for under $200 for 10 people. I've been so tired, I haven't even begun to think about it yet. :( Great gift suggestions. I don't know where I'd put any more stuff.

Ruchira said...

Wow! you finished shopping for christmas one halloween.
You are a super woman, Lisa!


My kid has outgrown these toys (at least I think so!) but they are a good options for gifting!


happy halloween!
boo!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I have definitely noticed that, as the kids get older, the gifts get more expensive. My oldest two are too old for most of this list, too. I almost think it was easier when they did the toy thing it was easier - there were more choices. :-) I've got to get cracking on it myself very soon!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Beyond this post, I haven't thought about it much either. My kids have mentioned a few things they have seen in commercials. I hate buying them stuff just to say "Santa came," and as they get older their request get more $$$$!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

My kids have mostly outgrown all of these as well. of course the one thing they have asked for is the $350 one!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

The unpoppable bubble IS pretty cool and no, I think it makes you the best mom ever that you want to roll your kids down the hill in it! Fun!

Anna Fitfunner said...

You're certainly thinking ahead! I've just finished sprinting around the neighborhood behind a pack of costumed boys; tough to think about Xmas already!

Tamara Bowman said...

Scarlet wants Snow Glow Elsa and the Doc McStuffins mobile!
She got Magic Dance Pumpkin as a flower girl gift and I was happy about that because I'm afraid it will be sold out closer to Christmas!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It is tough! I think that's why I never get it done early and why I've mad this list a blog tradition - to make myself get in the mood!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Elsa and the McStuffins mobile will probably be sold out, too, so you better get them now! :-) Megan (my middle one) wants the crazy cart - the $350 toy! Probably not going to happen!

TheMissusV said...

My kids would go crazy over the LeapFrog TV!

The Dose of Reality said...

I am SO glad you did this post. It's always hard to get an idea of what is out there! My kids would go nuts over the Razor Crazy Cart. Maybe they could share one due to the price tag?! LeapTV also looks amazing!! --Lisa

Stephanie Sprenger said...

OK, I said I wasn't ready, but this is actually great and really helpful! My girls would love some of these!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It looks like a lot of fun!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

My 9 year old wants the crazy cart, too. Wish it wasn't so expensive!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Glad it was helpful!

Chris Carter said...

Those are really great gift ideas for kiddos!!! Thanks so much for sharing these Lisa!! Here's to the HOLIDAYS!!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

OMG so hungry now! Pinned to my food board! THanks, Lisa!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

I loved this just as much today as I did a year ago. And holycrap we've known each other a long time :)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Chris!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Hope he likes it!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

:-) This one is great this time of year!

Sara said...

Could you make this using a rotissere chicken?

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Sure! I've never made it that way, but it should work. Probably wouldn't need as ling in the crock pot since the chicken would already be cooked.

Daytona said...

I won second place at my office chili cookoff two years ago with this and first place this year! To take it to the next level, add a packet of McCormick's White Chili seasoning and some cayenne as well.

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