Toys become favourites for so many reasons—for the fun they bring, for the skills they foster and for the memories they make. But with so many options, it can be tricky to know which ones have the potential to become fixtures in a kiddo’s life. That’s why we’ve done the legwork to round up some of the best toys of 2021, for kids big and small, to help you select sure-fire hits this holiday season.
He’s no ordinary stuffy! Your little ones will love this talking JJ doll from the popular YouTube series CoComelon. Squeeze his tummy for seven sounds and phrases.
With three modes to grow with your child, this sweet little camper is loaded with songs, sounds, lights and learning phrases for tons of fun.
Talk about bang for your buck! This five-in-one learning station can be an interactive desktop, projector, LED writing pad, chalkboard or art station.
Up the fun in your living room or playroom with this toddler-sized, fold-up slide. The toy is easy to store, requires minimal assembly and practically guarantees a delighted kid.
For fans of Blue and Magenta, this multi-feature chair is a no-brainer. Kids can explore colours, shapes and numbers with the push of a light-up button.
This awesome 360-degree learning toy transforms from a flat, interactive book to a sturdy, upright activity centre when your little one can pull themselves to standing.
You might not find laundry fun, but little kiddos sure do. This realistic-looking and -sounding appliance has a tumbling drum, a detergent slot, a folding station and more.
This bright and cheery kitchen playset has everything your little one needs for hours of make-believe culinary fun—a microwave, range, grill, oven and 19-piece accessory set.
For a little one who loves babies (don’t they all go through that stage?), a doll that cries real tears and makes realistic baby sounds is magic. Your child might also go for these baby dolls. (Just be sure to check the recommended age!)
Baby’s best friend! This cute learning toy encourages first words and first steps, with songs, sounds and activities for sitting tots, plus walker mode for little ones on the move. These educational toys are also great for baby’s first year.
One thing that never changes regardless of generation? Kids love to mimic adults and their everyday tasks. This mechanical, no-batteries-required interactive lawnmower fits the bill.
Introduce your kids to the iconic Little People brand with this interactive doll house. Kids will love the push-button cause-and-effect discoveries in every room. You might also like these 20 awesome dollhouses.
For Thomas & Friends fans, it doesn’t get much better than this train set with six tracks in one. A motorized Percy is included for hours of adventure on the rails.
A wheely workbench with side panels, a realistic-sounding circular saw and a 38-piece accessory set are the perfect present for your future carpenter.
A singing dragon with a remote-controlled leash that walks and wags its tail—this interactive toy has “preschooler joy” written all over it.
If you get kids interested in cooking early, maybe there’s breakfast in bed in your future. This cute set comes with a toaster, kettle and coffee maker.
Nothing will thrill Paw Patrol devotees more than the Adventure Bay HQ brought to life. The three-foot-tall tower comes with all six pups, a rescue vehicle, stickers, projectiles and much more.
Your little basketball fiend will love this light-up basketball hoop with four interactive play modes and a base that moves forwards and backwards on its own.
Play-Doh is always a hit, but this set, with its cake rising function, decorating accessories and five colours of the classic modelling clay, will knock their socks off.
This magical jar collects more than 30 virtual fairies. Kids can take their fairy jar to different locations to find new winged friends.
It’s the classic “Operation” game, but make it Paw Patrol. Carefully extract each pup’s tools of the trade to help them save the day in Adventure Bay.
There’s something to be said for printed pictures (just ask anyone who remembers film!). Introduce kids to that simple joy with this camera and printer in one.
With more than ten tools and moulds, this Kinetic Sand kit is perfect for creating the sensory sand videos your kids love. Future YouTuber in your house, perhaps?
Who knew tiny versions of household items could be so exciting?! This board game isn’t just for Mini Brands collectors either—it’s fun for the whole family. (Your child might also enjoy these 15 mini and surprise toys.)
It’s Lego, but with a twist: Once kids are finished building the kit’s models, they can turn them into shadow puppets with the included Light Brick Shadow Casters!
Hot Wheels has been a toybox mainstay for more than 50 years. This set with its 28-inch track loop is ideal for epic at-home racing.
Who doesn’t love a little extra? This doll with more than 30 accessories and clothing items will help Barbie lovers to mix and match for tons of showstopping looks. Your fashion-doll lover might also enjoy these 20 top picks from Barbie, Disney and more.
This two-in-one toy transforms from a robot to an action-packed playset. Little Batman fans will love all of the features that help their hero fight crime.
L.O.L. has a new tween doll, and they’re—you guessed it—sized between LOLs and OMGs. Collect them all—the basketball player, the music lover, the fashionista and more!
This adorable clinic features four examination areas and comes with a Barbie doctor doll, but the real draw is the cast- and bandage-making moulds and colourful casting doughs.
Every kid needs a rock tumbler, right? This polishing system turns everyday rocks into gorgeous gems for collecting and making jewellery.
If your kids like the quick thinking of Bop-It and the movement of Just Dance, this showdown-style game might just be a hit in your house.
Creative kids will love this temporary tattoo studio complete with metallic foil, glitter, gems and stickers. It also includes a magic roller to reveal the looks.
This game is as entertaining as its name. The fast-paced, action-packed family activity (suitable for two to eight players) requires the quickest thinking you’ve never seen.
It’s a mash-up between a beloved Nintendo character and possibly the most famous toy ever. Add the 21st-century twist of on-screen features for happy kids.
Yes, you’ll definitely find tiny elastics everywhere once you introduce this toy, but you’ll also get to witness first-hand the joy of making friendship bracelets.
Part card game, part dodgeball, all hilarious, this game requires kids to throw foam burritos at each other. What could be more fun than that?!
Don’t call him Baby Yoda—this is “Grogu” or “The Child.” The Mandalorian fans will love this multi-featured, green-skinned, big-eared creature from their favourite series.
This sweet treehouse is bursting with fun features, from the bathroom to the patio. It comes with an Ava micro-doll, two mini-dolls and a slew of accessories.
Rainbow High has a doll for every colour of the rainbow—yellow, red, fuchsia, violet, light pink, neon green, blue, teal, indigo… Each doll comes with two outfits, a stand and matching accessories.
The Spirit Queen is red-carpet ready with her script in hand, and her packaging becomes a movie theatre playset. Each doll in the Movie Magic series (including Ms. Direct, Gamma Babe and Starlette) has 25 surprises to unbox.
This kit delivers on its name. It comes with all the materials required to make a jar filled with eyeballs, glow-in-the-dark worms, oozing goo and more.
This kit comes with everything your kid will need—from the ingredients to the equipment—to complete 25 experiments. Sorry-not-sorry for creating a new generation of mad scientists.
This strategic, fast-paced, role-playing card game is suitable to all skill levels, which means everyone can play. It’s a great addition to family game night!
A Nerf gun with more power than ever, and with the ability to carry 40 rounds without reloading, means the fun can last for ages. (Just keep in mind that the recommended age is 14 and up.)
Your future fashion designers will love the opportunity to make a statement with this reflective accessory kit. Make sunglasses, bracelets, necklaces and more.
Shop all toys at walmart.ca
