The best toy gifts of 2024: top holiday picks for kids of all ages

1. Vtech Kidizoom Twist kid’s camera

The VTech Kidizoom Twist 2MP 4x optical zoom digital camera is a perfect child’s first camera. You can hand it to them and comfortably let them go wild. The rotating 2MP camera means they can capture fun moments with the family dog or friends. Twist it to take silly selfies. Choose from 50 photo effects and record video with voice. Get creative with stop-motion videos or pass the time with fun built-in games. Get it in blue or purple and don’t forget to grab a pack or two of PrintCam paper refills. With these, they can make prints to share with friends or add to their scrapbook. You might also want a microSD card (up to 32GB) to store the digital files. Connect the camera to a parent’s computer and save the digital files.

2. Vtech Kidizoom DX4 smartwatch

Smartwatches are popular for adults, but did you know there are smartwatches for kids, too? The VTech KidiZoom DX4 smartwatch with camera is designed specifically for little ones. Available in blue or purple, it’s splash-proof so fairly durable. Kids can personalize the look, choosing from various clock faces that look cool and help them learn to tell time. They can capture photos and videos with effects and filters from the two built-in cameras. Play fun games, like finding AR monsters. Kids can even tap into their creative side to compose music. Of course, there’s a health and wellness aspect as well. Kids can play movement games that are fun but also encourage physical activity at the same time.

4. AtGames Legends Ultimate HD mini arcade machine

You’ll score massive points with the AtGames Legends Ultimate HD mini arcade machine. The single arcade machine with an 18.5-inch screen contains 150 arcade and console games. This includes nostalgic retro titles like Space Invaders and Tetris. You can even play pinball games with the pro-grade pinball buttons. Connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi or via Ethernet and play online with friends who have their own machine. Simple assembly is music to parents’ ears. They can invite friends over for a competition, no quarters needed. Or the whole family can go head-to-head in tournaments, adding a fun, high-tech twist to family game night. Don’t be surprised if you end up playing a game or two yourself after the kids have gone to bed, too!

7. LEGO Icons Plum Blossom set

The LEGO Icons Plum Blossom set is a great gift for older kids who are proficient with LEGO and can handle the tiny, intricate pieces. There are only 327 pieces, but it’s a delicate set to put together. Once built, the potted plant is perfect for putting on display. It comes with a pastel-blue pot with golden band as the beautiful blossom seemingly grows up to the sky. After they’re done, the child might even want to gift the completed set to a parent or grandparent. Trust me, they will display it with pride.

10. Robosen Transformers Optimus Prime Elite Edition robot

Since the Transformers toys were introduced in the ‘80s, kids have loved the concept of a cool vehicle that transforms into a walking, talking robot. Once the movies came out, Transformers became even more popular. And they continue to be popular to this day. For kids who love Transformers, the top choice is usually Optimus Prime when it comes to action figures. But you can go above and beyond the traditional action figure with the Robosen Transformers Optimus Prime Elite Edition auto-converting robot. It’s the ultimate gift for a super-fan of the franchise.

This is a toy, but it’s one for serious enthusiasts who will take good care of it. A collectible, it stands just over 16 inches tall and is designed to look exactly like the real thing. It even imitates the classic character’s movements and transforms with the press of a button or voice command. And yes, teens and tweens can connect it to a smartphone to remotely control it via an app.