NYC Holiday Gift Guide: Best Toys For 2016
While it might be hard to decide on the perfect gift with the endless selection of toys for children, here are some of the best gifts to give this holiday season.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Best Sports Gifts | Best Gifts For Fashionistas | Best Toy Stores In NYC
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel's Winter Wonderland
Everyone's favorite friendly tiger in the red cardigan is bringing winter joy to homes across the area with "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel's Winter Wonderland." The new DVD features four stories, including a "Neighborhood Nutcracker." Children can watch as Daniel discovers ice skating, sledding, and learning the dance for the famous holiday ballet.
Pillow Pets
Boys and girls will find Pillow Pets entertaining and cozy, with the whimsical styles of DreamWorks "Trolls," "PAW Patrol," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Once kids are finished playing with their new favorite stuffed animal, they can fold it and use it as a pillow for nap time. For a sweet surprise, children will fall in love with their "Sweet Scented Pillow Pets," which deliver the smell of yummy sweet treats in a plush. Subtle scent patches in various flavors, including cotton candy, gummy bears and cookies blend into the ultra-soft stuffed animal.
Scribble n' Play
Kids will realize that learning can be fun with the Scribble n' Play. Boasting a clear tracing screen with flashcards and a stylus, the eWriter helps children learn numbers and letters. Each item can be linked to a mobile app that offers various educational flashcards.
The Moodsters
The Moodsters offer a fun and educational way for children to learn about feelings. The toys and children's books teach simple strategies to build social and emotional skills for young children, which allows them to learn the meaning behind their feelings and manage them. Children can express themselves with the Moodsters Feelings Notebook and Feelings crayon set. The set comes with five crayons to represent different emotions and a notebook for children to draw and color their feelings.
Hudson's Bay Company Barbie Doll
Future fashionistas can get a style tip from the limited-edition Hudson's Bay Company Barbie doll from Lord & Taylor. The fashion-forward doll wears a toggle coat with Hudson Bay's signature colorful stripes and faux fur trim along with a matching pencil skirt. The doll is accompanied by her pet poodle that wears a matching striped sweater. Lord & Taylor has blended together chic and stylish New York fashion in this holiday collectible item.
Walking Robot by Magformers
Children can unleash their imagination with the Walking Robot by Magformers. One of the leading magnetic construction kits for kids, Magformers offers magnetic technology that delivers a unique constructional play experience. The 45-piece set is filled with colorful plastic pieces that encourage children to transform 2-D creations into 3-D structures. Once the robots are built, they will see it come to life with blinking lights and mechanical functionality.
Crayola Emoji Maker
As emojis become part of texting lingo, children can experiment using the icons with the Crayola Emoji Maker. Offering 16 custom emoji stamps, the set allows children to have an interactive experience creating unique messages for family and friends. Once children decide on an icon, they can mix the colors together and stamp the emojis anywhere they want.
Sakar Karaoke Machine
Let children discover their musical talent with the Sakar's Karaoke Machines. The devices are decorated with characters from their favorite children's movies -- perfect for any themed party or occasion. The Disney's Frozen Karaoke Machine comes with a CD and lyric booklet that includes hit songs from the movie and features a holder for an iPad or iPhone.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.
