It’s the same story every year. Holiday shoppers rush out to buy popular children’s gifts only to find out they’re sold out. But don’t worry. A quick check on eBay reveals that someone in Peoria or Sarasota has some and wants to sell them for triple the price.
The most popular gifts rarely remain on the shelves. If there’s something the child in your life wants, now’s the time to get it without draining your bank account to buy from an online reseller.
of today The show recently interviewed The Toy Insider’s chief toy officer to find out which gifts are likely to grab attention this holiday season. Based on that list, we reached out to Walmart to find out the availability and pricing of this year’s most popular items.
1. Furby Coral Plush: $46.99
Target age: Ages 6+
Available: Online and in select stores
Twenty-five years after the original Furby was released, a new version has arrived. Furby stuffed animals are as fun (or uncomfortable) as ever. Children press Furby’s heart to make it say things, command it to sing, talk, laugh, and do other silly things.
2. Sharper Image® Laser Tag Attack Pack 2 Player: $27.97
Target age: Ages 8+
Available: Online and in select stores
Whether they’re playing outside or running around the house on a snowy day, kids love laser tag.clearer image® The version includes two minicannons X-blasters. The great thing about this set is that it is compatible with all existing hand tank laser tag products sold by Sharper Image.®. That way you can customize the final setup.
Additionally, up to 7 teams can play at the same time.
3. Bitzee Interactive Digital Pet: $24.97
Target age: Ages 5+
Available: Online or in-store
Interactive digital pets are all the rage this year. Just like real pets, these digital pets start out as babies and begin to grow if you give them enough love and care. The more your child plays, the more pets they unlock (up to 15).
4. Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler: $55.99
Target age: Ages 4+
Available: Online or in-store
If your kids are equally obsessed with dinosaurs and cars, they’ll definitely love this ultimate transport vehicle. More than 20 Hot Wheels vehicles fit into the transporter, but the fun part is how they get there. Pull the handle and the “dinosaur” will swallow her 1:64 scale car in its path. Equipped with lights, sounds and a two-lane race track, this toy lets kids move from one activity to another.
5. Barbie The Movie Collectible Doll: $24.97
Target age: 3 or more
Available: Online or in-store
We wouldn’t be in 2023 if Barbie wasn’t one of the most popular toys in this country. Sure, she’s wearing a classic pink and white gingham dress and pink pumps, but she’s more than just a pretty face. Barbie is an independent woman with her own mortgage and her own home.
6. Barbie The Movie Ken Doll: $24.97
Target age: 3 or more
Available: Online or in-store
Historically, wherever Barbie was, Ken wasn’t far behind. However, that is before 2023. Today Ken knows he is enough on his own and doesn’t need Barbie to cheer him up. Wearing a beachy vest, pastel pink and mint, and his green shorts and shirt, Ken looks like himself.
7. Make It Realâ„¢ Mini Pottery Studio: $22.49
Target age: Ages 8+
Available: online only
Another great back-to-school gift is this mini pottery studio. Kids ages 8 and up will have fun working on 10 different projects. And if you have teenagers who roll their eyes at any craft idea you come up with, you might be surprised at the masterpieces they create.
If that’s not enough, this mini pottery studio makes no noise, requires no baking, and leaves no mess.
8. Clue Conspiracy Board Game: $24.97
Target age: 14 years and older
Available: online and in store
If your teenager is a very competitive type, you may want to practice this game while they sleep. This game is a bit like old school His Clue on steroids. Deadly traps are set throughout the “resort,” one of the player’s boyfriends is armed and dangerous, players are secretly sabotaging each other, and banter is to be expected.
9. Clue Escape: Midnight Hotel Escape Board Game: $16.84
Target age: 10 years old and above
Available: online and in store
We’ve featured another game from the makers of Clue, and this one is so unique that we had to include it. Like a traditional escape room, this game gives kids the clues they need to “escape” from the Midnight Hotel, a Tudor mansion where a murder has just occurred. Perfect for up to 6 players if you can convince the kids to save it for family game night.
$17 may seem expensive for a game you only play once, but the time you spend enjoying it is valuable.
10. Battleship Royale Party Board Game: $19.82
Target age: Ages 8+
Available: online and in store
If you played Battleship as a kid, you probably remember sitting across from other players. What’s interesting about this version is that up to 6 players can play at the same time. However, like the original, the winner is he only one player.
Whether your child likes to play alone or in a group, Walmart has a gift for everyone. And the good news is, if you shop carefully, you won’t have to pull out your credit card to pay.