Don’t know what to give the kid in your LifeAre you ready for this holiday? Join the club. It can be difficult to know what to buy—especially elementary and middle-school-aged kids. Their interests can change from one year to the next. But don’t worry, we have you covered. The Toy Insider has created a comprehensive list of top toys for older children in 2022.
Here, find something that covers every interest—from active to educational to creative options. You can find Advent calendars with cool surprises that will surprise you every day for 24 consecutive hours. December!), games to play with the FamiliesLEGO bumper cars for home entertainment and more
Whether you’re shopping for your own kiddos or looking for your nieces, nephews, grandchildren or kids in the neighborhood, you’ll be sure to find something they’ll like on this list. There are incredible options for everyone, no matter their budget or interests.
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Fun and educational toys for older children
Amazon.com: National Geographic Rock, Mineral & Fossil Advent Calendar, 29.99
Every day is a surprise. This geological interpretation is perfect for children 6 years and older who are fascinated fossils, rocks gems, and other natural phenomena. On Day 24, they discover a sparkling Quartz point that was excavated from an old mini-dig brick. Amazon.com: National Geographic Rock, Mineral & Fossil Advent Calendar, 29.99
Pinxies Butterfly Hot Airballoon, $29.99 Amazon
The geniuses of Luki Lab created the next STEM-certified Pinxies toy. Children six years and older can let their imaginations run wild when Koral, the expert builder/explorer, joins them on an all new adventure. Butterfly balloon. The set includes colorful panels of paperboard and links for building as well accessories and a sticker sheets. But it doesn’t stop there. Pinxies can be made even more enjoyable by showing their children animated YouTube videos. Pinxies Butterfly Hot Airballoon, $29.99 Amazon
Kanoodle Fusion, $21.99 Amazon
Expanding upon the Kanoodle line of brain-busting games, Kanoodle Fusion will light up your child’s critical thinking, problem-solving and color recognition skills. It has a gameboard that is illuminated, and you can mix the pieces to create 50 brain-bending puzzles. Kanoodle Fusion, $21.99 Amazon
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Snap Circuits Junior, $28.99 at Walmart
The award-winning Snap Circuits Junior is back and just in time for Snap Circuits’ 20th anniversary. Used by educators across the globe to teach children (ages eight and up) to have fun while learning about electronics, Snap Circuits Junior can be used by younger kids who are curious how things work— all from the comfort of their own home. They simply snap the set’s pieces together to create real, working circuits. Snap Circuits Junior, $28.99 Walmart
Trestle Tracks, $41.95 Amazon
Watching the marbles roll down these tracks is like watching magic—but you get to see how the “trick”It’s done! Each set is appropriate for children aged 8 years and older. It includes hollow stacking cubes and a variety flat tracks. The tracks become almost indistinct when they are assembled. This creates an invisible slope that propels the marbles forward. It is fascinating and educational. It encourages spatial thinking, creativity and problem-solving. Trestle Tracks, $41.95 Amazon
Related: Gifts for Six Year-Old Girls
Creative Kids Toys
Amazon: Gorgeous Gifts Advent Calendar 2022, 34.9.99
Giving gifts every day will increase holiday spirit. This Advent calendar includes 24 fun accessories, toys and crafts. RiddlesHere’s some Christmas trivia for kids (8 and up) that they can share their family. Amazon: Gorgeous Gifts Advent Calendar 2022, 34.9.99
Neiman Marcus Icee Slushie Making Machine – $150.00
Slushies can be made at home that are as good or better than those bought in stores. The ICEE Machine uses only four ingredients to create the perfect slushie. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make your favorite slushies for children aged 12 and older. The machine can make four 8-ounce portions. Neiman Marcus Icee Slushie Making Machine – $150.00
3Doodler Start + Maker bundle, $59.99 on the3doodler
3Doodler Start+ Maker Bundle boosts creativity. With just one click, children aged 6 and above can let their imaginations go wild and create 3D drawings. This educational toy is perfect for young inventors. This allows them to visualize their ideas. There are more than 20 design projects in the kit. The kit is also available for free so you can create new designs. 3Doodler Start + Maker bundle, $59.99 on the3doodler
My Avastars, $24.99 on Amazon
The fun of creating your own avatars is now possible in the real world. Meet KawaiiPie, A_VibeThng, and Dreamer 3.0 – the three Avatar Stars of the Metaverse. Each doll comes with a unique look, as well as bonus outfits and sticker packages that can be customized. Children six years and older can mix-and-match clothing items, face stickers and tattoo stickers to create more than 100 different looks. They can even play in the Metaverse with Avastars. My Avastars, $24.99 on Amazon
Target LEGO Lunar Research Base, $129.99
This NASA-inspired Lunar research base is not just about the fun of putting LEGO bricks together. After building the LEGO bricks, children seven years and older can let loose with their imaginations. They can fly the VIPER Rover’s sky crane drone or retrieve samples from it. They can also perform experiments in the science or botany laboratories. You can also jump onboard the moon buggy to go to the accommodation dome and store your equipment for the next mission. Target LEGO Lunar Research Base, $129.99
Pixicade Quest, $29.99 Specialty Stores
This is not just any old video game—it’s entirely what you make of it! Kids (ages eight and up, with assistance) can create and draw their own multi-level video game–and then play it. Four books in the Pixicade Quest Kit teach game design. It includes 120 examples, 45 activities, 40 drawing pages, and 45 activities. Once the game is complete, children can upload it to the Pixicade Arcade. Pixicade Quest, $29.99 Specialty Stores
Made by Me Sand Dough Pottery Press, $19.99 Walmart
No more sticky clay pottery! The pottery press uses clay dough. This is a dry, nonsticky, and easy to use material that children can use to make many different items. It’s easy: Just roll a ball of squishy dough, drop it into the mold base, and pull the handle. Voila! It’s possible for children to create their own pottery. Made by Me Sand Dough Pottery Press, $19.99 Walmart
Shimmer ‘n Sparkle Ultimate Beauty Studio, $29.99 at Target
Kids (ages eight and up) can define their own version of beauty—and style—with this glam kit. The all-in-one beauty center features 28 real, vibrant and stylish lip, cheek and eye colors. Plus, it comes with accessories, including a ring light and a built-in phone stand so kids can share their makeovers with friends. Shimmer ‘n Sparkle Ultimate Beauty Studio, $29.99 at Target
Action and Adventure Toys for Older Kids
#BONELESS, $17.99 at Target
Pretend play is some of the best play. This line of electric-powered mini-stunt skateboards comes with hyper-poseable skaters and crazy stunt play sets. The action figures twist and bend like they are actually boneless. And the fun doesn’t have to stop—the set has a power charger that quick-charges the board in seconds. Ideal for children 6 years old and older. Target: #BONELESS, $17.99
Flybar Bumper Car XL at Walmart, $299.00
The bumper car is back! Flybar Bumper Car XL is able to accommodate one adult and two children. It is three-times larger than the original bumper cars. Race, chase, spin and bump to your heart’s content. Bumper carXL’s soft rubber bumpers protect walls and furniture. It also features joysticks that are easy to use, flashing LED lights, a 120V wall charger, and flashing LED lights. Safety is paramount. The Bumper Car XL is capable of reaching speeds up to 3 MPH. It also features adjustable safety belts that can be adjusted to keep children of any age and size in place (best suited for children 8 and older). Flybar Bumper Car XL at Walmart, $299.00
Schwinn 24” Healy Ridge Electric Mountain Bike, $999.99 on Amazon
The ultimate electric bicycleChildren 12 years and older. The bike’s 24-inch size allows for a range of speeds up to 16 MPH and can run up to 20 mi on a single charge. A coil-sprung suspension fork is included on the alloy frame to provide extra stability and grip. It also has 1.95-inch-wide tires. Mechanical disc brakes can also be used to stop the vehicle in all weather conditions. Schwinn 24” Healy Ridge Electric Mountain Bike, $999.99 on Amazon
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Vital Hero, $64.99 on Walmart
Children may become so involved with training their digital monsters that they don’t even realize they are exercising. This brand-new interACTIVE band encourages children to train and raise digital beasts. Featuring a full-color LED display screen and built-in activity monitor, this wearable device asks kids (ages eight and up) to complete missions–like shadowboxing, squatting, sprinting, walking and more—to evolve their monster and make it stronger. Children can play together or with friends, providing hours and hours of physical activity. Vital Hero, $64.99 on Walmart
Target, $89.99 Beyblade Burst QuadDrive collision Nebula battle set
Beyblade action at its highest. This set includes the QuadDrive collision necla Beystadium (exclusive QuadDrive collision necbula), two right/left spinning launchers, six spinning tops, and everything you need for battle. The Beyblade Burst app lets children aged 8 and over unleash tops in virtual fights against other Bladers. Target, $89.99 Beyblade Burst QuadDrive collision Nebula battle set
Collectible Toys For Older Kids
Star Trek U.S.S. Target – Enterprise NCC-1701, $29.99
A throwback to the cultural icons Star TrekThis 18-inch replica is part of the series. Enterprise will bring back memories–and bring hours of fun to children of all ages. Featuring battle lights, a light-up bridge, impulse and Nacelle warp engines and authentic verbal commands by Captain Kirk himself, this model ship is sure to become a collector’s item for the next generation of Trekkies. Star Trek U.S.S. Target – Enterprise NCC-1701, $29.99
Mini Toys Gold Rush Capsule at Target, $9.99
For kids (ages three and up) who love to unbox surprises comes the Mini Brands Gold Rush – the Limited Edition ALL GOLD collection. Their anticipation will grow as they open, unwrap and peel 35 miniature gold collectibles. Think mini McCormick Black Pepper spice or mini Babybels. Collect all of them to create a mini-shopping heaven. Mini Toys Gold Rush Capsule – $9Target:.99
Brawl Stars 4.5 inch Action Figures, $19.99 Amazon
The action figures add life to the video game. The Brawl Stars Collection includes four of the most well-known brawlers. It is spot on with true-to-game characters’ likenesses and accessories from the game. Brawl Stars 4.5 inch Action Figures, $19.99 Amazon
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Street Turtles, $19.99 Target
These teens can move! Each turtle action figure (sold individually) has 31 points for articulation that allow for lifelike agility. Each figure has multiple head portraits with different facial expressions and hand gestures. They are suitable from 8 to 12 years old and can be bought in-store. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Street Turtles, $19.99 Target
Walmart: Cats vs. Pickles Gold Wave, $4.99-19.99
Comfortable for on-the-move! These are the best! “purr-fect”Children as young as four years old can take comfort pets with them to soothe their pain. Each one is filled full of beans and the fabric is super soft to help kids let go of their stress. There are 136 new characters in this bean line, 96 new Chonk characters and 24 new Jumbo characters. Walmart: Cats vs. Pickles Gold Wave, $4.99-19.99
Board Games and Video Games for Older Kids
Merry Dissmas (What Do You Meme?)Target – $19.99
The whole family will want in on this funny game that’s designed for ages 12+. Break it out at your next holiday party and test players’ knowledge with hysterical trivia questions. Guaranteed to get everyone talking—and laughing! Merry Dissmas (What Do You Meme?)Target – $19.99
Amazon: The Magical World of Disney Trivia Game, 39.99
Do your children love Disney? Do you love Disney? The whole family will enjoy taking an adventure through time with 2,000 trivia questions, spanning nearly 100 years of Disney history—from its early days to modern Disney and Pixar titles. The board game comes in a black-onblack box and also includes golden game pawns. Amazon: The Magical World of Disney Trivia Game, 39.99
Pokémon Trading Card Game: Elite Trainer Box, $49.99 on Amazon
Inspired by the wildly popular Pokéman GO mobile game, this card game (that’s perfect for kids six and up) features photorealistic artwork and unique gameplay scenarios. The set includes 10 Pokéman GO booster packs, a foil card featuring Mewtwo V, 65 card sleeves with Mewtwo, 45 Pokéman TCG Energy cards, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin-flip die and more. Pokémon Trading Card Game: Elite Trainer Box, $49.99 on Amazon
Amazon Prime Match Madness for $29.99
Puzzle solving has never been more fun. Children 7 years old and older can play this game. They can choose how to play. You have two options. Either race to solve a card puzzle (the Quick-Play option), OR take your time (the Madness Option) and try for the highest score. Either way, this puts kids’ problem-solving abilities to the test—in a fun way! Amazon Prime Match Madness for $29.99
Exit: The Lord of the Rings—Shadow Over Middle-earth, $19.95 at Target
Middle-earth is in serious peril! Help Frodo and the Fellowship who are on their way to Mordor to destroy the One Ring by carrying out Gandalf’s secret assignments. Your mission will be accomplished. Frodo will have enough time for Mount Doom. Everybody Lord of the Rings This mystery card game is a must for anyone ten years old or older! Exit: The Lord of the Rings—Shadow Over Middle-earth, $19.95 at Target
Nintendo Switch Sports, 39.99-$49.99 at Amazon
The classic’s latest entry WiiSports™ series, the Nintendo Switch™Sports game for the Nintendo Switch™ system allows players to kick, swing and spike their way to victory—playing with friends in person or online with friends or random opponents near and far. The Joy-Con™ controllers turn real-world actions into in-game movements for the ultimate competition in Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara (swordplay). A free update will add a seventh sport. Get ready to play golf! Nintendo Switch Sports (digital edition), $39.99 at Amazon. A physical version Nintendo Switch SportsThis includes a Leg Strap accessoryThe suggested retail price for this product is $49.99
Leg Strap accessory required for soccer gameplay.
Nintendo Switch SportsESRB Ratings for EVERYONE 10+ with Mild Violation
* Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately
** Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after the initial term at the current price unless cancelled. Not available everywhere. Access to the internet for online features is required. These terms and conditions are applicable. nintendo.com/switch-online Nintendo Switch Sports, 39.99-$49.99 at Amazon
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