2026 hot holiday toy list: What's on track to sell out

By Meghan GiannottaNovember 5, 2026 5:00 am

This holiday season, the hottest toys will look familiar to the parents hunting them down.

A number of must-grab favorites flagged by Toy Insider, a consumer guide for parents, happen to be new release versions of favorites that were once wrapped up and gifted to generations decades prior. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo, one of the most iconic toy crazes, and of the launch of Pokemon, known for its trading cards and merch. A 2026 version of the laughing "Sesame Street" character promises to be the giggliest yet, while anniversary pack Pokemon cards releasing in phases through the year are already resulting in store sellouts and high resale values.

"Pokemon is having a major anniversary this year and it’s not just for kids. Collectors will go crazy. Today’s parents will remember these toys from their own childhoods," Laurie Schacht, Long Island-based chief toy officer for Toy Insider, says of the anniversary collector card editions on sale for the holidays. "You will have parents go wild; you will have kids who already play and want it or ones who are new to Pokemon and want to get in on the game."

Of course, the current generation of littles has their own set of favorites too. Look out for just about anything sensory friendly that kids can squish, squeeze and pull. "Squish is one of the biggest trends," says Schacht. The most popular brand of the moment is Nee-doh, which sold out and caused lines outside Long Island toy stores earlier this year. "The kids love them and the adults keep them too and are keeping them on their desks at work. They have dual appeal."

Schacht says the re-release toys from generations prior may not have the same craze appeal as they did when they were first released three decades ago, but she does say Nee-doh is on track to continue its hot streak: "I do think it’s one of those toys that will sell out early."

And if you’re wondering if you’ve missed the moment on "KPop Demon Hunters" toys, you haven’t. This is the first holiday season with official merch releases for the 2025 Sony Pictures hit and it's still all the rage with the younger crowd. "K-pop in general is still a hot brand," Schacht says. If you see a Rumi singing fashion doll, grab it while it’s still around.

Here are the top toys to snag before it’s too late. Many are recommendations by Toy Insider. Find them at big box and local toy stores.

Singing 'KPop Demon Hunters' dolls

The hunters Rumi, Mira and Zoey rock their "Golden" looks from the Sony Pictures film and sing a clip from the hit song when a button is pressed. Dolls sold separately. For ages 4 and up. $32.99 each by Mattel.

Pokémon Elite Trainer Box

The 30th anniversary edition trading card box is a hot seller featuring the return of 30 classic Pokémon cards and a booster pack containing one of 30 different Pikachu rare cards. For ages 6 and up. $49.99 by Pokémon.

Nee-doh Collection

The viral toy of the season comes in several forms: cubes, textured gum drop squishes, jellyfish, fuzz balls and even kittens. Squeeze them, pull them or simply relieve stress with them. For ages 3 and up. $4.99 to $29.99 by Nee-doh.

Peekimo

It's a wearable, interactive pet that'll go with them wherever they go. Peekimo starts out shy and eventually warms up to its owner through game play and interaction. For ages 5 and up. $24.99 by Spin Master.

Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max

The "Sesame Street" laughing Elmo that caused a craze in 1996 has been rereleased this year with a version that promises to be the tickliest yet. Kids can tickle Elmo's belly or feet and watch him laugh and shake in delight. It stands 18 inches tall. For ages 18 months and up. $39.99 by Just Play.

Puppetronic Pikachu

This 20-inch interactive plush Pikachu doll brings the character to life with 120 sounds and a variety of actions. Watch as it blinks, moves its mouth and ears and turns its cheeks red. For ages 8 and up. $79.99 by Pokémon.

Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul

The ultimate kit for slime lovers, this mega haul comes with 50 pieces, including charms, accessories and beauty tools, and all the fixings to create your own slimes. For ages 6 and up. $32.99 by Moose Toys.

Bilibo Midi

Use these as scoopers, spinners, seats, helmets, steppingstones and more. Kids can wobble, spin, carry or stack them for use both indoors and out. For ages 2 and up. $19.99 by Fat Brain Toys.

Magical Dragon

The latest from Little Live Pets comes a lifelike dragon that tells you via its tummy if it's hungry, sleepy, lonely, sick or feeling affectionate. For ages 4 and up. $59.99 by Moose Toys.

Charm'd Accessory Studio

Creating charms is as easy as lining up a gem and clicking a button. Kit features 10 charm cases, one metal bracelet, seven bag clips and 30 frosted charm links. For ages 6 and up. $19.99 by Spin Master.

Miniverse Real Music Record Player

Teach them to spin records on their very own collectible player. Mini vinyls with hits from Britney Spears, Blink-182, The Beach Boys, Elton John and more are sold separately. Kit comes with player and 1 playable mini vinyl. For ages 8 and up. $21.99 by MGA Entertainment.

Megasaurus Dino Vehicle

This "Paw Patrol" toy recycling truck comes with a hidden surprise. Press the light-bar to reveal a 2-foot inflatable dinosaur that can be deflated and repackaged for repeat fun. For ages 3 and up. $64.99 by Spin Master.

Butterluvs

Cuddly and soft, these stuffed animals are ideal for toddlers and come in three sizes (4.5-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch). Find capybaras, rabbits, monkeys, teddy bears and more. For ages 3 and up. $4.99 to $19.97 by Cra-Z-Art.

Egg Drop Challenge

For kids interested in STEM, or those who are just plain curious about how things work, the Egg Drop by CrunchLabs challenges them to engineer a design that keeps an egg safe from cracking when dropped. For ages 8 and up. $14.99 by Moose Toys.

'Bluey' Light and Surprise Heeler House

Standing at more than 2 feet tall, this "Bluey" doll house features 12 play areas like Bandit's office, a laundry room, TV room and Chili and Bandit's bedroom with an outdoor patio. The house includes 30 play pieces. For ages 3 and up. $149.99 by Moose Toys.

Blitzee Aquarium

Four pets in one, this 3D aquarium teaches responsibility through feeds, play time and more. For ages 5 and up. $39.99 by Spin Master.

KPop Heishi Stack'd Bracelet Maker

This DIY kit lets them design their own bracelets with ease. Line the machine with charms and create again and again. For ages 7 and up. $24.99 by Spin Master

Animal Jamboree

They’ll learn to love music early with this animal-themed drum set for kids. Learn to shake, clack, drum and click to the beat with maracas, rattles and clackers. For ages 18 months and up. $19.82 by Battat.