The ultimate toy gift guide: Experts pick for every age and stage
The best toy for kids should ideally meet in the middle of exploration and fun.
With Easter right around the corner, you might be trying to figure out what the top trending toys are.
That's why we tapped industry experts Mandy and Mel, also known on Instagram as the Toy Testing Sisters, to share their top tips and picks to help make your life easier while shopping.
Tip 1: Quality over quantity
The sisters shared that it is better to purchase 4-5 quality items than 10+ toys that will get used a few times and eventually end up in the trash.
"The more toys your kids have, the less they will actually play with them. This is why we are huge fans of finding toys that promote open-ended play and can grow with your kid!"
Tip 2: Buy family toys
When they say family, the Toy Testing Sisters said to think of things like sensory swings, AirToobz, audio players, and building toys. If you are worried about the investment, the toys can be used by so many different ages and last for years.
Tip 3: Listen to the experts
"We have tested and tried thousands of toys," they contained. "This year our guides will have hundreds of amazing selections. We monitor and share toy deals from Prime Day, Black Friday, and daily deals."
Scroll on to shop some of their top toy recommendations by age group.
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Family toys
NORITER PROJECTㅣDream Bundle (Double-Sided Magnetic Marker Board + Birchwood Stand + Alphabet Magnets + Fruit Felt Magnets + Magnetic Eraser Set (3)) ㅣMade in Korea
- $399
- Amazon
Makedo Explore | Upcycled Cardboard Construction Toolkit in Small Toolbox (50 Pieces) | STEM + STEAM Educational Toys for at Home Play + Classroom Learning | Reusable Tools for Boys and Girls Age 5+
- $27.50
- Amazon
Makedo Scru-Driver| for Use with SCRU and SCRU+ | STEM and STEAM Educational Toys for Kids | at Home Play + Classroom Learning | Reusable 1 Piece Tool for Boys and Girls Age 4+
- $9.20
- Amazon
Marlowe & Co Indoor Cotton Sensory Therapy Compression Swing for Children, 360° Swivel Hardware Included, Neutral Double Layer Cotton Hammock Swing for Sensory Integration (Oat)
- $89.99
- Amazon
Yoto Mini (2024 Edition) + Make Your Own Card – Kids Screen-Free Bluetooth Audio Player, All-in-1 Travel Device Plays Stories Music Podcast Radio Ok-to-Wake Clock, Use as Speaker or with Headphones
- $64.99
- $69.99
- Amazon
Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz, Air-Powered STEM Building Toys for Kids & Teens, Kids Building Toys, STEM Toys for 3+ Year Old
- $149.95
- Amazon
0-2 years
Melissa & Doug GO Tots Wooden Barnyard Tumble with 4 Disks - FSC Certified
- $19.99
- $34.99
- Amazon
Disney Wooden Toys 4-Piece Figure Set with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play
- $13.99
- Amazon
2-4 years
Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Wooden Magnetic Puzzle Play Set, 16 Magnet Pieces with Scooper, Wooden Play Food Toy for Boys and for Girls Ages 2+
- $11.31
- $22.99
- Amazon
Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set with Cinderella, Belle, Moana, Tangled, and Playtime Puppy - Listen, Learn, and Play with One Huggable Little Box - Pink
- $154.99
- $168.95
- Amazon
Brio Disney Princess Castle Set - Enchanting Wooden Train Adventure | Includes Classic Disney Princesses | Compatible with All BRIO Railway Toys | FSC-Certified Materials | Ideal for Children Aged 3+
- $136.11
- $144.99
- Amazon
Razor Rollie DLX, 3-Wheel Light-Up Scooter for Younger Children, Seated and Stand-Up Riding Options
- $58.96
- Amazon
5-7 years
Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set, Wooden Toy Play Food for Boys and for Girls 3+
- $63.99
- $79.99
- Amazon
Oggs Mega Set - 103-Piece Magnetic Tiles with Strong Magnets for Imaginative Adventures and Creative Play
- $79.99
- $109.99
- Amazon
B. toys – Balance Beam for Kids – Interlocking Balancing Beams – 5 Sensory Pads & 8 Beams – Active Play for Toddlers, Kids – 3 Years + – Balance & Build Set
- $29.99
- $54.82
- Amazon
Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack - Flexible, Durable, Imagination-Boosting Magnetic Building Toy- Modern, Modular Designs for Hours of STEM Play. A Multi-Sensory Magnet Toy, Travel Friendly. Ages 4-99
- $59.99
- Amazon
8-10 years
Smartivity Pinball Machine Toy for Kids Ages 8-14 Years old | Global Award Winning Arcade Game| Cool Birthday Gifts Ideas for Boys & Girls| DIY STEM Toys for 8,10,11,12,13,14I Wooden Engineering Games
- $34.39
- Amazon
Fat Brain Toys Hey Clay Animals, Air Dry Clay Kit with Interactive App for Kids & Tweens, Modeling Clay and Crafts Set
- $19.95
- Amazon
Skillmatics Art & Craft Activity - Foil Fun Pretty Patterns, Mess Free Art, Craft Kits, Magnets & Supplies, DIY Creative Activity, Gifts for Girls & Boys Ages 7, 8, 9, and Up
- $19.97
- Amazon
