8-10 Holiday Toy Guide

This is always the hardest age group for us to create guides for. The are existing that toy phase, yet that are still kids! This list of toys is unique, educational, and keep your growing kids off screens!

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Staple Toys

Sensory Table Inserts and Accessories

1. Trestle Tracks: Mandy has tried a few marble tracks and this one is the solid winner! It doesn't take up too much floor space, allows kids to build and use their engineering brains, and the pieces are solid. Charlie got this for his birthday and he loves it. Mandy went ahead and threw out her original marble run. Also, comparted to GraviTrax, Trestle Tracks is much more user friendly.

2. Remote Control Truck: Another birthday win with this remote control truck. Mr. Toy Tester did all of the research and found that this "hobby" truck was the best option. It is flexible and can climb but also has the speed kids love. It is also a great size. Kids can easily transport but it isn't too small.

3. Custom Jacket: These jackets are custom designed and the patches are hand-picked! We were blown away when we came across this company in the spring of 2022. What kid doesn't want a custom jacket that highlights their personality and interests? You work closely with the owner to create a jacket that is perfect for your kid.

4. Ninja Station: Who doesn't want an outdoor Ninja set? This set is awesome because it can work for kids all the way up to teens. It's easy to install and has a variety of attachments for the slack line. Charlie and Caroline are obsessed with their kit. We also love that this set is manufactured in the United States.

5. Jewelry Kit: These kits are a great way to keep kids busy! This set comes with 7,200 pieces! It has a great variety of colored clay beads, letters, smiley beads, and other charms.

6: 3D World Puzzle: If your kid wants to try something besides LEGO, these 3D puzzles are super cool! The pieces are numbered and you intersect them to build a 3D creation. We have built the Eiffel Tower, Castle, and World. It's also a cool toy to display in a kid's room.

7: Spring Bots: This is such an awesome STEM toy! You build robots and they are powered by kinetic energy. This kit allows you to build 3 robots. Models include a race car that drives up to 60 feet, a robot that walks up to 20 inches, and a countdown timer that counts down up to 6 minutes. The models are powered by a mainspring, the main device found in old-fashioned clocks.

8: GoTrax Electric Scooter: We love the brand GoTrax! We have found their quality and features to be excellent. GXL V2 is the Gotrax most classic, mature, and reliable electric scooter. It can travel up to 12 miles. Max speed for this scooter is 15.5mph and it can hold up to 220lbs.

9: Pierced Earrings: These earrings come in the cutest designs and colors. We love that the backs screw on so no more losing earrings and backs. They also offer a monthly subscription. This would make for such a fun monthly gift for your kid. All earrings are surgical grade stainless steel, hypoallergenic, lead & nickel free, and 18k gold plated.

10: Snow cone Machine: This is a fun toy/activity that kids can enjoy all year long. Mandy has this one at her house and Charlie and Caroline love! It's easy for kids to load the ice and manually pull down to create yummy, soft ice. This snow cone machine has great review and its's awesome that it's stainless steel.

11. Origami Book: This book comes with everything you need to make fun origami creations. It is filled with 20 different projects and hundreds of papers ready to fold. A unique gift and craft for you pre teen.

12. Razor Scooter: This scooter is so fun to zip around the neighborhood on. We love the retro vibe and color. This is battery powered and can be easily charged and recharged for years to come. This comes with a powerful 24V battery and can reach speeds up to 15mph. ALWYAS use your safety gear!

13. Saving Bank: This award winning educational toy is intended to teach kiddos the value of saving, spending, and organizing their money. Color coded acrylic lids make saving, spending, and sharing a much simpler concept to understand. Highly rated on Amazon.

14. Caboodle: You remember Caboodles right!? This vintage inspired toy is perfect for makeup, toiletries, craft supplies, you name it. Pre teen girls always have knick knacks to store, so give them somewhere to put them.

15. Geode Kit: National Geographic has come out with a really fun geode cracking kit. This kit includes 10 natural, premium geodes, safety goggles, 2 display stands, and a detailed instruction and learning guide. Crack these open and watch the wonder on your kiddos face when they discover the beauty inside.

16. Tumble Track: Due to the variations in thickness and pressures, air tumbling tracks can be bouncy and safe to land on. It is also the best gift for teenagers to practice gymnastics or tumbling. This one on Amazon has tons of good reviews and is a great size for the price. It also includes the air compressor, repair kit, and carrying bag.

17. Sensory Swing: If you can be a little handy, this hanging sensory swing is a blast. This kit comes with everything you need to give your kiddos a unique sensory experience. The price point is excellent and this is a totally unique gift that will blow your kids mind.

18. Penny Board: This 22 inch skateboard is perfect for a beginning skater. We love toys that get our kids moving and outside. We loved this galaxy design but they also come in a variety of colors and patterns. Pick a unique one that fits your child's personality.

19. Jellyfish Lamp: This jellyfish lava lamp is the perfect accessory for any pre teen's room. The best part is they get to put the jellyfish in the lamp and create something that is unique for them. This lamp offers 20 different color changes with a portable remote.

20. Loombot: This is the Loombot from Fat Brain Toys. We love toys that are crafts for this age group. This kit comes with everything you need to become a knitting pro. You can knit hats, scarves, and more with this knitting tool. Just crank and watch the magic happen.

Teen Holiday Gift Guide

We love doing teen guides because most of the items are gifts we want for ourselves! This list does include some more expensive items, but they are quality and tested!

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8-10

Staple Toys

Sensory Table Inserts and Accessories

1. Segway Scooter: Mandy has two of these at her house! The specs on this Segway ninebot 45 scooter are awesome! Segway Ninebot E45 has a top speed of 18.6 mph, travels up to 28 miles, and accommodate a max load of 220 lbs. Even though this is an adult scooter, Mandy’s 7-year old can operate. It also folds up for easy storage and lights up underneath. It even includes a headlight for night riding.

2: Nintendo Switch OLED: This is the latest Switch model. Mandy has this at her house and it’s something the entire family loves playing together. The switch is great because it’s very portable. We love bringing with us on long car rides and on vacation. There are so many family friendly games everyone can enjoy.

3. Bracelet Kit: Pretty Life Girls has outdone themselves with their DIY bracelet kits. They have curated some amazing kits with beautiful colors and accessories. These are so fun for teens to make for themselves and friends.

4. ZAANA: Want the look of the double piercing but don't want the piercing? These Zanna twists hoops give the look of a double piercing without having to get pierced. Save 10% with CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS

5. Heatless Curls: If you have a kid who spends so much time curling, try using these heartless curls! You simply wrap your hair around the soft curler! We were blown away that it works so well! This would make for a fun girls night activity.

6. Needohs: You know we love our Needohs! These mini Needohs come in an 18pk. These are fun because they fit in the palm of your hand. Teens can keep in the car, backpack, purse, etc. They are our favorite fidget toy!

7. Hammock Chair Swing: Our 17-year old sister has a hanging hammock in her room and she loves it! This model is great because it has two cozy cushions and a side pocket hole books, iPad, etc. You can use this inside or outside and it holds up to 300lbs! Love the idea of making a lounge nook in a teens bedroom!

8. Rad Bikes:Say hello to the RadCity 4 High-Step. Mel purchased a Rad Bike this summer. She has a model that allows hers to pull her two girls. This model is great for teens! Rad calls this their winner for all-around e-bike. It works on dirt or pavement. This bike has the power of a 750W motor and can go 45+ miles per charge.

9. DJI Mini Pro3: This drone is on the expensive side but if you have teen who loves drones this is the one to get! The features are incredible! Mandy has this drone and it is used a lot! You can set different cinematic settings and it even records in horizontal or vertical mode. It includes a home feature and obstacle avoidance.

10. Lava Lamp: Mandy’s son, Charlie, has a lava lamp in his room and it’s super soothing! Who had a lava lamp in their room growing up? This model is from the original lava lamp company. It stands at 16.3inches.

11. Kodak Printer: This photo printer is unlike its competitors. You can manually plug any phone in and instantly print high quality photos! The ink is cheaper and lasts longer as well.

12. Adult Swaddle: This adult swaddle is from Goosebumps Shop and is our favorite! They have turned their beloved baby swaddle into adult size and come up with the cutest prints and colors. They always do a killer Black Friday sale!

13. Nail Polish Holder: Say goodbye to spilled polish. This nail polish holder has so many good Amazon reviews and makes painting your nails like a pro that much easier. This gift would be perfect for a "beginning nail tech".

14. LIGHT UP Corn Hole: Corn hole is always a fan favorite, but can be a let down when it gets much too dark to SEE! This corn hole set is affordable and comes with 38 ultra bright LED lights which makes playing into the night a non issue.

15. Portable Speaker: Mel was gifted this portable speaker this year and it goes everywhere with her. She uses it on bike rides, at the park, to take her girls on stroller rides, or just for a fun indoor dance party. It packs a punch and is priced well!

16. Buddha Board: This is the original buddha board and is so relaxing. Using water and a brush the tablet can be transformed into a dissolving work of art.

17. Belt Bag: You've probably heard of the lulu belt bag. The price of that one might not be suitable for your teen (who likely looses everything), but this Amazon dupe is the perfect alternative. We love the cream color but it comes in a variety of colors and looks identical to the lulu one.

18. Ukulele: This gorgeous, wooden ukulele is the perfect gift for a creative teen. Help your child learn a new skill with FREE online lessons included in this link.

19. Neck Fan: This might seem like an odd Christmas gift but it's the gift that gives all summer long! This portable, recharging neck can is the best for a hot summer day. Use it to mow the lawn, play outside, or sit in a hot parade. 30K 5-star Amazon reviews.

20. Paint by Stickers: Did you know paint by stickers is also for teens/adults? Snag this darling travel themed paint by stickers. Select the same numbered sticker and place it accordingly to complete your masterpiece.

Staple Playroom Toys: Holiday Edition

Mel and I have put together 20 staple toys for your toy room! This list is not age specific because most of these items can be enjoyed by littles all the way up to teens! The toys listed below have been a major hit at both our houses--we own all of these toys! If you are looking for group gifts for the family or larger, higher price point items, this is your list.

Shop All Ages:

0-2

2-4

5-7

8-10

Teen

Sensory Table Inserts and Accessories

1. Airfort: This toy gives you a fort within seconds and all you need is a box fan! You don’t have to deal with poles or storing a large fort. This toy folds up in a tiny pouch! Kids just lift the side to enter. It comes in different designs and shapes! Our kids love hosting teddy bear picnics inside or just chilling with blankets and pillows. Save 10% with CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS

2. Sarah's Silks: Our favorite play silks are from Sarah’s Silks. They offer beautifully crafted 100% silk play scarves and products perfect for imaginative play. They also come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. Our kids love to put in the water, play dress-up, build forts, fly in the sky, and create magical paths. If you want to add silks to your playroom, start by purchasing a few of the classic sized silks and either a giant or double silk.

3. Rockwall: If your kids climb the walls, we have the ultimate solution for you! Megalith climbing has made it easy to add a rock wall in your very own home! All you do is buy these individual panels, arrange to your liking, add the holes, and voila! These are self-installed but are super easy. Find the studs in your walls and they will each hold up to 250lbs per panel. This is the perfect toy that keeps your kids active and entertained.

4. Mud kitchen: This is an heirloom toy that will be used for many, many years. It is made of solid wood and the quality is top notch. We highly recommend the WoodNPoppy mud kitchen. Their mud kitchens are made to order and you can select wood type, finish, and accessories. Mud kitchens are excellent for outdoor sensory play. Kids can enjoy making mud pies, planting flowers, cooking with their backyard findings, and so much more.

5. Stairslide: Who doesn’t want to turn their stairs into a massive slide? Stairslide comes in sections so you can pick the length and thrill level you are looking for! They don’t damage your floor and stack for easy storage. This toy can be enjoyed by toddlers and teens! Use our code to save 10%! Mel has 5 slides at her house and Mandy has 4. We use a play couch as a landing pad! CODE: TOYTESTING10

6. Stepping Stones: These colorful stepping stones from National Geographic will get your kid moving and using their imagination. They are soft and easy to balance on. Our kids love to use in ninja stations, obstacle courses, and pretend play. Littles love to stack and jump on and off. These are great to pair with silks and a play couch.

7. Play couch: Mandy has been become addicted to play couches—she owns 4. Play couches are awesome for imaginative play because kids can create forts, castles, obstacle courses, ninja stations, houses, and so much more. There are many play couch companies but we love LeoMat and Nugget. We recommend investing in at least two play couches if you purchase a Nugget. Nuggets won't go on sale and are $229 for a standard color. Because the Leo Mat has tri-fold cushions, start with one before buying two. The Leo Mat is $399. You can purchase from Target or Leo Mat. There are so many unique colors and patterns to pick from. The Leo Mat is featured in the photo. Save 10% with CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS

8. Bounce House: PlaySmol has created aesthetically pleasing bounce houses! No more obnoxious colors. They currently have 3 color options: pinks, blues, and neutrals. They offer 6x6 and 8x8. If you have room, we recommend the 8x8. This toy will keep kids busy and bouncing! Add plastic balls for some fun sensory play. Bounces houses are great for indoor and outdoor wiggles! This will save you during the cold winter months. Use CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS to save $30.

9. Doorway swing: If you have active kids, the doorway swing is great for getting out all of the energy! It’s awesome because it doesn’t require any hardware for installation. It holds up to 150lbs. Littles can relax in the hammock attachment and big kids can even enjoy too. We recommend purchasing the deluxe kit which includes the swing, trapeze bar, and hammock attachments.

10. Jungle Jumaproo: We know this is a higher price toy that takes up a larger footprint, but we promise it will be used by so many ages. The Jumparoo is a trampoline for inside/outside with bonus features! It includes poles for climbing and hanging and you can even purchase the rope swing! Tons of kids can load onto the Jumparoo and no one is going to get thrown off because of its double bounce feature. This means you can have a toddler jumping the same time as a teen!

11. Dough Kits: These kits from Mac Kids Kit are affordable and will keep your kiddos entertained for hours. The accessories for each themed box turn play time into an imaginative and sensory experience.

12. Ikea Play Kitchen: Every home should have a play kitchen. The Ikea kitchen is a favorite of ours because it is neutral colored, has an interactive top, and is majorly affordable. Just make sure to check for inventory because these often sell out around the holidays.

13. Billibo: The Billibo is an open ended, award winning toy. Our kiddos have nick named it the "turtle shell". It can be used to spin and wobble and can be flipped upside down to create a fun arrangement of stepping stones. The perfect toy to help get out the wiggles.

14. Wooden Rainbow: This toy made our staple toy guide because our kiddos use it in so many ways. It is a toy that will grow with your child. Not to mention, we found the largest, most affordable one on Amazon and we LOVE IT!

15. Yoto Mini: Say hello to the portable story teller. This story telling device uses cards to play hundreds of classic stories. It doesn't require wifi to work and can be used as a bluetooth device. The portability of this makes it perfect for road trips, plane rides, and camping excursions.

16. Spider Swing: A favorite outdoor toy of ours that can be used on a swing set or a tree. Holds up to 700lbs and can fit up to 6 kids! We love to let our kids pile on and swing high together.

17. Kids UTV Ride On: This ride on toy packs a punch. It uses a 24V battery which means more speed, more power, and better battery life. Two kids can ride together and tot around their gear in the trunk. Trust us when we say you want a 24V battery!

18. Nighthawk Rider: This is the most unique battery powered ride on toy we've seen. It looks like a stingray and turns by using a tipping motion. Our kids have hours of fun riding this through the neighborhood.

19. Wooble Board: Another perfect toy to help get all the wiggles out. You can use this toy to rock, wobble, and teeter. You can also use this for an interactive kids yoga session. Open ended toy with lots of playtime possibilities.

20. Zip Line: If you have 2 sturdy trees this is the toy for you! Turn your backyard into an outdoor obstacle course with this zip line from Fofana Ninja. Using slack line technology this toy can be used for even adults under 250lbs.