Have you ever let out a sigh when shopping in the toy aisle? Don’t worry, we’ve been there too. With so many choices competing for our attention, finding the perfect toy for our kids is a daunting task. While it’s easy to spot the latest trendy toys, the real challenge lies in finding those that truly spark a child’s imagination and offer long-lasting play value. If you’re on the lookout for toys that fit these criteria and more, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of the top toys at Target, all of which have been tested by kids and approved for hours of fun and engagement. These toys not only provide entertainment but also support developmental growth, are safe for kids, and make life easier for parents.
3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set
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Best for Creativity. As parents always on the lookout for creative outlets for our kids, we were glad we found out about the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set. The first thing we noticed was how slim and light the pen is. It’s clearly designed with smaller hands in mind, making it easy for kids to grip and maneuver. This was a big plus for us, as some other art supplies can be a bit bulky for younger children.
The concept of this toy is straightforward: it melts plastic filament sticks, enabling kids to create in three dimensions. What really stood out to us was the safety feature. We were initially worried about the hot nozzle and melting plastic, but those concerns were quickly alleviated. The nozzle and melted plastic are engineered to avoid temperatures that could cause burns. We even tried it ourselves – you can touch the tip of your skin and draw on your finger without feeling any pain. Learn more about this product on its official product page!
Pros
- It’s designed with safety in mind, featuring a cool-touch nozzle and a child-friendly design.
- The set includes a variety of colors and accessories, encouraging creativity and exploration.
- Considering everything it’s capable of, it’s relatively affordable.
Cons
- It may be too simple for older children looking for more advanced features.
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B. toys Hippo Pop Keyboard
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Best Musical Toy. Now, we want to share our thoughts about the B. toys Hippo Pop Keyboard. First off, the design. The concept of a hippo-themed piano that offers lights, songs, sound effects, and even popping birds? We were definitely intrigued! The keyboard features five different musical modes, which we found provided a nice variety. Plus, it has an impressive 26 sound effects!
In addition to that, we were surprised by the number of tunes pre-loaded. With 15 fun songs and 6 classic nursery rhymes, there’s plenty of musical entertainment for little ones. It kept our little tester engaged for quite some time. The real highlight for us, however, was the popping birds. As you press the keys (which are perfectly sized for little hands), eight colorful birds light up and actually pop up! It’s truly an entertaining and engaging toy.
Pros
- It comes complete with 4 AA batteries.
- The keyboard is sturdy enough to handle some toddler play.
- It’s engaging without being too complicated.
Cons
- This toy may be too loud for some environments.
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Bright Starts Hug-a-Bye Baby Elephant
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Best for Toddlers. Get the Bright Starts Hug-a-Bye Baby Elephant for your toddler and thank us later! This soft and cuddly elephant is one of the most popular toddler toys on the market for a reason. The gentle glow of the elephant’s tummy is truly enchanting and adds a special touch to both playtime and nighttime routines. Your baby will most likely be captivated by the twinkling lights that dance along with the music.
The 20+ minutes of soothing melodies are just right for calming your little one down before bedtime. Operating this toy was also easy for us. We could switch between continuous music and shorter songs. In addition to that, this elephant serves as a fantastic sensory toy. The different textures, crinkles, and tags offer endless opportunities for exploration and help develop your baby’s fine motor skills. Watch this video to have a better look at how this toy works!
Read also: 13 Best Toothbrushes for Babies
Pros
- Made of soft, plush materials, this toy is comfortable for toddlers to cuddle and hold.
- It features lights, music, and sounds that can capture a baby’s attention.
- It’s both compact and lightweight.
Cons
- The lights and music can be overwhelming for some newborns.
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Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand
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Best STEM Toy. Kids who love building toys will surely love the Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand. This isn’t just any toy; it’s an amazing hands-on learning experience. For our kids, assembling it was quite a challenge, but it felt incredibly rewarding. We enjoyed seeing them discover how the hydraulic pistons function and how to fine-tune each finger for accurate movement.
On top of that, the fact that it operates entirely on your own power – without any batteries or motors – is remarkable. It highlights the power of air pressure and water. Right or left? Why not both? You can set it up as a right hand, a left hand, or even a claw! Plus, it’s adjustable to fit nearly any hand size. We think this toy is a great way to let kids explore engineering and robotics while having a blast.
“This incredibly detailed and engaging toy not only captivated our kids’ imagination but also foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
Keedoz
Pros
- This toy encourages the exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math principles in a fun and interactive way.
- It’s made with sturdy plastic components that can withstand repeated use.
- It has a highly adjustable fit.
Cons
- Younger children may require adult help with some of the more intricate assembly steps.
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Barbie Club Chelsea Camper Playset
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Best Barbie Toy. Does your little one love Barbie? If so, you should totally get them the Barbie Club Chelsea Camper Playset! Like most kids, ours were very excited when they got this playset. It was just the right size for those little hands but big enough for their imaginations. We have to say, the camper is adorable with its vibrant colors and playful design. We also like how the trunk opens up to store all the accessories. Talk about a real camper!
Of course, in addition to bunk beds, kitchen appliances, a fire pit, and an adorable puppy, the playset also includes a Chelsea doll. Needless to say, this toy kept our kids entertained for hours. We truly recommend this playset to any child who loves imaginative play. It’s a wonderful gift for kids ages 3 to 7.
Pros
- This Barbie playset encourages imaginative storytelling.
- It comes with adorable accessories like a suitcase, firepit, and guitar.
- It can be easily stored away when not in use.
Cons
- It may be too small for some children or those with larger hands.
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WowWee Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog
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Best Robot Toy. If you’re looking for something futuristic and interactive, you should definitely get the WowWee Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog. This is the perfect toy for parents who want their kids to have a pet but are hesitant because of the responsibilities that come with a real dog. What we love the most about the Dog-E is the element of surprise. You won’t know which unique light design and personality you’ll receive until you unbox it.
We got this toy for our kids, and they were thrilled. With over 200 sounds and reactions (including realistic tail wags and adorable little runs), Dog-E felt really lifelike. On top of that, we could easily teach Dog-E a few tricks easily using the mobile application. The app also allowed us to monitor its basic needs. Pretty cool, right? For more information about Dog-E, click here!
Pros
- The personality you get is random, allowing for a truly unique experience.
- Dog-E moves and sounds like a real dog.
- The companion application offers customization features.
Cons
- The rechargeable battery needs regular charging to keep Dog-E active.
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Our Verdict!
Need a quick summary? The Target toys above are all fantastic, but we’ve also categorized each of them based on their biggest selling point so you’ll have an easier time picking which toy is best for your kid.
- Best Robot Toy: WowWee Dog-E Interactive Robot Dog
- Best Barbie Toy: Barbie Club Chelsea Camper Playset
- Best STEM Toy: Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand
- Best for Toddlers: Bright Starts Hug-a-Bye Baby Elephant
- Best Musical Toy: B. toys Hippo Pop Keyboard
- Best for Creativity: 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set
How To Choose The Best Toys at Target
Choosing the right toys for kids is important for both their safety and development. Here are the key factors to consider before you make your decision:
Safety
The most important factor when choosing a toy is safety. Toys need to be suitable for the child’s age and should not have any hazards such as small parts that could pose a choking risk, sharp edges, or toxic materials. Always check for safety certifications and make sure to supervise young children while they play.
Age appropriateness
Toys should be appropriate for a child’s developmental stage. Take into account their physical abilities, cognitive skills, and interests. The age recommendations found on packaging can be quite useful.
Educational values
Toys can also serve as effective learning tools. So, you may want to opt for toys that foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and imaginative play. Additionally, toys that encourage social interaction and physical activity are also advantageous.
For more toys. Check out these best toy cars and the best toy guitars in Walmart!
How are toys useful to children?
Toys are essential tools for children to learn and grow. They help develop cognitive and motor skills, foster creativity and imagination, and promote social and emotional development.
How many toys does a child need?
A child doesn’t need a specific number of toys, but rather a variety that encourages different types of play. Fewer, well-chosen toys can boost creativity and focus more than a large quantity.
Do new babies need toys?
Yes, we think toys can help stimulate the senses and development of new babies.
