Holiday Toys

Holiday Time! ToyHere are some of the BEST toys reviewed by local families this year. See the entire list at www.sandiegofamily.com and pick up the December issue for part two.

Stack ‘n Style Wood Dollhouse $219.99; 3+ LittleTikes.com

Kids love to design and build this dollhouse with its unique modular connecting pieces. Will your child’s house be one, two or three stories high? Includes 14 accessories, such as furniture and bedding. Designed for play with 12-inch dolls.

Healthy Roots Dolls $84.99; All ages HealthyRootsDolls.com

Introducing three “curlfriend” 18-inch dolls—Zoe, Gaïana and Marisol. Each doll’s uniquely textured hair can be washed and styled with real haircare products while experimenting with styles from puffs to box braids, encouraging children to do the hair over and over.

National Geographic Light-Up Terrarium Dinosaur Habitat $24.99; 6+ Amazon.com

Kids design, decorate, plant and grow a miniature prehistoric world. “This is a great project and long-term activity,” says mom Jacque. “Plus, it’s a nightlight!” Includes a learning guide with fascinating facts about dinosaurs and plant growth. “Look at all the fancy stones!” says Luke, age 8.

Pony Adventures $39.99; 3+ Lottie.com

Lottie and her pony Shelby are training for a horse show at Greendale Farm Stables. “Lottie Dolls continue to be a favorite in our family,” says mom Kimberly. “We love the size, the shape, the themes and the quality! Adding a horse [to our collection] is a special treat.”

see p. 6

NASA Air Rocket Launcher Kit $99.99; 14+ Amazon.com

Using only compressed air (from a bike pump), this rocket is a safer alternative to combustible rockets. “One of the best products we’ve reviewed,” says dad Mike. “The rockets fly super high (up to 250 ft), so make sure you have plenty of space.” Launching with the remote control keeps kids at a safe distance.

My First Railway Light Up Rainbow Set $84.99; 18 mos.+ BRIO.us

A fun and engaging first train set that helps parents introduce toddlers to basic sequencing using lights and sounds.

see p. 6

Marvel Black Panther Wakanda Forever Fresh Fierce Dolls $49.99 each; 6+ Target.com

With the release of the movie on Nov. 11, these collectible 11.5” dolls (characters Shuri, Okoye and Nakia) will be a hit this holiday season! Each doll features an intricate costume and signature accessory and can be manipulated into warrior poses.

Smart Chart Medical Kit $27.99; 2–5 yrs. VtechKids.com

“We’ve had many doctor play kits—this one is the best!” says mom Julie. “The tablet is interactive and teaches kids about the body, but this set also helps prepare children who are anxious about doctor visits.” Medical tools and accessories fit into the bag for storage.

100 Things That Go $19.99; 18 mos.+ LeapFrog.com

This interactive, bilingual book (English and Spanish) teaches kids 100+ words about modes of transportation from dog sleds and dump trucks to skates and school buses. Three play modes feature words, sounds or fun facts on every page.

Get Ready for Game Night!

Scrabble Spanish Edition $22.95; 8+ Winning-Moves.com

Enjoy the classic fun of Scrabble in Spanish.

Spidey and His Amazing Friends Labyrinth Junior $24.99; 4–8 yrs. Ravensburger.us

Spider-Man and friends are lost in the labyrinth; help them find their way by shifting the maze. “I love that they made an easier version [of Labyrinth] for younger kids,” says mom Jacque. “I’m going to be playing this for 10,000 years!” says PJ, age 5.

Monopoly Travel World Tour $21.99; 8+ Hasbro.com

A great game for travel enthusiasts! Buy destinations, complete travel goals, and stamp the dry-erase gameboard as you go. Use Travel Journal cards in future games and learn fun facts about locations across the globe.

Island Shot $99.99; All ages CaliberGames.com

A new twist on cornhole, this is a fun outdoor game for the whole family. Take turns trying to land bags on the island board. “Comes with a nice mesh bag so we can take it anywhere,” says mom Tracy. “The bean bags are small enough for kid hands.”

Find more fun family games in our full list at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/kid-tested-toyproduct-review/fun-family-board-games.

November 2022 • SanDiegofamily.com • 23