Holiday Toy Guide

HOLIDAY TOY GUIDE Announcing Part One of this season’s round-up of kid-tested, parent-approved toys. To make it even more exciting, we’re giving some away! Turn to page 6 for details on how to enter. Find our complete list of toys, games, books and more at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/kidtested-toy-product-review and be sure to pick up the December issue for Part Two.

Scrabble Slam $6.95; 8+ Winning-Moves.com

A card game version of Scrabble, but faster and easier. Change words one letter at a time (such as “bake” to “bike”) using cards in your hand. “This game is perfect for camping or RV travel,” says mom Emily. “It also makes a great stocking stuffer.”

Find more great games for Family Game Night at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/kidtested-toy-product-review.

Playmobil Large Hospital $149.99; 4+ Playmobil.us

Two-story hospital with elevator comes with tons of features and accessories for hours of imaginative play. “This toy is amazing!” says mom Karen. “There are so many neat things to keep my daughter (age 6) occupied and engaged.”

Devilfish Bodyboard Race Pack 4 $44; 4+ Team-Magnus.com

These bodyboards are perfect for San Diego’s year-round temperate weather! Use them for swimming at a pool, riding small waves at the beach, and cruising down a Slip ‘n’ Slide. More durable than regular inflatables. “Love that it’s a 4-pack so there is one for [everyone in the] family,” says mom Lauren.

Under-the-Sea Mermaid Palace $49.99; 3+ LakeshoreLearning.com

An enchanting sea palace that has “working” parts such as a clamshell bed, palace gate and swing. Also includes three mermaids that can sit or stand!

Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit $59.99; 8+ AbacusBrands.com

Watch Bill Nye “The Science Guy” come alive (via augmented reality) to introduce scientific lessons and principles like oxidation, chemical reactions and more! This kit includes over 30 hands-on experiments, VR goggles and a book. Teleport to Bill’s lab using your smart device with the goggles.

Star Wars The Child Plush $12.99; 3+

Inspired by the popular Disney+ series, this 8” plush toy with life-like glass eyes is known as The Child. “My son loves The

Mandalorian and went crazy for “Baby Yoda,” says mom Julie. “It’s perfect for any Star Wars fan.”

Activity Pop-Up Tents $19.99-$39.99; 36 mos. & up Amazon.com

Give kids their own space to play, read or hang out! Simply pop up to use; fold flat to put away. Themes available from Sunny Days Entertainment: Thomas the Tank Engine, Wonder Woman, Scoobyteabag, spoon, biscuits and tea tray.

Silly Skaters Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On $39 ; 1+

Little ones can ride or push this adorable unicorn, which features motion-activated, light-up skates. Air pump included.

Honeybake Wooden Tea Set $39.95; 3+ LeToyVan.com

Little ones love hosting imaginary tea parties with this beautiful tea set. Includes cups and saucers, teapot. Made from sustainable solid wood.

Scoot Hands-Free Hover Drone Duo Set $49.99; 8+

Turn any room into an interactive playground! “This super cool toy comes in a set of two, so each of the kids can use one,” says Tom, dad to 12-year-old twins. “You control the motion with your hands and it’s very easy to do.”

PJ Masks 2-in-1 Transforming Mobile HQ $79.99; 3+ JustPlayProducts.com

This impressive play set stands three feet tall and features five levels, each with a drop-down ramp. “This is the BIG present for under the tree,” says mom Viri. “My son lost his marbles when we opened it! He loves the PJ Masks characters, but it’s the size and playability he likes most.”

Hide & Seek Paint Pour Rocks $13.99; 6+ FaberCastell.com

Paint pouring is a trending technique that is amazing on rocks! “We painted a lot of rocks during quarantine,” says mom Maureen. “This set comes with 10 perfectly sized rocks, stickers and paint.

Loog Mini Guitar $79; 3+ LoogGuitars.com

Don’t be fooled by the small size—it sounds like a classical guitar! Includes flashcards and an app that helps kids learn songs on the first day. Only three strings make the learning process faster and easier. Available in six colors.

November 2020 • SanDiegofamily.com • 25