Even if you’re well-versed in “Rachel’s World” and “Paw-Patrol,” it’s hard to know exactly what to gift kids for the holidays. After all, no one is a tougher critic than a kid; if they don’t like your present, you’ll know it. But the flip-side is that you’ll absolutely know when you got it right too. Nothing is better than seeing sheer joy on a child’s face.
Since the stakes are high, it’s worth it to do a little research to find out exactly what toys kids are loving right now before you make your purchase. We combed through hundreds of toys and reviews on Walmart and are highlighting the very highest rated ones here. Whether your budget is $10 or has no ceiling, you’re sure to find something on this list for the kids in your life. Next year, Santa just might ask you for gift-giving advice.
HuffPost receives a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
Walmart
Barbie Extra 5-doll set
Rating: 4.6 stars and 206 reviews
Yes, a whole lot of little kids still love Barbie. A specific crowd favorite is Barbie Extra, a line of super colorful and flashy dolls. (They’re so extra.) What’s better than one Barbie for the holidays? Five! Each one included here comes with its own pet too.
Promising review: “Excellent assortment of premium dolls at a budget price. Arrived quickly. Great Christmas gift. These dolls are articulated and have many accessories that can interchange between each other. I recommend this product.” — Kimberly
Yes, a whole lot of little kids still love Barbie. A specific crowd favorite is Barbie Extra, a line of super colorful and flashy dolls. (They’re so extra.) What’s better than one Barbie for the holidays? Five! Each one included here comes with its own pet too.
Promising review: “Excellent assortment of premium dolls at a budget price. Arrived quickly. Great Christmas gift. These dolls are articulated and have many accessories that can interchange between each other. I recommend this product.” — Kimberly
2
Walmart
Hot Wheels 20-car collector pack
Rating: 4.8 stars and 564 reviews
Just like Barbie, Hot Wheels is another kid-favorite that’s a timeless classic. For just $16, you can get the kiddo in your life this gift set with a whopping 20 cars. They’ll have a blast finding out if the racer, muscle car or roadster is the fastest.
Promising review: “5 year old loves the colors and the types of cars it comes with plenty of race cars, speed cars. usually for the price it would come with just regular cars. great product awesome price!!!!” — JNY1
Just like Barbie, Hot Wheels is another kid-favorite that’s a timeless classic. For just $16, you can get the kiddo in your life this gift set with a whopping 20 cars. They’ll have a blast finding out if the racer, muscle car or roadster is the fastest.
Promising review: “5 year old loves the colors and the types of cars it comes with plenty of race cars, speed cars. usually for the price it would come with just regular cars. great product awesome price!!!!” — JNY1
3
Walmart
Disney Junior Minnie Mouse
Rating: 4.8 stars and 43 reviews
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect cuddly toy. This sparkly Minnie Mouse is soft and animated. Her bow lights up and she sings a chipper little tune. With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating, it’s proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a child something they’ll treasure.
Promising review: “Picture and description is accurate. Doll has a few sayings as well as plays music. Any kid that loves Minnie mouse will love adding this to the collection of stuffed animals!” — Ashlee
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect cuddly toy. This sparkly Minnie Mouse is soft and animated. Her bow lights up and she sings a chipper little tune. With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating, it’s proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a child something they’ll treasure.
Promising review: “Picture and description is accurate. Doll has a few sayings as well as plays music. Any kid that loves Minnie mouse will love adding this to the collection of stuffed animals!” — Ashlee
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4
Walmart
Little Tikes picnic on the patio set
Rating: 4.3 stars and 239 reviews
If you are looking for a big ticket item and you have enough backyard space, this mini cottage is a gift worth considering. Inside is a play kitchen with a pretend oven, cupboards and a fireplace. It even has a working doorbell!
Promising review: “I live in IN and purchased this for my grandkids that live in TN. Just had it shipped to the nearest store to my Son. That was great! I was surprised that it came with picnic items! Plastic plates, cups, silverware, a hot dog, hamburger, ketchup, skillet, and spatula. Even has a phone in the playhouse! The little seats are just the right height too! Plus, room to grow! My 14 month old twin grandkids love it! Very happy with this purchase!” — HappyGrandma
If you are looking for a big ticket item and you have enough backyard space, this mini cottage is a gift worth considering. Inside is a play kitchen with a pretend oven, cupboards and a fireplace. It even has a working doorbell!
Promising review: “I live in IN and purchased this for my grandkids that live in TN. Just had it shipped to the nearest store to my Son. That was great! I was surprised that it came with picnic items! Plastic plates, cups, silverware, a hot dog, hamburger, ketchup, skillet, and spatula. Even has a phone in the playhouse! The little seats are just the right height too! Plus, room to grow! My 14 month old twin grandkids love it! Very happy with this purchase!” — HappyGrandma
5
Walmart
Contixo kids tablet
Rating: 4.4 stars and 1,753 reviews
Yes, kids ages three to eight will absolutely love this tablet, but so will parents; it provides endless entertainment that’s both educational and fun. The tablet comes preloaded with more than 20 different Academy Learning Expert-designed apps. Oh, and it has a protective case because, well, kids.
Promising review: “I bought this tablet as a christmas gift for my 3 year old. So far she loves it and it works great. It was easy to set up and we have already downloaded multiple games. The battery lasts 3-4 hours on continuous playing which is perfect for us and will be great on car rides.” — Kayla
Yes, kids ages three to eight will absolutely love this tablet, but so will parents; it provides endless entertainment that’s both educational and fun. The tablet comes preloaded with more than 20 different Academy Learning Expert-designed apps. Oh, and it has a protective case because, well, kids.
Promising review: “I bought this tablet as a christmas gift for my 3 year old. So far she loves it and it works great. It was easy to set up and we have already downloaded multiple games. The battery lasts 3-4 hours on continuous playing which is perfect for us and will be great on car rides.” — Kayla
6
Walmart
Lego “Harry Potter” set
Rating: 4.8 stars and 65 reviews
There’s quite a few adults out there who would appreciate this Lego “Harry Potter” set as much as the kids on your list. Kids can create their own personal Hogwarts with the included 971 pieces. Eight of the franchise’s iconic characters are included too.
Promising review: “This set is pretty amazing. It's covers just about everything I'd expect to see in a Harry Potter Astronomy Tower set. Comes in a beautiful box! I would definitely consider this a must have for any HP fan!! I only wish that this was made to be an add on to the 71043 Hogwarts Castle. We need more add on sets for 71043!!” — Gotenks420
There’s quite a few adults out there who would appreciate this Lego “Harry Potter” set as much as the kids on your list. Kids can create their own personal Hogwarts with the included 971 pieces. Eight of the franchise’s iconic characters are included too.
Promising review: “This set is pretty amazing. It's covers just about everything I'd expect to see in a Harry Potter Astronomy Tower set. Comes in a beautiful box! I would definitely consider this a must have for any HP fan!! I only wish that this was made to be an add on to the 71043 Hogwarts Castle. We need more add on sets for 71043!!” — Gotenks420
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7
Walmart
Scented kinetic sand ice-cream set
Rating: 4.7 stars and 43 reviews
A lot of kids find playing with kinetic sand super soothing and this set has the added bonus of being scented to smell like strawberry, chocolate and vanilla—yum! Kids can use the set to make ice-cream sundaes or sandwiches making playtime a real treat, so to speak.
Promising review: “Our three year old daughter loves it. It doesn't hold shape long enough to really build much higher than the first level or so of things and won't remain that way for long. However, I much prefer it for reuse over play dough for her age. It can be messy but easy to clean up.” — Daneil
A lot of kids find playing with kinetic sand super soothing and this set has the added bonus of being scented to smell like strawberry, chocolate and vanilla—yum! Kids can use the set to make ice-cream sundaes or sandwiches making playtime a real treat, so to speak.
Promising review: “Our three year old daughter loves it. It doesn't hold shape long enough to really build much higher than the first level or so of things and won't remain that way for long. However, I much prefer it for reuse over play dough for her age. It can be messy but easy to clean up.” — Daneil
8
Walmart
Lego Dots message board
Rating: 5 stars and 16 reviews
One perk of Lego Dots is that stepping on one doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as the classic blocks do. Safety perks aside, this set lets kids get creative in making their own colorful message boards. With over 500 pieces, there’s plenty of designs for them to dream up.
Promising review: “This was something new my daughter hadn't seen before. Neither of us knew what to expect but it came out positive. We both think this is really cool, you can make out your name or whatever you would like to say, as long as it isn't too long that is. Pieces stay in place and doesn't fall off. So many possibilities.” — Twwagoner
One perk of Lego Dots is that stepping on one doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as the classic blocks do. Safety perks aside, this set lets kids get creative in making their own colorful message boards. With over 500 pieces, there’s plenty of designs for them to dream up.
Promising review: “This was something new my daughter hadn't seen before. Neither of us knew what to expect but it came out positive. We both think this is really cool, you can make out your name or whatever you would like to say, as long as it isn't too long that is. Pieces stay in place and doesn't fall off. So many possibilities.” — Twwagoner
9
Walmart
Jojo Siwa dream car
Rating: 4.6 stars and 78 reviews
Yes, she’s over the top, but that’s exactly why kids love Jojo Siwa. You wouldn’t expect her to drive a normal car, would you? With this set, she’s outfitted with wheels that are just as bold as she is.
Promising review: “This car is a great size and nice and colorful. My daughter is going to go crazy when she opens this on Christmas.” — Lisa
Yes, she’s over the top, but that’s exactly why kids love Jojo Siwa. You wouldn’t expect her to drive a normal car, would you? With this set, she’s outfitted with wheels that are just as bold as she is.
Promising review: “This car is a great size and nice and colorful. My daughter is going to go crazy when she opens this on Christmas.” — Lisa
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10
Walmart
Little Tikes crane
Rating: 4.5 stars and 17 reviews
The only thing more fun than playing in the sand is playing in the sand with an excavator that’s taller than you are. Toddlers can use the levers on this bad boy to scoop and dump. The seat is adjustable to ensure that they’re comfy while they work away.
Promising review: “Not as easy to put together as it leads you to believe but video link helped! Great toy and a big hit!” — Kristi
The only thing more fun than playing in the sand is playing in the sand with an excavator that’s taller than you are. Toddlers can use the levers on this bad boy to scoop and dump. The seat is adjustable to ensure that they’re comfy while they work away.
Promising review: “Not as easy to put together as it leads you to believe but video link helped! Great toy and a big hit!” — Kristi
11
Walmart
Lego Classic brick box
Rating: 4.8 stars and 24 reviews
There’s no shortage of Lego sets to choose from, but this classic box of 1,200 colorful pieces is still one of the highest-rated ones. It comes with directions for seven different builds (including a tree, watermill and space shuttle), but the real draw is that there’s enough pieces for kids to come up with their own designs.
Promising review: "This is a great set with plenty of full size bricks. It could be somewhat improved by including a few more building ideas. Third-party ideas on the Internet are not nearly as well done as official Lego ones. Still, this is an excellent addition to any Lego collection." — Robert
There’s no shortage of Lego sets to choose from, but this classic box of 1,200 colorful pieces is still one of the highest-rated ones. It comes with directions for seven different builds (including a tree, watermill and space shuttle), but the real draw is that there’s enough pieces for kids to come up with their own designs.
Promising review: "This is a great set with plenty of full size bricks. It could be somewhat improved by including a few more building ideas. Third-party ideas on the Internet are not nearly as well done as official Lego ones. Still, this is an excellent addition to any Lego collection." — Robert
12
Walmart
Spark Create storytelling bear
Rating: 4.4 stars and 64 reviews
Storytime reaches a whole new level with this plush bear that lights up and can read eight different books out loud. It can sing six different songs too, including “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and the ABCs.
Promising review: “I got this bear for my future grand nephew or niece knowing they will love it as much as I do. At first it was playing same thing over and over but on the bottom of the bear I noticed you flip the switch from demo to on and it's amazing playing songs and reading 8 stories. The books it comes with are so cuter s you can store the books in his little backpack, how cute is that!!!! Love love love it!!!” — Leanne
Storytime reaches a whole new level with this plush bear that lights up and can read eight different books out loud. It can sing six different songs too, including “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and the ABCs.
Promising review: “I got this bear for my future grand nephew or niece knowing they will love it as much as I do. At first it was playing same thing over and over but on the bottom of the bear I noticed you flip the switch from demo to on and it's amazing playing songs and reading 8 stories. The books it comes with are so cuter s you can store the books in his little backpack, how cute is that!!!! Love love love it!!!” — Leanne
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13
Walmart
Walking poodle
Rating: 4.4 stars and 28 reviews
If your kid keeps asking for a dog, maybe they’ll be satisfied with this cute little plushie that won’t pee on your rug. It’s battery-operated and can walk on its own when it’s led by its leash. It’s small enough to bring along in the car too — just like a real toy poodle.
Promising review: “Perfect toy for a toddler.” — Leicester
If your kid keeps asking for a dog, maybe they’ll be satisfied with this cute little plushie that won’t pee on your rug. It’s battery-operated and can walk on its own when it’s led by its leash. It’s small enough to bring along in the car too — just like a real toy poodle.
Promising review: “Perfect toy for a toddler.” — Leicester
14
Walmart
Glow-in-the-dark playhouse
Rating: 4.2 stars and 304 reviews
Using the glow-in-the-dark rods to build a playhouse is so fun that kids will have no idea they’re using STEM learning to do it. The set comes with directions for building four different structures, or, kids can come up with their own ideas.
Promising review: “I bought this for my grandson for his 6th birthday. Him and his brother love to use all the furniture and build forts, so when I saw this I knew this would be so much fun for them. They put it together and loved it so much they wanted to sleep in it that night. Definitely worth the money and I would recommend it!” — Teia
Using the glow-in-the-dark rods to build a playhouse is so fun that kids will have no idea they’re using STEM learning to do it. The set comes with directions for building four different structures, or, kids can come up with their own ideas.
Promising review: “I bought this for my grandson for his 6th birthday. Him and his brother love to use all the furniture and build forts, so when I saw this I knew this would be so much fun for them. They put it together and loved it so much they wanted to sleep in it that night. Definitely worth the money and I would recommend it!” — Teia
15
Walmart
Power Wheels Dune Racer
Rating: 4.2 stars and 1,240 reviews
This dune racer is ready to take over the road (and the dirt and grass). It has enough room for two and is sturdy enough that it won’t topple over when taking sharp turns. It comes in four different colors including blue, green, purple and pink.
Promising review: “This is a well made vehicle and it was fairly easy to assemble despite the lack of decent instructions. My grandchildren love it. We keep it set at the lower speed while they are learning to drive it. The 7 yr old is feeling comfortable but the 3 yr old has trouble reaching the go pedal. We put a small pillow behind him. This vehicle does not have a seat belt. However, the kids sit low and the side bar is high enough they wont fall out. Plus, it is great that the buggy stops if their foot comes off the gas. The vehicle has enough power to move along well with both kids riding but not uphill or over rough terrain. It has best performance with only one person. Also, it might perform better at the higher 5mph speed but that could use the battery faster. The battery is lasting well and has not run out during any of their play sessions. We charge it after each use and don't leave it in the vehicle. So far it is fantastic and we are very happy with this purchase!” — Smpwk
This dune racer is ready to take over the road (and the dirt and grass). It has enough room for two and is sturdy enough that it won’t topple over when taking sharp turns. It comes in four different colors including blue, green, purple and pink.
Promising review: “This is a well made vehicle and it was fairly easy to assemble despite the lack of decent instructions. My grandchildren love it. We keep it set at the lower speed while they are learning to drive it. The 7 yr old is feeling comfortable but the 3 yr old has trouble reaching the go pedal. We put a small pillow behind him. This vehicle does not have a seat belt. However, the kids sit low and the side bar is high enough they wont fall out. Plus, it is great that the buggy stops if their foot comes off the gas. The vehicle has enough power to move along well with both kids riding but not uphill or over rough terrain. It has best performance with only one person. Also, it might perform better at the higher 5mph speed but that could use the battery faster. The battery is lasting well and has not run out during any of their play sessions. We charge it after each use and don't leave it in the vehicle. So far it is fantastic and we are very happy with this purchase!” — Smpwk
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