NEW YORK, NY (November 18, 2025): This holiday season, it’s all about connection, from toys that teach through play to digital innovations and traditions that bring families together in new ways. Parents continue to seek STEM-inspired learning, screen-free entertainment, and gifts that give back or support local businesses, proving that the best presents are the ones that encourage curiosity, creativity, and compassion, both on and off the screen.
Lifestyle and Parenting Expert Amanda Mushro, a mom of three and nationally recognized parenting and lifestyle expert, has reviewed hundreds of toys and trends this year to uncover the most exciting and purposeful options for 2025. Mushro, who is also the writer behind the blogs www.AmandaMushro.com and www.QuestionableChoicesInParenting.com, says, “The standouts this season are the ones that connect us, whether it’s through play, giving, or shared laughter. Parents want gifts that aren’t just fun, they want ones that matter.”
From innovative STEM kits and heartfelt plush to creative mess-free play, digital traditions, and locally powered gifting, here are Amanda Mushro’s top trends and must-haves for 2025.
STEM + TECH TOYS THAT TEACH THROUGH PLAY
STEM toys continue to dominate holiday wish lists, and for good reason. Parents love products that make science, coding, and engineering fun, while kids enjoy toys that move, light up, or “think.” A great example is My Robotic Pet: Coding Chameleon from Thames & Kosmos. This first-of-its-kind robotic reptile can change colors, respond to gestures, and even “hunt” for prey using built-in sensors and color recognition. In three interactive play modes, kids learn about real-world robotics, coding, and biomimicry, all while building a pet that actually reacts to its environment.
Ages: 8+ | MSRP: $54.95 | Available at: Amazon, Walmart, and Thamesandkosmos.com
WOW-WORTHY EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE LEARNING IMMERSIVE
From interactive books to VR adventures, today’s most exciting educational toys go far beyond the screen, they put kids inside the action. The ESPN Virtual Reality with DK Book from Abacus Brands lets kids experience the thrill of live sports with a 360-degree view of world-famous arenas. With 20+ immersive VR experiences and a 148-page DK Illustrated Book covering the history and strategy of sports from baseball to karate, kids can learn, play, and compete, no cleats required.
Ages: 8+ | MSRP: $36.99 on Costco.com| $59.99 on Abacusbrands.com
SCREEN-FREE FAMILY FUN THAT SPARKS CONNECTION
After a day of digital overload, families crave simple, laughter-filled activities that bring everyone to the table. The best new board and word games are designed to be quick, clever, and perfect for all ages. Feelin’ Cute from Hootenanny Games turns “cute” into a competitive sport, where players debate which animals are the most adorable, from Fennec Foxes to Tree Frogs, while guessing what others think. This hilarious, fast-paced game guarantees smiles and conversation.
Ages: 6+ | MSRP: $19.99 | Available at: Amazon and Playhootenanny.com
For a clever word challenge, Dice Words from Kosmos combines skill, speed, and a little luck as players race against the clock to build the longest words from their dice rolls. It’s quick, competitive, and easy to learn, making it an instant family favorite.
Ages: 8+ | MSRP: $22.95 | Available at: Amazon, Target, and Thamesandkosmos.com
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK & SHARE THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
Parents are increasingly drawn to gifts with purpose, toys that carry meaning, teach empathy, and support charitable causes. The Pink Three-Toed Sloth Plush from Wild Republic is more than a soft, snuggly toy, it’s a story of love, resilience, and giving back. Inspired by “Morgan’s Story,” a real young woman who lived with microcephaly and epilepsy, Wild Republic is donating hundreds of these pink sloths to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta this year. Each plush features a “Miracle Morgan” tag that shares her legacy, making it a gift that spreads kindness long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Ages: 3+ | MSRP: $23.99 | Available at: Amazon.com
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Families looking to add extra fun and storytelling to their Hanukkah celebrations will love The Mensch on a Bench (The Original). The beloved book-and-plush set introduces kids to the story of Judah and the Maccabees while inspiring them to celebrate the values of courage, laughter, and being a “mensch.” It’s a delightful way to mix learning and laughter each night of Hanukkah.
Ages: 3+ | MSRP: $29.99 | Available at: Walmart and Amazon
For a digital tradition that brings instant laughter and nostalgia, ElfYourself is celebrating its 20th anniversary this holiday season, and it’s still one of the most shared pieces of holiday content each year. In a world where trends come and go in days, ElfYourself has become a true modern classic, a tradition families, classrooms, workplaces, and group chats return to year after year. With just a few photos and a few clicks, anyone can transform themselves (and their loved ones) into dancing elves, spreading joy, silliness, and the holiday spirit with every share. ElfYourself.com
CREATIVE + MESS-FREE PLAY FOR HANDS-ON FUN
Sensory play is one of the best ways to keep kids engaged, and calm, during the busy holiday season. Today’s top creative kits are designed to deliver all the fun of DIY crafting without the cleanup.
The Doctor Squish Mini Squishy Maker from BOT-I brings the viral magic of YouTuber Doctor Squish to younger creators. Specially designed for kids ages 5 and up, this mini maker is simple, safe, and mess-free, perfect for little hands to craft their own stress balls and squishy toys. Kids can fill, decorate, and customize their squishies with slime powder, sparkles, or confetti, and the trendy pastel design gives it a fun, fresh look. Plus, it’s compatible with standard Doctor Squish TPR balloon refills, making it easy to keep the squishy fun going all season long.
Ages: 5+ | MSRP: $29.99 | Available at: Amazon.com
MAGICAL MOMENTS FOR POP CULTURE + FANTASY FANS
Fantasy continues to rule toy aisles in 2025, thanks to the resurgence of Dungeons & Dragons and pop-culture-inspired collectibles.The Dungeons & Dragons Orb of Possibility Dice Roller from FanRoll transforms game night with a battery-powered, light-up dice spinner. Players press a button to let the orb determine their fate, it’s a must-have for D&D fans and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any tabletop gamer.
Ages: 14+ | MSRP: $29.99 | Available at: FanRollDice.com
TECH THAT CONNECTS + SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Beyond toys, this season’s biggest innovation in gifting is happening digitally, and locally. More people are looking for ways to support small businesses from anywhere, especially during the holidays. Gift Card Market is redefining how people support and celebrate their favorite local businesses. Built to champion small, independent merchants, the platform makes it effortless to send personalized, instant gifts to over 12 million local restaurants, spas, salons, and home, auto, and personal service providers, all by text or email in seconds. As a leader in API-powered gift card technology, Gift Card Market combines seamless Apple and Google Wallet integration, data-driven personalization, and a network that spans every neighborhood to turn everyday moments, a thank-you, a congrats, or a just-because, into real-time, meaningful connections that keep communities thriving. GiftCardMarket.com
Mushro concludes, “Whether it’s tech that teaches, toys that give back, or games that bring families together, this year’s best gifts aren’t just about play, they’re about connection, creativity, and making memories.”
For more family-friendly holiday ideas, visit Amanda Mushro’s blogs at www.AmandaMushro.com and www.QuestionableChoicesInParenting.com.
