Top 25 Holiday and Christmas Toys for 2022
Rising inflation has caused many families to put holiday shopping on the radar earlier than usual in hopes that they’ll snag gifts at prices that can help them balance their budgets. That’s especially true when it comes to nabbing the top holiday and Christmas toys this year.
Ongoing inflation, which reached a 40-year record high of 9.1% in June this summer, means that finding unbeatable deals on the best toys will be more important than ever to maximize savings this holiday season. (In fact, according to a Salesforce survey, 37% more U.S. shoppers than usual plan to start buying gifts earlier to get the best prices.) So, to help moms outsmart inflation and prepare for one of the largest gift-giving seasons of the year, Zulily is offering an earlier-than-normal look at this year’s 25 hottest toys for shoppers who love to buy early – and with limited-time deals up to 50% off, you can shop now and save on holiday toys for your little ones.
Zulily’s 2022 Top Holiday and Christmas Toy List
Zulily’s in-house toy experts compiled a list of the 25 must-have toys of the 2022 holiday season to help you keep your finger on the pulse of what’s trending among kids and which toys they’ll wish for most. You can find these – or similar toys – in Santa’s Workshop, a dedicated shopping destination in Zulily’s Toy Shop, July 25 through December 18.
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Is it wrong if your kid’s play kitchen is nicer than yours? Kids can pretend to cook in style with this kitchen play set that features modern marble-esque countertops, two burners, a sink and faucet with lights and sounds, a decorative backsplash to hang included utensils and a cute chalkboard sign. An ice maker with pretend ice cubes provides extra entertainment. Ages 3 and up.
Design, build and let imaginations soar with this colorful, 101-piece building set that little ones will love to play with — and you will love for inspiring STEM, engineering and architectural play. Build a castle, rocket ship or anything else your kids can imagine; magnets help each creation stay in place. Ages 3 and up.
The perfect gift for kids who love dinosaurs and LEGO® bricks, this easy-to-build, 140-piece set with an airport, helicopter and buggy, turns normal playtime into an action-packed adventure. Ideal for young builders who are too old for DUPLO but not quite ready for more intricate LEGO® sets, this set includes three minifigures of Owen Grady, Zia Rodriguez, a wildlife guard—and a T. Rex figure! Ages 4 and up.
With over 60 songs, sounds, tunes, and phrases, this handheld toy gamifies teaching your littlest one colors, shapes, numbers and directions. The Laugh & Learn toys are based on everyday objects, but designed for babies and toddlers. This compact console has a light-up screen and loads of interactive features to keep kiddos engaged in learning concepts and developing sensory skills. And best of all, it’s travel size! (Also comes in Blue.) Ages 6 months and up.
Gift the kid(s) in your life an awesome hangout with this multicolor swing sturdy enough to hold four kids at a time (up to 400 lbs.) Its padded steel frame with handles for safety boasts durability, and the quick-dry, UV-resistant materials won’t rip or fade. Ages 5 and up.
Give your little animial – and unicorn – lover a cuddly companion with this plush speckled cutie featuring glitter that accentuates her big eyes, multicolored hooves and a sparkly horn. Harmonie’s cheerful expression will brighten anyone’s day. Ages 3 and up.
At 4 feet 6 inches tall, the KidKraft® Majestic Mansion is spacious enough for even the biggest imaginations. Featuring four levels, eight rooms to decorate and explore, garage doors, and a gliding elevator, plus plenty of room for kids to play together with their 12-inch fashion dolls. Includes a 34-piece accessory pack. Ages 3 and up.
Ahoy, Mateys! This fully outfitted four-level pirate hideout made of sturdy wood features a jail cell, a light-up treasure chest, a rope ladder and cannons with lights and sound. A working crane can transfer cargo to the included pirate ship with fabric sails and a bendable pirate captain and his crew. Includes 17 accessory pieces. Ages 3 and up.
Adventurous imaginations can run wild on this stained 100% cedar playset which includes a high rail wave slide, acro bar with grips and belt swings. Kids can climb the rock wall ladder to the upper clubhouse where a vinyl chalkboard wall awaits aspiring artists. Host snack time on the attached picnic table and bench covered with café-style striped awning. Best for residential areas. Holds up to nine children total, weighing up to 110 lbs. each (990 lbs. total) Ages 3 to 10.
Help your child get in touch with their feelings— and others’ — with this interactive toy. With 26 pieces and a two-sided design, kids can make countless faces and compare and contrast feelings. Whether their pineapple has a contented smile or an anxious frown, each build comes with an opportunity to identify and talk about new feelings. Comes with a helpful guide including suggestions for faces and feelings. Ages 3 to 7.
Get family and friends into the holiday spirit with friends and family with this scavenger hunt game. Includes 200 cards, each with an indoor or outdoor item typically found around or outside the house during the holidays. Makes a great stocking stuffer. Ages 6 and up, but children as young as 4 years old can enjoy, too.
Little construction workers can take this dump truck to the sand box or use it in the playroom to pick up cargo and drive it from job to job. Parents will love that it is dishwasher-safe and made from 100% recycled BPA-, PVC- and phthalates-free plastic. Ages 1 to 5.
Your kid will have a barnyard of fun with this classic figure pack that includes llama, chicken, cow, goat, horse, pig, sheep and dog figures. The rotund shape of each toy strengthens fine motor skills and allows for easy grasping and play for even the youngest animal lover. Ages 1 to 5.
Polly Pocket fans can embark on a sweet adventure with this set that features a colorful candy store for them to explore. With four floors of sweet treats, a Polly and Lila doll, assorted accessories and a colorful sticker sheet, there’s loads of tiny fun to be had. Ages 4 and up.
NOTE: This item is sold out, but the Polly Pocket Purple Pollyville House Set is also perfect for portable play.
Your little ones can celebrate the season, too, as they build fine-motor skills and decorate this play tree that shows off a light-up star and plays three holiday tunes. Includes 12 ornaments, a star topper and a 3-piece train set. Ages 18 to 24 months.
Note: My First Christmas Tree is sold out for the season, but Step2 has lots of other pretend play toys for your little one!
Your child’s PAW Patrol™ mission, should they choose to accept it, is to enjoy this indoor/outdoor coaster toy designed for toddlers. Nine feet of coaster track pieces easily snap into place and connect with stairs and a platform with recessed wheel wells that hold the coaster car until your little one is ready to ride. The Chase police pup theme coaster car, with flashing lights and sounds from the TV show, can also be used off the coaster track as a riding toy. Ages 2 to 5.
Help your kids live out their fantasy of stepping inside a gingerbread house and deliver a dose of structure, creativity, and festive flair with this delightfully designed playhouse they can color as they please. Ages 3 and up.
Encourage your child’s nurturing side with this delightful set. Your little one will cuddle these soft, lovable babies with delight. The basket contains six 10″ smiling dolls with permanently attached beanies and removable sack dresses they can change out. Ages 1 and up.
Let your little one pretend they’re aboard a ride from a favorite holiday children’s book with this battery-operated North Pole Express plastic train set. Featuring cheerful embellishments and three holiday carols that play from the front car, this classic set can outfit any tree. Hot cocoa not included. Ages 3 and up.
Their imaginations will soar through the galaxy while assembling this 412-piece Starfighter ship. Bashed-up details on the ship, a cockpit for Mando and a seat just for Grogu give authentic appeal, while a Darksaber, jetpack and wrench accessories add to the fun. Includes Mandalorian, Grogu, Peli Motto, BD Droid Minifigures, as well as a small cargo compartment and a spring-loaded shooter. Ages 9 and up.
Bring the excitement of Sonic off the screen and into real life for the kid in everyone with this 1,125-piece set that lets you assemble a replica of the Green Hill Zone level of the video game. Collect Chaos Emeralds and use the lever-activated spring for Super Sonic jumps. Authentic obstacles and details include a palm tree, bridge loop, seven rings and two buildable TVs with five screen elements and five sticker options. Includes Sonic the Hedgehog Minifigure and brick-built figures of Dr. Eggman with Eggmobile, Moto Bug with two face options, and Crabmeat. Age 18 and up.
Delight little builders who love water parks and swimming toys with this feature-filled set that comes with two mini-dolls (LEGO® Friends Olivia and a micro-doll) and buildable fun. Kids will grow creative storytelling skills as they role-play climbing the net, whooshing down the two slides or working at the popsicle stand. Authentic accessories include aqua toys, a life vest and sunscreen. This colorful set looks great on display, thanks to the spinning octopus model and bright slides. Age 6 and up.
Children with a passion for shopping play will love this mobile farm shop and veggie patch set packed with inspiring details and functionality. The Farmers Market Van features a serving window and opening side and rear doors, while the veggie patch has a fun carrot-growing function. Comes with lots of play-inspiring features, plus three minifigures, including a LEGO® City TV character, and a rabbit figure. Ages 5 and up.
Young Mateys can set sail for classic action on the high seas with this PLAYMOBIL pirate-themed 132-piece plastic set with this ship that actually floats in water. Features include a playable interior, three swashbuckling figures, a spider monkey, a parrot, two rats and more than 100 accessories — including projectiles. Ages 5 and up.
Pretend play imitates caffeinated life with this realistic Melissa & Doug fan-favorite one-cup coffee maker play set. Multiple sturdy pieces provide hours of coffee-service fun while honing speech and fine motor skills. Includes two mugs, three coffee pods, sugar, creamer, spoon, ice cube, coffee maker and reusable order card. Made with renewable wood materials. Ages 3 and up.
Find these – or similar toys – in Santa’s Workshop, a dedicated shopping destination in Zulily’s Toy Shop, through December 18.
