Nostalgia meets holiday shopping this year with Macy’s and Toys “R” Us unveiling their Hot Toy List for 2023 — yes, you read that correctly.
Geoffrey the Giraffe is back and better than ever, and he wants to make sure you’re shopping for this year’s hottest toys for every age group.
We know, we know, it’s probably too early to shop for presents — it’s only October! — but it’s not too early for the New York Post Shopping team. In fact, we’re already going full force with peppering our homepage with gift guides of curated recommendations (which are pretty fabulous, if we do say so ourselves).
Ahead, we pulled the best from the toy shop and outlined our top 10 options worth shopping from at Macy’s right now. First, Geoffrey gave his two cents, and now we’re giving ours.
While you’re shopping, be sure to check out our expert-backed edits to the best toys for one-year-olds, two-year-olds, three-year-olds and four-year-olds. In addition to extra toy offerings, these guides include expert answers to your most common toy questions.
We recommend the Fisher Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats Interactive Musical Learning Toy to the one-year-old on your list. Kids will get a kick out of its ability to play more than 75 songs, sounds and phrases (all while dancing, of course).
Of course, Geoffrey is going to recommend something from his toy box, and the Digital Drumsticks with Motion-Activated Music are truly next level. Parents and caregivers: if you don’t want the noise of a full drum set (we understand, BTW), these on-the-go musical instruments are the perfect solution that kids will love.
Enter one of the biggest trends of the year that came and never left. Barbie is still in full swing, and her Dreamhouse — complete with over 75 pieces, a pool party theme and a three-story slide — is best-in-class. Though a splurge, it’s a play set your little one will love.
For the little one who loves to build, grab the Fast Lane Lights & Sounds Construction Play Set. It’s the sporty, super-cool gift they’d love to receive — complete with all the toy cars and routes to entertain them for hours on end.
And, the best part? It’s a great gift idea for less than $100.
OK, we found a unique gift idea that we haven’t seen before. Introducing the Discovery #MINDBLOWN Cinema Science DIY Retro Film Projector — ideal for the STEM lover you know. Impressively, this alluring kit equips the kid on your list to construct their personal film projector using 83 provided pieces.
The Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center Play Set taps into one of the most popular childhood shows of the year and offers kids a multi-storied play set they’ll love. After all, the New York Post Shopping team would recommend a shopping center, and this colorful, interactive model takes the cake.
Speaking of play sets, add the Barbie Dream Boat Play Set to your cart for a vibrant, pretty-in-pink set that we kind of wish we had in years past. Not to mention, when there’s a boat and a slide involved, you know it’s a party.
Meet one of our favorite grabs from Geoffrey’s Hot Toy List: the Gabby’s Dollhouse Purrfect Dollhouse Play Set with Accessories. Naturally, every young fan of the hit TV show will want this underneath their Christmas tree, and it comes with all the furniture and miniature dolls you need to be the best gift-giver ever.
For lovers of “Star Wars,” the Young Jedi Adventures Star Wars Tenoo Jedi Temple Play Set is a jungle-inspired play set that they’ll want to make a staple in their playroom. We love the creativity and imagination involved, and we recommend this for any outdoorsy lover. Plus, it’s under $100.
For a budget-friendly gift, add the Sesame Street Macy’s Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Bow Liner Jet Play Set to your online shopping cart. It’s a retailer exclusive, has a portable, easy-to-clean-up design (even better) and is adorably fitting for the holiday season.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.