The Best Toys for Christmas for Kids of All Ages

Fisher-Price Linkimals Panda at Amazon

Osmo Detective Agency at Amazon

Little Live Pets Lil' Dippers Playset at Amazon

furReal Moodwings Snow Dragon at Amazon

Treasure X Monster Coffin at Amazon

Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron with Interactive Plush Toy at Walmart

Little Tikes Toddler Slide at Wayfair

Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper at Amazon

Disney Princess Raya and Sisu Dragon Water Toy at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

FORT LLC

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What We Like

Waterproof and easy to clean
Suitable for various ages
Can be used indoors or outdoors

What We Don't Like

Bulky

Building a fort has never been easier with FORT, making it our top pick. FORT pieces are constructed out of foam blocks and have a waterproof covering that sticks together with magnets for easy assembly.

Kids of all ages can create houses, ramps, castles, slides, mazes, and more with just a few pieces and their imagination. The easy-to-clean fabric makes this toy suitable for outdoor use as well. When not in use, piece the blocks together to form a couch or add on a storage case with a convenient handle for bringing on the go.

While this kit is bulky and expensive, the overall entertainment value and versatility make the extra size and high price tag worth it. Kids will foster their imagination when thinking of new shapes to construct their FORT in. Plus, the whole family can relax on the comfortable pieces that double as practical seating and aren't an eyesore in your living room.

Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 30 inches | Material: Polyurethane Foam and Polyurethane Leather | Recommended Age: Not Listed

Fisher-Price Linkimals Play Together Panda

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like

Easy to clean
Interactive phrases and lights
Educational

What We Don't Like

Off switch can be difficult to get to

This adorable interactive panda from Fisher Price is an educational and engaging electronic toy that your little one will love. Press the panda's belly to hear more than 30 sounds and phrases that promote learning about shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and emotional skills like being a good friend and sharing. Collect other critters from the Linkimals line to watch them interact for even more learning and play opportunities. The best part? Once the electronics are removed, the plush panda is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Dimensions: 3.54 x 7.48 x 11.02 inches | Material: Plastic, Plush | Recommended Age: 9 months and up

Osmo

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What We Like

Educational
Interactive
No wifi required
Suitable for group or solo play

What We Don't Like

May be too simple for older kids
Not screen-free

Osmo is an expert in combining physical elements with technological play on an iPad or Fire tablet for a completely unique and interactive experience. With Osmo's Detective Agency, kids use the game pieces and magnifying glass to search for landmarks around the world while learning facts about geography, culture, and history. While not completely screen-free, no wifi is required to play, so kids can learn trivia from around the world while in the car or on the go.

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.25 inches | Material: Cardboard, Plastic | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

Little Live Pets

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What We Like

Great alternative to a real pet
Sturdy
Realistic movements

What We Don't Like

Battery can deplete quickly

A great alternative to a real pet, this Lil' Dippers play set is exciting and interactive for young ones. When the toy fish are placed in their tank, they begin to swim! Kids will love watching their new friend explore her new home fit with colorful plants. She will even swim towards you with the magical feeding tool that puts kids in control of her movements.

Dimensions: 11.18 x 5.24 x 6.52 inches | Material: Not listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

FurReal

What We Like

Super interactive
Includes three surprise accessories

What We Don't Like

Getting hard to find due to high demand

Your little one can learn more about emotions—in a super fun way! The furReal snow dragon has a multitude of moods, from feeling extremely cranky to happy and peaceful. Her eyes express how she's feeling, so your child can quickly learn how to care for her, so she's in a good mood again. Your purchase even include three surprise accessories to help care for your baby dragon.

Dimensions: 5.25 x 9 x 9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

Amazon

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What We Like

Multiple ways to play
Includes slime element
Collectible figures inside

What We Don't Like

Instructions can be difficult to follow

Perfect for those who love slime, collectible figures, or hunting for treasure, this Treasure X Monster Coffin has it all. Kids will love searching through the gooey slime and multiple compartments inside to search for the collectible monster figures, perfect for showing off or trader with friends. Which one will you discover?

Dimensions: 3.78 x 3.78 x 8.27 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

Magic Mixies

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What We Like

Interactive
Multiple ways to play
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Difficult to buy due to high demand

Cast magical spells with this interactive cauldron that produces an adorable furry friend. Kids ages five and up use the easy-to-follow included directions to complete their spell, while the cauldron makes over 50 sounds and produces spooky mist. Be sure to charge your cauldron before you cast any spells to ensure the highest amount of magic possible. After children use their magical objects, they can enjoy hours of play with their new adorable plush.

Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.91 x 8.27 inches | Material: Plastic, plush | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

What We Like

Sturdy
Indoor or outdoor use
Suitable for a variety of ages

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to assemble
Hard to pack and travel with

The holidays just got even more exciting with this adorable and thrilling slide from Little Tikes. Little ones can experience the classic playground equipment from home as they slide into mountains of pillows, piles of leaves, a ball pit, or right onto the living room floor. Thanks to its folding mechanism, children can enjoy it happen year long, indoors or outdoors and rain or shine.

Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 27.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up

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What We Like

Quiet
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Suitable for various ages

What We Don't Like

Can be flimsy

Kids will reach new heights with his foam pogo jumper without the noise. The soft foams make bouncing on hardwood floors, carpet, or concrete a breeze as little ones face their fears and learn a new skill. Children of various ages can master their balance and burn off energy as they bounce the day away.

Dimensions: ‎10.35 x 5.63 x 5 inches | Material: Foam | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Disney

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What We Like

Cool color-changing element
Can be played wet or dry

What We Don't Like

Takes a while to drain Sisu's tail

Dip Sisu's dragon tail in the water, and watch it sway back and forth—and change colors! The 2-foot dragon toy is nicely proportioned to the included Raya doll, whose accents also undergo a color transformation when immersed in water. Despite the set being water-friendly, both figures can be played wet or dry.

Dimensions: 3.11 x 17.87 x 12.76 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

What We Like

Each fairy is different
Mini games included

What We Don't Like

Packaging is difficult to open

Boys and girls will love the thrill of catching a new fairy every time because each fairy is unique with its own characteristics. Fairies come from four levels of rarity, and your little one can find them by playing games or bringing the jar to a new location. The virtual fairies can be fed, hugged, and greeted.

Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 7 inches | Material: Plastic, virtual | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

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What We Like

Can be folded up for easy storage
Easy to assemble

What We Don't Like

Trucks don't launch as well as the cars

It comes packaged in a tire-shaped case that can be used for portability later on. It's super easy to assemble and break down each time—simply open and close to set up your racetrack. Your child can launch cars or the included Monster Truck through the Ring of Fire and even stack the included crushed cars to make more fun obstacles.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 17 x 10 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

4.6

Melissa and Doug's cleaning set includes a dustpan that attatches to the handles of the other tools.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.

What We Like

Great for pretend play
Actually cleans

What We Don't Like

Flimsy dustpan

Toddlers love copying you, even when you're cleaning—this set lets them play, help, and build confidence as they handle each housekeeping tool on their own. The set includes a broom, mop, dustpan, and hand brush, and each tool is perfectly sized for toddler play. When they're done, you can hang them on the included stand via the sturdy cords.

Dimensions: 11 x 4.5 x 28 inches | Material: Wood, plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

AKSDTH Push and Pop Bubble Fidget Sensory Toy

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What We Like

Affordable
Fun for a wide range of ages
Comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes

What We Don't Like

Not as durable as some parents expected
Some find the popping sounds too quiet

Though relatively basic, kids love these hugely popular toys because they’re fun to squeeze, hold, stretch, and—of course—pop. The standard square is a bestseller, but they also come in tons of fun shapes and sizes like unicorns, ice pops, crabs, and more. It also makes for a great stocking stuffer.

Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches | Material: Silicone | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

What We Like

Fun to build
Can be played with groups

What We Don't Like

Long play time

Star Wars fans can bring The Child to life, thanks to this over 1,000-piece building kit and clear building instructions. Multiple players can help build the mini-figure, and once complete, The Child makes for a phenomenal display. You can even pose its head, ears, and mouth for various expressions and prop the included gearshift knob in his arms.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 10 years and up

Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Kids' Digital Watch

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What We Like

Affordable
Teaches time and schedule management
Non-toxic materials

What We Don't Like

Limited functionality
Strap could be a bit more durable

With this watch, the littlest set will feel all grown up—and just like their parents. Emblazoned with the ultra-popular Marshall from "Paw Patrol," this watch appeals to their interests, but the adults in their lives will love the fact that it teaches them all about telling time and accountability.

Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

SPACE JAM: A New Legacy Super Shoot & Dunk Playset

What We Like

Compact
Suitable for a wide range of ages
Interactive

What We Don't Like

Could be more detailed
Only one player included

What’s old is new again, and thanks to the new movie, "Space Jam" is a hit with the younger set. Kids can test their own dunking skills with the help of modern cast member and basketball legend Lebron James.

Dimensions: 7.01 x 6.93 x 10.04 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

What We Like

Multiple play possibilities
Easy for young kids to maneuver

What We Don't Like

Only plays limited version of one song

This big yellow school bus houses six of their favorite "CoComelon" characters, plus plays the tune you’ve been hearing on repeat all year long: "The Wheels on the Bus." It’s the perfect way to jumpstart imaginative play.

Dimensions: 13 x 12.75 x 12.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up

Do, Re & Mi

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What We Like

Collectible
Encourages musical skill and appreciation

What We Don't Like

You can only purchase on Amazon

Kids aged 3 years and up won't stop dancing and singing along with these adorable, 8-inch plush toys, found exclusively on Amazon. Each figure features sounds and voices from the pre-school TV program, Do, Re & Mi—this specific plush doll represents Mi, the bubbly blue jay. Along with the super soft and cuddly plush dolls, you can also collect the series' musical instruments and playsets.

Dimensions: 7 x 6.3 x 8.5 inches | Material: Plush | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

What We Like

Comes in a range of skin tones
Soft and cuddly
Great for pretend play

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t come with any accessories
Pom-pom on hat could accidentally detach

A perennial favorite with toddlers for a reason, these 12-inch baby dolls are ripe for imaginative play but are soft and plush enough to cuddle with. Plus, now the Madame Alexander “My First” dolls come in an expanded range of skin tones, so more little ones will see themselves in their pretend toys.

Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 10.5 inches | Material: Vinyl, fabric | Recommended Age: 0 years and up

The 9 Best Baby Dolls for Ages One and Up

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What We Like

Collectible set
Soft and cuddly
No choking hazards

What We Don't Like

Packaging is lackluster
Care instructions difficult to read

There’s no question your little one will be excited to add another fashionable pet to a growing squad—or start a whole new collection. Each one of the award-winning plush toys features embroidered accents like a metallic bow, plus sparkling eyes, and lined ears.

Dimensions: 4 x 4.8 x 6.8 inches | Material: Microfiber | Recommended Age: All ages

Little Bridges Grandma & Me: In The Kitchen

What We Like

Multiple activities in one
Great bonding activity

What We Don't Like

Requires adult help

This do-it-together activity kit is a practical and fun way for grandparents and other family members to get in on the fun. With "Grandma & Me: In the Kitchen," you'll work hand-in-hand in the kitchen to create a tangible product you’ll both love to show off. Each kit comes with conversation cards, a journal with prompts, and recipe pages, as well as a read-aloud storybook, a child-size apron that can be personalized, a keepsake potholder, and fabric paint.

Dimensions: 8.75 x 2.1 x 10.75 inches | Material: N/A | Recommended Age: 4-8 years

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DC Comics Batman All-Terrain Batmobile Remote Control Vehicle

What We Like

Powerful
Fast
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Not as waterproof as indicated
So lightweight it frequently tumbles upside down

Whether your child loves "DC Comics" or simply has a penchant for speed, this remote control vehicle will be a welcome addition to their toy bin. It’s perfectly suitable for indoor or outdoor play—the all-terrain tires have no problem tackling water, snow, mud, rock, and grass. It also has out-of-range sensors, so it’ll never stray too far.

Dimensions: 10 x 13.5 x 10 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

Barbie Career of The Year Music Producer Doll

What We Like

Includes fun accessories
Great for collectors
Various color hair available

What We Don't Like

Packaging is hard to open

This year, Barbie is taking the music world by storm. The producer comes dressed in a trendy graphic tee, jeans, and an iridescent crop jacket, plus includes fun accessories like a sound mixing board, a computer, and headphones. Great for any musically-inclined kids—or the avid Barbie collector.

Dimensions: 1.34 x 2.76 x 11.73 inches | Material: Rubber | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

Courtesy of Tonies

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What We Like

Durable
Easy for kids to use independently
Screen-free

What We Don't Like

Difficult to set up
Other characters cost extra

The whole family will undoubtedly enjoy this small, portable audio system. It plays classic sing-a-longs that’ll be on repeat for the foreseeable future. And you don’t have to worry about them fiddling with tech beyond their years—the speaker, available in six colors, is made of a material that's soft enough to handle but durable enough to withstand any accidental tumbles.

Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Not listed | Age Range: 3 years and up

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like

Multiple ways to play
Add-ons available

What We Don't Like

Pieces are easy to lose track of

Animal lovers and budding tinkerers alike will spend hours laboring over this build-your-own zoo kit. With the included parts, they’ll have the unique opportunity to play zookeeper, erecting a penguin habitat, a giraffe viewing platform, and even their very own souvenir shop. An add-on lion enclosure (sold separately) extends the fun.

Dimensions: 26.8 x 11.8 x 6.3 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up

View On Thewoobles.com

What We Like

Lots of instructional help
Comes with (almost) everything you need

What We Don't Like

One-time project

For older children growing tired of the same old arts and crafts, consider this DIY kit, which almost instantly expands their repertoire—and teaches a very useful skill. The beginner crochet kit comes with everything they need to get started (hook optional, but certainly recommended!) to create a loveable little knit penguin they’ll proudly display or cuddle. They’ll also get access to step-by-step videos for a frustration-free experience.

Dimensions: 3.5 inches tall | Material: Acrylic yarn | Age Range: 8 years and up

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What We Like

High quality
Lots of play potential
Screen-free

What We Don't Like

Characters don’t fit in furniture well
Could use more detail

Toys based on hit television or movie series are always a sure bet, and this playhouse made especially for "Bluey" characters is no different. The two-story, four-room house is readily recognizable and comes with a variety of removable furniture to bring some of their favorite characters to life.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 4.94 x 11.32 inches | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 3-15 years

LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course

Courtesy of Best Buy

What We Like

Very interactive
Lots of play potential
Add-ons available

What We Don't Like

Some parents don’t like that the app requires location services
Can be difficult to configure

This collectible 231-piece LEGO set gives kids the opportunity to construct their own obstacle course with bricks and star characters from an all-time classic video game. It’s not your average LEGO set—a compatible smartphone app brings the whole thing to life in new and exciting ways.

Dimensions: 12.48 x 10.32 x 3.54 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

Crayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit, STEAM Toy

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What We Like

Learning components
Non-toxic art materials

What We Don't Like

Requires some parental help

This fun arts and crafts kit gives kids hands-on learning experience in physics while making creations that are just as unique as the real-life creatures they’re constructing. The set includes 12 pre-cut butterfly wings and supplies, markers, and a display stand. The kit includes essentially everything kids need to get started.

Dimensions: 2.75 x 11.5 x 12 inches | Material: Not listed Age Range: 7 years and up

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

Easy to handle
Durable
Lots of play potential

What We Don't Like

Requires help assembling
Blocks may come apart too easily

Consider this a first-foray into the wonderful world of LEGOs. These blocks are slightly oversized, so the tiniest fingers can stack and build to create a train set that helps them count from zero to nine.

Dimensions: 13.94 x 7.52 x 3.58 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up

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Rainbow High

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What We Like

Stylish and fashionable dolls
Comes with accessories
Collectible item

What We Don't Like

Due to high demand, dolls are difficult to find

This modern fashion doll brand has been a hit lately due to the dolls' creative and fashion-forward style. This set in particular features Vanessa Tempo, the drummer of the Rockstar band. She comes in her own outfit, complete with printed work boots, gloves, and jewelry accessories. Also included is a second outfit that she can mix and match, like a green mod jacket and platform heels. All Rainbow High dolls feature posable arms and legs during play or for display on the included doll stand.

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 3.2 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 6 years and up

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What We Like

Well made
Durable
Lots of play potential

What We Don't Like

Smaller than expected
Watch for pointy dino tails

The youngest set will have a roaring good time balancing colorful wooden blocks on a teetering see-saw. But the fun doesn’t stop there—there’s plenty of playtime to be had using each of the figurines separately.

Dimensions: 0.6 x 9.45 x 7.56 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 2 years and up

LeapFrog Blueâs Clues and You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook

What We Like

Batteries included
Realistic
Durable

What We Don't Like

Could be more interactive
Audio may be too soft for some

Just like the one in the show "Blue’s Clues and You!" this handy-dandy notebook features 14 light-up app icons that introduce toddlers and young preschoolers to educational concepts like colors, counting, shapes, and even health and hygiene. It also features phone, music, and mail apps for pretend play with Blue, Josh, and Mailbox.

Dimensions: 1.3 x 3.74 x 6.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up

Courtesy of Amazon

The 24 Best Ride-on Toys for Toddlers of 2022 Are So Fun

What We Like

Easy to assemble
Easy for young kids to use
Great for burning energy
Can be used indoors or outdoors

What We Don't Like

Too small for taller kids
Back wheels could be further apart to stop tipping
Foam handles are soft, but bitable

For the most active youngsters, a small, low-profile, four-wheeled bicycle that’ll help them learn the fundamentals of riding. It’s suitable for both indoors and out, so they won’t need to wait for the weather to warm. And it comes in three fun colors, so you’re bound to find something just right for your tot.

Dimensions: 19.29 x 9.76 x 7.09 inches | Material: Carbon steel | Recommended Age: 10-24 months

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

Vibrant colors
Pleasant texture
Lots of play potential

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t hold together as well as advertised
Molds can be awkward to use

This kit comes with three different colors of kinetic sand—squishy, moldable sand—that your little one can shape and reshape over and over. The 2-pound set also comes with 10 different tools (cutters, molds, and more) for endless fun. Parents will love that it’s all packaged in a plastic tote for easy storage.

Dimensions: 3.25 x 12 x 11.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like

Lots of play potential
Fun and challenging

What We Don't Like

Pieces can be hard to keep track of

This award-winning toy doesn’t need any batteries or electricity (a win for parents everywhere). Instead, kids focus on building a marble run using one—or more—of the 60 challenges that come with the toy. Complete each task can improve everything from spatial reasoning to visual perception—all skills a budding engineer needs.

Dimensions: 9.38 x 3 x 10.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8-15 years

Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Lots of play potential
Easy to grip
Colorful

What We Don't Like

Storage compartment is hard to open and close

Toddlers will love fitting this hedgehog's colorful quills into its back. Rather than the sharp quills that you might be used to seeing, the needles are actually chunky, peg-shaped pieces that are perfect for tiny hands to grab and explore. And as your child grows, they’ll also get the opportunity to use the toy to learn colors, counting, and even pattern play.

Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 3.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 18 months and up

Pet Purse

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What We Like

Can be played on the go
Eyes really blink

What We Don't Like

Requires three AAA batteries to operate

Children ages 5 years and up can wear this adorable purse and easily lug it with them so they can play on the go. Featuring a glitter horn, pink faux leather, and an adjustable strap for a more comfortable fit, this Purse Pet can go with virtually any outfit. Purse Pets come in a range of animal characters, such as Fox and Leopard, and each one can blink its eyes, play fashion show music, and make the cutest animal sounds. Note that the purse requires three AAA batteries to operate, but an initial set is included with the purse.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 6.2 5x 2.5 inches | Material: Faux leather | Recommended Age: 5 years and up

What We Like

Spring-tail can wiggle
Building toy

What We Don't Like

Not all pieces snap together easily

Pokemon has always been relevant, but there's been a major uptick in trading and collecting cards and Pikachu-themed everything in the past couple years. This Detective Pikachu building toy features over 200 pieces and stands a little over 4 inches tall when completed. His spring-loaded tail can wiggle around, and the head and arms can move for added fun.

Dimensions: 9 x 2.65 x 10.3 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 8 years and up