The holiday season is a time for giving gifts. And for children (and some adults) everywhere, gift lists are being made. Not every gift is created equally. Every year, a few gifts — mostly toys — emerge as the “must-have” for the holiday season.
The holidays are an important time of year, especially for retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are going to spend between $957 and $967 billion during this holiday season, with average spending for gifts and other holiday-related items expected to amount to $875 per consumer.
Toymakers have warned of weaker industry sales this holiday season as consumers worry more about putting food on the table than discretionary spending.
But that does not stop children from dreaming of Christmas morning and ripping open presents that include some of the season’s hottest toys. According to experts, a few “classic” toys and other items are expected to be top sellers this year.
Furby is back
Any child who grew up in the 1990s will remember Furby, the animated plush toy from Hasbro (Tii:HAS) that is making a comeback this year with a few high-tech upgrades. Furby is available in two new colors, purple and coral, and the interactive toy features five voice-activated modes and over 600 responses, including lights, sounds, and 10 unique songs. Furby responds to five commands – “Dance Party,” “Copy Cat,” “Tell My Fortune,” “Let's Chill,” or “Lightshow.”
And so is Tech Deck
Many school children played with Tech Decks, miniature, collectible skateboard decks with cool graphics. Children can now experience the same joy with the 25th-anniversary pack from Tech Deck, which is owned by Spin Master Corp. (Tii:TOY). The package includes eight fingerboards inspired by authentic skateboard brands and a sticker sheet for personalized customization. Additionally, each set includes an exclusive and uncommon tech deck figure.
Fisher-Price Baby & Toddler DJ
One of the most-loved holiday toys for small children is the Fisher-Price Baby & Toddler DJ Bouncin’ Beats with Music Lights Learning Toy — with flying colors. Fisher-Price is owned by Mattel (Tii:MAT). The bottom is on a spring and the motorized toy features more than 75 songs, sounds and phrases, including teaching the alphabet, learning colors, instructing how to count from one to 10 and teaching opposites.
Video games
Video games always top the list this time of year and companies like Electronic Arts (Tii:EA), Activision Blizzard (Tii:ATVI) and Roblox (Tii:RBLX) are definitely hot when it comes to Christmas lists.
Cool shoes
Shoes are a popular gift during the holiday season, especially ones from Nike (Tii:NKE) and Crocs (Tii:CROX). Nike shoes are always hot during the holidays and the company has launched a number of special sneakers that will be at the top of any teen wishlist, including the top-level on-court signature shoes from the Kobe Protro line, the newly unveiled LeBron 21, the JA 1, and the KD 3 “Aunt Pearl” in pink. The Greater Than Series also comes in a unique collection that includes glossy black and bright infrared hues. Crocs fans are passionate about the brand and for those looking for festive footwear to match your favorite Christmas sweaters, Crocs has you covered. The brand's Classic Holiday Sweater clogs were inspired by the knit patterns seen on sweaters every holiday season. Crocs is also selling a candy-striped Classic Lined Holiday clog and Elf Classic clogs, complete with elf-themed Jibbitz charms.
Don’t forget the stocking stuffers
Candy is a popular stocking stuffer and Hershey (Tii:HSY), Mondelez International (Tii:MDLZ) and Nestle’s (Tii:NSRGY) should get a boost from parents looking to stuff stockings with a few sweets. A few special drinks are often added to stockings by many as well. Celsius (Tii:CELH) is one of the top energy drinks and perfect for recovering from a late night wrapping presents on Christmas Eve. The Honest Co. (Tii:HNST) even has a build-your-own gift box with a selection of its products — perfect as a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer.
