Inside the review
Hot Wheels 10-Car Pack
Buy a varied fleet, not the exact cars in the photo
The child wants a fleet for invented roads and races.
Read our takeBest Toy Guide · The review desk
Look past
the pretty box.
The fun parts. The small print. The better fit. Get to know a gift before you wrap it.
- Expanded reviews
- 325
- Alternatives per pick
- 2
- Products covered
- 325
Researched, not hands-on tested. Our reviews draw on published product details and editorial comparisons. Check current customer reviews at the retailer.
Find your next good gift
Off the shelf. Into the details.
325 product reviews · Showing 12
Two dinosaur pictures with the same step up in piece count
Check before buying
Retailer age text varies between seven and eight; our pick starts at eight, and pieces should stay separated. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure — PS5
PlayStation
A PS5 platformer with room for a second player
Check before buying
The console has no compatible disc drive, or the child mainly wants open-ended building.
Minecraft — PS5
Mojang Studios
A PS5 building game whose mode changes the experience
Check before buying
Requires a disc-capable PS5. Check that a new copy includes an unused, region-compatible voucher. Online interactions and Marketplace spending need household settings. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
A PS5 film adventure to share with one other player
Check before buying
Requires a disc-capable PS5. This is the standard base game, not the Deluxe or Galactic bundle. Additional character packs may cost extra. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
Two Sonic campaign styles for one player at a time
Check before buying
Requires a disc-capable PS5. This is single-player; do not buy it expecting simultaneous sibling co-op. Check any advertised bonus-code terms separately. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
A shared kitchen game where communication is part of the task
Check before buying
The disc needs a disc-capable Xbox Series X; it will not work on Series S or an all-digital console. Extra players need controllers. Online play is separate from couch co-op. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
An Xbox Star Wars journey for two players together
Check before buying
Needs a disc-capable Xbox One or Series X. It cannot be inserted into Series S or an all-digital Xbox. This is the standard edition, without a promised collectible minifigure. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy — Xbox One
Activision
Three dragon adventures for a player who likes exploring
Check before buying
Single-player. Use a disc-capable Xbox One or compatible Series X, never Series S. Allow storage and an internet connection for required installation or additional game downloads. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
A Sonic game for roaming between directed challenges
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Requires a disc-capable Xbox One or Series X; not Series S or an all-digital Xbox. Single-player combat and rapid movement may feel demanding for a new player. Check the ESRB descriptors, physical format and household account settings.
A wearable starting point for rescue stories
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You need protective clothing or a costume sized for an older child.
A wearable clinic without buying a large play station
Check before buying
Sized for ages 3–6; check the measurements. The stethoscope uses two AAA batteries, not included. All instruments are pretend-play props. Check fit before the gift date; age labels do not guarantee garment fit.
An outfit that gives existing builds a working-day story
Check before buying
Sized for ages 3–6. The hat, goggles and tools are pretend props and offer no real workshop protection. Match the vest measurements before buying. Check fit before the gift date; age labels do not guarantee garment fit.