New toys for kids: The hottest finds this holiday season

With inflation playing the role of the Grinch this year, holiday shoppers will be scouring for bargains. 

"Consumers are going to want to spend less, which is going to be tough because everything is more money," says Laurie Schacht, of Westbury, the Chief Toy Officer of The Toy Insider, a consumer guide for parents. She says parents should expect to pay about 15% more per toy this year. 

The good news, with a little shopping diligence: "You can make your kids happy and not break the bank," Schacht says. Here is a roundup of some new toys for 2022, available at local big-box retailers.

LeapPods Max

LeapPods Max lets kids enjoy an experience that includes music, active challenges, mindfulness activities and audio adventures. The headphones don’t require a web connection, downloads or setup. Simple controls let kids play, pause and switch modes without removing the headphones. For ages 4 and older; $49.99 by LeapFrog.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports encourages users to swing, kick and spike with a collection of games in this new version of the classic Wii Sports series. Real-world actions convert to in-game movements using controllers to compete in soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis and badminton. For ages 10 and older; $39.99 digital, $49.99 physical, with leg-strap accessory, by Nintendo.

Healthy Roots Dolls

Healthy Roots Dolls, a Black-owned toy startup, is adding two new dolls to its Curlfriends line, Gaïana and Marisol. They join the original doll, Zoe. Each dolls hair can be shampooed and styled with real products; kids can experiment with styles from puffs to box braids; $84.99 each by Healthy Roots Dolls.

Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball

The Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball features more than 80 lights, sounds and reactions. Kids use a wand to summon the Magic Mixie from the mist into the crystal ball, where it will reveal its fortunetelling powers. For ages 5 to 8; comes in pink and blue; $84.99, by Moose Toys.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” dolls

The Black Panther Wakanda Forever: Fresh Fierce Collection of dolls is based on the characters of Shuri, Okoye and Nakia from the Marvel Studios’ movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” For ages 5 and older; $49.99 each, by Lisa Williams in collaboration with World of EPI and Marvel Studios.

AirTitans Jurassic World Massive Attack T-Rex

This 6-foot-long, Airtitans Jurassic World Massive Attack T-Rex from Jakks Pacific inflates in 20 seconds. The remote-control T-Rex stomps and roars and moves with more than a dozen sound effects. Features a rechargeable USB battery. For ages 8 and older; $129.99, by Jakks.

Slam Words

Shake the cup and slam it down to reveal three letters. Slam Words requires a player to quickly say a word that has all three letters in it, and then pass the cup to the next player, who must come up with a new word, or they are out. Shake the cup for new letters to play again. A good game for travel as it’s easily portable. For ages 8 and older; $14.95, by FoxMind. 

Crawligator crawler toy

This toy features caster wheels designed to move on a hard floor surface. Infants lie on the padded surface of the gator and can crawl. Babies should be able to hold up their head unassisted before using the Crawligator. Holds up to 30 pounds. Comes in five colors. For ages 4 months and older; $73.49, by Crawligator.

Ride-On railway

The ride-on railway is a motorized train and track set, with a track that’s more than 15 feet long, a train that moves forward and backward, and the ability to work headlights and sounds. For ages 3 and older; $125, by FAO Schwarz.

FIFA World Cup soccer ball

The FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar this year, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. Soccer fans may like an Adidas ball that’s a replica of the official match ball of the 22nd edition of the competition; $40, by Adidas.

Chicken vs. Hot Dog family action game

Remember the bottle flipping craze a few years back? Chicken vs. Hot Dog challenges teams to successfully flip their chicken or their hot dog and land it right side up a certain number of times, with their eyes closed, or under other such constraints. For ages 10 and older; $30, by Big Potato Games.

Squeegee Art

A budding artist or crafter may enjoy experimenting with Squeegee Art. It skips the crayons and paintbrushes and introduces using a squeegee tool to create. Included are two squeegees, five neon paints, six heavyweight papers and a technique guide. For ages 8 and older; $29.99, by iHeartArt.

Cake-N-Bake Challenge Game

Baking shows are a big hit, and the Cake-N-Bake Challenge Game brings the competition to the school-aged with a chance to put together toy layers and toppings using colorful playing pieces. Comes with a chef’s hat. For ages 4 and older; $29.99, by Hey Buddy Hey Pal.

The DoodleJamz BrightBoard

The DoodleJamz BrightBoard from Sky Castle Toys is a squish and shape drawing pad, which lights up and can be displayed. Comes with styling tool and templates. For ages 6 and older; $24.99, Sky Castle Toys.

Hess toy truck

This year’s new Hess toy truck is the Hess flatbed truck with hot rods, with two cars on board. Comes with nine batteries and free shipping; $41.99, by Hess Corporation.

Riderz

Riderz stuffed animals are specifically designed to fit into cupholders on cars, strollers and even in water bottle backpack pockets. The toy was created by a parent who got tired of his child’s stuffed animals always winding up on the car floor. Eight animals, including a Dalmatian, a lion and a bunny, feature weighted bean filling. For all ages; $19.95, by Riderz.

By Beth Whitehouse

beth.whitehouse@newsday.comBethWhitehouse1

Beth Whitehouse writes about families, parenting and great things to do with the kids on Long Island. She’s been a Newsday editor and shared a 1997 Newsday staff Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the crash of TWA Flight 800.