It's time to throw out that leftover turkey and focus on the fun stuff — holiday shopping for the kids in your family. And if you want to be in your tot's good graces, you're likely trying to get them the most sought after toys of 2016.
Of course, this process comes with a Santa sack full of stress. As a parent, you are probably pretty nervous about the most coveted toy being sold out. After all, you might remember the Cabbage Patch Kids rush of the early '80s, or the Tickle Me Elmo panic of the mid '90s. Each year, a few toys get the label of VIP, and while you don't want to disappoint your children, you also don't want to pay $200 on eBay to fulfill their list.
It's important to be in the know about what's moderately popular, and what's at the level of being totally impossible to get, especially if you're normally the type of person who likes to wait until Christmas Eve to go shopping. Plus, it's always good to know what's important to your child.
Here are some of the toys that the kids are currently buzzing about and, unfortunately, may be harder to get a hold of this year. (But hey, you can always get them a belated gift, right?)
1Hatchimals
I have to start this list out with Hatchimals, since they truly are the Furby of 2016 — robotic, in demand, and questionably cute.
This toy is already sold out at most places, and likely on the top of every child's Christmas list. In fact, the official Hatchimals website has a disclaimer that while more inventory shipped this month, they weren't expecting it to hang out in stores for long. You can always gift your child a Hatchimals alternative.
2LEGO Creator Sets
Isn't it pretty cool that kids still get psyched about LEGOs? The LEGOs creator sets ($40 - $160) will definitely help them create a bunch of different architectural masterpieces. Even better, you can help them build, and use the time together as a great way to de-stress after the mess of opening presents.
3Pie Face Showdown
When a game is successful, it often has a sequel. Last year's Pie Face was such a hit, that of course creators wanted to continue the success with Pie Face Showdown ($15). It's great that unlike many other games that top your child's list this year, this one is interactive and not on a screen.
4Disney Princess Carriage
It's about time, am I right? Even back in the '80s, the best gift of all was the gift of mobility, thanks to Power Wheels. Thankfully, some genius out there noted the recent princess craze, and decided that boys and girls alike should have the ability to drive a carriage. The Disney Princess Carriage ($198) has working doors, working lanterns, and of course, a tiara for the driver.
5Disney's Tsum Tsums
Speaking of Disney, let's chat about Tsum Tsums. Now, these might be nothing new for you or your family — they've actually been selling for quite some time. But that doesn't mean that they're lower on the must-have holiday list. If you're shopping at Target, you can buy each Tsum Tsum individually (for a little less than $5) or buy a whole set of them for a bit more ($43). And hey — it's totally cool if you just buy these for yourself. They're incredibly cute.
6Pokemon Sun and Moon
If you have older kids, there's a good chance you'll find Pokemon Sun and Moon ($34) on their list. (You might also see it if you have a gamer husband.) The games, which were released in mid-November and are compatible with a Nintendo 3DS.
7Paw Patrol Jungle Rescue Tracker Cruiser
The cruisers from the Paw Patrol franchise are all pretty cool. But for some reason, Paw Patrol Jungle Rescue Tracker Cruiser ($29) seems to be a bit more elusive. My guess? It's because he's incredibly adorable.
8DreamWorks Trolls Hug Time Poppy
One of the biggest children's movies this year was Trolls. So, of course your kid will be incredibly interested in the merchandise that's manufactured during that sweet time between theatrical release and DVD release. Hug Time Poppy ($70) is incredibly popular, which means that pretty soon she'll be a bit difficult to find.
9FurReal Friends Torch "My Blazin’ Dragon"
You can thank Games of Thrones for helping to make dragons cool again. (Actually, I take that back — dragons have always been cool.) Now, your child can own his or her own with My Blazin' Dragon ($59). This toy can breathe flame-colored mist, and much on a color-changing marshmallow.
10Speak Out Game
Hasbro's Speak Out ($33) is topping a lot of lists this year. The reason kids are all about it? Well, it's delightfully silly. Participants use a mouthpiece (there are five included, for those worried that this might be the perfect way to transmit a cold) and try to speak and be understood with the challenge in front of them. It's great for all ages, and will likely be the centerpiece of your New Year's Eve celebration if you pick it up for Christmas or Hanukkah.
11My Little Pony Explore Equestria Crystal Empire Castle
Pony fever is still running rampant, and My Little Pony Explore Equestria Crystal Empire Castle ($47) will make your child totally light up. Know what else lights up? The crystal empire castle itself. Once this is in your home, your child's ponies won't want to hang out anywhere else.