Best Toys & Games of 2022

Wavelength, our 2022 Game of the Season, is a great social-guessing game, perfect for those who love wordplay. The objective of the game is to guess what your team leader is thinking and score the most points with the clues given. It is sure to spark fun & engaging conversation and challenge people to work together. 

A unique collaboration between LEGO and the Museum of Modern Art, enthusiasts can now build a 3D recreation of Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece. With over 2,300 pieces, it is a brilliant piece of art to display and has become an instant collector’s hit. It’s impressive how they’ve captured the iconic swirling clouds and rolling hills. Be sure to grab one quickly for the LEGO or art aficionado in your life! 

What’s better than a baby Axolotl? A Squishable one! These endangered amphibians have become increasingly popular and now you can have your very own for endless cuddles. Available in regular and mini, kids and adults alike (no judgement here) are sure to love these soft, cute, and huggable fluffy friends.  

Tapple is the award-winning word game that has taken TikTok by storm with no signs of slowing down! Players have to race the timer and think of words that are specific to a category that start with an available letter on the Tapple wheel. It’s fun, fast, and extremely easy to learn making it perfect for spontaneous entertainment. Pick a category, start the timer, and get thinking! Guaranteed word fun for everyone. 

Pokémon fans are sure to love this automated build set that allows you to create an intricate and extraordinary Pikachu. It comes with a display case and an animated rocky path that moves when the build is turned on. For an authentic experience, turn the crank to activate the moving legs, feet, and tail, simulating Pikachu’s running motion. 

This soft chenille plush of everyone’s favorite boastful bird is sure to bring joy to any little one on your list. Squeeze Pigeon and hear him plead “Let me drive the bus!” in Mo Willem’s own voice! Pair it with Pigeon’s latest adventure The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster for a charming story time gift bundle. 

Since 2021, there has been an alarmingly rapid rise in banning books covering topics of race, sexual assault, or LGBTQ themes. Rebel against it and celebrate the freedom to read with this colorful collage of iconic book covers. 

National Geographic has a wonderful line of exciting science kits to inspire children to experiment safely. In this light-up Terrarium Dinosaur Habitat, children aged 6 and up can create a very cool dinosaur-themed mini indoor garden using the dirt, grass seeds, dinosaur and plant figures, as well as rock and fossil specimens provided.  

Thames & Kosmos knows learning opportunities coupled with hands-on exploration is an effective method to capture and nourish the curiosity of young, inquiring minds. They believe in encouraging children to take chances through experimentation, discovery, and invention. In this engineering kit, children 6 and up can learn about force, motion, and energy as they design and build their own working roller coaster. And not just one kind, but roller coasters of all shapes and sizes! No wonder Thames & Kosmos is a leading innovator in the STEM space and highly regarded by parents, teachers, and educational organizations.  

For many generations, BRIO’s mission has been to create happy childhood memories with quality products that stimulate children’s development safely. If you have a 3-year-old toddler on your list, this Railway Starter Set is perfect. The 26-piece set comes complete with everything needed to construct and play with their first Brio railway, including a train, tracks, figurines, a tunnel and more. You can also add additional tracks with the Starter Track Pack.