From a bike for the littlest riders to a real-life Minecraft game, the hottest toys this holiday season encourage creative and active play.
Laurie Schacht, the Toy Insider mom, joined News4 with some of the toys expected to be favorites this holiday season.
Here are some of her picks:
Twista bike (YVolution)
This "balance bike" is meant for the youngest riders. Features a height-adjustable cushioned seat and adjustable handlebars with soft foam grips, as well as shock-absorbing rubber wheels.
Ages: 1 1/2 - 4
Price: $79.99
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SmartMax Mega Ball Run (SmartMax)
This construction set uses magnets and large metal balls. Children can build chutes and ramps and watch the metal balls race through their designs.
Ages: 3+
Price: $119.99 (smaller and less expensive sets are available)
Doc McStuffins Walk N’ Talk Doc Mobile Doll (Just Play)
This Walk N’ Talk Doc Mobile Doll is based on the popular Disney Junior series. The doll walks, talks, and sings the “Doc Mobile” song. Doc’s friend Lambie is included and talks and sings along with Doc.
Ages: 3+
Price: $39.99
Hot Wheels Hyper Racer (Toy State)
When the engine kicks into "Hyper Mode," the car body transforms into a new color -- the blue car changes to green and yellow car changes to red.
Ages: 3+
Price: $14.99
GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit (GoldieBlox)
This 190-piece building kit promotes spatial skills through basic engineering principles, reading skills and confidence.
Ages: 6+
Price: $59.99
The Original Super Spirograph (Kahootz Toys)
The popular toy from your childhood is back with a 75-plus-piece kit. Includes a 24-page guide book, 12 sheets of design papers, drawing pads, reusable spriro putty and a storage case with built-in work desk.
Ages: 8+
Price: $39.99
Minecraft Papercraft Overworld Set (Jazwares)
Build -- in real life and away from the screen -- the popular virtual world of Minecraft. Available in three sizes: 30-piece, 48-piece, and 90-piece.
Ages: 8+
Price: $9.99
Lego Fusion
Combine everyone's favorite plastic building block with game apps. The collection will include four titles: Lego Fusion Town Master, Lego Fusion Battle Towers, Lego Fusion Create & Race and Lego Fusion Resort Designer.
Ages: 7+
Price: $34.99
MiP (WowWee)
The University of California at San Diego's Coordinated Robots Lab helped develop this fully interactive robot. It's able to navigate its surroundings controlled by hand movements. MiP also plays games, dances to any song in your iTunes library and has expressive LED "eyes."
Ages: 8+
Price: $99
