Originally posted on the aha insurance blog:

The days are getting shorter, and this means it’s holiday shopping time. Whether you love Christmas shopping or loathe it, it’s always a nice idea to stock up on some enriching toys you know your kids will use all year, and to eat all the delicious holiday food, of course!

If you’re looking to make your Christmas present shopping a little smoother, read on for our take on the must-have toy and gadgets for the 2017 holiday season.

1 – Fingerlings

Okay, first let’s talk stocking stuffers and mini presents for the kids. If your kids are begging for a new pet, but you’re pretty sure they aren’t actually ready to be cleaning out the litter box, consider a robot pet. Fingerlings are little monkeys (and other creatures) meant for ages 5 and up. They are battery-operated and have some very cool interactive features – and makes lots of fun noises. Be careful though, there a lot of cheap copycats out there selling look alike knockoffs called “Happy Monkey.” Buyer beware.

2 – Magna Tiles

These a bit pricey, but the quality, durability and gameplay make up for that big time. Universally acclaimed as a five-star item, these building kits are suitable for both genders ages 3 and up. They’re a similar concept to Lego, but with clear, magnetic tiles. This is a great gift for your little engineers or architects, anyone who likes working with their hands or who is interested in math and science.

3 – Hatchimals Surprise

The must-have of 2016 is back – and then some. Now your Hatchanable egg produces twins! Your child gets to raise an interact with both from their baby stage all the way to kid stage. Each has a unique personality, they play and talk with one another, they dance, sing, tell jokes and play games. It’s a double bang for your bucks.

4 – Thor: Ragnorak Hulk-Out Mask

Hasbro released their Thor: Ragnorak Hulk-Out Mask to go along with the blockbuster smash movie of 2017. Featuring a chin-activated mouth that opens and closes, as well as a pair of raising angry eyebrows that somehow get even angrier. Technically, this mask is designed for kids aged five and up, but adults can squeeze into it too if they’re feeling the need to Hulk out.

5 – LOL Surprise

Surprises seem to be the theme in 2017, don’t they? LOL Surprise gets your kid to unwrap seven layers to find out what the actual present is. There’s something about the suspense of prolonged unwrapping that just screams fun for kids. Kids can discover their new fashion doll, stickers, charms and accessories, or even throw the toys in cold water to see if they change colours.

6 – Fisher Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar

Here’s a great idea for children 3 and up that enjoy problem-solving. The robotic caterpillar is made up of various segments to stick together. As they put them together in different ways, different things happen – and it involves a lot of problem solving. The point is to mimic the basics of coding and it’s never too early to learn how to code!

7 – Flybar Foam Pogo Stick

Pogo Sticks! Remeber those? Well, they’re back for 2017 – and from the original manufactures who introduced them in 1918. They’ve have come a long way, but they’re still fun for boys and girls of all ages. Here’s another sweet toy that’s portable and bound to keep the kids active all year.

 

8 – Star Wars Porg

If you saw the Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer, you saw the cute little creature next to Chewbacca screaming like a maniac. That’s a Porg and it lived on planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker was been hiding after messing up the training of Kylo Ren… but we digress. Back to the Porgs. They are cliff bird-like creatures inspired by the real-life puffins that live on Skellig Michael, where the filmed those scenes. The plush Porgs toy flaps, waves, waddles, and moves – and is almost sold out everywhere – so better hurry.

 

9 – Women of NASA

More space stuff. Astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, and astronauts Sally Ride and Mae Jemison, the four women who played vital roles in the US space program are now immortalized in a 231-piece Lego set, accompanied by three builds illustrating their areas of expertise. The hot gift for all budding astronauts, this is also getting harder to find, so if you see it, grab it fast.

 

10 – Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit

More Star Wars, this kit is for kids to create and control their own R2 Droid, then challenge themselves to level-up their inventor skills by building new custom Droids. With the Droid Inventor app (iPhone & Android), kids can teach their Droid new skills like head spins and self-navigation, and send it on 16+ special Star Wars missions. This tops the list of most wanted toys of 2017. Fortunately, there is an ample supply to keep all those little Lukes and Rey’s playing and learning as they do.

One more, but a bit on the pricey side:

Nintendo Switch – Super Mario Odyssey Edition

Hands down, the hottest video game gift for families this year is Nintendo Switch. This new console has been selling out in stores around the world since its launch earlier in 2017. It’s as at home in your hands wherever you happen to be as it is hooked up to a giant TV in your living room. And it’s already playing host to plenty of great games, from the delightful Super Mario Odyssey – included in this bundle, along with a pair of Mario-red Joy-Cons and a matching carrying case – to the enormous and imaginative The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If you can find one, this is the gift that will make your kids forever remember the 2017 holidays.

Well, there you have our list of some of the coolest and most affordable holiday gifts for Christmas giving on store shelves today. Here’s to a stress-free and relaxing 2018!