All those sweets left over on Halloween and now we have at home and work is shouting at us: the holidays are just around the corner and it's time to start thinking about gifts. Fortunately, that long-awaited treasure, the Amazon Christmas Shopping Guide 2019, has just landed. You will find gifts to earn points with all the people in your life, including the most demanding: children.
The list has more than 1,700 new and exclusive toys, which makes it the largest selection of toys in the world. It's a little scary, isn't it? Do not be intimidated, you can filter the list by age: (birth-24 months; 2-4 years; 4-5 years; 6-8 years; 8-11 years; and 12 and more) and then drill down by type of toy and price.
We have already dived and here we bring you our 20 favorites that, we already warn you, will be sold out in December.
Oh, and before you start shopping, consider logging in with AmazonSmile. Those amazing gifts you buy can help a charity of your choice and at no additional cost to you. This is the season to be generous, after all.
From birth to 24 months
Babies are the busiest humans. They explore their new world and learn, with joy, all the things they can do. The toys that help all that development top our list. Somewhat older children begin to be interested in animals, and the more comfortable and colorful the better.
Learning Resources Spike the Hedgehog ($ 13.49, originally $ 14.99; amazon.com)
The colorful "skewers" of this peculiar porcupine have the perfect size and shape so that the hands of young children can grab them. The games he plays help develop recognition, math and color classification skills.
Fisher-Price Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth ($ 22.88, originally $ 29.99; amazon.com)
This cute lazy dancer will make your baby move non-stop (perfect for improving motor skills) while clapping and swinging with the music. In addition, the baby can perform a wide variety of music learning games by pressing the buttons on Linkimal's feet.
Gund Cotton Candy Llamacorn ($ 16.99, originally $ 20; amazon.com)
This magical hybrid of a llama and a unicorn has different textures: curly and soft fur, a soft and twisted horn and a fluffy tail. He will be the best friend for a small child.
2 to 4 years old
Simulation games abound in this age range, and for good reason. Preschoolers love to use their imagination during playtime.
Melissa & Doug Christmas Cookie Set ($ 16.99, originally $ 19.99; amazon.com)
We love the quality of wooden toys manufactured by this brand. Their most recent creation will make them slice and bake cookies with their parents.
Animoodles Odin Dragon ($ 17.49; amazon.com)
An intelligent creature that will constantly make preschoolers laugh. Odin's limbs are separated and children can use their great imagination to disassemble and reassemble their magnetic parts in any way they wish. Ten other animals make up the collection and their pieces can be exchanged to create new and fun creatures.
Hape Workbench ($ 82.89, originally $ 119.99; amazon.com)
So that the mini master builders that we have at home can hammer, drill and saw all day. The work surface is height adjustable to grow with your child and the tools move like real ones.
4 to 5 years old
This is the age of extreme freedom. Older preschoolers and kindergarten children fall in love with their favorite characters from movies and series. And this year we all know those characters: Baby Shark, Woody and the "Toy Story 4" gang, and the "Paw Patrol" Mighty Pups ...
Baby Alive Pinkfong Baby Shark ($ 24.99; amazon.com)
This adorable doll is actually a water toy, ready to share time in the bathtub with your child. Your Baby Shark outfit can be put on and taken off, so other Baby Alive costumes can also be worn.
Disney Pixar Slinky Dog ($ 18.39, orginally $ 23.50; amazon.com)
The perfect companion for little fans of "Toy Story". The well-known sausage dog from the movies turned into a doll soft enough to hug him without stopping.
Paw Patrol Marshall Deluxe Vehicle ($ 14.99; amazon.com)
Future heroes of our life will be able to run to the next rescue mission with this fire truck that is like the one in the series. With lights and sounds that add excitement to each adventure.
6 to 8 years old
When children reach first grade their understanding of how things happen in the world (cause and effect) has grown significantly. The most popular toys for this age group reflect that sense of discovery.
Educational Insights Artie 3000 ($ 62.99, originally $ 69.99; amazon.com)
Artie is a perfect introduction to programming. The children learn to write the programs, using Blockly, Python and other languages, and Artie makes the drawing programmed.
Hot Wheels Track Builder ($ 39.10, originally $ 48.88; amazon.com)
Racing fans will love to build their own circuits so that their cars perform all kinds of stunts. And the pieces of this track can be joined with those of others in the collection to create even more personalized designs.
Klutz Make Your Own Soap ($ 17.49, originally $ 21.99; amazon.com)
This game will make children want to wash their hands constantly. Teach why and how to clean soap, how to do it, and encourage them to see science in action.
8 to 11 years old
The big trend in this age group are toys with a surprise element. Preteens are attracted to the mystery, not knowing exactly what they will find during a game session.
LOL Surprise! House, ($ 154.99; amazon.com)
This modern version of a dollhouse hides 85 surprises for your son or daughter to discover. It is made of wood, the perfect place for your LOL dolls or others of similar size.
Thames & Kosmos Magic Hat, ($ 29.69; amazon.com)
Magic is like ... well, like real magic for a child. This set is a great initial collection of tricks for this age. You will be surprised with what they can do!
Dreamworks Hatching Dragon, ($ 48.88, originally $ 59.99; amazon.com)
As this baby dragon slowly emerges from its shell, your child will discover his unique personality. The more care and attention the dragon receives, the more he will grow and get involved with his new "mom" or "dad".
Poopsie Rainbow Surprise Dolls, ($ 49.99, originally $ 54.99; amazon.com)
This fun doll is for the fashionista on your list. All your wardrobe is customizable, but you don't know what outfits you have until you open the box. It has 20 different surprise elements.
12 years and over
STEAM toys (to improve science and math skills) are very important at this age. The best “toys” for preteens and teenagers are actually kits that allow them to design, create and make things happen.
Lego Ideas Ship in a Bottle ($ 55.99, originally $ 69.99; amazon.com)
This great kit is proof that you are never too old to play with Lego. Children who are already professional in construction with the iconic bricks can test their skills with a new creative level.
Art 101 142-Piece Wood Art Set ($ 23.90, originally $ 29.99; amazon.com)
Here you have a gift that does not fail for any teenager who is a little creative. This classic art set comes in a sturdy wooden box with drawer, which will withstand all your high school education. Includes paint, cakes, pencils and more. Super versatile
National Geographic Rock Tumbler ($ 59.99, originally $ 69.99; amazon.com)
How does any stone become a beautiful gem? Curious teenagers can discover it with this simple but fascinating device. It also comes with tools for the manufacture of jewelry pieces.
Ravensburger GraviTrax ($ 59.95; amazon.com)
It's like a game of steroid marbles! This STEM toy will make teenagers design and build tracks that take advantage of gravity and kinetics to maximize ball movement.
Note: The above prices reflect the retailer's list price at the time of publication of the item.