Santa’s Hotline
Growing up, I was a total Barbie girl. I’m pretty sure 90% of the time when I sat on Santa’s lap, I was asking for some sort of Barbie-related gift, and sure enough, come Christmas morning a pink box would be sitting underneath my stocking. Anyway, it’s nice to have things come full circle as I’ve been given the opportunity to handpick my favourite toys from Mattel’s 2014 holiday season lineup – aka the hottest toys in Santa’s workshop this season. Spoiler alert: Barbie makes an appearance.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair – $54.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, and Amazon
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’m surrounded by babies (and babies-to-be) right about now – especially with pending aunthood on my mind! As such, I’m keeping my eyes open for fabulous gifts for the little ones and this one caught my eye. All too often, baby toys can be quickly outgrown. Not the case with this clever toy. Featuring interactive play areas on the arms and under the seat, the chair also recognizes when your tot is seated or has stood up and will react accordingly. The twist is the fact the toy comes with three stages of songs, phrases and sounds for the kiddies to learn and respond to as they age up. Once they’ve mastered one level, simply adjust the stage and you’ll extend the lifeline of this very smart toy for toddlerhood. A fantastic choice for your new niece or nephew, or perhaps a grandchild.
2014 Holiday Barbie Doll – $49.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, and Amazon
Growing up, my cousins generally received the 2014 Holiday Barbie doll year after year (a tradition they still continue amongst their families and daughters today). For the unfamiliar, each year a special Barbie is released, dressed in her most festive ballgown. This year marks the 25th year of the Holiday Barbie, and everyone’s favourite blonde bombshell is outfitted in a gorgeous red and gold gown with sparkling gold accessories and Barbie’s ubiquitous voluminous hair. It’s a sweet choice on multiple counts; for family members like mine that have long made the Holiday Barbies a part of their life, for serious collectors, or to introduce a young girl to the world of storytelling possibilities with her very first (and splendidly dressed) Barbie.
Hot Wheels Color Shifters Flame Fighter Set – $34.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, and Amazon
I think it’s pretty cool that ‘classic’ toys like Hot Wheels are still oh so relevant to kids today. That being said, there’s a whole lot of new features added to today’s Hot Wheels sets, like their Color Shifters cars that change shades based on getting dunked. This fun playset centers on the idea that a skyscraper is on fire – and only your Hot Wheels car can save the day. If they’re lucky the ‘trapped’ cars will be dunked in the ‘cooling tank’ – but watch out! Your cars could just as easily get smoked out in the ‘burning tank’. A classic kids toy that’s been updated for any thrill-seeking kid.
Monster High Freaky Fusion Catacombs – $139.99 and Hybrid Dolls – $34.99 each @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Sears, and Amazon
I genuinely enjoy the idea behind the popular line-up of Monster High dolls – to basically embrace being different. If you’ve never encountered Monster High, they’re basically gothic-inspired fashion dolls (and movie stars, and book characters) that channel their appearance from spooky stories and mythology, from Day of the Dead to zombies to mummies to centaurs. This campy playset is basically the Monster High equivalent of Barbie’s Dream House; drawn from the Monster High movie ‘Freaky Fusion’ and featuring tons of interactive components like a secret door, a hidden table, and more. This decked out kit includes the structure itself (which can host a substantial troop of Monster High dolls) as well as all of the items you see pictured above. Also of note? There’s some new students at Monster High; check out their Freaky Fusion Hybrid Dolls to further add to the fun from this ‘fangtastic’ film.
Fisher-Price Little People City Skyway – $49.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, and Amazon
If your little one has an interest in high octane thrills, go for a kid-friendly version of a racetrack with this super cute and versatile set from Fisher-Price. Your kids’ll get a kick out of the sheer height of this thing (over three feet tall) and the fact they’ll feel like a part of this world. In a fun, Plinko-inspired move, your future race car driver can drop their car at the top of the playset and it’ll automatically (and randomly) slide down one of the three ramps (including a fun flying one in the middle). Or they can play manually, interacting with the little extras like a parking meter, crane, and gas pump.
BOOMco Stealth Ambush Blaster – $39.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears and Amazon
Faux guns have been triggering the imaginations of children for literally decades now. As a result, the toys in this category have become more sophisticated. Case in point? This fully loaded ‘Stealth Ambush Blaster’ that features 17 Smart Stick darts that go up to 70 feet. On its own, this blaster is imposing enough – but what makes it extra fun is the easy reload features and hidden dart storage that ensures your would-be military master is taking down the ‘enemy’ with no problem. The set also includes a target so your quick draw kid can practice shooting ’em up without going after their little sibling or the family pet 🙂
Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse – The Amaze Chase Glam Camper! – $119.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, Amazon
Fun fact. My sister definitely owned Barbie’s camper back in the 80s / 90s – but let me tell you, Barbie must have gotten a pay raise between now and then as this hot pink camper is seriously souped up. Then again, what would we expect from Barbie? Girl is seriously the queen of glamping it up – there’s a chandelier, a flat screen TV, and the cab actually transforms into a portable swimming pool. Like a real camper, many of the pieces are multi-functional, like the outdoor grill that flips into a table for some al fresco dining. And best of all, this set packs right up for easy cleanup and storage between play sessions.
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Avalanche Escape Set – $69.99 @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, Amazon
If you have a kid that’s more into the ridin’ the rails than tearing up the road, you’ll definitely want to check out everyone’s favourite No. 1 blue engine take on this interactive, daring playset. The motorized Thomas engine must brave a soaring one foot climb, a nail-biting gap in the tracks, a rickety bridge with not-so-sturdy guardrails, and an eerie cave (although hint, you may be rewarded for your skills if you make it to that point). Kids will love the thrills and chills of this incredible set that’s as fun to set up as it is to play with. A must-have for any Thomas fans.
Now for the fun part (as if imagining playing with these toys wasn’t fun). I’m giving away a prize package of Mattel toys. The nifty part? You get to CHOOSE your prize package if you’re the winner. Check ’em out below!
Want to win? Here’s how to enter:
1) Drop a comment on this post before midnight on November 27, 2014 telling me which of the four prize packages you’d choose above – and why.
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 28, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: You can Pin any three gift ideas featured in this post to Pinterest. Make sure you use the hashtag #MattelHoliday when pinning and leave a separate comment that links back to your Pin for each of your Pins.
5) Bonus Entry #2: Send out a Tweet that tags me (@cdngiftguide), links back to this post and uses the hashtag #MattelHoliday. Then leave a link to your Tweet in the comments below for another entry!
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[…] gift guide is my second one geared toward the little ones (you can check out my Mattel-focused one here – that giveaway closes tomorrow). I used to be hesitant to do a kid’s gift guide […]
Canadian Gift Guide 
I’d choose the little ones package for my sweet little daughter.
My grand daughter would love the Barbie Package.
I would choose the Barbie Package. 🙂 Wow. All the packages rock though. 🙂
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I would choose the Little People Skyway as I think my grandson would love it.
2 daughters…so I MUST pick the Barbie package 🙂
That is a hard choice, but I think I’d go with the Little ones package!! Thank you for the chance!! Amazing 🙂
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Package because these toys look like a lot of fun.
I would choose the Little Ones Package because my niece has a one year old and is expecting another in February.
i would choose the Barbie Package coz shes at the phase where Barbie rules her day..
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Package because my grandson’s are just that! I could also use the Little Ones package but thankfully, Fiona is only 5 months and wouldn’t know what she’s missing yet!
I would choose the Barbie package for sure. I have a three and five year old who are total girlie girls and they would love to play with a barbie camper.
My pin.
Pin #2
I’d choose the Thrill Seeking Package because my son would absolutely love it!
Third Pin
I’d choose the Barbie package since I have three granddaughters. Need I say more?
The Barbie holiday package is my favourite, beautiful play!
I would love to win the Barbie package for my 2 granddaughters for Christmas – they would just love these. Thanks!
I would choose the Barbie Package, my granddaughter would love this
Smart Stages Chair. So perfect for visits to Grandma
the barbie package for my daughter
Thrill Seeking Package would be the one I would choose because I think my boys would like the toys in it best.
I’d choose the Barbie package because my daughter would love to have it
I’d choose the Little Ones package because we have 2 baby additions into our family.
The Barbie package for my granddaughter
I would definitely choose the Barbie’s for my daughter! I didn’t realize they still made vehicles for Barbie’s! YAY!
These would all be gifts for the little ones in my life.
I would choose the Laugh & Learn Smart Chair for baby J.
the boomco for Dane
the Dreamhouse for Emilty and the Thomas and Friends track for big J.
oops, didn’t read that right, I would choose the little ones package for baby J.
I would choose holiday barbie because it;s pretty.
I would choose the Little Ones package because my niece is almost 5 months!
I would pick the Little Ones package because my granddaughter will enjoy the quality of Fisher price toys
I would choose the Monster High Package. My niece is obsessed with Monster High and I’d love to win it for her!
Thrill seeking package for sure, so I can play Hotwheels with my big boy!
I would love the little ones package! It Would make a great gift for my one boy and also for the one due Dec 25! Two boys definitely require some hot wheels in this house!
Id choose the Fisher Price Thomas and friends track master avalanche set because I know my 3 year old would love it!
The Monster High looks very interesting!
I would choose the Monster High package for my granddaughter……but I love EVERYTHING!
My granddaughter would fall in love with the Barbie Doll Package
STEALTH AMBUSH BLASTER
I’d pick the thrill seeking package because my nephew would love it!
the Barbie package because my grand daughter loves Barbie
Wondrous to behold!
I’d love the Little One Package for my little toddler
Thrill seeking package for me — Nephews would love it
The thrill seeking package would excite our little man
My oldest daughter asked for a train set for Christmas so she would love the Thrill Seeking Package! My baby would love the Little Ones Package too so it might be a toss up! Great contest!
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Package for my niece because she loves the kinds of toys featured in this set.
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Package because I have two boys!
I like the little one’s prize pack – little kids still have that wonder element about getting gifts.
I’d love to choose the Thrill Seeking set for my high-energy little nephew Jaime- I bet he would stay happily busy with every bit of it :)- he just got a new bedroom and these would be perfecto!
Little ones . My little one would love everything there.
I would love to win the Thrill Seeking Package. My little nephews would love it!
I would pick the holiday barbie! My 3 year old daugher Beren recently discovered barbies, she would love this!
I would choose the Barbie Prize Pack, because I know a little girl who would love it!
Little ones package
I would totally choose the Thrill seeking package cause my 6 year old would love it! ( and the 3 and 1 ) :p
I would choose the thrill seeking package for my grandson.The Barbie package is very nice also for my grandaughter.
would choose the thrill seeking package. why? I just asked my 2 preschoolers which of the 4 they like best and they both agree on the that one! thomas, hot wheels, and a blaster!
My 18 month old nephew would love the little ones package for Christmas.
I would choose the fisher price laugh and learn chair as i have one son who is 9 months old and would love this as well as a 19 month old step son who would get a huge kick out of it 🙂
We would love to win the thrill seeking package. Thanks for the giveaway!
We’d love to win the thrill seeking package because my niece loves a fast car toy!
The monster high package for my daughter!
I would choose the thrill seeking package because my son would love it!
My daughter would love Monster high.
Love the little one’s package, would donate to my son’s daycare!
I would love the Barbie prize pack for my niece. She is obsessed with her Barbie dolls. My mom kept all of mine so now she has mine to play with. She recently got a doll house for her birthday and that is all she plays with. Winning this would bring a huge smile to her face.
I’d love the Barbie package. Both my daughter and I were Barbie girls & now my niece loves them too.
I would choose the Barbie package as both me and my niece are huge fans!
I would choose the holiday barbie as my grandaughter would love this
Thrill Seeking Package would be my choice because it looks like a lot of fun for a little one
Monster High Package
Rafflecopter name: Enelram
I would choose the Barbie package for my great niece Harlow
I would pick the thrill seeking package
I’d choose the Thrill Seeking package – it just fits in more with what my kids love!
Hot Wheels Color Shifters Flame Fighter Set because my sons would absolutely love this! Thanks for the great contest.
Little Ones Package looks great
I would chose the little one package for my 9 month old
I’d choose the Little one’s package. It would work for both kids and they would LOVE it!
Pinned my favourite gift idea from the list!!
The Barbie package would be my choice. Once A Barbie girl, always a Barbie girl.
I would pick the Holiday Barbie for my niece because she absolutely loves Barbies!
Barbie package is my number one choice! Thks for the chance to win!
Monster High Package… my niece is just getting into them and would love it.
I would love to win the Monster High package because my nine year old daughter is really into Monster High at the moment. She would think this was a great Christmas gift, and would enjoy it for a long time to come!
Of the four prize packages I’d choose the Little Ones package ‘cos I think it’s more gender neutral in nature & that would be helpful for sharing as my cousin’s kids are a mix of boys & girls, all under 5 (and I think the yellow chair is adorable!). Thanks 🙂
I saw the yellow chair commercial on tv today. He’s even more adorable now that I know how it works. I know it’s silly ‘cos it’s just some facial stickers but he just makes me smile.
Bonus Entry: I pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190347521726556483/
I would love win the Monster High package for my darling niece who is a major fan and would be extremely grateful for this lovely gift.
I would choose the Barbie prize pack for my niece.
hmmmm… very hard bc I have little people that would love all of these toys, but, I’d have to say the Barbie Package.
pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164381455124784731/
pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164381455124784743/
pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164381455124784754/
I would like the Little Ones package–perfect for my little niece.
I’d love to win the Monster High Pack. It would be perfect for my Niece. She is obsessed with MH.
I’d choose the Barbie camper. I wish I still had mine from the seventies (bright orange with yellow and hot pink flowers.
2014 Holiday Barbie Doll would be great for my daughter Lexi – very nice indeed!
I would definitely pick the barbie package for my little one, her b-day is in 3 days!
Pinned it!
The little ones package – my toddler would be over the moon!
I would chose the Barbie package
If I’m blessed enough to win I would choose the Thrill seeking package for my beloved grand nephew.
Thank you.
My 8 year daughter would LOVE the Barbie package!!!
I would pick the little ones prize pack as it would be perfect for my little grandson!
Monster High package for my daughter serena.
Barbie is a great package!
I’d choose the little ones package…because I have a 9 month old who would love the chair, and a 2 year old who would love the skyway!
LOVE the Barbie package – please please please!
People Skyway – looks like great fun for my daughter!
I’d choose the Monster High cause I think it looks like it would be a fun toy
I have 3 grandsons, so I think the thrill seeking package would be great for them.
I would pick the Monster High package for my 10 yr old daughter 🙂
love the little chair
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
My grandson would love
Fisher-Price Little People City Skyway –
My nephew would love the thrill seeking package. Especially because I use to read him the stories from the time he was a wee lil’ thing. I live in the west now and he lives in the east. He would think of me every time he sees it…or maybe not but I like to think so! He would love it 🙂
My kids would love the thrill seeking package!
I would chooset he thrill-seeking prize pack because I know my boys would love it!
id love to watch a child enjoy this prize package
Having 2 girls that are complete Monster High fans , I would definitely choose the Freaky Fusion gift pack! We have several Monster High dolls and play sets. They are all good quality and my girls play with them for hours!
The Little Ones Package. I have a 1 year old and a 2 year old, both boys. Need I say more?
I would choose the Monster High Package for my niece!
The Little Ones package! My sweet pea would go bananas over the chair. 🙂
Wow – the Monster High package would be a dream prize for the boyfriends daughter – she’d go nuts. Hope I win 🙂
pinned: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/466685580110898568/
pinned 2: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/466685580110898570/
pin #3: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/466685580110898575/
Fisher Price Little People City Skyway for me! Great quality products that would stand up to two little boys!
The Barbie Package. My daughter would be thrilled! She has never had a new Barbie.
the ambush blaster is my favorite
My Grandaughters love Barbie.This would be my choice.
I’d choose the Barbie Package since my daughters would love it. Thanks for the chance!
The barbie package as my granddaughter loves Barbie
I`D CHOOSE THE LITTLE ONES BECAUSE MY SON IS 2 AND HE WOULD REALLY ENJOY EVERYTHING THAT IS OFFERED IN THE LITTLE ONES PRIZE PACKAGE ;0
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Avalanche Escape Set looks like fun
thrill seeking package
We would love the little ones package! Great toys!
Barbie package for my daughter
My son would love the Thrill Seeker package
Little ones package looks amazing. My nephews would love it
BOOMco Stealth Ambush Blaster. great for the boys but also great fun for me too
the thrill seeking package becasue i think my boys would like it
Thrill seeker I would love to win for my littlest thrill seeker those would be amazing under the tree for him
Between my daughter, grandson and niece, these toys would be amazing!!!!
I prefer the Barbie one. That holiday doll is gorgeous and the camper looks like it’s a lot of fun!
I want Monster High Freaky Fusion Catacombs – $139.99 and Hybrid Dolls – $34.99 each @ Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Sears, and Amazon
The Thrill Seeking package would be perfect for my nephews. One is a huge Thomas fan! HUGE!
I would like the Monster High Pack!
The Barbie package because I have nieces who would love it.
Love all these prizes!!
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair because that would be the most age appropriate for my child!
I’d ike to win the Little Ones package. My daughter is 5 with down syndrome, and even though she is older she still loves Fisher Price toys. They help with her dexterity and imaginiation. And my son is going on seven years old but I know he would love to play with the cars tower!
I would chose the Little Ones Package for my 29 mth old son.
My little niece would love the Barbie prize
I’d choose the Barbie package! My daughter would be besides herself…especially with the camper! 🙂
My kids are little still so I would pick the Little Ones Package. Thanks for the chance!
Tweeted for Bonus: https://twitter.com/jnunavut/status/534921677822390272
Tweeted here for bonus: https://twitter.com/loves6cats/status/534927048800600064
I’d chose the Monster High Package! My nieces are huge fans & they would love this!
I would choose the Thrill Seeking package because that is the one that my son would like the most.
I would pick the “Thrill Seeking Package” because it has toys in it that son would really enjoy.
I would choose the little ones package because my youngest would LOVE the little people skyway and my 6 and 7 year olds would go nuts for the hotwheels set 🙂
andrea_hockeygirl@hotmail.com
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Package! Boys love the action.
the barbie package would be fantastic for all the little nieces I have
I would choose the Monster High Package because I’d like to give it to my niece for Christmas. She would love to have it.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/jlindahlj/status/535248637090332672
I would choose the little ones package
I would love the thrill seeking package for my adorable nephews!
Pinned here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/84161086762270380/
Pinned here also: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/84161086762270392/
Pinned here as well: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/84161086762270395/
I would love the Little Ones Prize as I am due any day with a little girl. The chair would be awesome
I tweeted https://twitter.com/Lovingpink/status/535627491936059392
The Barbie package because my neice is always borrowing my daughters Barbies so now she would have her own!
the Barbie package would be great!
the Barbie prize pack
Thrill seeking package because I have twin nephews, they’d go nuts!
I’d choose the Barbie package because my daughter would be thrilled with it under the tree!
My little man is 4 years old and just loves playing with cars so I would have to choose The Little Ones Package! He would have a blast playing with the Little People City Skyway! 🙂
I’d most want to win the Barbie package for my girlfriend’s niece – perfect for her!
I would really like to win the Fisher-Price Little People City Skyway prize package for the cousin’s kids in the family as they’d really like it. Thanks.
I love them all , but I would say Monster High Pack
I would choose the little ones package as my baby could really benefit from developing his motor skills while at play
I would choose the Little Ones Package so I could gift it to my little nephew for Christmas!!
Little Ones Package – My great niece would be thrilled.
I’d choose the Little Ones package. My nieces are three and one, so this would make me verrry popular at their house this Christmas.
I’d choose this: Thrill Seeking Package. My boy would like that BoomCo Blaster.
Cheers.
Girls and nieces – bring on the Barbie package.
I would choose the Little Ones package for my sweet little niece who will be having her very 1st Christmas this year.
I would choose the Little Ones prize pack because I have 2 young boys who would love all the prizes in this set.
I would love to win the Barbie package for my girl
I would choose the Thrill Seeking Challenge!
i would love to win the little one packages as i have a three year old grandson and a new granddaughter born on halloween and would love to see them smile
I would choose the Barbie Package because my two nieces would absolutely love this – and Barbie is a classic!
I would choose the Barbie package as my little girls love them
Tweeted for Bonus Entry: https://twitter.com/TBirdsie32/status/537756131708268544
suzquiz m
I’d like the Thrill Seeking Package because my young nephews would absolutely love it!
The Little Ones Package because it would be perfect for my 3 year old and infant!
I like the thrill seeker package because my nephew loves Thomas and Friends and Hot Wheels.
i like the little ones
tweet for bonus
Doreen Lamoureux
dorcontest at gmail dot com
My son is 3 and he always wanted a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair. If I win he got his wish, poor guy he been so good this year.
The little ones package for sure. I have a 2 year old niece who would love the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair