The 6 best surprise toys for kids to 'unbox:' L.O.L dolls, Ryan's World and more
Sonja Haller
Back in olden times — like 10 years ago — children wanted what they saw on TV commercials for holiday gifts. But thanks to YouTube, they have fallen in love with "unboxing" videos.
This very unsexy name refers to the surprise reveal of a YouTube star opening a toy in front of a camera. Naturally then, blind boxes and blind bags with a mystery inside have become the toys of choice for toddlers all the way up to teens. And they're still going strong. These "surprise" toys continue to make top toys lists.
L.O.L. Surprise! dolls lead the way. You'll get the doll and accessories, but which accessories? Unwrapping layers of paper and individual boxes to find out is the fun.
"The best part of Christmas morning is unwrapping the gifts," said Jackie Breyer, editorial director for Toy Insider. "The element of surprise. But these toys are kind of taking it to the next level. Now you can unwrap layer and layer and layers and it's full of surprises and maybe that's just as fun if not more so that the toy itself."
While blind boxes have been around a while, more toys based on famous YouTubers themselves, like Ryan Kaji of "Ryan's World," who made $22 million last year, have emerged, Breyer said.
If you long to be the favorite gift giver this season, here's a few suggestions for the hot unboxing toys from Toy Insider and other top toy lists.
L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. Swag Fashion Doll
Unbox 20 surprises with this doll. The doll comes with removable hands, which makes for easy styling for all the fashion accessories. The box also doubles as a dressing room and reusable closet. Available at Walmart, Target and Amazon for about $27.
Ryan's World Super Surprise Safe
Kids can use an included sledgehammer to crack open five Ryan's surprise-filled safes, revealing tattoo stickers, Red Titan light up ring, slime and more. Collect more than 30 surprises and no two packages feature the same assortment. Available at Walmart for $39.82.
Blume
Kids watch their doll bloom right after adding only a few drops of water. But which doll? Maybe a "super rare" one. The doll's signature hairstyle emerges as it blooms. Each doll has 10 surprises hidden inside its container, including accessories, outfits, mini friends and sticker books. Available at Walmart and Amazon for about $10.
Prepare for the holidays:
- 30 fun, some funny, 'Elf on the Shelf' ideas to get you through the holiday season
- Amazon's Top 25 toys are here for 2019 holidays! LEGO, L.O.L. doll, Paw Patrol lead kids' list
- Looking for experience gift ideas? These subscription boxes for kids make fun alternative presents
Tic Tac Toy XOXO Friends
This game is brought to you by YouTube sisters Addy and Maya (plus their parents). This game is loaded with surprises, including colorful wings for your chunky character and accessories that are swappable with other XOXO friends. Available at Walmart and Target for about $7.88.
L.O.L. Surprise! Amazing Surprise with 14 Dolls and 70+ Surprises
This is the ultimate unboxing gift. This L.O.L. gift doesn't come cheap but it includes two play sets, two fashion dolls, two L.O.L Surprise! dolls, three boy dolls, four pets and two lils. Follow the numbers to unbox the maze of surprises. Available at Walmart, Target and Amazon for about $100.
Hatchimals WOW
The egg hatches either a pink or purple Llalacorn (a cross between a Llama and a Unicorn) and then you can re-hatch it and enjoy the surprise of it waking up in one of 10 different moods. Available at Walmart, Target or Amazon for about $60.
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