Favorite Toys and Kmart’s Fab 15!

What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? For me, it was a little purple stuffed bear puppet named Cuddles. Cuddles certainly wasn’t the most expensive toy I owned, nor was he associated with any particular show or character. The reason why I loved him was because my dad made him come to life. I spent countless hours sitting on the rug at the foot of Daddy’s rocking chair as he balanced Cuddles on his knee, making him talk, dance, and seem more real than any stuffed toy could ever be. I remember begging my dad to play for just a few more minutes because once the puppet left his hand, it just wasn’t the same. I treasure those memories, and now I can’t tell you what joy it brings me to watch my son sitting at my father’s feet just as I once did while Pop-Pop humors him and makes his favorite stuffies seem to come alive.

There are so many toys out on the market today; my son and his friends have all kinds of choices that weren’t even dreamed of when I was a little girl. Sometimes it can be hard, especially when the holidays roll around, to sort through them all and figure out what would make the best gifts and lasting treasures for the littles in your life. That’s where Kmart’s Fab 15 comes in.

Kmart‘s Fab 15 holiday toy list provides parents and gift-givers with insight into the season’s hottest trends. Kmart carefully selects the Fab 15 toys based on industry trends, input from kids and parents, as well as more than 50 years of experience in knowing what toys resonate with different ages, stages and play patterns. From big toys that make great, unexpected gifts to toys inspired by characters that kids know and love like Elsa, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, there’s something for everyone.

One of the first things I noticed on this year’s list is a toy Little Crafter actually got for his birthday a few months ago; the Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Lookout Playset.

Paw Patrol is such a popular show right now; you know Little Crafter loves it so much he insisted on being Marshall for Halloween! This playset and the figurines and vehicles {sold separately} let kids take the pups to their Lookout Tower to get briefed on their latest assignment, check things out with a working periscope, then take the slide to hop into their vehicles and go solve that problem! Little Crafter loves playing with this set and so do his friends when they visit. He already has most of the figurines, but he has already informed me that Sky, Zooma, and Rocky and their vehicles are on his Christmas wish list.

Personally, I was excited to see the 2014 Holiday Barbie on the list too. I absolutely loved to play with Barbie dolls growing up, and I had a collection of the Holiday edition ones on a special shelf.

Each year, I would look forward to the day they released her so that I could ooh and aah over her beautiful dress. Holiday Barbie was always one of the gifts under the tree for me, so I love that even now {many years later!} little girls are still enjoying the same anticipation I once did.

The Fab 15 list is full of great ideas, including some Transformers and a LEGO Marvel Superheros line I know LC is going to want, as well as Frozen toys, Play-doh kits, and so much more. Be sure to check it out and see what the little folks in your life might love this holiday season. And remember, it’s not so much about the toy itself as the fun you have when you and your kids engage with it and spend time playing together! How will you use these toys to make your own special memories?

This holiday season, Kmart is also encouraging members and customers to give the gift of hope by joining them in support of St. Jude’s commitment to saving children’s lives. Beginning Dec. 7, if you purchase any of the Kmart Fab 15 toys, $1.00 will be donated to St. Jude – up to $25,000. You can also donate at check-out at any Kmart store or online now through Dec. 27.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.