Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Walmart Toy Academy: They Do the Work, You Get the Credit!

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You: “Hey Lena, what are the top toys for the holidays? What should I get my 6-year old niece?”

Me: “Um, I can totally help with that!” (Visits walmart.ca/ToyAcademy) “I absolutely know what all the hot toys are!” (Searches for Top Dolls, Doll Houses & Playsets.) “Just give me a minute…” (Enough time to consult another toy list.)
Okay, you caught me. Even a self-professed shopaholic needs a little help, especially during the holiday season. Although I generally have my ear to the ground when it comes to trends and hot sellers, the truth is, I’m also the mom who wanders the toy aisles, completely overwhelmed with the selection.

Where do I begin? What’s the latest craze? Where can I find all the top toys without breaking the bank? 
We asked. Walmart listened. Introducing the Walmart Toy Academy. This holiday season, it’s easier than ever to shop for the must-have toys! After spending the better part of the year tracking toy trends and analyzing ratings and reviews, Walmart has curated easy-to-navigate shopping lists based on your budget and your kid’s age and interests.

It’s all in one place and super convenient: bring up the Toy Academy picks on your mobile phone while shopping in-store or just purchase directly from the lists when shopping online!

And hello, there’s a list for everyone! You’ll find:

Top Toys 2017
Top Toys Under $20
Top Toys Under $50
Top Trending & Collectible Toys
Top Dolls, Dollhouse & Playsets
Top Robots & Plush Toys
Top Construction & Building Toys
Top Toys for Family Fun
Top Toys for Preschoolers
Toys for Drivers & Pilots

We surprised my boys with picks from the Top Toys 2017 list to gauge their reactions – and test how spot-on the selections are. True story: as soon as we unboxed the Nerf Modulus Regulator, we heard a chorus of “I love you” declarations from Reid.
For the ultimate in high-performance sports action, it’s Nerf or Nothin’! The Nerf Modulus Regulator blaster features SwitchFire Technology to choose from 3 different firing modes. We know the boys have hours (and hours) of fun ahead as they blast several darts per trigger pull. Remind me to put away my expensive photo frames!

Also high on their Yaassssss list is the Hot Wheels Ballistik Racer Vehicle.
Warning: do not unbox this indoors! It’s a super-fast remote control moto that really carves up the road (or your flooring). With off-road capabilities and all-terrain performance plus Ballistik Mode to unlock next-level speed and crazy stunt abilities, the Ballistik Racer is a beast!
My boys loved the high intensity pivots and spins. They’ll need to play with it for some time to improve their precision handling at high speed. Check out my IG Stories in the coming weeks to see them attempt to activate special stunts like the Instant Pivot Turn and the 180° Spin!

Finally, my little animal lover absolutely fell in love with FurReal Roarin’ Tyler, the Playful Tiger. This tiger cub responds to sounds and touch with 100+ sound-and-motion combinations! Pet his head and his eyes might close. Pet him on his muzzle and he moves!
Rated at ages 4 and up, Ryder and Reid agreed that this toy is the perfect all-round pick for boys and girls on your holiday shopping list.

Shopping for older or hard-to-shop-for kids? Check out Top Trending & Collectible Toys. You’re sure to grab the most talked-about toys of the season and be their gifting hero. And, don’t forget you can also search by age, budget, or toy category, making your holiday shopping experience a breeze.

With the Walmart Toy Academy, they do the work, you get the credit!

Could you use a little help this holiday season? Find the hottest toys at the lowest prices at Walmart.

This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada as part of the Toy Academy program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kristen visser

    wow I really had no idea how big that FurReal Roarin Tyler was until i saw that last pic on your blog with your son! awe my daughter would totally love that thing. I love that it responds and moves

  2. Lynda Cook

    My granddaughter would love to get Tyler, we were playing with him in the store and I fell in love!!

  3. lori galbraith

    Living in a small community we do not have allot of shopping choices, but I am thankful for our Walmart!

  4. Marissa

    Wow! What a great selection of trendy toys at Walmart. I’m totally impressed by Tyler the Tiger and he’s already on my Christmas gift list for my grandson.

  10. Kristy R

    I saw the Roaring Tyler (and the price tag on it!! eek!) in store the other day. Very cool toy. It also comes in white!

  11. Judy Cowan

    I think Tyler the Tiger will definitely be a big hit this year, I know one that has him on her list.

  12. Erin N

    I had no idea this existed!! This is so great for toy ideas for my nephews since I don’t see them much and don’t know what they want for Christmas. Thank for you sharing!

  13. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    Walmart has some great ideas and the toy academy is marvellous. I love Tyler, so adorable and I’m sure any child would love to find him under the Christmas tree. :-)

  16. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    I hadn’t realised just how big Tyler is until I saw him on Instagram, wow that’s some tiger!

  22. tamara m

    Wow, these look like fantastic toys! My kids would absolutely love these! I have seen the FurReal tiger now in stores, it looks amazing! :)

  25. Darlene Schuller

    I think I love the Toy Academy!! Especially for an older person like me who’s children are older now and I have grandchildren to buy for yet still children at home lol… this would truly help keep me on the latest and greatest game especially this time of year.

  26. kathy downey

    I have 3 grandkids with FurReal Roarin’ Tyler, the Playful Tiger on their wishlist,it’s going to be a roaring Holiday

  29. Dana Miller

    I appreciate the different search categories offered on Walmart under Top Trending & Collectable Toys. I am looking for my daughter and multiple nieces and nephews of varying ages. I find it so helpful.

  32. Leeanne C

    The real roar tiger looks like a lot of fun and it’s big. I’m sure the kids will find this toy very entertaining.

  35. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    Since my kids are all adults I don’t keep up with the trends in toys so Walmart toy academy is a big help to me. I love they’ve also divided it into price ranges too, that helps a lot too when you’re retired.

  37. DebH

    Wasn’t aware of the Walmart Toy Academy but could see it being very helpful when shopping for little ones.

  38. Elizabeth Matthiesen

    I got a big Nerf gun for one of my grandsons, only to hear from my daughter that they didn’t want any more for him, sigh. So I got something else for him but I was so disappointed as I know he’d have loved it.