The New England Holiday Toys Getting All the Buzz This Year (As Seen on CBS Boston)
Some holiday toys get talked about everywhere, such as in group chats, across gift guides, and all over social media. Yet, this year, a handful of those buzzworthy picks also happen to have New England roots, which makes them even more exciting to highlight.
During my recent TV appearance on WBZ CBS Boston, I shared “The Toys Everyone Is Talking About This Holiday Season – New England Edition.” During the segment, I mentioned that each toy is not only a TOTY (Toy of the Year) 2026 Award nominee, but was also spotlighted in at least one major 2025 gift guide. Even better, every single one of the toys in the segment is tied to a New England–based brand or company.
So if you’re shopping for kids, families, or even classrooms this year, and you want toys that are fun, smart, and already getting national attention, these are the standouts to know. And the best part? They’re all available at major retailers this season.
1. Connect 4 Frenzy (Hasbro Games – Rhode Island)
A fast, bounce-and-race version of the classic Connect 4 game.
Why Families Love It
Connect 4 Frenzy from Hasbro takes the classic Connect 4 concept and turns it into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud party game. Instead of calmly dropping discs into the grid, players bounce them off the table, racing to get four in a row. If your disc lands in an opponent’s spot, you get to steal it, which keeps everyone on their toes.
You can play with 2–6 people in about 10 minutes, so it’s great for family game nights, quick rounds before bedtime, or holiday gatherings where you want something high-energy that doesn’t drag on. The all-in-one storage makes it easy to pack up and even toss into a bag for travel.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $14.99 and up
• Available: All major retailers
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee and featured on multiple 2025 top toy and gift guides
Play Tip
Want more of a challenge? Try mini-challenges like “corners only,” “center spots only,” or play a calmer turn-taking version with younger kids who are still working on coordination.
2. LEGO Game Boy (The LEGO Group – Boston)
A nostalgic LEGO build that recreates the original handheld gaming icon.
Why Families Love It
If you remember powering up your original Game Boy, this set is pure nostalgia. The LEGO Game Boy from The LEGO Group faithfully recreates the classic handheld design, from the button layout and contrast dial to the Game Pak slot. It even includes lenticular “moving” screens that make the display feel alive.
This is a fantastic build for older teens and adults who love both LEGO and retro gaming. Once it’s built, it becomes a statement piece on a shelf or office desk. A perfect way to blend play and décor.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 18+
• MSRP: $59.99
• Available: Major retailers
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee and a standout in 2025 holiday gift guides
Gift Tip
Pair it with a framed photo of the recipient’s original Game Boy or classic game cartridges for a complete nostalgia display.
3. Again Friends Cow (Mary Meyer – Vermont)
A soft, huggable cow that becomes a baby’s or toddler’s “go-to” comfort toy.
Why Families Love It
The Again Friends Cow from Mary Meyer is all about comfort and connection. Plus, cows are the #1 fan crave right now With touchably soft textured fabrics, a sweet sculpted face, and embroidered eyes, it’s designed to be safe for even the youngest kids. Its open arms and floppy body make it perfect for cuddling, carrying, and tucking into strollers or cribs.
Bonding with a favorite plush helps little ones feel secure, especially during transitions, travel, or bedtime routines. Parents appreciate that it’s cozy, high-quality, and made to meet or exceed U.S. safety standards.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 0+
• Measures: Approx. 12 inches tall (about 8 inches sitting)
• MSRP: $23.99
• Available: Amazon, MaryMeyer.com
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee
Care Tip
Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry to keep this cow looking and feeling its best.
4. Coding Chameleon (Thames & Kosmos – Rhode Island)
A color-changing robotic reptile that introduces kids to coding and engineering.
Why Families Love It
Coding Chameleon from Thames & Kosmos is a build-it-yourself robotic pet that brings STEM concepts to life. First, kids construct a 15-inch chameleon with articulated eyes, torso, and leg joints. Once built, they can explore how it behaves across three different modes. In Coding Mode, kids use action cards to program a sequence of movements, making it a hands-on introduction to robotics. Next, in Wild Mode, the chameleon automatically changes color to match its surroundings, adding a layer of real-world science play. Finally, in Pet Mode, it reacts to touch and simple gestures, giving kids an interactive companion they can “train.”
The included 48-page manual walks kids through assembly and explains how real-world engineering often takes inspiration from nature. It’s a fantastic way to combine building, coding, and imaginative play in one project.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 8+ with adult help (12+ for independent building)
• MSRP: $54.99
• Available: Amazon
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee
Play Tip
Once it’s built, challenge kids to create their own “coding challenges,” like navigating around obstacles or triggering color changes with different backgrounds.
Watch the Coding Chameleon in action on YouTube.
5. NeeDoh Nice Cube Swirl (Schylling – Massachusetts)
A squishy, swirly cube that’s equal parts fidget toy and visual calm.
Why Families Love It
The NeeDoh Nice Cube Swirl is a sensory favorite. Each cube features a unique swirling color blend, so no two are exactly alike. Kids (and adults) love squeezing, squishing, and twisting it, then watching it slowly return to its cube shape. It’s soothing, satisfying, and small enough to tuck into stockings, backpacks, or desk drawers.
It’s a great option for kids who benefit from fidgets to stay focused, or anyone who just finds it calming to have something soft and squishy in hand.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $5.99
• Available: Amazon, specialty retailers
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee
Gift Tip
Add a NeeDoh Nice Cube Swirl to gift baskets, teacher gifts, or stocking stuffers. It’s an easy win for kids, teens, and adults who love sensory toys.
6. Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set (Melissa & Doug – Connecticut)
A color-changing stovetop set that lets kids “cook” with water again and again.
Why Families Love It
The Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set From Melissa & Doug turns pretend play into a full sensory experience. Kids use real water with the included spoon and squeeze bottle to transform play food from “frozen” to “cooked” as the pieces change color. The set includes a durable stovetop, pot, six color-changing veggies, six color-changing proteins, two color-changing meal disks, and a reusable activity card.
It’s a fun way for kids to explore cause-and-effect, imaginative play, and early kitchen skills without any real mess. Parents love that it keeps kids engaged while building fine motor skills, sorting, counting, and storytelling.
Quick Facts
• Ages: 3+
• MSRP: $21.99
• Available: Amazon, specialty retailers
• Fun Fact: TOTY Award 2026 nominee
Play Tip
Set up a “restaurant” at home where kids take orders, cook meals with the color-changing food, and serve family members. It’s a great way to encourage pretend play and communication skills.
See the Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set in action on YouTube.
Final Thoughts: New England Toys Everyone Is Talking About
From STEM-building chameleons to nostalgic LEGO builds and cozy Vermont plush, these toys represent the best of what New England brands are bringing to playtime right now. They’re not just buzzworthy on WBZ CBS Boston, in gift guides, or on award lists. They’re toys families will actually enjoy using long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Whether you’re shopping for big family gifts, stocking stuffers, or something special with local roots, these picks are a great place to start. If you caught my segment on WBZ Boston and wanted all the details in one place, this list is for you. And if you missed it, consider this your insider look at the toys everyone is talking about this holiday season.
For more toy ideas, play tips, and media-featured favorites, you can always find me at PlayroomChronicles.com and on social at @PlayroomChronicles.
