With December underway and everyone beginning to panic about what to buy their loved ones, do not fear! In this new series, Newshub has put together a definitive list of pressie ideas - from the budget to the bougie - to help you on your way.
A toy you have to yell at, slime poop and a matted, sad-looking creature - our panel of toy experts reviews The Warehouse's most popular toys for 2018.
Lonnica Van Engelen, buying manager for toys at The Warehouse, says finding the right toy for someone at Christmas can feel like a daunting task.
"That's why we're offering parents some inspiration."
She says Rainbocorns will likely be this year's 'it' toy, but LOL Dolls are still big this Christmas.
Maddi, eight, is not sure about which toy would be her favourite.
"It may be the Rainbocorn, but cracking the code to the LOL Doll is so much fun. I can't wait to give my Scruff a Luv a wash and brush - maybe she'll end up being my favourite."
For a touch of nostalgia, Mattel has relaunched the 90s hit Polly Pocket.
"I love the Polly Pocket," says Reggie, four.
Zuru Rainbocorns Plush – RRP $30
Each Rainbocorn hatches from a bright egg, and comes with a removable, reversible sequin heart. Both Olivia and Maddi enjoyed the 'unboxing' experience, and declared the plush toys were "so cute".
"I give it 100 stars out of 10," Maddi says.
"Two thumbs up," agrees Olivia.
Polly Pocket Tiny Places – RRP $9
The perfect stocking-filler, the Polly Pocket range has made a comeback. Little Reggie, four, was most intrigued with this multi-piece package.
Zuru X-Shot Turbo Advance – RRP $35
With a 40-dart barrel capacity, the X-Shot was a hit with all of the children.
"I'd love this for Christmas," Dylan, seven, declares. "I can't wait to get it outside."
Poopsie Slime Surprise – RRP $16
The adults were confused about this novel toy, but Maddi explains:
"You make unicorn poop slime and there's an ultra-rare Unicorn Sparkle."
No one knew what she was talking about.
This toy taps into both the unboxing, and slime crazes, and is a great stocking-filler for older children.
Hot Wheels Super Corkscrew Trackset – RRP $49
A big hit with all the children, this set is great for kids to play with on their own, or with friends. The corkscrew design sends cars flying around the track, and there are three crash zones, and three high-speed boosters.
For Hot Wheels fans, the set attaches to other sets.
LOL Surprise Under Wraps Doll - RRP $24
Olivia and Maddi are both familiar with LOL Dolls, but these have been revamped in a mystery container, unlocked by cracking the code.
Olivia, her mum, and her mum's colleague could not crack the code but Maddi was a total pro - cracking the code of her LOL Doll in no time, and managing to open up Olivia's, too.
"You need the spy-glass to see the secret pictures, and then you put in all the codes and it opens - easy," she explains.
Both Maddi and Olivia seemed to enjoy this set more than the other toys, and spent much of the afternoon playing with the dolls.
Perfect for children aged seven to 14, the set features a Gryffindor house tower with an opening hatch, a Slytherin house tower with a pop-up fire spell function, a Ravenclaw house tower with a removable megaphone, and a Hufflepuff house tower with a scoreboard. Build three goalposts and rings, the moving Keeper function, and the Bludger stud shooter.
Hours of fun this Christmas.
We asked Dylan what he thought: "I can't wait to build it," he said.
"I've always wanted one of these," Olivia says.
Scruff a Luvs come in a deliberately shabby-looking state. With matted fur, their true beauty, and identity, is revealed when you wash, brush and care for the creature.
"I think this one's a cat," Maddi says, after giving it a wash in water.
Reggie loved the fluffy tail and big, glowing eyes.
The interactive toys respond to touch and sound. When in 'party mode' the furry creature will flash its eyes and tail to the beat.
Reggie quickly found out that pressing the nose changed the modes.
Parents, don't be put off by this little creature that requires noise to make it work. Our four panelists went outside for a Yellies race, which was fun for everyone.
Yellies respond to talking, yelling, clapping, singing, or even music.
These little creatures were a big hit with all four of the children.
Newshub.
