These toys are worth buying for your kids, according to Good Housekeeping experts and kid testers

As the holiday season approaches, parents in Brookfield are faced with an age-old question: which toys will truly delight their children? This year, families can look to the Good Housekeeping 2026 Toy Awards for guidance. The prestigious awards highlight toys that have not only captured the attention of kids but have also passed rigorous safety and playability tests.

What Happened

On November 5, 2026, Good Housekeeping unveiled its list of award-winning toys, showcasing the results of extensive testing conducted by about 370 children and a team of experts. The process involved evaluating 160 toys through hands-on play, at-home testing, and a dedicated day of play at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Senior mechanical engineer Alec Scherma led the initiative, ensuring each toy was not only safe but also engaging.

Scherma emphasized the importance of durability and fun in toy design. "We need to make sure that there's nothing too small for kids to eat, we always check on durability," he said. Parents can rest easy knowing that the toys they purchase have undergone thorough safety evaluations and are backed by reputable brands.

The awards serve as a valuable resource for parents who want to invest in toys that spark creativity and joy. With hundreds of new toys flooding the market each year, the Good Housekeeping Toy Awards help narrow down the options to the best of the best.

Top Picks of 2026

The 2026 Toy Awards feature a range of exciting options that cater to various interests and age groups. The standout toys include:

• Connetix 32-piece Mini Travel Pack - Priced at $24.99, this portable magnetic tile set is perfect for travel. It comes in a magnetic tin that doubles as a building surface, making it a mess-free option for families on the go.
• Melissa & Doug Swirl & Serve Set - Retailing for $32.99, this ice cream play set allows kids to unleash their imagination with mix-and-match soft-serve flavors.
• Monster Jam Chomping Megalodon RC - A hit during testing, this remote-controlled truck, priced at $49.97, features an exciting “beast mode” that kids love.

Safety First

In an age where safety concerns are paramount, Good Housekeeping's commitment to rigorous testing is reassuring for parents. Each toy is required to provide safety documentation that confirms it has been third-party tested. This attention to detail ensures that families can make informed choices when selecting toys for their children.

"We make sure when we're testing them here every single toy brand sends us their safety papers, which we review to make sure they follow everything that they're supposed to," Scherma explained. This thorough vetting process is crucial in today’s market, where not all toys meet the same safety standards.

Community Reaction

The response from Brookfield parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are grateful for the guidance provided by the Good Housekeeping Toy Awards, especially during the busy holiday shopping season. Local parents have expressed their enthusiasm for the award-winning toys, noting how they inspire creativity and foster family bonding.

One Brookfield mother, Sarah Johnson, shared her excitement: "I love that I can trust Good Housekeeping to highlight safe and engaging toys. It takes the guesswork out of shopping, and I can feel good about what I’m bringing home for my kids."

Community members have also praised the awards for promoting imaginative play. Local toy stores, such as Brookfield Toy Store, have reported increased interest in the award-winning selections, reflecting a trend towards toys that encourage creativity rather than screen time.

Local Toy Store Spotlight

Brookfield Toy Store has become a hub for families looking for the latest award-winning toys. Owner Mark Thompson noted, "We’ve seen a significant uptick in customers asking for the toys featured in the Good Housekeeping awards. Parents are looking for quality and safety, and these awards help them make informed decisions. It’s heartwarming to see families come in together, excited to find the perfect gifts for their kids."

The store has even organized special events to showcase the award-winning toys, inviting local families to come and test them out. These events have fostered a sense of community, allowing parents to connect with one another while their children engage in play.

Why It Matters

The significance of the 2026 Toy Awards extends beyond mere consumer guidance. They represent a commitment to fostering healthy childhood development through play. In a world where children are increasingly drawn to digital entertainment, these toys offer tangible opportunities for imaginative exploration and social interaction.

Experts agree that play is essential for children’s development. It helps build cognitive skills, enhances problem-solving abilities, and encourages social skills. The toys highlighted in the awards are designed to promote these critical aspects of growth while providing hours of fun.

Supporting Local Families

For Brookfield families, the impact of choosing the right toys goes beyond entertainment. Investing in quality toys can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Parents who engage in play with their children often find that it fosters deeper connections and encourages open communication.

Moreover, the emphasis on safe and durable toys aligns with the community's values of ensuring children grow up in nurturing environments. As families navigate the challenges of modern life, the right toys can serve as tools for connection and creativity.

What's Next

As the holiday season approaches, Brookfield parents are encouraged to explore the full list of Good Housekeeping's 2026 Toy Award winners. The awards can be accessed online, providing a comprehensive guide to the best toys available this year.

Families can visit Good Housekeeping's website for a detailed look at the winners, including links to retailers. With a variety of options available, parents can find the perfect gifts that will not only entertain their children but also support their development.

Ultimately, the 2026 Toy Awards serve as a reminder that thoughtful toy selections can enrich children's lives, encouraging them to dream, create, and play. As Brookfield families prepare for the holiday season, these award-winning toys promise to deliver joy and lasting memories. The anticipation of unwrapping these carefully chosen gifts will surely bring smiles to children’s faces, reinforcing the joy of play and imagination.