31 Toys From Target That Parents Actually Swear By
Get ready for some awesome toys that you might love more than your kids.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. A Lovevery Montessori rolling rattle that is perfect for baby. This unique take on a rattle is not only entertaining but aesthetically pleasing. Plus it's by Lovevery and every parent loves Lovevery!
Promising review: "This rattle is very similar to one that comes in the Charmer Play Kit from Lovevery. However, this one is much larger and more engaging. My 9-month-old and I practice rolling it to one another and he loves the sound that it makes. His face immediately lit up when I handed it to him! Perfect for your sitting-upright and crawling baby!" —Rachel G
Price: $11.99
2. A Lovevery Colorful Animals Wooden Book to help baby connect with natural materials. It features Montessori design and realistic images!
3. A toy piano so your budding Beethoven can tickle the ivories! It features 25 keys and two full octaves — the little maestros will enjoy exploring the concepts of the treble and bass clefs, as well as dynamics.
4. A five-piece toy instrument set to help your blossoming musician jam out. The set includes a ukulele, tambourine, castanet, rain stick, and maraca — it is sure to be a ~hit~ during music time! And who knows, maybe you can start a rockin' fam band?!
Promising review: "My 3-year-old loved her band set and has a lot of fun with the set! The instruments are made of wood, they are well made and nice." —wilhelmina
Price: $39.99 (originally $53.99)
5. A Green Toys wagon that'll take those musical instruments on tour! My son is in love with this mini wagon and carts everything around the house. We also take it to the park and all his friends want a turn!
*This toy is made from 100% recycled milk jugs and is phthalate and BPA free.*
Promising review: "I got this toy to use as an Easter basket for my 2-year-old son. He is obsessed with anything with wheels, and I figured he would appreciate something like this way more than a regular basket. My son loved pulling it around the house once he figured out it was actually a wagon. The funny thing is that so far he has kept all the toys he got for Easter inside — like they 'belong' in there. The size is perfect for his size. It rolls pretty well on carpet and hardwood floor (still waiting to test outside)." —thecheapsubscriber
Price: $19.99
6. And a Green Toys Yellow Submarine – it's great for bath time! Throw on The Beatles while you're at it and make it a singalong too — this toy is a must-have item for our bath routine. Plus, it's also eco-friendly!
7. A bag of balls that are perfect for filling a pack 'n' play or just throwing around the yard. These lightweight, durable plastic balls are made with nontoxic materials and are easy to clean. So get *rollin'*!
Promising review: "I bought these for my son with special needs and he absolutely loves them — we had to go back and buy another bag for his ball pit! They are super durable because he plays really rough and try’s to squeeze them and he can’t damage them, which is a lifesaver." —JesNes13
Price: $14.99 for 100 balls
8. A cute wooden kitchen play set to ~spice up~ your kid's playtime. Watch out, Gordon Ramsay, this kitchen is sure to step up your kid's cooking game (they might even start cooking dinner for the whole fam)! 🤞🏽
Promising review: "Just bought this for my 18-month-old. He loves it! Very good quality, I was impressed while putting it together, which was pretty easy. It is tall but that is nice, it will definitely last for a few years. I put a step next to it so he could reach the microwave but he won’t need it soon. I got the little basket of food by the same company. Perfect." —Cali mom
Price: $99.99
9. And a delicious set of play food that'll add to the budding chef's imaginary fun. This wood-based toy highlights the four food groups, instilling healthy eating habits at a young age! (With the exception of the hamburger.)
Promising review: "I love buying my daughter quality toys, so when we decided to buy her a play kitchen we searched high and low for quality wood food toys that didn’t break the bank. The quality is great and I feel good knowing they are made out of wood and not cheap plastic." —Ashley Crown
Price: $21.99
10. A fancy little metal shopping cart to help get kiddos excited about going to the grocery store. My kid loves this thing, and when we go to the store he is super jazzed about helping me pick out snacks!
11. And a cash register so you have all the supplies to play *store* with your little one! This toy supports children as they learn basic math and money-handling skills — and it's a great pretend play set for parents to focus on learning.
Promising review: "My son was so happy when he received the cash register he had always wanted and even more thrilled to see how realistically he could play. It really helps kids learn about math and money. It has a few games which he can actually play by himself without needing a 'customer.' I even played with it. I was surprised you can actually input how much you receive from a customer and it will tell you how much change is due. You can also put coins in the slot and it will identify it for you. My son even tried a real coin and it was also recognized. I am very impressed with this toy." —Lore
Price: $36.49
12. A broom set that is sure to instill good habits for everyone in the family. Sized just for kids and built to last, the broom, mop, duster, dustpan, and hand brush are comfortable to use and easy to store.
Promising review: "This is the best! My daughter is 12 months old and very interested in everything we are doing. I bought her this and I can finally clean without her wanting whatever I’m using to do so. She also tried to pitch in and help, it’s the cutest! It’s also very sturdy. Highly recommend." —Vlaz
Price: $23.99
13. A toy lawnmower – it lets children mimic an activity they see in the world around them. The sounds and hands-on features encourage pretend play and get kids moving and mowing! Plus, it looks like the real thing!
Promising review: "I’m not lying when I say my toddler ran to this toy when he saw it. He loves seeing people mowing when we go on our walks and watching his dad mow our yard, so it was a no-brainer purchase. No regrets! He gets the biggest smile pushing it around the house and has even started taking it on our walks around the neighborhood. He pulls the chord to turn it on, turns the levers, and fills up the gas. He does push it in our yard occasionally and has to use a little extra force, but he makes it work! I love this little mower and so does my boy!" —Livvielou
Price: $24.99
14. A Little Tikes golf set perfect for toddlers. The set includes two golf clubs and three golf balls so kids can share. It's totally *on par*!
Promising review: "My son was obsessed with dragging around real golf clubs and watching his grandpa putt. I was not sure this kids set would satisfy him, but I am happy to report that he loves it. He is 18 months and enjoys hitting the ball, putting the clubs into the bag. Some minor assembly is required, so keep that in mind." —AJT
Price: $27.99
15. A two-in-one LeapFrog LeapTop so your little one can foster skills of responsibility and soon be your personal secretary. This gadget can either be a laptop or tablet and is chock-full of fun games that will keep the kiddos busy for hours (definitely a better option than sticking them in front of the tube).
Promising review: "I absolutely love how this can look like a laptop or a tablet. In tablet mode it’s a touchscreen. Little ones can feel like they’re actually using a laptop or tablet but you don’t have to worry about them breaking it. It’s quite educational. And then also has fun games! Totally a perfect purchase for today’s environment where most kiddos are exposed to tablets, laptops, and smartphones and want their own at such young ages. Plus you don’t have to worry about them accidentally purchasing something like on a real tablet." —FinnJude2
Price: $24.99
16. A large crane truck that will blow any toddler's mind! My 2-year-old is obsessed with this toy's ability to lift objects (I have no idea why?!) and will play with it for hours.
Promising review: "If you have a toddler or kid really almost any age, this is a must-buy! The quality is great, the buttons make noise, the doors open, and the lights turn on. You can tow a car by using the tow truck or hanging it by the wires. So cool; my toddler loves this and plays with it for hours." —Smalls
Price: $39.99
17. A good ole fashioned pack of Hot Wheels because what kid doesn't like zoomin' these classic cars around the room?
18. A jumbo-sized Pop It! sensory toy that is a hit among kids (and parents). It provides endless amounts of fun for those fidgety fingers.
Promising review: "My daughter didn't put this down for two whole days! I mean that literally — she took it with us everywhere insisting on playing with it during meals or to pop a few in between playing with other toys. Her need to have it always has waned, but it has worked great when she's upset or even if someone else in the family is bored or upset, so double-win." —Relaxing and fun
Price: $19.99
19. An epic game called Throw Throw the Burrito sure to be hilarious and a good time for the whole family. Suitable for ages 7 and up, Throw Throw Burrito is the world's first dodgeball card game!
Promising review: "My 7-year-old daughter had this game on her Christmas list and I could not resist buying her any game involving burritos. She was so excited when she opened it and immediately wanted to play. I read the instructions but was still a little unclear so decided to watch the video directions. Definitely explained things further and cleared up any questions. We played with my 9-year-old daughter and had a blast. They loved the idea of tossing the burrito at each other. It was a pretty fast-paced game and they got the concept pretty quickly. The pics on the cards are funny! We’ve played a few times since with Dad and it’s always fun! I would definitely recommend for kids as young as 7 on up for a good time! We liked the game so much we bought another game from this company, Exploding Kittens." —SD Sunshine
Price: $24.99
20. A Polly Pocket Tropicool Pineapple Purse that's a blast from the past. These were all the rage when I was growing up and parents are stoked these are making a comeback, especially in this new version — a Polly Pocket Pineapple Purse (say that five times fast)!
Promising review: "Polly Pocket is such a classic and so great for imaginative play. This is a play set that changes to a purse — what a great idea!" —Kieran Renee
Price: $16.39
21. And another classic, an Etch A Sketch – it's guaranteed to provide hours of focused fun. Stick your kid in front of this thing instead of the TV — soon you will be begging for a turn!
22. An Uno Attack Card Game sure to be a hit on family game night. This hilariously fun take on Uno will definitely score some points with the kids (and adults)!
Promising review: "Really fun addition to the Uno family! As a parent, I was worried about the mess from the cards shooting out, but the cards only go a short distance and very rarely ever fall to the floor. The entire table laughs with delight when cards spit out. The Discard All card speeds up the game, too. I got this as a gift and have already purchased one for my sister’s family, too! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!" —Traveltex12
Price: $23.99
23. A classic Lite Brite that is the ultimate art toy. I loved this thing as a kid and would spend hours completing sheet after sheet of illuminated masterpieces. Now my daughter enjoys it too!
Promising review: "My kids LOVE this. It brings me back to my own childhood. It’s just a simple lighted board with colored pegs with a range of designs for lots of fun." —Michelle33
Price: $12.59
24. An Operation Board Game kids are sure to be occupied with for hours by using tweezers to take out all of Cavity Sam's funny ailments. Plus, parents get to see their kid's hilarious reactions when the game buzzes!
Promising review: "What more can I say about this awesome classic board game, Operation?! This has been around forever and has been great fun for multiple generations now! It hasn't changed a bit — you try to get the pieces out of the holes with the tweezers and if you hit the side, you get buzzed! My parents played it and loved it, I played it and loved it, and now my kids and their friends play it and love it! This game is a must-have and well worth the money! WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND!" –Mom Bleach
Price: $18.99
25. An Inventor's Box Set for the budding engineer in your life. The kit comes with an Inventor's Guide booklet and over 700 pieces to use along with everyday household items to create unique and useful inventions!
Promising review: "My son is 7 years old and has ADHD, anxiety, and some OCD. He gets bored easily and is a perfectionist. He is very creative and has a mechanically/engineering inclined mind/personality. He loves taking things apart (like my husband's drum set) and figuring out how to put them back together. He is amazing at puzzles as well. We thought this would be a great idea and it truly was! He absolutely loves creating so many different things with it. He gets wrapped up in it for hours. Highly recommend." —Mrs Smiff
Price: $24.99
26. A Dig It Up: Dinosaur Eggs kit for the family who is ready to embark on a paleontological quest. The kit includes 12 wrapped clay eggs, 12 chiseling tools, and instructions that will help them become the next Dr. Ellie Sattler or Alan Grant! 🦖🦕
Promising review: "My 4-year-old is home for the second day in a row with a cold and is getting soooo bored! I found this online and ordered for pick up with zero idea if she would actually like it. Guys — she has been digging for about 40 minutes (while watching TV) and is LOVING it! I have to work too so it's been the most productive time of the entire two days! Seriously...get this! You will not be disappointed. Oh, and there are 12 EGGS! Rainy days will be amazing from now on!" –Monica
Price: $24.99
27. An outdoor bug-catching set that will encourage the future entomologist in your little one. This kit includes a mesh case, a container with magnifying lid, a pair of tweezers, and a magnifier. Get ready to go on a bunch of adventures searching for caterpillars, praying mantises, and lightning bugs!
Promising review: "I bought one set each for my 3-year-old and 5-year-old — otherwise they would just fight over everything. So far, so good! We’ve had them for a few weeks and they’ve used them several times, and nothing has broken yet! Such a great value for so many items. My kids mostly fill the little cup with dirt and worms and carry the tweezers and magnifying glasses around. I also got two kids’ digging sets from Target to supplement, and everything’s been a hit!" —Snizzlephritz
Price: $7.99
28. A National Geographic volcano science set to *blow* your and your kid's minds! The kit has everything you need to build a volcano — it even includes pumice and a geode specimen. Get ready to help your kiddos win their next science fair!
29. A Lego Duplo superhero set that is perfect for the Marvel-loving family. Perfect for ages 2 and up, your ~spidey senses~ are telling you to go out and get this toy!
30. Or a Lego Frozen Wonderland kit – it's every Elsa-obsessed kid's dream. This kit is perfect for princesses and princes 4 and up and includes an ice castle, three smaller builds, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf figurines, plus a bunch of fun accessories to boot!
Promising review: "My 6-year-old absolutely loved this set. The instructions were so clear she was able to build this almost completely by herself. She even got a little upset when I tried to help. The pieces are true to color and once built, provided another hour or so of instant entertainment racing the sled around, and playing with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. The treasure chest was another item she just loved. Overall a fantastic set that gave my little girl (and me!) some peace and quiet!" —Sisandi
Price: $39.99
31. An animatronic Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) that is so awesome, it is constantly played with in my household. Just touch the top of his adorable head to activate his various cooing sound effects from The Mandalorian. ~The Force is strong with this one.~
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.