Toy brands, shops, and sites will group toys into age-appropriate categories. You want to follow their lead since the age guidelines are based on child development (language, fine motor control, etc.) and safety.

If you’re a long distant aunty or uncle, keep in mind, favorite colors can change as often as the wind. But often younger kids are stuck on particular colors — so most any toy in that color range (a yellow truck!) will be met with cheers. By simply finding out the child’s favorite color, you don’t even need to know what are the hot toys for Christmas — you already have your guide.

When in doubt about what toys will make this Christmas 2016 one to remember, ask kiddos about their Santa list. Undoubtedly, Santa won’t be able to make everything on their wishlist, and you can grab an idea or two about their most wanted toys.

There are loads of organizations that award the best toys of the year. From Hot Holiday Toys lists to TIA, Dr. Toy and the Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio, there are teams of people who have been curating lists of the best toys for decades. They are a great place to source inspiration.

Let the ideas come to you as you’re watching your favorite show. As the holidays draw near, you’re bound to see morning talk shows and even TV ads about new toys coming out for Christmas. December issues of parenting magazines are bound to have a feature or two on the best toys of the year, too.  

Look up toy ideas on Amazon and search for highly-rated top toys. It’s safe to say that if 1156 people gave the toy 4 stars or higher, then your kiddo is bound to love it, too.

The best toys for Christmas go beyond what’s hot for 2016, but also what was a stand-out toy in 1976. Classic toys like Legoes and wood blocks never go out of style.

Poll friends on Facebook for what hot toys on on their kid’s Christmas 2016 list. You’re bound to hear about some winners that are new to you. And don’t overlook your child’s friends. Even 3-year-olds can be very vocal about what toys are awesome.

Here's inspiration for the wee ones:

How to Make Kids Squeal With the Best Stocking Stuffers