It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone! And as we write this, January is already half over, so we’re already a bit behind. But we wanted to give you a list of the animal toys that were most popular as 2019 came to an end!
We’ve looked through top sellers in various places and come up with this list. Since our research was done as 2019 closed, it only reflects what was most popular at that moment – it’s not really “what was popular all year”. However, this at least reflects what was sought-after during the holidays, the top toy time of the year!
So without further ado, here are 2019’s top-selling toys! There’s no Baby Yodas here; he doesn’t fit the category. But he’s still awesome! Fine, here’s a link just in case!
VTech Pull and Sing Puppy
We love educational toys, and it’s great to see that there’s one in the top spot for 2019’s animal-themed toys. Vtech has been a leader in educational toys for years. We’re glad they keep going strong!
This puppy is for children from 6 months to 3 years old. It helps develop motor skills as children are able to pull and push the puppy to make it produce music. They’ll also begin to learn colors and numbers. Pressing the large buttons on the side of the toy make it state the color of the button. It also introduces the names of the principal parts of the body.
The puppy can be pulled by its cord or pushed along. The legs even move up and down as it goes.
We didn’t count, but VTech says there are over 60 sounds, including words, music, and sound effects.
The VTech Pull and Sing Puppy takes two AAA batteries. “Sample” batteries are included but they won’t last long, so be sure to have batteries on hand when your toddler opens their new toy!
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
2020 could bring another hedgehog to the big screen, but Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog was a hit in 2019. And he’ll surely remain popular going into 2020!
This toy from Learning Resources helps with fine motor coordination, numbers, and color recognition. The 12 plastic quills plug into Spike’s back. The quills are over 3 1/2 inches long and made of hard plastic. The body is 7 3/4″ by 5 3/4″. Without the spikes attached, it measures about 3 1/2″ high.
The spikes slide in easily, although that also means they can easily be knocked out. So it can be tough if your child (or you) is trying to get them all arranged and in place. Other than that, though, it’s amazingly fun for young children 18 months and up.
The spikes can be stored inside the body of the hedgehog when not in use.
One organization did express risk about it being a choking hazard. The spikes do seem rather large for that to be likely. We have only seen it listed on one list as a potential issue and haven’t seen any reports of actual injuries.
Baby GUND Animated Flappy the Elephant Stuffed Animal
We’ve already featured this stuffed elephant in our article on elephant plushies, and we’re glad to see it makes an appearance in 2019’s best sellers!
GUND makes great stuffed toys, and this one does not disappoint. Flappy is not only cuddly, but talks and sings as well! He’ll cover his eyes with his ears and say, “Peak-a-boo is most fun with you”. He also sings “Do Your Ears Hang Low.” Squeezing one foot is for playing, the other is for singing.
Although the title on Amazon says he’s a foot tall, the fine print says it’s actually 10 1/2″. Not a huge difference, and still a nice size for a stuffed interactive toy. It’s about 7.5″ wide and deep.
This toy is recommended for children up to 2 years. Infants can enjoy the music, and as they grow they can interact with it.
This toy uses 2 “AA” batteries. There are some included, but as is often the case, these usually don’t last as long as batteries you’d buy separately. Click here for a selection of “AA” batteries.
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Deep Sea Creatures
For older children, LEGO is always a popular choice. And they’ll take the last two spots on our list today!
This kit, number 31088, is designed to create sea creatures! A shark, a squid, an angler fish, and a crab are just a few of the great ideas that can be fashioned with these pieces. Not all at once, of course; some pieces have to do double-duty in different creations. And of course, imagination is the only limit!
This set includes 230 pieces. The shark would be the largest creation, and measures over 8 inches when assembled. Some of the unique pieces in this set include “sharp” teeth, reflective eyes, and fins.
This set is for ages 7 and up. Remember always that LEGO includes small pieces that could be a choking hazard for younger children. However, they provide hours of enjoyment for school-age children and the young at heart!
LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs seem to be an obsession with children of a certain age, and LEGO never goes out of style. So we thought it only fitting to including this 3-in-1 set here, too! Even though dinosaurs may no longer roam the earth, they’re definitely animals and have a home on our site. And this kit will let your child create at least three of the most famous.
A Tyrannosaurs Rex, a pterodactyl, and a triceratops are the units that can be fashioned out of this 174-piece set (#31508). Of course, like all LEGO pieces, there’s a lot of mixing and matching that can be done, too. Some of the special pieces in this set include the yellow eyes and the claws. There’s also a skeletal rib cage that could have been the dino’s last meal!
The pterodactyl is the largest piece when built with its 9-inch wingspan and 7-inch length. The T. Rex is about 3 1/2″ tall.
Again, this is recommended for 7 and up.
Wrapping It Up
Every year has its great toys, and 2019 didn’t disappoint. There were great animal-shaped toys for all ages, from newborns right up to school-age children. What did your animal-loving children look for all year?
