Parents on the WIRED Reviews team have high standards for their kids’ toys. We like ones that support development across many phases, engage in STEM learning, and, perhaps most importantly, we don’t recommend any plastic toys that often become beeping, whirring garbage in a few days (to then sit in a landfill forever). We’ve rounded up some of the best Black Friday toy deals we’ve found (so far) below.
The WIRED Reviews team tested all of these discounted toys by playing with our own children, sometimes for years of testing. We won’t recommend anything our WIRED kids didn’t like. Here are a few deals (we’ve found so far) on some of our favorite engaging toys, ranging from the ever-popular Magna-Tiles to build new worlds while stuck inside on cold winter days, to the GoChess Mini to get your kid to become the next chess grandmaster. We’re updating and adding to this list throughout the extended sale, so make sure to check back often for more great toy deals.
Make sure you check out our other Black Friday deals, including the Absolute Best Deals and Liveblog.
We think that this is the best speaker for young kids. Designed for younger kiddos (ages 3 to 7), the durable Toniebox is a squishy cube with volume control-enabled ears that’s built to withstand everything from tumbles to spills to hugs. It plays stories and songs connected to different characters or “Tonies,” which are triggered when your child places the corresponding character’s figurine on top of the speaker. For Black Friday sales, Toniebox is offering $40 off on starter sets, play sets, and bundles, like Disney princess, Moana, and Frozen, among others. Usually over $100, this is a great time to snag one of your kid’s “big” presents this year for way less.
Courtesy of Clixo
We on the WIRED Reviews team find construction kits compelling no matter your age (we are unrepentant Lego lovers), and reviewer Simon Hill’s entire family found these colorful, versatile, snap-together magnetic pieces irresistible. With the set, you build three-dimensional shapes from flexible pieces by connecting the magnetic ends and bending them the way you want to make anything you can imagine. Plus, we love that the durable, washable pieces stack neatly for easy storage, and you don’t need a flat surface to build—you can play with these kits anywhere. It’s a truly versatile toy that grows with your kid thanks to endless creative possibilities. Plus, it’s $18 off right now.
Photograph: Adrienne So
This lightweight, portable board is an easy way to get youngsters interested in chess. Don’t worry, this isn’t the old-school chess of yesteryear. With a Bluetooth-enabled board and connected app, you can either play against remote players or against yourself, or get AI-enabled assistance to help guide your moves. We like that it’s adaptable to all ages and skill levels: you can adjust the amount of assistance, and different-colored lights show you the advisability of different moves when you move each piece. Now at $30 off, it’s a great way to help your kids learn a new skill (and maybe brush up on it yourself!).
Courtesy of Amazon
We bought these for my niece before my nephew was born, and now, nine years later, they still entertain (including me, an adult) for hours on end. The translucent Magna-Tiles satisfyingly click together to form two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects. Younger kids can make a house with a backyard and fences (or perhaps a small zoo), but with an older kid, the sky is the limit on what you can imagine and create, along with multitudes of fun expansion sets you can buy. On sale right now for only $35, this may be one of the best investments you’ll ever make for endless fun with minimal cleanup. (I’m not joking. Speaking from experience, your future tired or hungover self will thank you.)
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Fisher-Price
Game & Learn Controller
Not only is this a great gift for your little one if you play a lot of video games in your house, but WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell especially loved it to entertain her toddler son on long drives or when waiting at a restaurant for the food to come out. Plus, it’s small enough to throw in just about any diaper bag. Even though it’s aimed at babies and toddlers, this is still interactive. There are two settings, Learn and Game, each with its own set of sounds, so it doesn’t get too boring to use repeatedly. The price usually fluctuates between $9 and $14, so at $7, we consider this a small investment to keep whining at bay (at least for a little while).
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