One of the Hottest New Toys for Kids Is This Squishy Drawing Pad and It's Only $10

Each year, it seems like children's toys just get better and better. And if you have started shopping for gifts for kids, you already know the options are overwhelming, which is good news for the kids, but makes it harder for the shoppers. (And if you haven't started yet — time to get a move on!)

The Good Housekeeping Institute is here to help cut through the choices. It researches and evaluates toys all year, previewing the new releases, keeping on top of trends and even testing out toys where they're available.

So, what are this year's top toy trends? There are lots of options meant to help kids with increased stress and anxiety, including calming sensory toys, play sets that help social-emotional learning and soothing fidget toys. There are also lots of toys that help facilitate at-home education (especially when it comes to STEM sets). And, as the weather turns colder, families are on the hunt for the best board games to play at home during family game night. And finally, there are tons of toys and play sets that focus on sustainability, both as a theme for play, inspiring kids to be good stewards for the environment and with regard to the products' materials and packaging. Then there are toys that help kids tap into their inner creators, especially when it comes to making their own videos and taking their own photos.