The best monster toys can make playtime interesting for your little ones. They can enjoy imaginative games and activities with these cute toys and stay away from gadgets and TV screens. So be it a Halloween gift or to satisfy your kid’s monster fantasy, take a look at our list of most popular monster toys and make the right pick for your kiddo. Our post also provides you with the details of these best-selling and time-tested monster-themed products from trusted brands to help you make the right decision.
Top Picks
15 Best Monster Toys To Buy In 2024
1. Best Huggable:Gund Sesame Street Official Cookie Monster Muppet Plush
Make your child’s favorite Sesame Street character come to life in a plush and huggable form. This tried-and-tested 12-inch Cookie Monster plush toy from the trusted brand Gund is made with premium materials, making it an ideal birthday gift for children aged one year and up. The soft monster toy has a friendly smile and fun googly eyes and will be a great companion for your little Sesame Street enthusiasts.
Pros
- Soft and cuddly
- Surface washable
- Suitable for gifting
- Vibrant blue fur
Cons
- Plastic eyeballs may be a bit flimsy
- May be smaller than expected
Did you know?2. Best Kid-Friendly Claws:Disney Pixar Sulley Plush
Here’s an excellent gift for your little Monsters, Inc. fan. This Sulley plush toy is made with soft faux fur and has felt claws that will not hurt your child when they hug him. With printed spots in his fur– just like in the movie–Sulley has fine detailing that makes him look lively and realistic.
Pros
- Embroidered features
- Huggable soft toy
- Perfect size for traveling
- Bright colored fur
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not come packaged in a box
"While it has questionable eye placement, this toy impressed my toddler with its soft and cuddly texture. Its resemblance to the original Pixar character is remarkable, making it my kid's favorite. Overall, it has been a lovely addition to my child's bedroom."
3. Best Imaginative Play Toy:Mudpuppy Monster Mash-Up Magnetic Build-It
The Mudpuppy monster mash-up set is a unique magnetic game to keep your child busy for hours. With four illustrated backgrounds and over 70 pieces of magnets, your child has the creative freedom to mix and match the magnets to create fun and silly monsters. This safety-tested and easy-to-use set is a great option for your monster-obsessed child.
Pros
- Brightly colored magnets
- Promotes creative and imaginative play
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Hinged tin for convenient storage and portability
- Meets CPSIA, ASTM, and CE safety regulations
Cons
- Pieces may be smaller than expected
Magnets may weaken over time
4. Best For Sensory Development :Fisher-Price Giggles ‘n Growls Monster Plush
The cute monster plush by the trusted brand Fisher-Price has a variety of textures to develop your child’s tactile sense and makes noises when you squeeze its belly. With a pocket mouth where you can put your hand in, arms that can be tugged, and a variety of giggles, growls, and songs, this fuzzy and cuddly monster toy offers your child a range of sensory experiences.
Pros
- Bright and colorful
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Develops fine motor skills
- Sparks curiosity
Cons
- Hair may fray with repeated use
- Stitching may be a bit flimsy
"Watching my child giggle and clap in tandem with this toy is a joy to experience. Its sound isn't too loud, so I carry it outdoors too. Besides, its soft parts are just the right size for her to grab and squeeze."
5. Best For Math Skill Development:Hape Math Monster Scale Toy
The Hape math monster scale toy combines play with learning. It includes nine large monster weights and 11 small monster weights that need to be placed on either side of the scale to balance it out. With three difficulty levels, it teaches basic math skills of addition and subtraction. It is an excellent addition to your child’s toy collection as it also improves fine motor skills and encourages logical thinking.
Pros
- Child-safe and water-based paint
- High-quality and durable wood
- Non-toxic finish
- Comes with easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- May be a bit lightweight
- Arms of the scale may be slightly flimsy
"This balancing toy is a hit with my preschooler! It keeps him engaged and seems durable. It is versatile, encouraging math challenges and open-ended exploration. Plus, it comes with a handy storage bag, making clean-up a breeze!"
6. Best Gift For Rainbow Fans:VOGNCHG Monster Doors Plush Toys
The Doors Monster Horror Plush toys are a great gift idea for fans of the Roblox game Rainbow Friends. The toys have poseable, flexible limbs and are soft and huggable. They are made of short and plush PP cotton, and you can use these soft toys for stress relief, as sleep companions, and even as collectibles.
Pros
- Hand-sewn plushies
- Suitable for children, teens, and adults
- Do not deform when compressed
- Collectible plushies suitable for gifting
Cons
- Seams may be slightly flimsy
- May be a bit smaller than expected
7. Best Imaginative Play Enhancers:Xinchuanxing XEJJ Monster Figure Set
Treat your child to these detailed Monster Head figurines in grotesque shapes. The 3D light-up monster figures can be posed in various ways and are great for encouraging imaginative role play among your monster-loving little ones. Made of high-quality and environmentally friendly PVC, these figurines are good additions to your child’s monster toy collection.
Pros
- Hand-made figurines
- Light up in different colors
- Detailed craftsmanship
- Suitable for gifting
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Light button may be a bit hard to push
"Despite being made of plastic, these figures have withstood my little one’s enthusiastic play. She especially loves the built-in lights and loves posing them in different ways. Overall, it has been a delightful addition to her collection."
8. Best Poseable And Movable :Mattel Monsters Inc 3 Action Figure Pack
You can now bring home the beloved Monsters, Inc. trio–Sulley, Boo, and Mike Wazowski–for your little ones to play with and have endless fun. Mike has moveable and poseable arms, Boo has a moveable waist and arms, and Sulley comes with joints at the shoulder, elbow, head, and legs to let your child pretend play and recreate their favorite movie scenes.
Pros
- Vibrant multicolored pieces
- High-quality plastic
- Well-detailed figurines
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Pieces may be smaller than expected
- May not come with a storage box
"I got these figures to use as cake toppers for my toddler's birthday, and later, they were happily added to his toy collection. The craftsmanship is solid, capturing the essence of his beloved characters with functional articulations. They have been a satisfactory purchase!"
Quick fact9. Best Bedtime Comfort Companion:Continuum Games Snuggle Monster
Introduce your child to the plush and snuggly monster by Continuum Games to dissipate their fear of the dark and make bedtime fuss-free. The huggable friend is afraid of light but makes a supportive friend in the dark. This toy helps your child feel safer and more comfortable in the dark as they no longer feel alone.
Pros
- Soft and cuddly
- Friendly expressions
- Can be used for playing a game of hide and seek
- Comes with a bedtime storybook
Cons
- Bedtime story may not be engaging enough for older children
"This soft toy has proven to be the perfect playmate and sleep aid. The accompanying book adds a nice touch, though some may find its storyline simple. Still, my son always asks to read it and cuddle the toy while sleeping."
10. Best Playtime Companion:Mattel Pixar Monsters At Work Tylor Tuskmon Action Figure
Bring your child’s favorite scenes from the Monsters At Work series to life with this Tyler Tuskmon action figure from the trusted brand Mattel. True to his character, the well-designed toy stands 7.9-inch tall and has the same strong build, wide horns, and goofy expression that your children love about this Jokester monster from the Monsters, Inc. universe. The figurine has multiple moveable joints to provide your child with hours of fun.
Pros
- Brightly colored action figure
- Detailed, realistic features
- High-quality plastic
- Collectible figurine suitable for gifting
Cons
- May not come with a storage box
- Paint quality may not be great
"Since my son really likes the movie, I decided to get him this toy. It perfectly resembles the character with its intricate detailing. The material seems durable. It has become his favorite plaything!"
11. Best Tool For Promoting Kindness:WorryWoo Monsters The Rue The Monster Of Insecurity
Teach your child the power of kind words and encouragement with Rue, a cuddly and soft friend who happens to look a little different. This shy plush hides because he is insecure about his unusual features. With some love and understanding, you can show your child that being different is not a bad thing–it makes you interesting–and that we should always approach others with kindness.
Pros
- Vibrant yellow color
- Soft and huggable
- Encourages independent play
- Inspires compassion and kindness
- Meets ASTM and EN71 toy safety standards
Cons
- May not come with a storage box
12. Best Realistic Appearance:Schleich Eldrador Lava Golem Action Figure
The Schleich Lava Golem action figure is an intricately detailed figurine inspired by volcano lava. It can add variety and diversity to your child’s toy collection, enhancing their pretend play experience. This action figure represents one of the most famous mythical creatures of the Eldrador world and measures 6.1 x 4.33 x 7.09 inches. It is painted accurately and has minute details, giving it a realistic appearance. This affordable action figure is suitable for children aged seven years and above.
Pros
- Promotes creativity
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Can double up as a collectible
- Comes in a stylish box
Cons
- Some may find it smaller than expected
- Not all parts may be movable
"I got this action figure for my nephew's birthday, and he absolutely loved it! It is ideal for both play and display, featuring remarkable details and robust build quality. It has become a fun addition to his interactive playtime."
13. Best Interactive Monster Puppet:Boglins Foam Monster Puppet Red Eyed King Dwork
With stretchy skin, moveable arms, and red, glow-in-the-dark eyes, King Dwork Boglin hand puppet is a fun yet creepy monstrous creature to add to your child’s toy collection. King Dwork arrives in a prison crate with bars to contain him. This eight-inch hand puppet fits your hand like a glove and can be used to create some fun scenarios.
Pros
- Durable and detailed
- Premium foam material
- Realistic features
- Great option for imaginative play
Cons
- May not be suitable for children aged under five years
14. Best Soft And Cuddly Monster:Jellycat Monster Stuffed Animal
Gift your child this adorable monster plushie from Jellycat so they have a companion for all their adventures. Made from a blend of 73% polyester and 27% acrylic, this soft toy has a wispy pink mane that you can style, two cute horns, and a welcoming smile. This sweet oversized monster is bound to become a favorite with your little ones.
Pros
- Friendly expression
- Cuddly and well stitched
- Can sit upright without support
- Easy to spot-clean
Cons
- Arms and legs may not be well stuffed
Color may vary slightly from the image
"The Jellycat plush looks adorable and has a soft texture. Its adorable features and pretty color make it stand out. It is a comforting companion to my daughter, and she loves to cuddle it to sleep."
15. Best Gift For Creative Minds:Lego Classic Creative Monsters Building Set
The monster-inspired Lego set is suitable for children aged four and above. This pack contains 140 pieces that can be used to create five monster toys, enhancing their hand-eye coordination, creativity, problem-solving, and color-recognition skills. The time-tested Lego set can be a suitable holiday or birthday gift for any child who enjoys mythical creatures and building sets.
Pros
- Vibrant multicolor pieces
- High-quality and durable plastic
- Encourages independent and open-ended play
- Comes with easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Pieces may be smaller than expected
- May not come with a durable storage box
"This building toy set strikes a good balance between guided activities and creative freedom. I like that it contains labeled bags to make construction easier for my kids and various extra parts for imaginative play. Overall, it is a solid gift option for my little builders!"
How To Choose The Right Monster Toys For Your Child?
Consider the following factors when buying a Monster toy for your child.
- Safety: Check the material to ensure it can withstand the test of time and is expert-approved, child-safe, and non-toxic. The toy should not have sharp edges or small and loose components that may cause choking.
- Interests: Consider your child’s interests to find designs and themes they may like. You can explore the available features to ensure your child has a fun playing experience.
- Age: Check the manufacturer’s age recommendations to ensure the toy is suitable for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do monster toys really entertain?
Monster toys come in different varieties that include trucks, diggers, cars, figurines, plush toys, and more. These toys can be unique and offer endless entertainment if your child displays interest in the monster theme.
2. Do kids get scared or enjoy monster toys?
Most monster toys are made not to scare children but to entertain them with unique colors and designs. Children enjoy playing with monster toys as they are dramatic, noisy, and also allow pretend play.
3. Are monster toys safe?
Not all toys are safe for everyone. Monster toys that are age-appropriate based on your child’s age are safe. Make sure the toys you choose are made of safe materials and do not contain harmful chemicals or parts.
4. What is the ideal age to play with monster toys?
Most monster toys are ideal for ages three and above, whereas few are suitable for two-year-olds. When your little one is familiar with monster characters through kid-friendly story books and animations, your child might enjoy these toys.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a skilled writer, reviewer, and researcher who specializes in children’s toys and gift items. She recommends the best tried-and-tested products to you after analyzing several products and considering various reviews. Here, she brings you a list of the best monster toys that can engage your children for hours. In addition, Priti has provided a brief description and highlighted the main features of each parent-recommended product to help you make an informed choice.
The Bottom Line
The best Monster toys can not only introduce your little one to the world of an interesting category of toys but also help them stay away from the screens, stimulate their creativity, and encourage pretend play. Some toys can promote creativity and imaginative play, like the Mudpuppy Monster Mash-Up Magnetic Build-It, while others can be a huggable companion with detailed features, like the Disney Pixar Sulley Plush. When choosing a Monster toy for your child, make sure it is easy to handle, age-appropriate, colorful, safe to play with, and does not contain small parts. Moreover, when browsing for options, do not forget to pick those toys that are easy to maintain and clean, similar to the Gund Sesame Street Official Cookie Monster Muppet Plush.
Infographic: A Buying Guide On Finding The Right Monster Toy For Your Child
Investing in monster toys can be a fun way for children to dive deep into their imagination. However, the market is replete with such toys with numerous features, which can make the buying process overwhelming for you. Here’s a helpful infographic to find a suitable monster toy for your child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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