NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With just two weeks to go until kids everywhere will be unwrapping Christmas gifts under the tree, the experts at The Toy Insider, a trusted go-to resource for parents and gift-givers, shared their last-minute holiday toy shopping tips today.

"The hottest toys of the year are selling out in stores across the country, so now is the time for parents and gift-givers to get serious about snagging the toys on kids' wish lists," said Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer at The Toy Insider. "If your kids have exclusive items on their list, like the Rescue Runts Unicorn by KD Kids that's exclusive to Walmart, make those items a priority to get first because once they are gone, they are gone!"

Shoppers can check out The Toy Insider's 2018 holiday gift guide, an editor-tested and curated list that highlights the best toys for every kid on your list this year. The guide features more than 370 toys from nearly 200 toy companies across its print and online versions. The Toy Insider makes it easy for gift-givers to search for the perfect gift by the child's age and interests using the handy skill development key.

For high-resolution product photography and broadcast-quality B-roll footage of the Toy Insider toy trends, holiday gift guide and website, click here.

The Toy Insider's Last-Minute Holiday Toy Shopping Tips:

Go in with a game plan: Even if you are shopping at the last minute, shop with a list! Know who you are buying for and plan a list of items you might want to pick up. That way if some are not available, you'll have some alternative options. And remember: Retailers stock like-products together, so if what your kids want is sold out, see what comparable products are still left on the shelves.

Know what toys SHOULD cost: As we near the holiday season, lots of online resellers hike up the price of hard-to-find toys. Don't fall victim to paying more than you should for a toy. Know the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price), and never overpay for a toy. Beware of third-party sellers that may drive up the price.

Follow retailers on social media: Get alerts on retailers' apps or e-newsletters to let you know when the best deals are available, and when hot toys are back in stock. This is especially important for the newest toys that are just hitting shelves now, but quickly selling out, like Jazwares' Fortnite line of figures, plush, and building sets; Skyrocket's new mini Pomsies, Pomsie Poos; and MGA's new L.O.L. Surprise Hair Goals dolls.

Stick to the basics when shopping for kids you don't know that well: Stick to classic brands that you know and love, such as LEGO and Play-Doh; board games that are fun for the whole family; activity kits that kids can create with over and over again; or super-hot collectibles that kids love. Make sure you double-check the age grade on the packaging to make sure it's suitable for the kid you're shopping for.

Shop during off-peak hours: Lots of stores offer extended holiday hours, so if you are pressed for time, shop late at night or early in the morning to beat the crowds. Remember: Google may not have these extended hours listed, so check retail sites directly for exact holiday hours.

Look for free, two-day shipping: Sites like Amazon, Target, and even Walmart offer free two-day shipping during the holiday season. This is great for last-minute shoppers who are short on time.

Take advantage of in-store pickup: Order online, pickup in-store. This is especially great if two-day shipping is not an option. Browse the digital aisles and pick it up later when you have more time. Some stores will hold product a few days or even weeks.

Think outside the (retail) box: With the loss of Toys 'R' Us, lots of unexpected retailers are carrying toys this year. If you are stopping at a grocery store or wholesale club like Costco or Sam's Club on your way to a family gathering, you will find tons of toys, making your last-minute shopping even easier.

About The Toy Insider
The Toy Insider is the go-to source for product information about children's toys, tech and entertainment. It publishes two annual gift guides—one for summer and one for holiday—and reviews toys 365 days a year on thetoyinsider.com, a trusted resource for parents. The Toy Insider's content is produced by an editorial team with more than 75 years of combined experience covering the toy industry. The Toy Insider is published by Adventure Publishing Group, publisher of the Pop Insider, as well as leading trade publication The Toy Book. For more information, visit thetoyinsider.com.

Media Contact:
Kristen Joerger
LKPR, Inc.
Kristen@LKPRinc.com
646-484-4577
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SOURCE The Toy Insider