The 2014 Holiday Wish Guide on THE ROCK FATHER is your source for hot toys and off-the-radar gift ideas for the kids… and with some ideas for grownups, too! Heavy on play, with a lot of pop culture spin, I hope you’ll find some inspiration for that special someone on your list this year. Check out The Master List below, but we’re not done yet! Hit the links for my full features and reviews where applicable, and look for more items to be added in the weeks leading up to December 25. Looking for 2014 Holiday Music? Click here for that list!
Dolls & More:
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 MOOSHKA Goodnight Starlightby MGA Entertainment One day a group of paper doll friends joined hands and through the power of friendship they sprung into sweet, huggable girls called Mooshka! Goodnight Starlight™ dolls light up and sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” when you hold her hands. Put her hands together and she sings and lights up. And her box becomes a bed! Dasha™ dreams that she has wings to fly high in the sky, through the clouds and over the rainbows. Her birthday is February 27. |
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 MOXIE GIRLS Ice Cream Bikeby MGA Entertainment Moxie Girlz have ice cream for sale! Come along for some bicycle fun, where ice cream treats stack sky high! The Moxie Girlz Ice Cream Bike comes with Sophina, a exclusive articulated doll who really pedals. As you push her along, sweet, sugary tunes play as Sophina pedals, attracting friends to buy a cone! |
 Disney’s FROZEN Ice Castle & Palace Playsetby Mattel This expandable play set lets kids re-create the adventures of the film’s two lead characters, sisters Anna and Elsa (dolls sold separately), opening to feature two beautiful settings: the impressive manse in Arendelle that Anna calls home and the majestic ice palace Elsa creates high up in the mountains. Anna’s half of the playset is the perfect place for the lovable character to call home. |
 MONSTER HIGH Gore-Geous Ghoul Anti-Styling Headby Just Play Girls can create and customize scary cute looks with tons of accessories to style hair and make-up and creeptastic tattoos. You can monsterfy her even further to make her look like your favorite Monster High girl. Finish it off with lenticular eyes that follow you wherever you go and then put the head back in the jar to see it glow! Buy: Amazon |
 FROZEN Snow Glow Elsa Dollby Jakks Pacific Watch Elsa’s power flurry with Snow Glow Elsa. With a touch of her magical snowflake necklace, hear Elsa talk to her Frozen friends and watch the magic as her dress lights up in a flurry of lights. Raise her arm and watch her snowflake necklace light up while it plays the award winning song “Let it Go” and her dress magically lights up to the beat. |
 Hold My Hands Minnie Mouseby Just Play Minnie Mouse magically comes to life when you hold both her hands! The more, the merrier — as long as you’re all holding hands, Minnie sings a fun song to the tune of “Ring Around the Rosie,” says cute phrases and her bow twinkles! |
 MY LITTLE PONY Pinkie Pie Styling Ponyby Cartwheel Kids Experience the fun of friendship with the My Little Pony Pinkie Pie Styling Pony. This 10″ Pinkie Pie styling pony includes two hair extensions, fabric bow, two clamp clips, two rainbow star snap clips, two barrettes, three rubber bands, a brush and a wear and share necklace/bracelet for the girl. Enjoys tons of styling fun with your My Little Pony Pinkie Pie Styling Pony. |
LALALOOPSY: The Number 1 Collector Line for Girls
 LALALOOPSY Babies Diaper Surpriseby MGA Entertainment With Lalaloopsy Diaper Surprise you can explore the magical world of Lalaloopsy™ and see your favorite Lalaloopsy™ characters when they were babies! And each Lalaloopsy Baby poops magical charms in reusable diapers! Just feed your Lalaloopsy Babies™ water, press their belly “button,” and check their diaper for a surprise! “Sew” many charms to collect! |
 LALALOOPSY Baking Ovenby MGA Entertainment Enjoy baking up much fun with the real-working Lalaloopsy Baking Oven! Bake sew many sweets in minutes; including cookies, mini-cakes and more! So yummy! When the oven is not being used to bake, it becomes the perfect-sized play stove to use with your favorite Lalaloopsy dolls! |
 LALALOOPSY GIRLSby MGA Entertainment The Lalaloopsy are all grown up…sort of. And that means it’s off to school! Best friends are now roommates as they live and learn and laugh at the silliest and funniest school in the land! The Lalaloopsy Academy for the Learning Arts (L.A.L.A)! |
Big Dolls (18″-21″) and Accessories:
My Girl’s Dollhouse by Good Toy/Wicked Cool Toys
The premiere, high-quality wooden dollhouse for 18” dolls (but other sizes work), furniture, clothing and accessories. My Girl’s Dollhouse measures 6 feet tall, 5 feet wide with two styles – Country French and Sweet Bungalow. Both styles are built with the same high-quality, 100% pine wood frame built for continuous kid play but also beautiful for display. In addition, each house includes 5 spacious rooms, including a 3rd floor attic with a removable rod for clothing storage.
Available from the official site, or on Amazon (choose from Country French or Sweet Bungalow)
AMERICAN GIRL 18″ Dolls & Accessoriesby Mattel/American Girl
When it comes to 18″ dolls, the undisputed leader is American Girl. “Devoted to celebrating girls ages 3 to 12 through age-appropriate, high-quality dolls and accessories, books, clothes, movies, and unforgettable experiences,” American Girl and the “younger” Bitty Baby (for ages 3+) lines are modern classics. Purchase: Official Site |
GLOBAL GIRL 21″ Dolls and Booksby Three Daughters International, LLC
A new entry into the world of larger-scale dolls, Global Girl is unique for a variety of reasons – starting with the 21″ size, but that’s only the surface. The dolls were inspired by children’s curiosity about different cultures around the world, and rather than make the doll look similar to the child, each doll has it’s own mold and traits indicative of the land from which it represents. Accompanying stories are meant to be “inspirational and empowering.” Purchase: Official Site |
Ever After High Magic Mirror by Cartwheel Kids – Read the Review
Action & Adventure Play:
STAR WARS REBELS by Hasbro, JAKKS Pacific and more…
STAR WARS REBELS is the first step into a larger world for a new generation of STAR WARS fans. With a hit series on Disney XD and a full line of toys, kids will be asking for it this Holiday season, just as they did back in 1977.
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 The Home Depot Handyman Workbenchby Step2 Kids will love building like Mommy and Daddy with this Toys R Us-exclusive addition to The Home Depot line. Purchase: Toys R Us |
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 TRANSFORMERSby Hasbro It’s been 30 years since TRANSFORMERS first made their debut in 1984, and now just as then – they’re a sought-after toy for boys and girls alike. With a new movie in theaters this year, and new cartoons either airing or on the way, there’s not many toy lines that have the age range of TF – from preschool to adult collector. |
 Mr. Potato Head Mixable, Mashable Heroesby Hasbro Combining several favorite brands under the Hasbro umbrella, Mr. Potato Head gets infused with MARVEL Superheroes and TRANSFORMERS for a whole new world of mix-and-match fun. |
 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Tools and Accessoriesby Just Play Toys Do you have a little Mousekadoer at home? Do they need some Mousekatools to get the Clubhouse all fixed up and ready to rock? Just Play Toys has created a full line of affordably-priced tool sets, each packed with a host of cool tools for litte DIY’ers. Buy Now:
Tool Box: Amazon
Deluxe Tool Set: Amazon
Workbench: Amazon
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 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXYby Hasbro Enter to Win a Big Blastin Rocket Raccoon! See our Hands-on with the Toys! MARVEL Studios’ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY has raked in $330,004,000 just here in the United States. Factor in the rest of the world, and GOTG has an astounding haul of $764,704,000 to-date. The film is a certified phenomenon, with kids and grownups alike popping the Awesome Mix onto the hi-fi as they attempt to re-live the adventures of Star Lord and the gang. Available Everywhere!
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Prince Lionheart Everywhere playMAT
There’s a ton of different playmats available these days, and while some of the bigger ones are pretty fantastic, they’re not usually portable. From Prince Lionheart comes this double-sized Everywhere playMAT that features a Zoo scene on one side, with a City on the other. Complete with it’s own carrying case, this soft-textured mat is for babies 0+, and bigger kids will enjoy it for playing with vehicles and figurines.
ROCK FATHER Review | Buy: Amazon, Prince Lionheart
Rides, Wheels & Things That Move:
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The Spin & Go Xtreme Cruiser by Step2
Read THE ROCK FATHER Review | Buy at Walmart.com
Little riders, get ready to kick up some dirt and rev up your engines with the Spin & Go Xtreme Cruiser™ by Step2! This kid’s battery powered ride-on will encourage kids to play outside and use their imaginations. Move forward, move back, spin left, then spin right in this zero-turn, battery powered vehicle! Kids can drive through the grass, dirt or on hard surfaces as they pretend to race in the great outdoors. Recommended for Ages 4-8, weight limit 81lbs.
More information: Step2 | Buy Now: Walmart.com
 2-in-1 Ford F-150 SVT Raptorby Step2 Kids will love cruising in this detailed and officially-licensed Ford F-150 Raptor. With a removable handle and floor, toddlers and walkers alike with be riding in style! Purchase: Step2 Direct |
 HOT WHEELS Engine Power RCby Toy State Toy State knocked it out of the park with this one, a pair of radio controlled vehicles based on a couple of iconic Hot Wheels rides licensed by Mattel. Choose from Bone Shaker or Quicksand. Buy: Amazon |
 MONSTER 500by Toys R Us Indeed, this is more of a Halloween thing, and yes – I featured the Toys R Us exclusive Monster 500 line as one of my 31 Days of Halloween entries this year – but for kids that like monsters and cars – they’re worth a look! Buy: Toys R Us |
 Girlmazing R/C Carsby Jada Toys Have you always wanted a Lamborghini? Here’s your chance! Girlmazing is a fun, bright and colorful line of licensed, customizable R/C cars that girls will love. Choose a vehicle that best suits your personality and express your style with customizable stickers (20 stickers included). Buy: Walmart Exclusive |
 Greenlight Hollywood SeriesNow in their 7th series, Greenlight’s Hollywood Collection presents highly-detailed 1:64 scale diecast replicas of vehicles seen in a host of television and film projects from ANCHORMAN to SUPERNATURAL, GONE IN 60 SECONDS to THE BLUES BROTHERS, GREMLINS and more. Buy: Entertainment Earth | Amazon Best selection found in-store at Walmart, Target, Meijer, Hot Topic and FYE. |
 HyperChargers R/C Vehiclesby Jada Toys No more batteries! The new HyperCharger R/C line from Jada includes built-in, rechargeable batteries with a USB cable for multiple charging options. Simply plug the USB adapter into a desktop computer, laptop, gaming console, car charger, smart phone adapter or wall unit. A 90-minute quick-charge provides 20 minutes of run time. |
 Matchbox Wrecky the Wrecking Buddyby Mattel Every kid needs a fun-loving pal to get the job done. This vehicle is the perfect blend of construction truck and hard-working companion. Interactive lights, sounds and moving parts bring Wrecky to life with five different play modes. Buy: Amazon |
 HOT WHEELS Street Hawkby Mattel So, we don’t yet have flying cars in real life, but Mattel created the next best thing in toy form. Yep, the Street Hawk is a radio-controlled flying car. |
 Crayola Crayon Riderby Step2 A new spin on an old classic, Step2 partners with Crayola for this one – a basic ride-on toy (foot powered) shaped like the iconic Crayola Crayon. Purchase: Step2 Direct |
Building & Making:
MEGA BLOKS Despicable Me Building Sets by MEGA Brands
Did you hear the news? They might be hard to find right now, but just in-time for the holiday season, the Minions are coming to a retailer near you as collectible, easy-to-build, and totally customizable building sets from MEGA BLOKS. Even better? THE ROCK FATHER helped unveil the line as one of seven writers to become a part of the #MinionMontage.
Pre-Order right now from Entertainment Earth (they say January of 2015)
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 TMNT Blueprints Paper Craftby Jazwares A late entry into the 2014 Holiday Wish Guide, the new Blueprints series from Jazwares combines the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with the popular Paper Craft movement. Not the first time the TMNT crew has gone “paper,” but definitely the best. Multiple sets available. Buy: Birthday Express | Toys “R” Us |
HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINEby Highlights The classic magazine that we all gre up on, Highlights is still a perfect gift for kids, and one that’s heartily Rock Father-approved. Subscribe: Official Site |
 MEGA BLOKS 1-2-3 Learning Trainby MEGA Brands Kids love to build, and they also love trains. Here, Mega Bloks taps into that with a set geared toward preschoolers as part of their First Builders line. We’ve had this one here since Spring, and it’s still loved and played-with on a very regular basis. Purchase: Amazon |
Doodle Crate, Tinker Crate, Koala Crateby Kiwi Crate Kiwi Crate was the first monthly subscription project kit to ever cross my desk here at Rock Father HQ. 3 years later, and they’re going strong with the addition of Koala Crate, Tinker Create and Doodle Crate – each containing everything kids and parents need to make an awesome project. Additionally, some special Kiwi Crate items recently landed at Target. Buy: KiwiCrate.com |
 LITE-BRITE Magic Screenby Basic Fun The classic Lite-Brite got an upgrade this year, licensed by Hasbro to Basic Fun for an enhanced release. We did a side-by-side comparison of the last two generations of Lite-Brite, and the new edition is pretty fantastic. Purchase: Amazon | Ent. Earth |
DART ZONE: COVERT OPS Scorpion Gatling Blaster
Sports Fun:
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Tech Play:
ZOOMER INTERACTIVE DINO by Spin Master Toys
Boomer’s the interactive dinosaur who just loves to play. With real dinosaur movements, sounds, and dino-sense responsiveness, Boomer can detect when you’re interacting with him. One of this season’s hottest toys, you really have to see him in action to appreciate him and his appeal to kids.
Buy: Amazon
 VTEch KidiZoom Smartwatchby VTech VTech’s first portable camera watch will create an entirely new play experience for kids 3 and older. Photo and video fun for little photographers on-the-go. Includes 3 mini learning games with the ability to download more, including a how to tell time game. Clock display, animated stopwatch/timer and alarm explore time concepts. Buy: Amazon |
 Chatsters Gabbyby Spin Master ROCK FATHER Review (soon) Meet Gabby – Your interactive BFF that chats, dances and plays with all her accessories. When she starts chatting her eyes light up and animate! What are you in the mood for? Tap the yellow hearts on her glasses to let her know what you’re thinking. She recognizes 6 super fun accessories that unlock special mini games, silly jokes and even make-overs! Whether it’s eye shadow, milkshakes or her adorable puppy Sprinkles, Gabby can’t wait to play! Buy: Amazon |
 VTech InnoTab MAXby VTech InnoTab MAX gives your child the best of both learning worlds with an ever-expanding library of over 650 educator-supported learning cartridges and carefully-selected educational Android apps. Buy: Amazon |
MY MAGICAL MERMAID by Zuru Toys
My Magical Mermaid is built with latest aquatic and micro-robotic technology, simply drop your Mermaid into water and watch her burst to life, she’ll spiral and dance with beauty and grace! Collect all three amazing Mermaids (each sold separately) and begin the underwater adventure!
CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE (17+ and Grownups Only)
ENTER TO WIN A COPY on your choice of platform: Xbox One, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, PS3
Envisions the powerful battlegrounds of the future, where both technology and tactic have evolved to usher in a new era of combat for the franchise. Delivering a stunning performance, Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey stars as Jonathan Irons – one of the most powerful men in the world – shaping this chilling vision of the future of war.
Disney Infinity 2.0 MARVEL Superheroes Edition
In Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, players will use real-world interactive Marvel figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of some of Marvel’s most popular franchises, including The Avengers. In the Play Sets – penned by award-winning Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis – players will be able to take on the role of more than 20 Marvel characters including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hulk and Hawkeye to battle enemies, complete challenging missions, solve puzzles and ultimately save the world from destruction.
Buy: Amazon
Unique Gifts:
 VRUM Ride-On Toy Boxesby Wicked Cool Toys ROCK FATHER Review (soon) Ride-on luggage? What a cool idea, and one well-executed here. Licensed items that could be a suitcase, a toy box, a carrying bag or a ride-on. Vrum is available for boys and girls in many styles including Disney Princess, Batman, Iron Man, TMNT and more. Buy: Amazon |
 SPLASH CARDSby Winning Moves Cool, waterproof cards that teach while entertaining. The Splasanimals and Splash Pals are both big hits here. Purchase: Amazon |
 Cat Pawby Wicked Cool Toys This novelty could be this year’s biggest stocking stuffer. It’s literally an articulated, noise-making cat paw. Let the pranks begin! Purchase: Toys R Us |
Music for Beginners:
 CASIO CTK-2400 Keyboardby Casio A good keyboard for entry-level players, there’s a lot of features packed into this 61-key unit, available for under $100 at many retailers, despite a $169 list. Sampling functions and hundreds of tones add to the fun. Buy: Amazon | Guitar Center |
 Squier Affinity Jazz Bass Packby Fender This Squier Affinity Precision Bass Guitar Pack is an all-in-one starter pack. Includes a Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass, Fender Rumble 15 Combo bass amp, bass strap, instrument cable, a gig bag and a pick sampler. New bassists simply open the box, plug in, and rock. Buy: Guitar Center |
 Epiphone Les Paul Packby Gibson The Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Performance Pack is a great way to save time and jump start a career in music. It includes an Epiphone Les Paul Special II guitar, Electar-15R amp with overdrive and reverb, gig bag, pinch-on tuner, strap, cable, guitar picks and free eMedia guitar lessons on-line. Buy: Guitar Center |
 Debutante Junior Miss Acoustic Guitar Packby Daisy Rock The Daisy Rock Debutante Junior Miss is an acoustic guitar made exclusively for beginning female guitarists of all ages. The Debutante is designed to meet the needs of the budget conscious girl seeking the trademark light weight, thin neck design and smaller, easy-to-hold bodies for which Daisy Rock has earned so much acclaim. Buy: Amazon | Guitar Center |
 PDP 5-piece Junior Drum Setby Pacific Drum & Percussion This 5-piece junior drum kit includes a kick drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a snare. This kit also comes with a crash cymbal and a set of hi-hats. All necessary hardware, including a child-sized throne, is included. The set is ideal for children from 3 to 7 years old. Buy: Amazon | Guitar Center |
 Gammon Percussion Junior 5-Piece Drum Setby Gammon Available in a variety of colors – including the oft-requested pink, this entry-level Junior set features everything young players need to get started. Buy: Amazon
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For Grownups Only:
The Xtreme Xperience: Drive Real Supercars on Real Racetracks with Real Instruction
Read: THE ROCK FATHER Feature
For the car lover who has everything, why not opt for an “experience” this Holiday season, by booking a run at a local Xtreme Xperience event near them? Get behind the wheel of an exotic supercar from the likes of Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi and more, or do what I did – get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and take it into the triple-digits on a world class road course.
Book Your Experience: http://thextremexperience.com/
 Guitar Pick Necklaceby Isabelle Grace Jewelry A must-have for rock-minded parents, these hand-made custom guitar picks are crafted in Fine Silver. Purchase: Isabelle Grace Jewelry |
 Daddy Messenger Bagby Daddy & Co The Daddy Diaper Bag gets an upgrade with this stylish new design. Purchase: Daddy & Co |
 American Born Moonshineby Windy Hill Spirits, Inc ROCK FATHER-APPROVED! Spirits are always a part of holiday giving for grownups (Please Rock Responsibly), so this year maybe mix it up a bit. I received some of this fine Nashville Moonshine over the summer, and it became a fast favorite. Buy: Official Site |
 PUNK Speaker
by SOL REPUBLIC
Tiny, rugged, and ferociously loud, the deceptively small PUNK wireless speaker breaks all the rules. Crank up the volume and fill your room with sound or take the party outside. Your music will be heard. Buy: SOL REPUBLIC | Best Buy | Amazon |
 MARGARITAVILLE HEADPHONES
by MTX Audio
In a lot of ways, what Jimmy Buffett is doing with his Margaritaville Brand is like what Gene Simmons has done for KISS – putting it on everything. But these MTX Studio Headphones were a real surprise. Purchase: Amazon |
 Relay Earbuds
by SOL REPUBLIC
Relays In-Ear Headphones are built to keep up with you, no matter where the day takes you. Their low-profile design and SOL REPUBLIC’s patented FreeFlex Technology offers a comfortable, flexible fit that won’t fall out. Buy: SOL REPUBLIC | Radio Shack | Amazon |
Disclosure: Items in this Holiday Gift Guide have been hand-picked by James Zahn, aka THE ROCK FATHER. In some cases, product samples may have been provided for review, and nearly all external purchase links benefit the operation of this site through affiliate or associate relationships.
