The were defined by interactive animatronics, the massive "unboxing" phenomenon driven by YouTube, and a wave of 1990s nostalgia. According to major industry trackers like The Toy Insider and DreamToys , the following items were the most sought-after gifts of the season: The Interactive Pet Craze

: A "plug-and-play" reboot of the 1990s console pre-loaded with 21 classic games, fueling a major nostalgia trend among parents and kids alike.

: Following the 2016 craze, Spin Master introduced "Surprise" eggs that hatched twin interactive plush animals.

: A STEM-focused building and coding kit that allowed children to build five different models, including "Vernie the Robot," and program them via a tablet app.

: This was the ultimate "unboxing" toy, featuring a massive glittery dome filled with 50 layers of individual surprises, including dolls and accessories.

: A highly advanced, responsive baby doll from Spin Master that "learns" to speak and move more realistically the more a child plays with it. The Unboxing & Collectible Phenomenon

: Created by littleBits , this kit let kids build and customize their own R2-D2 droid using electronic "bits" and an app. Top 10 Toys 2017: Nintendo Switch, Fingerlings, Hatchimals

: Launched in March 2017, this console remained a top holiday request due to its ability to switch from a home console to a handheld.