Almost every kid has a dinosaur phase. Suddenly they enter a period of time, however fleeting, where all they think about, talk about or want to play with is something in the dinosaur universe. Until they grow out of it, every birthday and Christmas gift just has to be dinosaur-related. Then, one day they discover Pokemon or video games, and it’s all over. Until then, you should familiarize yourself with the best dinosaur toys.
Dinosaur toys come in all shapes and sizes, catering to the whole spectrum of ages and interests. From coloring books to dinosaur action figures to puzzles and hatching eggs, there are tons of dino-mite things to gift the young dino lover in your life. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday or some other special moment, it’s never a bad time to brighten someone’s day with something fun that may also help them grow. There are interactive options, toys for toddlers, creative outlets and even fun STEM toys that lean more educational and scientific. Of course, there’s also the cute, plush stuffed animal for the kid that just wants to cuddle with their own little dinosaur every night.
With everything on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to only the best dinosaur toys for every kind of kid you could possibly be shopping for. These are the best parent and child-approved dinosaur gifts to buy for any upcoming occasion.
1. The Colorful World of Dinosaurs Book
BEST BOOK
This hardcover book features beautiful watercolor depictions of what dinosaurs might have been like, updated based on recent findings. Each colorful image is accompanied by fun, surprising facts about dinosaur behavior, habits, and appearance. It’s information and exciting to look at, making it an ideal bedtime book for kids ages 5 and up.
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2. Bellzi Plushie Triceratops Doll
BEST STUFFED ANIMAL
We love this adorable little guy, and we’re guessing your son or daughter will too. The Bellzi plush doll is super cute and ready to cuddle. And for just $25, it’s one of the best dinosaur gifts for sale right now. Just look how cute it is!
3. National Geographic Dinosaur Dig Kit
FOR PALEONTOLOGISTS TO BE
Excavation kits are one of the most popular dinosaur toys that both kids and adults can spend hours with, and this one by National Geographic is an awesome introduction to STEM for kids. These bricks reveal life-like dinosaur fossils when you crack them open. It comes with a detailed learning guide about different species, educating your miniature paleontologist as they explore. Unlike other dig kits that reveal full dinosaurs, this brick realistically chips away to reveal bones, teeth, and best of all – dinosaur poop.
4. Jurassic World, Stomp and Strike Tyrannosaurus Rex
BEST T-REX TOY
This Hasbro toy is an officially licensed Jurassic World toy (the official name of the Jurassic Park franchise). While the plushie featured earlier might be better for toddlers, bigger kids might actually want dinosaur toys with claws, teeth and scary dino sounds. This T-Rex action figure makes stomping noises and packs a mighty roar, and it’s the perfect toy for dino-obsessed kiddos.
5. Dinosaur Bath Bombs Erupting Volcano
Dinosaur bath bombs — children’s bath bombs with hidden dinosaur toys inside — are very popular right now, but most of these toys are only available from no-name companies on sites like Amazon. And if that gives you pause, then we recommend this fun bathtime play kit from Uncommon Goods, a retailer we trust. During bathtime, simply place one of the fizzing pucks inside the volcano and watch as colorful “lava” flows from the top. (The small dinosaur toys hidden inside are a choking hazard for very young kids.) Whether you’re shopping for your own little ones or looking for dinosaur gifts, this toy is sure to be a big hit.
6. Bigjigs Toys Dinosaur Island
BEST PLAYSET
What better dinosaur toy than an immersive playset that lets you join your favorite creatures on dinosaur island? It includes eight dinosaurs, a nest with two eggs, a waterfall and a freestanding tree allowing kids ages 3 and up to have fun and safely explore this fantastical world.
7. LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs
BEST BUILDABLE
LEGOs are a classic when it comes to kids toys, and this LEGO dinosaur set combines that buildable fun with a T-Rex for an ideal dinosaur toy. Once fully constructed, you can open the mouth to reveal razor-sharp teeth, position the claws and move the head and tail as desired. It’s the perfect gift if you’re looking for something creative and interactive in the dino world.
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8. AUUGUU Kids Dinosaur Race Car Track
FOR KIDS WHO LOVE CARS
Recreate Jurassic Park from the comfort of your own home with this flexible dinosaur race car track by AUUGUU. It’s appropriate for ages 3+, but what adult doesn’t want to zoom around a dinosaur park in a racing car? It’s compiled of 142 pieces total, with realistic dinosaur toys and two motorized cars. Whether you’re just really into prehistoric toys or want an interactive game to play with the kids without being bored, this race track provides endless entertainment.
ON SALE!
9. Jurassic World Matching Game
BEST FOR THE BRAIN
This Jurassic World matching game combines dinosaurs with a fast memory game that helps develop focus, memory and matching skills. It includes images of all the different types of dinosaurs that kids love, and adults can play along as well. For an added fun surprise, turn off the lights and see the tiles glow in the dark.
10. Hatching Growing Dinosaur Eggs
BEST SCIENTIFIC
Submerge these hatching growing dinosaur eggs in water to watch them hatch in 12 to 24 hours and continue to grow even bigger in the following days. It’s a fun science experiment that dino-loving kids will enjoy, and they’ll just happen to learn something in the process. As an added bonus, they’ll get to keep the little hatched dinosaur figures forever.
11. Uncommon Goods Dinosaur Taco Holders
FOR PICKY EATERS
Make Taco Tuesday even more memorable with these durable and creative dinosaur taco holders. Both the Triceratops and T-Rex can hold up to two tacos each and are dishwasher safe. Buyers mention that the fit is perfect for two tacos and that these adorable and functional holders made mealtime more entertaining for anyone who used them. A great gift for any dinosaur lover, and a foolproof way to bring the family together at mealtime.
12. Ravensburger Realm of the Giants 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids
BEST PUZZLE
This puzzle depicting a colorful, mystical dinosaur scene is designed for kids ages 8 and up to support their development. They’ll get to play, build, concentrate and use their creativity to put together this wonderful image that they can look at to remember and feel proud of the effort and hard work that it took to make.
13. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dinosaur Play Sand
BEST SENSORY
Play sand may sound messy, but this non-toxic sand is actually super easy to clean up. This sensory sand for kids feels perpetually wet but only sticks to itself. The kit includes a diorama, a real fossil, six dino molds to make shapes in the sand and six dinosaur action figures. It’ll help kids learn about dinosaurs and play for hours in this fun little sandbox.
14. MOBIUS Dinosaur Truck Carrier Playset
BEST MINI FIGURINES
Perfect for young children, this MOBIUS set combines a love of transport trucks with 12 dinosaur figurines. What stands out about this piece is its uniquely portable nature, thanks to a collapsible handle on the truck. Some parents avoid buying toys with lots of small parts because of the ensuing mess, but this innovative carrier design provides an incredibly easy clean-up process, making cleanup fun for your tot as they put each creature away in the truck.
15. Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs Pop-Up Book
BEST FOR BEDTIME
Bedtime just became a whole lot more interesting with this book that doubles as a toy. A classic written and illustrated by pop-up masters, this 3D creation is a staggeringly comprehensive tribute to the history of prehistoric dinosaurs. There are at least 5 popups per page with informative tidbits, and the popups are quite resilient, standing up to mischievous kids. Even for adults looking for an amusing coffee-table book – this piece is intricately composed with “gorgeous and modernesque” dinosaurs, as one reviewer puts it.
16. ZOKEA 3D Dinosaur Remote Controlled Night Light
This pre-historic night light doubles as a toy with its vividly realistic 3D effects that have a hologram-style effect. No matter what age you are, this color-changing T-Rex will protect you from monsters and lull you to sleep. It comes with a timer, remote control, and touch control, allowing you to adjust colors and brightness. Users have the option of filling it with batteries or plugging it into a USB port. With the number of features alone, this nightlight is well worth it for under $20.
Also Consider: Velociraptor Garden Sculptures
It’s not exactly a toy, but this striking Velociraptor sculpture set by Uncommon Goods will add an element of wonder to any garden or backyard. Turn it into a game with your kids on the lawn while earning compliments from neighbors and spectators who drive and walk by. Handmade out of cold-rolled steel with ferocious claws and expertly silhouetted feathers, this product features a Patina that naturally darkens over time. Stake them in the bushes or show them off in a more open space. They also have a Brontosaurus set for plant-based households.