South Jersey is truly coming alive as stores and shops begin to adorn their halls and aisles with festive decorations. The air is filled with the excitement of the holiday season, and children across the region are busy penning their wish lists for Santa Claus. In this article, we'll explore some of the hottest toys of 2024 and how you can indirectly gift some of these items to families in need. We'll also take a look at popular Christmas toys on Amazon and the importance of the Give A Christmas campaign.

Discover the Best Holiday Gifts for South Jersey

Decking the Halls with Holiday Delights

Stores around South Jersey are going all out to create a magical holiday atmosphere. Boughs of holly, wrapping paper, and an abundance of toys fill the air. It's a sight that brings joy to both children and adults alike. The anticipation of Christmas is in the air, and everyone is getting ready to celebrate.This year, there are some truly amazing toys on the market. From screen-free toys that encourage creativity to character toys that bring beloved characters to life, there's something for every child. The Toy Insider has been keeping a close eye on the industry trends, and their 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is a must-read for parents and gift-givers.

Hot Toys for the Littles in 2024

The Toy Insider's co-editor-in-chief, Marissa Silva, highlights the importance of meaningful experiences and hands-on fun in this year's toy trends. Some of the growing toys and trends include the Connetix 48-piece Roads Creative Pack, which allows children to build and create their own roadways. The Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Spray Boutique is a fun and creative way for kids to express themselves. The MAGNA-TILES Space 32-piece Set offers endless possibilities for imaginative play. And the Peekaboo Learning Barn Playset helps children learn while having fun.Collectibles and miniatures are also popular this season. The Decora Girlz, Flat 2 Fast Card Racers, Mini Brands Retro Capsule, Stumble Guys Collectible Figures 6-Pack Deluxe Box, and Tasty Tinies are all must-haves for collectors and kids alike.Character toys are a big hit as well. The American Girl Disney Princess Rapunzel Doll, Bluey Walkie Talkies, Miraculous Ladybug Paris Heroez Playset, Nick Kart Racers SpongeBob Boat Mobile, and Pokémon TCG: Stellar Crown Elite Trainer Box are all sure to be on many children's wish lists.

Popular Christmas Toys on Amazon

Retailers like Amazon have compiled holiday guides to help parents and Santa choose the perfect gifts. Their 2024 "Toys We Love" list includes a wide variety of toys and games at different price points. Games like "Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza" and "Pickleball Blast" are great for family fun and are priced under $10. There are also Harry Potter and Star Wars miniatures, slime, and puzzles for kids of all ages.The list goes on and on, with options for games, Legos, plushies, dolls, and crafts. It's easy to find the perfect gift for every child on Amazon.

Helping Families with Give A Christmas

For 56 years, the Burlington County Times has been bringing the holiday spirit to local families in need. With the help of community donations, the Give A Christmas campaign provides low-income families in Burlington County with a $50 Amazon e-gift card for each child (up to four gift cards per family). This helps ensure that every child has presents under the tree.Donors can visit the Burlington County Times website to submit their donations. The generosity of readers and the community over the years has been amazing. Last year, the program was able to distribute gift cards totaling $49,900 to 411 applicants. Since it began in 1968, the program has raised over $3 million.If you have any questions about the Give A Christmas program, you can contact Executive Editor Audrey Harvin at aharvin@gannett.com.