2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Kids & Tweens

Kids will get a double dose of furry fun with Hatchimals' latest incarnation, Hatchimals Surprise. Just like last year's original speckled-egg magic, this version still offers kids all the anticipation but with TWO creatures nestled inside instead of just one. There is a twin peacat version (pictured) and a penguala version. The adorable little figures light up and talk to each other, giving your child a chance to interact with their new (electronic) pets.

To buy: Target, $70

Kids will love the opportunity to create experiments and solve scientific mysteries each month with Little Passports' Science Expeditions subscription box. Whether they're building a hovercraft to better understand aerodynamics or creating a 3-D experience to get vision and optics, kids will receive an accompanying book and achievement badges with every box. Subscriptions include a 6-month option, a 12-month option and a monthly option.

To buy: Little Passports, from $20.95 per month

Parents who loved John Belushi in 1978 comedy "Animal House" will chuckle at the kid's version of his famous "College" sweatshirt. Dress up your kindergartner in this hip, school-friendly fashion statement—without any of the frat-boy shenanigans. (Extra points for the brand for having a "Preschool" version, too.)

To buy: Hatch for Kids, $32

Nintendo has taken gaming to the next level with its latest offering, the Nintendo Switch. The flexible console goes from portable multiplayer system to a docked game for at-home play. Gamers can use its Joy-Con controller sideways or vertical and flip the screen's stand to share visuals with others.

To buy: Amazon, $300

Calling all Griffyndors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins! For the Harry Potter fans in your house, Juniper Books has created a beautiful hardcover collection of the J.K. Rowling series packaged in a Hogwarts traveling trunk. Not only that, but the books are even wrapped in red, blue, yellow and green house-themed jackets. Accio! Accio! Accio!

To buy: Juniper Books, $275

Whether or not you're visiting the Big Apple anytime soon, you and your kids can spend time coloring in the city's major attractions on this giant poster from the French company Omy. Check out the famous skyscrapers and other sights. You might just stumble on King Kong! When you're finished, you can even frame it for your child's room. Cities to color include Los Angeles, Berlin and London.

To buy: Omy, $12

Fans of Osmo will be super stoked for their latest game. Now kids (and adults) can race actual Hot Wheels through digital tracks and worlds through their iPad. Racers control what happens to the cars through the use of physical tokens and watch all the action happen on the screen. How cool is that?!

To buy: Osmo, $60

Fire-breathing dragons made out of colorful dough? That's one possibility with the Bright Creatures Kit from Tech Will Save Us. This cool science kit blends hands-on building with a little electricity to bring your kids' special creatures to life. What a great way to spark their imagination!

To buy: Bright Creatures, $50

Forget the arcade! Kids can build their own ski-ball game right in their own home. This kit from educational store Lakeshore Learning includes precut cardboard pieces, kid-friendly tools and three ski balls. That way, kids can get creative and color their game any way they want.

To buy: Lakeshore Learning, $50

Kids will love getting cozy in this fun blanket that looks like a colorful mermaid tail. Made for toddlers on up to adults, the pink dream tail features a pattern of pink and aqua scales in a comfortably soft fabric. Even more reason to cuddle up on the couch and watch holiday movies this time of year!

To buy: Fin Fun, $23 and up

Your tween can visit a variety of different worlds without ever having to leave the comfort of her own room. Does she want to tour Antarctica or London? That's what the Zeiss VR One Plus virtual reality headset is for. Just download favorite VR apps, insert a smartphone (it has a universal tray), and check out a penguin or maybe even Big Ben.

You might want this one for yourself!

To buy: Best Buy, $100

Who doesn't love the Mr. and Little Miss books? (We're looking at you, Little Miss Chatterbox!) Well, if you're reading them to your kiddos, you might want to consider one of these themed lunch boxes. Kids can show off their silliness, braininess or even grumpiness with their friends and approach emotions from a more lighthearted perspective. The set includes three containers and an ice pack. It's also recyclable and BPA-free.

To buy: Zazzle, $42

This quarterly magazine is created by girls for girls. Featuring smart and inspiring content for girls ages 8 to 15 years old, Bright Lite seeks to give voice to "the next generation of strong, smart women." You'll find stories on topics ranging from outer space to museums to sports. Tween girls can even submit their own articles, poetry or drawings for consideration. Write on, girls!

To buy: Bright Lite, $65 (four issues)

For the big kid (or big adult) in your life, this state-of-the-art electric skateboard might just do the trick. This sleek board allows the rider to control both speed level and cruise control with just their foot via a super cool foot-controlled sensor. It rides up to 11 mph for approximately 9 miles and has a two hour charge time.

To buy: Quirky, $300