Manufacturer: Blip Toys
Ages: 4 and up
Price: $12.99
Appearing on this list for the second time, the small vinyl figurines known as Squinkies are part of a growing trend toward small, collectible toys, Byrne says.
"It's not very much money, but it's a collectible. It really does level the playing field with the social currency among kids because they can feel they're involved in a hot property," he says.
Other small collectible toy series include Ickee Stickeez by Zing Toys, The Trash Pack by Moose Toys and Gogo's Crazy Bones by Jonic Distribution.
Toys such as these make great stocking stuffers and provide lots of fun for the price, says Pamela Brill, editor-at-large for Playthings Magazine.
"There's a lot to be done with them," says Brill. "(Kids) like to bring them to school; they like to attach them to their backpacks. Then they can also set them up and play their own little games at home."