Toy Talk
Your go-to spot for the latest toy news, play ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories from our world of fun.
In The News
Mastermind Toys Leads the Way as Canada’s Toy Store
Mastermind Toys Enters Québec with Downtown Montreal Flagship Store
Mastermind Toys Opens First Quebec Location in Downtown Montreal
Mastermind Toys Opens Pop-Ups at Holt Renfrew
DoorDash Welcomes New Retailers, Providing Stress-Free Holiday Shopping
Blog Posts
Gift Ideas for Bold Explorers: Ages 11–12
At ages 11–12, kids are stepping into a stage of confidence, independence and deeper curiosity. They enjoy gifts that feel more grown-up, offer meaningful challenges and allow them to explore their interests through hands-on experiences. Play becomes a mix of creativity, logic and personal expression. The best gifts for this age group encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking and imagination. From immersive games and advanced building sets to challenging puzzles and high-energy remote-control toys, these picks are designed to inspire exploration, skill-building and a sense of achievement. Games Board and strategy games are a fantastic way to bring families and friends together while supporting critical thinking and decision-making. For kids ages 11–12, games that offer variety, strategy and long-lasting replay value are especially engaging. These game picks encourage focus, friendly competition and shared moments of fun, making them ideal gifts for growing minds who enjoy both challenge and connection. 365 Games in Tin Case  This versatile set offers a wide variety of classic games in one compact tin. Kids can explore different challenges, from logic-based games to traditional favourites. It encourages strategic thinking, adaptability and problem-solving. The portable design makes it perfect for travel or family gatherings, offering endless options that keep boredom away while encouraging both independent play and group interaction. It’s a timeless gift that grows alongside a child’s skills, interests and love for games. The Game of Life Board Game  This classic board game invites kids to explore real-life choices through playful storytelling. As players navigate careers, family moments and financial decisions, the game encourages planning, critical thinking and meaningful conversation in a fun, approachable way. Blending luck and strategy, it keeps gameplay exciting and engaging for everyone involved. Perfect for family game nights or playdates, it creates shared moments filled with laughter, discussion and memorable experiences that grow with kids over time. Advanced LEGO® Sets More complex LEGO® builds are perfect for kids ready to tackle detailed designs and technical challenges. These sets support perseverance, engineering skills and creative problem-solving. For bold explorers, advanced LEGO® builds offer a rewarding experience that combines focus, imagination and pride in completing something impressive. LEGO® Technic™ Aston Martin Valkyrie 42208  This detailed Technic set invites builders to explore advanced engineering through an iconic supercar design. Kids can construct realistic features while learning how complex mechanisms work together. The building process encourages patience, focus and perseverance. Once complete, the model becomes a striking display piece that celebrates creativity, technical achievement and hands-on problem-solving. LEGO® Star Wars™ K-2SO™ Security Droid 75434  Inspired by the Star Wars universe, this buildable figure brings a beloved character to life through intricate design and structure. Fans can enjoy both the building experience and the connection to an iconic story. The set supports fine motor skills and spatial thinking while offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment. It’s ideal for Star Wars fans who enjoy detailed, character-driven builds and immersive creative play. Advanced LEGO® sets like these allow kids to slow down, focus deeply and enjoy the satisfaction of completing something truly impressive through hands-on effort. They help build patience, precision and confidence as kids tackle more complex builds step by step. Challenging Puzzles Puzzles are ideal for kids who enjoy concentration, visual thinking and long-term challenges. Larger piece counts provide a sense of accomplishment once completed. These puzzles support patience, perseverance and problem-solving while offering a relaxing and rewarding activity. Wild Kingdom Shelves 2000pc Puzzle This detailed puzzle features rich imagery that keeps builders engaged for hours. With 2000 pieces, it challenges attention to detail and long-term focus. Completing the puzzle encourages perseverance and strategic thinking. It’s a wonderful activity for kids who enjoy immersive, calming challenges and taking pride in seeing a big project come together piece by piece. Encanto 1000 pc Puzzle Featuring vibrant artwork from the beloved film, this puzzle combines storytelling with problem-solving. Fans can relive favourite scenes while working through a thoughtful challenge. The 1000-piece format is ideal for kids ready to take on more complex puzzles. It supports concentration and offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment once complete, making it perfect for quiet afternoons or family puzzle time. Challenging puzzles help kids practise patience and persistence while enjoying a calming, screen-free activity that builds confidence over time. They also encourage focus and problem-solving, making each completed section feel rewarding and meaningful. Remote Control Adventures R/C toys bring excitement, movement and hands-on control into playtime. They help kids develop coordination, spatial awareness and quick decision-making. For ages 11–12, these vehicles offer thrilling play that blends action with skill. LiteHawk Big Tom 15th Anniversary 4X4 This powerful R/C vehicle is designed for rugged play and dynamic movement. Kids can navigate different surfaces while testing control and reaction time. The durable design encourages exploration and confidence in handling more advanced remote-control features. It’s a thrilling option for kids who love action-packed play and outdoor adventures that build skill, focus and excitement with every drive. LiteHawk Torque Twister Built for speed and stunts, this R/C vehicle offers exciting twists, turns and fast-paced fun. Its responsive controls help kids develop coordination and spatial awareness. The Torque Twister encourages experimentation and skill-building through active play. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy mastering movement and control, pushing their limits and refining driving skills. Trendy Figures & Collectibles Collectible figures are perfect for kids who love surprises, characters and creative display. They combine imagination with the excitement of collecting, allowing kids to express their interests and create their own stories. Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach Blind Bag Figure This blind bag collectible adds an element of surprise with each unboxing. Fans of the franchise will love discovering new characters to add to their collection. The figures inspire imaginative play and creative display. They’re perfect for kids who enjoy mystery, collecting and fandom-based play. Minecraft Flocked Blind Figure Stamper Combining collecting with creativity, this Minecraft figure doubles as a stamper for added fun. Each reveal brings excitement and encourages imaginative use. The textured flocked design adds a tactile element kids enjoy. It’s a playful collectible that keeps Minecraft fans engaged through display and hands-on play. Trendy figures like these allow kids to explore fandoms, creativity and personal expression through collecting and imaginative play. They also encourage storytelling, display pride and a sense of connection to favourite characters and worlds. From our family to yours, we hope these exciting picks inspire confidence, creativity and unforgettable moments of play for your bold explorer this season. ✨
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Gift Ideas for Imaginative Thinkers: Ages 9–10
From science kits and brain teasers to creative projects and interactive games, these thoughtfully chosen picks are designed to inspire curiosity, build skills and create a true sense of accomplishment.
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Gift Ideas for Growing Minds: Ages 6–8
Kids aged 6–8 are full of curiosity, creativity and confidence. They are ready for more complex challenges, imaginative storytelling and hands-on exploration. The best gifts for this age group nurture their growing independence while encouraging them to think, experiment and play in new and exciting ways. At Mastermind Toys, we’ve curated a thoughtful selection of toys designed to inspire STEM learning, spark artistic expression and fuel big adventures. These picks help build essential skills like problem-solving, focus, coordination and creativity, all while keeping playtime fun and engaging. Whether you’re shopping for a builder, an artist, an explorer or a child who loves action-packed stories, this collection brings together meaningful gifts that kids will enjoy long after the holiday season. Building & STEM Favourites Building and STEM toys offer kids the chance to experiment, design and understand how things work. These sets strengthen problem-solving abilities, spatial reasoning and patience, making them wonderful tools for both learning and imaginative play. With every build, kids gain confidence and discover new ways to bring their ideas to life. These toys not only encourage hands-on exploration but also introduce early engineering concepts in a friendly, accessible way. LEGO® Friends Panda Sanctuary Animal Care 42648 A heartwarming build where kids create a sanctuary to help care for adorable panda figures. This set encourages imaginative storytelling while teaching empathy and responsibility through animal-care themes. With interactive elements and charming details, children can invent meaningful rescue scenarios and nurture their love for animals. It’s a joyful way to blend creativity with gentle, values-based play. MAGNA-TILES® Travel Set Deluxe 55-Piece A colourful, portable building set perfect for on-the-go creativity. Kids can build structures, patterns and open-ended designs that support spatial awareness and problem-solving. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel, playdates or quiet-time activities. With every click and connection, children strengthen fine-motor skills and explore hands-on learning. It’s a versatile pick that grows with their imagination. LEGO® City Emergency Air Ambulance Plane 60465 An exciting rescue-themed build where kids can imagine life-saving missions in the sky. With a detailed ambulance plane, medical accessories and rescue characters, children can role-play emergency scenarios and explore the importance of teamwork and helping others. This set encourages storytelling, fine-motor development and problem-solving as kids assemble the aircraft and act out dramatic rescue moments. It blends action with purpose, making it a meaningful and engaging gift for young builders who love fast-paced adventures. Building sets like these boost independence, confidence and a love for hands-on discovery, making them wonderful choices for imaginative young creators. They inspire kids to think creatively and take pride in every build they complete. Arts, Crafts & Creative Play Kids aged 6–8 love to express themselves, explore textures and colours and create something uniquely their own. Arts and crafts toys encourage communication, emotional expression and fine-motor development while giving children the freedom to design and dream. Whether they are drawing, weaving or designing their own accessories, these creative activities build focus, patience and pride in completing their own projects. Hape All-In-One Wooden Art Easel Hape All-In-1 Wooden Art Easel A sturdy dual-sided easel that supports drawing, painting and early design skills. It provides an inviting space for kids to experiment with art in endless ways. With storage trays and adjustable height, it encourages independence and keeps creative tools within easy reach. The chalkboard and whiteboard surfaces offer multiple modes of expression, helping kids explore ideas freely. Loopdedoo Friendship Bracelet Maker A fun, hands-on crafting tool that lets children create personalized bracelets for themselves or friends. It encourages pattern-making, dexterity and creative thinking. Kids can experiment with colours, textures and styles, building confidence as they complete each design. The process also supports focus and patience, giving little creators a sense of pride in their handmade accessories. It’s a wonderful activity for playdates, creative afternoons or thoughtful gift-giving moments. Stitch Cute & Feisty Charm Jewelry Kit A playful jewellery kit filled with charms, beads and accessories that kids can mix and match. Perfect for imaginative design and accessorizing their own style. It encourages fine-motor skills and creative confidence as children experiment with colours and patterns. Kids can create gifts for friends or express their individuality through unique jewellery pieces. This set turns crafting time into a fun, artistic experience filled with self-expression and play. These creative picks help kids explore new techniques, express their personalities and build confidence through hands-on artistic play. They turn everyday moments into opportunities for imagination and self-expression. Action & Adventure Toys Action and adventure toys are perfect for energetic kids who love to move, imagine and dive into thrilling stories. These toys inspire role-play, quick thinking and collaborative play, making them great for siblings or friends. They transform everyday moments into bold adventures, helping kids build coordination, emotional expression and imaginative storytelling. BRIO Dinosaur Adventure Set A dynamic adventure set that transports kids to a world of dinosaurs and discovery. With tracks, vehicles and prehistoric friends, children can create thrilling journeys and rescue missions. This set encourages storytelling, fine-motor development and imaginative exploration as kids build new routes, uncover surprises and bring the past to life through play. Bruder Police Ram 2500 with Policeman LS A detailed vehicle and figure set that encourages rescue missions, community-helper play and dramatic storytelling. Kids can role-play high-stakes scenarios, coordinate daring saves and imagine real-world teamwork in action. With realistic details and sturdy design, it inspires confidence, problem-solving and hours of immersive adventure. Hot Wheels® Stunt Tracks™ Mid-Air Crash An action-packed track set that lets kids race, jump and crash their vehicles in exciting new ways. Perfect for fans of speed-driven adventures. With every launch and collision, kids build coordination, timing and anticipation skills. The rapid action keeps them fully engaged, inspiring repeat play and imaginative race scenarios. It’s an exciting way to encourage active fun and creative storytelling. These adventure toys inspire movement, storytelling and active exploration, giving kids endless opportunities to dive into new worlds and big ideas. They spark imagination through fast-paced fun that keeps kids engaged and excited to play. From our family to yours, we hope these exciting picks bring discovery, creativity and joyful play to every child’s holiday season. 🦖✨
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Gift Ideas for Curious Kids: Ages 3–5
The best gifts for this age group encourage learning through play, spark curiosity and support important developmental milestones.
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Gift Ideas for Little Ones: Ages 0–2
The early years are full of discovery, curiosity and playful exploration. That’s why the best gifts for little ones are those that encourage development through hands-on learning, sensory experiences and meaningful interaction. Whether you are shopping for a first birthday, a holiday surprise or simply looking to support early milestones, the right toys can inspire wonder in every moment of play. At Mastermind Toys, we offer thoughtful picks that nurture motor skills, spark imagination and bring comfort to babies and toddlers. Below, you’ll find beautifully curated categories to help you choose the perfect gift for children ages 0–2. Sensory Toys for Early Exploration Sensory play is essential for babies and toddlers as they learn to understand the world through touch, movement and sound. These toys help strengthen fine motor skills, encourage focus and create opportunities for independent discovery. Creativity For Kids Sensory Bin Construction Zone A tactile, hands-on bin filled with construction-themed elements that encourage digging, scooping and imaginative exploration. It helps little ones develop hand strength and early problem-solving skills. With different textures, tools and pieces to discover, it also supports sensory processing and keeps curious toddlers engaged in meaningful, open-ended play. Silicone Puzzle on Wooden Plate – Jungle A colourful jungle-themed puzzle made from safe, sensory-friendly silicone pieces. Perfect for little hands practicing grasping, sorting and matching. Its soft texture and vibrant shapes invite babies and toddlers to explore freely, helping them build early coordination and confidence through play. Each interaction encourages curiosity and supports important early-learning milestones. These sensory-friendly picks help support early development in a fun, calming and engaging way. They encourage little ones to explore at their own pace, building important foundational skills through hands-on discovery. With every squeeze, scoop or sort, babies develop confidence, curiosity and joyful connections to the world around them. Plush & Comfort Companions Soft toys give young children comfort, familiarity and emotional support while also becoming part of their early imaginative play. These picks offer both sweetness and security. Mastermind Toys Squishy Collectible Plush Hamburger A soft, squeezable plush that brings joy and comfort to little ones while encouraging tactile exploration. Its friendly size and fluffy texture make it the perfect companion for cuddling during playtime or naptime. This type of toy also supports early emotional development by offering a sense of security and gentle comfort. With bright colours and an adorable design, it’s an ideal pick for stimulating the senses in the earliest stages of play. Cuddle+Kind Tiny Hannah the Bunny Each Tiny doll is thoughtfully sized for small hands, offering gentle textures and comforting softness that little ones love to snuggle. Beyond play, it becomes a cherished keepsake that families treasure, blending emotional warmth with meaningful impact. With its soothing feel and adorable design, this Tiny doll helps little ones feel secure as they explore their world. It’s a beautiful way to support early emotional bonding and imaginative play. These plush favourites become cherished companions that little ones can cuddle, carry and grow with. Soft, comforting and easy to hold, they help babies feel secure as they explore their world. Plush toys also encourage early emotional bonding and imaginative play, making them meaningful little friends for every stage of development. Learning & Developmental Playsets Playsets designed for early learning help toddlers build confidence as they explore new skills. These toys encourage movement, curiosity and hands-on interaction, supporting key milestones like standing, walking and sorting.          Ms. Rachel Surprise Learning Box Inspired by early childhood learning principles, this box includes simple, engaging items that help toddlers practise language, recognition and interactive play. Each surprise inside encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery, making learning feel exciting and rewarding. Thoughtfully designed activities help toddlers build confidence as they explore new sounds, words and concepts in a fun, interactive way.       VTech Stroll & Discover Activity Walker A versatile walker that grows with a child’s development, offering buttons, sounds and manipulatives to support motor skills and early walking confidence. With multiple activities built into one sturdy design, this walker encourages curiosity and independent exploration as little ones progress from sitting to standing to taking their first steps. It keeps children engaged with lights, music and hands-on features that make every milestone feel fun, playful and confidence-boosting. Coco Village Baby First Toys Gift Box A curated collection of developmental toys focused on grasping, stacking and sensory exploration. Beautifully designed for gentle and educational play. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to match a child’s natural learning rhythm, allowing babies to practise essential skills with safety and ease. From early hand-eye coordination to experimenting with new shapes and textures, this box supports meaningful growth through simple, enriching play. These playsets encourage learning through movement, repetition and joyful discovery. They help little ones build confidence as they practise new skills at their own pace, transforming everyday play into meaningful moments of growth. Whether babies are pushing, pulling, tapping or exploring, these toys turn simple actions into important milestones that support early development. Ride-On & Active Play Toys Active play toys support gross motor development, balance and early coordination. These gifts help toddlers move with confidence and enjoy physical activity safely. They also encourage independence as little ones explore movement at their own pace.    Stitch Light ‘N’ Sound Zoom Zoom Ride-On A cheerful ride-on toy with lights and sounds that add excitement to motion play, helping toddlers practise balance and movement. Its sturdy design gives little ones the confidence to push, scoot and explore, while the engaging features encourage curiosity and active play. This toy also supports early independence, inviting toddlers to move freely and build foundational motor skills through joyful, energetic fun.   VTech® Get Growing Tractor & Mower Ride-On The VTech® Get Growing Tractor & Mower Ride-On is a playful, interactive ride-on that encourages movement and early coordination. With lights, sounds and engaging buttons, it keeps little ones entertained while supporting gross motor development. It’s a cheerful first vehicle that makes active play fun, safe and confidence-building for toddlers. It’s a delightful way to support active, confidence-building play as little ones explore their growing independence. Rise Little Earthling Knit Plaid Dress A cozy, stylish knit dress designed with soft fabrics and a classic plaid pattern that feels just right for the season. Its easy pull-on fit and gentle stretch make it comfortable for active toddlers, while the charming design adds a festive touch. Its timeless plaid pattern brings a classic seasonal touch, making it a picture-perfect choice for holiday gatherings and everyday winter moments. These clothing essentials blend softness, style and practicality for busy families. They keep little ones cozy through every adventure while making dressing easy for parents. Thoughtfully designed for movement, comfort and everyday joy, they’re the perfect additions to any toddler’s wardrobe. From our family to yours, we hope these thoughtful picks bring comfort, learning and joyful moments to your little one’s holiday season. ✨👋
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Giving Tuesday and Charity Partners at Mastermind Toys
At Mastermind Toys, we believe in the spirit of Giving Tuesday. We see it as more than a date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to stand together with our community, support youth and families, and spread a little extra joy during the holiday season.
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Discover Mastermind PERKS: Your Free Family Membership
With PERKS, you can enjoy thoughtful savings during the busiest times of the year, plus exclusive offers that help you stretch your holiday budget in meaningful ways.
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Holiday Shopping & Gift Wrapping with Mastermind Toys
From expert recommendations to convenient pickup options and beautifully wrapped gifts, our goal is to bring ease and delight to your holiday experience.
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