Santa’s Top Picks for 2025 at The Happy Lark

As we head into the festive season here in Fort Worth, we’re excited to share our favorite "big gift" toy picks for this year — gifts that wow kids and parents. We’ve selected nine standout toys that combine fun, quality, and imaginative play. Let’s dive in.

1. Fat Brain AirToobz (Ages 3+)

Why we love it:

• Encourages creativity and experimentation — kids build their own tube layouts and watch foam balls roll and fly through the air.

• Strong “wow” factor — visually impressive and fun to watch in action.
  Pro tip: Give it space — the tubes tend to sprawl, so set it up near a wall or in a play zone where kids can run around.
  Great for: A main holiday gift for budding engineers & curious kids
  

2. PlanToys Victorian Doll House (Ages 3+)

Why we love it:

• Beautifully crafted wooden design — high quality and built to last.

• Promotes rich imaginative play — kids can inhabit stories, move furniture, live out scenes.
  Pro tip: Many of our families use this as their "mouse house" for Maileg mice and furniture.
  Great for: A heirloom-type gift for ages 3+ (and siblings will love it too).

3. Stapelstein (Ages 2+; in-store only)

Why we love it:

• Encourages movement, balance and creativity — stacking, climbing, stepping, bridging.

• Versatile — indoor or outdoor use, adapts as children grow.
  Pro tip: We love how these stack for a small footprint
  Great for: Energetic kids who love to move and play — a gift that supports gross-motor development.

4. Bruder Toy Vehicles (Ages 3 or 4+; some in-store only)

Why we love it:

• Realistic designs, rugged build — great for kids who love machines and vehicles.

• Durable and built for imaginative play — vehicles, construction sites, farm scenes.
  Pro tip: These super-durable trucks can go indoors and outdoors
  Great for: Ages ~3-8 (depending on interest) — perfect for the machine-obsessed.

5. Corolle Dolls (Ages 1+)

Why we love it:

• Beautifully designed dolls that support caring, nurturing and imaginative play.

• Quality materials and thoughtful design — often a first doll for younger children.
  Pro tip: For younger children pick soft-bodied versions; for older kids, choose dolls with accessories or outfits. We love Lila Cherie, the limited edition holiday doll, or the pram for the holiday wow factor. 
  Great for: Heartfelt gifts for children who enjoy dolls and role-play. 

6. Micro Kickboard Scooters(Age 2+)

Why we love it:

• Encourages outdoor activity, balance and coordination — perfect for our Texas weather.

• High-quality build means it can grow with the child (or be passed down).
  Pro tip: Ensure you have helmet/safety gear; pick the correct size/model for the child; consider storage in home.
  Great for: Active kids (ages 2-12 depending on model) — a gift that gets used. In general we recommend the Micro Mini for ages 2-4, the Micro Maxi for 5-7, and the Cruiser for ages 8+. 

7. Wobbel Board (Ages 3+; in-store only)

Why we love it:

• Elegant and open-ended — works as a balance board, fort piece, seat, ramp.

• Grows with the child 
  Pro tip: Works best on rugs and carpet
  Great for: Gift for ages 3+ — stylish and functional.

8. SmartMax XXL(Ages 1+)

Why we love it:

• Large-scale magnetic building — great for tactile play, STEM interests, creativity.

• Works for a range of ages, especially kids who like to build big, bold structures.
  Pro tip: Clear floor space for big builds; keep the tub for storage and the cool lid for stability. 
  Great for: Gift for kids who love building, magnet play, open-ended design.

9. Big Brio Train Sets (Ages 3+)

Why we love it:

• The BRIO “World” system is designed for open-ended, expandable play: you can start with one set and keep adding tracks, accessories, scenery, so the play lasts for years.

• They combine imaginative storytelling (stations, cargo missions, mountains) with fine-motor / problem-solving skills (how to layout tracks, how to connect pieces) — making them a quality investment. 

• Built for durability and safety: the materials & design are made to last, and track systems are compatible across sets so they grow with the child.

• Works for: Ages ~3+ (many BRIO sets target 3 yrs and up) and for kids that enjoy layered play — trains plus cargo plus stations, or those who just love to build and engineer.

📍 Visit Us at The Happy Lark

Stop by our store at 5015 El Campo Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107. We’re proud to carry these favorite toys and lots of others you won’t find just anywhere. 

Our staff is ready to help pick the right gift, demo toys in store, and send you home with something magical for Santa to drop under the tree.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

– Team THL