The 11 Best Big Toys for When You Want the Holiday Wow Factor

Why settle for a regular ride-on toy when you could get this mini, functioning excavator? Kids will freak out about the 360-degree rotating seat and professional-looking levers. The five-wheel base gives it stability, and the fact that kids have to push themselves, as opposed to a motor, makes it safer for little kids.

If llamas are more your speed, these fuzzy ones are the rare piece of statement decor that both kids and adults can agree on. The biggest one is two feet high, perfect for kids to hug.

Got kids who need to burn off some energy? (Don't we all?)This five-piece set provides plenty of surfaces to climb on, which can be arranged in a multitude of ways as your kid grows and requires more challenging materials. It might start out as a gentle slide, and end up functioning as a straight-up rock wall. And as something hand made out of birch wood, it's the furthest thing from an eye-sore your kid will probably ever own.

Nothing delivers the Christmas morning wow-factor like a dollhouse that's nicer than your actual house. This one is made from solid wood (hi, durability) and features 12 rooms, a functioning front door, a dramatic set of front steps, and several second-floor balconies. It's functional too, with its drawer for storing accessories and folding sides that allow it to be stored more compactly. Just note that it does require some assembly, and doesn't come with any furniture or people.

Sick of having your couch hijacked by fort building endeavors? This 32-piece set, with its heavy-duty cardboard panels and double-sided hook and loop connectors, allows kids to build the sturdy, expansive forts of their dreams that won't collapse on their heads with one wrong move.

When it comes to getting kids interested in chess, size goes a long way. The 17 by 25-inch pieces are surprisingly light, so kids can move them on their own. Their hollow center can be filled with gravel if you prefer to play outside and want to guard against the wind.