Sam's Toy Box: Yes Chef

Friday, December 12, 2025
CHICAGO (WLS) -- We are back with another edition of Sam's Toy Box, highlighting some of the hottest toys on the market.

These gifts are for the little foodies in your lives.

Kids may see mom or dad cooking at home-and these toys will give them a chance to practice their skills in the kitchen, too!


FLIP & FRY GRILL PLAY SET (MELISSA & DOUG)


- Melissa & Doug is expanding its pretend play food collection to include fan-favorite Water WOW! technology that bring pretend food to life in a whole new way
- "Cook" with water again and again with color-changing play food - squeeze or drip water from utensils to change play food from undone white to perfectly "cooked" colors. After a few minutes, colors disappear to cook pieces again & again!
- Designed to create a realistic cooking experience, the pieces don't change color instantly, because, just like preparing a real meal, it takes time
- Includes grill and fryer with clicking dial, fryer basket, water-dispensing spatula, condiment squeeze bottle, and salt and pepper shaker, color-changing play food (chicken tenders, onion rings, fries, 2-piece bun with ketchup and mustard, burger, veggie burger, pancake), 3 to-go bags, tongs, plate, double-sided reusable activity card; felt fried egg, bacon strip, cheese slice, lettuce, tomato.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $37.99
- Available: MelissaandDoug.com and major retailers


WIZ O MAGIC BLENDER (CEPIA)


- Mix up a magical surprise with Wiz O Magic Blender!
- Add ingredients, press the button, and watch the magic swirl to life.
- Colorful lights and enchanting sounds create a magical mix.
- 2 Surprise reveals for adorable plush characters. Play over and over again.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $34.99
- Available: Fall 2025 (Amazon)


KINETIC SAND SQUISHPIZZA (SPIN MASTER)


- Young chefs can shape, mold, and customize their own pizzas with Kinetic Sand SquishPizza, featuring 1 lb. of play sand and themed tools for imaginative pizza play
-Comes with 1 lb. of Kinetic Sand in 4 colors, 2 stampers and 3 tools. Spark creativity and enhance sensory skills with the oven's topping molds, mix sand colors and slice pizzas with the cutter.
- Kids will love assembling and squishing down their creations, watching their pizzas magically rise and pop back up, making SquishPizza an exciting arts and crafts experience. - Made from natural sand, Kinetic Sand is reusable, never dries out and sticks together for easy cleanup.
- Ages: 5+
- MSRP: $20.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart


3DOODLER CANDY (WOBBLEWORKS, INC.)


- Eat your art with 3Doodler Candy, the first 3D pen that lets kids design real, colorful candy creations with sugar-free, gluten-free candy capsules.
- The perfect gift for little bakers to decorate cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and more.
- Child safe design with no external hot parts.
-Easy operation: load capsules, press and hold the button, and doodle sweet designs.
- Includes Activity Guide with candy projects.
- Capsules are sugar free, gluten free, diabetic friendly, and vegetarian.
- USB-C rechargeable
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: October 1 (Target, Kohl's, Barnes & Noble)


MGA'S MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI HOLIDAY (MGA ENTERTAINMENT)


- The next mystery ball-shaped capsule from MGA's Miniverse is the Make It Mini Holiday collection, which includes a Dr Seuss Grinch rare "chase" item, along with Roast Beef, Snowman Cake and Birch Reindeer.
- Build your dish or beverage from the mini toy ingredients from your capsule; cure in any UV light for at least 5 minutes to harden; then display on a holiday-themed mini table!
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $10.99
- Available: Now (Amazon and Walmart); October 1 (Target)


MARSHMALLOW MADNESS (PLAYMONSTER)


- Take on the tiny hand eating challenge with Marshmallow Madness!
- Grab a bag of mini marshmallows and your favorite people and get wild! Start the timer and race to see how many marshmallows you can grab with the itty-bitty hands and get into your mouth!
- In this race to stuff your face, the player who can eat the most mini marshmallows in 60 seconds is the winner!
-Includes all the pieces to assemble your tiny hand figure, including a double-sided silly illustrated face plate to pose behind while you race (choose between the two characters), a sand timer, and instructions.
- Mini marshmallows not included. For 2 or more players
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $19.99
- Available: Now at Walmart and Walmart.com, October 1 (all other retailers)

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