Despite the fact the first Toy Story movie was released over twenty-five years ago, it still remains one of the highest-grossing movie franchises for Disney of all time. In fact, with the release of the new Buzz Lightyear movie, Toy Story toys remain as popular as ever.
If you're looking to bring the movie to life, there are a variety of toys that will do just that. From interactive talking action figures, plush toys to building sets there's something for every kid to enjoy. At Mother & Baby, we've rounded up the best Toy Story toys to share the magic with your children. To infinity and beyond!
When did Toy Story come out?
Believe it or not, the first Toy Story movie was released back in 1995. It was the first full-length animation film by Pixar, and the first collaboration between Pixar and Disney. The film made history by being the first animated film to win an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
How many Toy Story movies are there?
At the current moment in time, there are officially four Toy Story movies. Toy Story 2 came out in 1999, Toy Story 3 came out in 2010 and Toy Story 4 came out in 2019. The spin-off prequel, Lightyear following Buzz was released in June of this year.
Fun fact: In 1998, Pixar was getting ready to release Toy Story 2. However, a crucial mistake meant that someone accidentally deleted the movie files. Thankfully, Galyn Susman, one of the supervising directors had been working at home during her maternity leave. She realised she had a recent backup on her computer, retrieved the files and saved the whole production. All while looking after her newborn baby. Go, mama!
15 of the best Toy Story toys for kids
Best Toy Story toy featuring Woody
You got a friend in me. This Woody interactive toy will be their best friend for life. Place Woody near other figures, like Forky or Bo Peep and watch them interact. This rootin' tootin' cowboy will be a key part of their toy collection and one to play with for years to come.
Pros:
• Includes twelve phrases
• Interacts with other figures
• Attention to detail like in the movies
**
Cons:
•** Doesn't include voices from the movie
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "Bought Woody for my daughter's birthday. It arrived very quickly and it's packaged well. The toys themselves are bigger than I expected which is good. They also have buttons and pull strings to talk which is fun."
Best Toy Story toy featuring Buzz
To infinity and beyond, this Buzz Lightyear figure will be their best pal for infinity. This interactive figure includes attention to detail just like in the film, such as interactive laser functions, pop out wings and a helmet that can be left closed or open.
Pros:
• Includes ten phrases
• Interacts with other figures
• Lasers, pop out wings and interactive helmet included
**
Cons:
•** May have trouble standing up
**
Age suitability:** 3 years+Review: "Does everything Buzz should do. Arm laser, forearm flap, karate chop, pop out wings with lights, phrases, helmet which opens and closes, Bonnie marked on sole. Moveable arms and joints. Sensors in the belly so it works with some other figures."
Best Toy Story toy featuring Jessie
Giddyup partner, this figure of cowgirl Jessie is just like in the Toy Story movies. She can join you on all of your adventures and recites phrases that they're sure to know and love. She even features a removable hat which is great for imaginative play.
**Pros:
• Includes ten phrases
• Interacts with other figures
• Removable hat included
Cons:
•** Not the most sturdy model
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "Brilliant toy, every child’s dream. The box comes in new condition along with the toy. I like how you can try the toy immediately by pulling the string. Comes quicker than the Disney store. Write your child’s name on the boot to be extra."
Best Toy Story toy featuring Slinky
A real life slinky toy in the form of the loveable Daschund pup, Slinky. He has an interactive tail and a lead so your little one can take him on walkies. He has floppy ears and a green collar with attention to detail just like in the Toy Story movies.
Pros:
• Can choose from different sizes
• Comes with a lead
• Interactive spring tail
**
Cons:
•** Not so good on carpet
**
Age suitability:** 3 years+Review: "Quite small but a lovely looking toy. To be fair it is in proportion to the other official toy story characters. It got knotted up quite quickly and the string could be longer as he mostly gets swung around the house but the kids love him!"
Best Toy Story toy set
Featuring a set with iconic characters from the show such as Rex, Hamm and Alien. These moveable characters can be used as part of a wider collection of Toy Story toys or played with on their own. A fantastic chance for any Toy Story fan to use during imaginative play sessions.
Pros:
• Moveable and posable
• Great for imaginative play
• Sturdy build
**
Cons:
•** Smaller than expected
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "My two year old absolutely loves this set. The toys are very durable and well made and perfect size for my little one. They encourage imaginative play and role play and I know we will get lots of fun from them."
Best Toy Story toy featuring Mr. Potato Head
www.argos.co.uk
Of course, we couldn't forget the iconic Mr Potato Head. This one may be a throwback for some of our readers who remember having the very same classic toy throughout childhood. With pieces that are big and sturdy enough for little hands, they'll enjoy creating silly faces with mix-and-match accessories.
Pros:
• Includes eleven accessories
• Encourages fine motor skills
• Sturdy build
**
Cons:
•** Some pieces are difficult to push in
Age suitability: 2 years+Review: "Our kids love this toy. It is also very useful to use as a prop for interactive talks. Well made, easy to clean and fun."
Best Toy Story toy puzzle
If they love doing puzzles, this set of four Toy Story puzzles will really do it for them. The puzzles get more complex through the sets, so you can adjust the difficulty level with your child as they learn. Made from quality puzzle pieces, they'll love putting the scenes together, with or without the help of an adult.
Pros:
• Different difficulty levels
• Encourages fine motor skills
• Great quality
**
Cons:
•** Puzzle pieces may be fairly thin
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "Bought this as part of a birthday present for a now 3 year old toy story fan! The mother sent me the cutest picture of him doing the puzzle and loving it so much."
Best Toy Story toy featuring Mrs. Potato Head
www.argos.co.uk
We couldn't forget about Mrs Potato Head, another classic Toy Story toy that readers may remember from their childhoods. Both models may also be compatible with other Potato Head playsets and accessory packs, which adds to the countless hours of fun your little one will have.
Pros:
• Includes ten accessories**•** Encourages fine motor skills**•** Sturdy build****
Cons:
•**** Some pieces are difficult to push in
Age suitability: 2 years+Review: "Brought this as a gift for a toddler and they absolutely love it, pieces are big enough they can do it themselves."
Best Toy Story toy for building
Encourage their construction skills with the LEGO DUPLO Toy Story Train. With over twenty blocks to put together, your little builder can create a combination of builds. It's even simple enough for a younger tot to build themselves without the help of an adult.
Pros:
• Create a combination of builds
• Includes 21 buildable pieces
• Sturdy
**
Cons:
•** Not compatible with other DUPLO train tracks
Age suitability: 2 years+Review: "This is the best train we have ever purchased it’s perfect for our Grandchildren and very easy for them to assemble!"
Best remote control Toy Story toy
www.argos.co.uk
They'll have hours of fun with this remote-controlled Buzz Lightyear buggy. It's also able to zoom across carpeted floors and grass without disruption to the fun. With up to 40 minutes of drive time, it's bound to provide hours of entertainment. This sturdy buggy even has light up eyes for added effect.
Pros:
• Can handle carpeted floors and grass
• Up to 40 minutes of drive time
• Sturdy build
**
Cons:
•** Assembly instructions may be difficult to follow
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "I bought this as a birthday present for my nephew as he is a HUGE fan of Toy Story! Loved the product so much I am going to buy another for my son who has recently started to love Toy Story too!"
Best Toy Story toy for assembling
With nearly seventy pieces, create the ultimate Toy Story scene with the help of Woody and the toy army soldiers. Additionally, this building kit can be used in combination with other LEGO sets. Designed to be easy enough for younger children, there's also an easy-to-follow building guide for them too.
Pros:
• Can be used with a combination of LEGO pieces
• Includes 69 buildable pieces
• Great quality
**
Cons:
•** Smaller than expected
**
Age suitability:** 4 years+Review: "The LEGO set was a gift for a 5 year old nephew who loved it! It comes with Woody, some little green army men, and of course, RC which you build. It is a smallish set which was perfect for our needs. The little green army are very tiny and I suspect it won’t be long until they are lost."
Best Toy Story toy for snuggling
www.shopdisney.co.uk
Just like in the films, Lotso the stuffed bear smells like sweet strawberries and, despite being a villain in the series, is an excellent cuddle companion for your little one. Soft to the touch, made from polyester fibre and suitable from birth, it's the ideal Toy Story toy to add to their collection.
Pros:
• Strawberry scented like in the movies
• Personalisation options available
• Embroided details
**
Cons:
•** Hand wash only
Age suitability: From birthReview: "Lovely present. A delighted child. The scent is quite strong and the room smelt like Lotso wilst he was in it. Very soft and cuddly."
Best Toy Story toy for learning to ride
www.halfords.com
For their first bike, why not get them one featuring Buzz Lightyear? They'll love soaring away on their new bike with the help of an adult. A sturdy and well made frame with puncture proof tyres will have you assured when your little one is pedalling or being pushed along on this balance bike.
Pros:
• Features removable character plaque
• Choose with or without assembly
• Puncture-proof tyres
**
Cons:
•** Will need supervision
Age suitability: 2 years+Review: "This is for my son's birthday, he's yet to receive it but I know he will love it. The design is great, really fun and the quality of the product is great too. I think this is really good value for money."
Best Toy Story toy for bedtime stories
For bedtime stories or songs from the movies, Tonies have produced their very own Toy Story addition Toniebox for little ones to enjoy. Choose from Woody or Buzz to tell them stories before bed, or sing along to well known songs from the movie franchises.
Pros:
• It's magnetic and handpainted
• Includes five songs from the movies
• Up to 27 minutes of running time
**
Cons:
•** WLAN with internet connection and Toniebox required
Age suitability: 3 years+Review: "Great Tonie! Our Toy Story lover adores this one."
Best Toy Story toy for toddlers
Perfect for young tots developing their motor skills, these adorable wooden balance blocks feature Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Rex from the series. Tots will love stacking the blocks and using the pedestal to balance all of Andy’s toy friends. Made from smooth, rounded edges, they're safe for little fingers.
Pros:
• Encourages fine motor skills
• Can be stacked and balanced
• Smooth rounded edges
**
Cons:
•** May need to be supervised
Age suitability: 18 months+Review: "My son loved this, great for 18 month old fine motor skills."
Our verdict: The best Toy Story toys
In our opinion, we think the best Toy Story toy for kids are the Interactive Talking Action Figures. Involving some of the main characters from the film, you can choose from Woody, Jessie, Buzz and more. These clever toys will interact with one another and will say phrases from the film you're likely to recognise.
FAQs
How do you get Toy Story toys to interact with each other?
If you have toys from the interactive collection, simply placing the toys near each other and activating the sound button is enough. This will then trigger a conversation between two of the toys.
Similarly, one of the interactive Woody dolls that were produced responded to voice activated commands. For example, if you were to shout 'someone's coming!' Woody would fall to the floor much like in the movies.
Who makes Toy Story toys?
Despite being produced by Pixar, the majority of toys are actually sold in Disney stores, both in store and online. This is because the Pixar film company is a subsidiary of Disney, meaning that it is under Disney's ownership.
In fact, the first talking Sherrif Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys were actually produced by a company called Thinkway Toys. Since then, collections have also been manufactured by companies such as Hasbro, Mattel and LEGO.
What is the new Buzz Lightyear movie about?
Released this year on Disney Plus, the film 'Lightyear,' with Buzz voiced by actor Chris Evans, follows him on his space adventures. Alongside loyal recruits, Buzz Lightyear must work to escape Zurg and his army. It was released in June of this year and is available to stream on Disney Plus.
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