Buying guide for best PAW Patrol toys
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My nephews are less than two years apart in age, but they disagree on nearly everything, from how they like their sandwiches cut to whether their bedtime story or song should come first.
But there is one thing that they do agree on: they would both watch PAW Patrol 24/7 if they were allowed.
PAW Patrol has risen in popularity to the point that it’s now a household name for most families with children ages three to eight. What kid doesn’t love puppies – puppies in training to be rescue dogs? That’s a hard one for preschoolers to resist, especially since they’re in the midst of life training themselves.
As with any popular show, collecting the accompanying toys is half the fun, and PAW Patrol toys let kids act out the adventures at home. First and foremost, toys should be fun, but they can also be educational, and PAW Patrol toys are both. That's why I'm a rockstar whenever I bring my nephews PAW Patrol-themed toys, scoring points with both them and their parents.
At BestReviews, we've researched and evaluated over a dozen PAW Patrol toys to help us identify the top models. Our top pick, Paw Patrol Jungle Pups Firetruck, has a fun fireman theme with a Marshall figure that clips into place to keep it from getting lost. It also has three "water" projectiles, so kids can act out extinguishing a fire.
Types of PAW Patrol toys
Action figures
PAW Patrol action figures feature one of the main characters along with rescue gear and sometimes an action card, pet or animal friend, or rescue vehicle. Some of these toys have interchangeable outfits or accessories like a surfboard that launches a life ring or rescue gear that can be attached when it’s time to get to work. These toys are small and inexpensive, making them a great choice for families on a tight budget.
Crafts
PAW Patrol craft toys feature drawing or dough sets with molds. If you’re looking for a toy to use on the go, a dry-erase pup pad can easily fit in a diaper bag or purse. Dough sets help kids strengthen their hands and develop fine motor skills while using their imagination to create stories with the characters they create.
Electronics
What child wouldn’t love an electronic version of their favorite pup? These toys are interactive and preprogrammed with PAW Patrol phrases and sounds. They can follow your child or spin in circles to perform another daring rescue. Other electronic toys include a Pup Pad where characters get their next assignment. Some can be used with cards that come with action figures to recreate the same scenarios that kids see in their favorite episodes.
Games
Games teach kids how to follow rules and play with others in a fun but controlled environment. PAW Patrol games revolve around the training and adventures of the characters. Children can play as their favorite pups and learn some of the same lessons of kindness and support they learn by watching the show.
Playsets
Playsets are for the serious fan with plenty of storage space. Car tracks, train tracks, and lookout towers can be used to recreate the PAW Patrol world. All the playsets are made to the same scale (however, additional action figures may not be). Most kids don’t mind using toys of a different scale, but there’s no guarantee that a vehicle bought separately will fit on a playset track.
Plush
The softness of plush toys makes them a favorite among children. These toys can be used for role-playing or snuggling while watching PAW Patrol. You can find plush toys of all the pups.
Vehicles
Half the fun of PAW Patrol is seeing the various vehicles, from a sea patroller to a helicopter to a bulldozer. Vehicles that move and spin let your kids enact the fun in their imagination. Many of the vehicles can be used alone or as part of a playset. PAW Patrol toys come in many favorite childhood vehicles like police car, fire engine, and jet.
PAW Patrol toy factors to consider
Age
Toys are recommended for certain ages for your child’s safety. Toys that include small pieces that could be swallowed are usually inappropriate for children under the age of three. Most PAW Patrol toys are designed for children over age three. However, there are a few exceptions, mostly among the plush toys. Keep in mind that your best bet is to always follow the manufacturer’s age recommendations for its products.
Favorite character
PAW Patrol has an ensemble cast with several main characters. If you’re not sure where to start your search, ask your child about his or her favorite character. PAW Patrol characters each have a signature occupation, such as fireman or police officer, along with a corresponding vehicle. A favorite character with its rescue vehicle, gear, and outfit will make just about any die-hard fan squeal with delight.
Storage space
Before buying PAW Patrol toys, consider how and where the toys will be stored when not in use. For homes with limited space, plush toys or action figures might work better than large games or playsets.
FAQ
Q. Do PAW Patrol playsets come with action figures?
A. The playsets come with at least one or two action figures and a coordinating vehicle. For example, the train set includes the engine and cars, while car sets include cars, trucks, and other rescue vehicles in the appropriate size. Additional characters and vehicles are sold separately.
Q. Do any of the PAW Patrol plush toys come with extra features?
A. Yes, some of the plush toys play music and have a light-up belly that serves as a nightlight. Others are simply soft toys best for cuddling and squishing.
Q. How big are the PAW Patrol vehicles?
A. PAW Patrol vehicles come in different sizes. There are small handheld ones that can be used independently or with playsets. There is also a wide selection of midsize vehicles, some of which transform into different configurations. Many of these vehicles, whether boat or helicopter, include wheels so they can be easily moved during play. To keep kids entertained, many vehicles include moving parts like buckets that lift, rescue hooks that can be fired, or turbines that change direction for a quick rescue. Large vehicles can carry several action figures or smaller vehicles, which means they also act as extra storage when not in use.
