Choose what to do with a favorite character.

A familiar face is a starting point. The useful next question is whether the player wants to tell a story, carry a companion, build a setting, make something or share a game.

Match the character to an activity

Different ways to enjoy the same character
ActivityLook forCheck before choosing
Figures and storytellingCharacters the player can move through an invented scene.Handling, joints, loose accessories and the space needed for a setting.
Plush companionsA size and texture suited to carrying or everyday play.Care instructions, electronic parts and whether the item is intended for play or display.
Building and makingPieces or materials that let the player create a scene or picture.Assembly steps, tools, refills and room to make changes.
Games and mediaA shared game, story, recording or screen activity.Rules, reading, players, format, equipment and any account requirements.

The character does not tell you the product's age suitability or how much the player can control. Read the exact item's label and instructions. Two products with the same character can be very different: one might be a small poseable figure and another a decorative collectible.

Make a character-to-activity note

Before browsing, finish this sentence: “I like this character, and I want to…” Ask the person who will use the item to complete it. “Make a house,” “act out a rescue” and “listen to a story” lead to different choices.

  • The activity: what will the player do, beyond recognizing the character?
  • The setup: what pieces, surface, equipment or adult help are needed?
  • The fit: will it work with figures or materials already owned?
  • The next time: can the scene, rules or arrangement change?
  • The limit: what is the complete budget, including necessary extras?

A familiar brand is not evidence of a learning benefit, sturdy construction or a complete play experience. A themed box can contain an ordinary game with rules that matter more to the players than the picture on its lid.

Try a three-part story scene

Choose a character, a place and a small problem: a visitor has arrived, a shop has lost its sign, or a picnic needs a new location. Use suitable figures, existing blocks or a drawing for the setting. Let each player contribute one action, then decide together how the scene ends. The story can be new; it does not need to reproduce an episode.

For practical help with the materials, visit Action Figures, Stuffed Animals, Art Toys or Board Games. For a particular interest, try Pokémon, Handy Manny or SpongeBob Stuff.

Read the older character index by purpose

The index below preserves a mixed collection: toy reports, books, film announcements, pictures and other licensed items. It is not a current character catalog or a list of products available now. Use the marked starting routes to identify the kind of coverage before following a link. An old film announcement does not establish a present viewing service, and wallpaper or banknote coverage is different from toy guidance.

From the Toysit archive

Earlier coverage, with original titles and descriptions preserved as historical material. These descriptions include the promotional wording and claims of their time; they are not current operating instructions, safety assurances or product recommendations. Availability, pricing and app support have not been reverified. Identify the exact model and consult its current instructions and recall information.

The index includes more than toys

These marked entries have different purposes. Their original labels and descriptions remain in the complete list.

A guide to evaluating toys, not a hands-on product test. Read our editorial approach.

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