Discover the best hockey toys, games, and books for kids—perfect for birthdays or Christmas, curated to guarantee fun and learning!
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The Ultimate Guide to Hockey-Themed Toys for Kids
As a lifelong hockey player with kids who love playing and watching the NHL, finding super fun hockey-themed toys is a must in our house! My kids are obsessed with all the Playmobil toys, and honestly, the kid in me—who grew up loving Playmobil—can’t resist joining in on the fun too. Whether you’re looking for the perfect birthday or Christmas gift, there are some amazing hockey toys out there that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Most of the toys recommended in this list we either own, or our kids have played with at relatives’ or friends’ houses.
From classic tabletop hockey games that bring a little friendly competition to the living room, to detailed Playmobil hockey sets that spark creativity, there’s something for every young hockey fan. And if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the educational value in hockey-themed board games and books that not only teach the basics of the game but deepen their love for the sport. It’s all about finding those perfect toys that make hockey fun for the whole family!
1. Let’s Play Hockey Book
As a father who loves reading to my toddlers before bed, Let’s Play Hockey! has become one of our favorite go-to books. It’s a colorful Lift-a-Flap board book that’s perfect for little ones aged 1-4. My kids love lifting the flaps and discovering fun surprises underneath, while the animal characters introduce them to the basics of hockey in a playful way. From learning the rules to understanding sportsmanship, this book makes it all super engaging for young minds. The sturdy pages and chunky flaps are great for their little hands, making it perfect for storytime. Plus, as a hockey-loving dad, it’s a fun way to start sharing my passion for the sport with them!
2. Playmobil NHL Hockey Players
I can’t recommend Playmobil’s NHL Hockey Players enough—they’ve been a huge hit with my kids! These detailed figures from various NHL teams, complete with jerseys, sticks, pucks, and all the protective gear, really bring the excitement of the game to life for them. The best part? You can take the fun to a whole new level by connecting these figures with the Playmobil NHL Hockey Arena (5068, sold separately). It creates a dynamic and immersive hockey play experience that’s perfect for any young hockey fan. Plus, getting to play with these figures alongside my kids takes me right back to my own childhood—it’s fun for all of us!
3. Playmobil NHL Hockey Arena
The Playmobil NHL Hockey Arena is such a cool set and a favorite in our house! It’s an exciting, interactive toy that lets my kids really get into the game—they love shooting pucks, defending goals, and customizing their players with the NHL team decals. It’s like having their own mini hockey arena right at home. Perfect for kids aged 5 and up, this set brings the action of the game to life, and honestly, even I have a blast playing with them—it’s the kind of toy that’s fun for both kids and parents!
4. NHL Mini Hockey Set
The Franklin Sports NHL Mini Hockey Set comes with a sturdy goal, two mini sticks, and foam hockey balls—everything my kids need for an energetic indoor game. It’s super easy to set up, and the best part is how durable it is, standing up to hours of play. Whether they’re having a quick game before dinner or a full-on mini-hockey showdown, this set is perfect for young hockey fans looking to have some fun.
5. Hockey Spot & Find Puzzle
The EuroGraphics Hockey Spot & Find Puzzle is a great way to combine my kids’ love for hockey with a fun, interactive challenge. It’s a 100-piece puzzle that, once assembled, reveals an awesome 13″ x 19″ hockey scene. But the fun doesn’t stop there—it also has a “spot and find” challenge, where my kids search for hidden items within the picture, which keeps them engaged long after the puzzle is complete. I love that it’s made from eco-friendly materials too, so it’s both high-quality and educational. It’s a perfect activity for quiet time, and I’ve enjoyed working on it with them—it’s a great mix of fun and learning!
6. Inflatable Punching Bag
While we don’t have the NHL Checking Buddy Inflatable Punching Bag at our house, my brother has a few for his kids, and when all the cousins get together, they have an absolute blast with them! These 40″ inflatable punching bags, available in two sizes, are covered with cool NHL team graphics and are perfect for young hockey fans aged 3 and up. The best part is watching the kids take turns knocking them over and watching them bounce right back up—endless fun and great for burning off energy. Every time we visit, it’s a guaranteed hit, and I’m tempted to grab a couple for our house too!
7. Rod Hockey Table Game
The STIGA Stanley Cup Rod Hockey Table Game is one we don’t own yet, but I’ve definitely been eyeing it for a while—it looks like so much fun! With its NHL-style rink, 3D players, and easy-to-use controls, it brings family-friendly excitement right into your home. It’s perfect for hockey fans who want a realistic and action-packed tabletop game. I’ve seen some great reviews, and I can already imagine how much my kids would love playing this together, especially with its fast-paced, hands-on gameplay. It’s definitely high on our wishlist!
8. Inspirational Hockey Stories
We thought Inspirational Hockey Stories for Young Readers was an important book for both of our kids to read. It’s more than just a collection of hockey tales—it’s full of real-life stories that teach valuable lessons about facing life’s challenges with resilience and kindness. With 12 compelling stories about hockey players and families overcoming obstacles like cancer and disabilities, it’s a powerful way to inspire our kids to navigate their own struggles and be kind to others. We wanted them to see how strength and courage can come from even the toughest situations, and this book does a great job of guiding them along that path.
9. Funko Pop! NHL Toys
My boy is a huge fan of Funko Pop! toys, so when he spotted the Funko Pop! NHL Hockey figures at Newbury Comics down in Lebanon, New Hampshire, it was game over. These collectible figurines feature some of hockey’s biggest stars, and of course, he had to have one. Each figure comes in a protective case, and the detail on them is incredible—it really captures the spirit of the game and the players. It’s the kind of thing that gets him even more excited about hockey, and I’ll admit, they’re pretty cool to display too!
10. NHL Mascots Jigsaw Puzzle
Our family absolutely loves puzzles, and the MasterPieces’ 100-piece NHL Mascot Puzzle holds a special place in our hearts because it was one of the first puzzles we completed together with the kids. It brings the fun and energy of hockey mascots to life in a vibrant 19″ x 14″ jigsaw, and it’s perfect for kids aged 6 and up. Every time we work on a puzzle like this, it brings back those great memories of spending time together, and this one will always be a favorite in our house.
11. Playmobil NHL Stanley Cup Presentation Set
The Playmobil NHL Stanley Cup Presentation Set is a bit funny to me because it’s not exactly the action-packed Playmobil set I’m used to, but the kids absolutely love it. Instead of using it for intense play, they mostly just display it proudly on their shelf like a trophy. Every now and then, though, they bring it out when we pretend to play Stanley Cup games on the Playmobil NHL Hockey Arena set. It’s definitely more of a “display piece” for them, but it still adds to the fun and excitement of their hockey imagination!
12. Hockey Ball Alarm Clock
We all know how hard it can be to get kids up in the morning, so an alarm clock is definitely a must. Having one they actually like? That’s a big win. I bought the XUWU Hockey Ball Alarm Clock for each of my kids and my nephews, and they all proudly use them right next to their beds. Hopefully, the cool hockey imagery helps shape their dreams towards that big Stanley Cup win! With its 7-color changing display and built-in night light, this clock not only shows the time, date, and temperature but also adds a fun touch to their room.
13. Inline Skates
I’ve always been big into inline skating, which is a sport I now get to enjoy with my kids during the summer and off-season. Inline skating is so similar to ice skating in terms of movement and balance, making it a great way for my kids to stay in shape and sharpen their skills when they’re not on the ice. I have them on the Rollerblade Apex skates, which are adjustable, durable, and perfect for young hockey players. These skates offer comfort and performance and come in both black and white options for boys and girls. It’s been a fantastic way to keep the skating fun going all year round!
| Related: Best Inline Skates for Kids |
14. NHL Spot It Game
When we’re not building puzzles or playing with Playmobil on family night, we love to pull out the NHL Spot It Game, which I always enjoy. It’s an officially licensed product that features 55 playing cards, and the whole set comes in a cool NHL League Tin that’s perfect for storage. Whether we’re playing one of the five different games or coming up with our own version, it’s always a hit with everyone. It’s great for 2-8 players, aged 7 and up, and it guarantees endless fun for hockey fans like us. It’s become one of our go-to games on those cozy family nights!
15. Hockey Junior League Puzzle
The EuroGraphics Hockey Junior League Puzzle is a great starter puzzle for toddlers because it’s only 60 pieces, making it perfect for little hands. I’ve always liked this one because the artwork is really cool—it brings the excitement of hockey to life in a fun way. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which is always a bonus. It’s not only a fun activity for the kids but also offers some nice educational value as they work on their problem-solving skills. This puzzle has become a favorite for those quieter afternoons when we just want to sit down and piece something together!
16. Playmobil NHL Shootout Carry Case
The Playmobil NHL Shootout Carry Case is a much-used set at our house that both the kids and I love playing with, especially when combined with our other Playmobil hockey toys. It really sparks their imagination as they recreate those thrilling, game-winning goals with their favorite NHL teams. The set includes two players, a goalie, a net, a puck, and some cool accessories. The figures can bend, sit, stand, and even turn their heads, making it perfect for imaginative play. And when we’re done, it all packs away neatly in the carry case, making it easy to store or take on the go for more hockey fun!
17. Shoot Pad
We don’t have a shoot pad at our house since we generally like to head over to a fenced-off basketball court near us to play roller hockey, which, obviously, isn’t quite the same as replicating hitting pucks on ice. However, my brother has the Hockey Revolution Shoot Pad for his kids, and they’ve used it quite a bit to practice their shots. They really like how it replicates the feel of hitting pucks on ice, making it a great tool for training. The shoot pad is a portable, durable synthetic ice mat that simulates real ice, making it perfect for practicing shooting, passing, and stickhandling. It’s a solid gift for players of any skill level who want to sharpen their game year-round!
18. Playmobil NHL Zamboni Machine
Just like I did when I was a kid, my son loves sitting and watching the Zamboni smooth the ice, dreaming of driving it himself one day. I used to have those same daydreams at his age! Now, Playmobil has brought that dream to life with the Playmobil NHL Zamboni Machine, and it’s even more fun than watching the real ones in action. This NHL-licensed set comes with decals to customize the Zamboni with any of the 30 NHL teams, plus a figure and other cool accessories. With functioning wheels, it lets kids imagine themselves cleaning the ice like the pros. It’s the perfect addition to our hockey-themed Playmobil collection and a must-have for any hockey fan!
19. Bleacher Creatures
Our son absolutely loves his Bleacher Creatures toys, and because he has a few favorite NHL teams, he had to get a Bleacher Creature for each one. Now, he sleeps with them every night. These officially licensed NHL mascot plush toys are perfect for fans of all ages. Whether for playtime or just as part of his growing collection, they bring a fun and unique element to his room. They make a great gift for any hockey fan who loves their team mascots as much as my son does!
20. Aqua Hockey
This is another toy we don’t own, but Aqua Hockey looks like a lot of fun for kids, especially for families who spend a lot of time by the water, like at the beach or pool. I thought it would make a great addition to this list for those who enjoy water play. Aqua Hockey is a unique mini-hockey game designed for water, with foam sticks and inflatable balls that make it perfect for splashing around and having fun. Whether for outdoor or indoor use, it’s a great gift that brings hockey excitement to all seasons, and I can see how kids would have a blast with it!
21. NHL Puck Sliding Hockey Game
We don’t own Fastrack NHL at our house, but our kids have played it over at their hockey coach’s house with his children, and they’ve raved about how much fun it is. So, on this list it goes! Fastrack NHL is a fast-paced, finger-powered puck-sliding game that’s perfect for ages 5 and up. It features NHL logos and brings thrilling, competitive action to the table. Not only is it a blast to play, but it also helps improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills, making it a win for any young hockey fan!
22. Barbie Hockey Player Doll
Girls and boys alike share a love and passion for hockey, but unfortunately, there aren’t many toys out there that target girl skaters. Our daughter loves the Playmobil hockey toys, but they’re all male figures. Thankfully, Barbie stepped up and created a fun toy that lets our daughter know there are girls and role models skating too—just like Barbie! The Barbie Hockey Player Doll brings winter sports excitement to playtime, encouraging girls to embrace both competition and friendship. She comes fully equipped with a hockey uniform, helmet, skates, and even accessories like a hockey stick and trophy. It’s the perfect gift for any girl who loves sports and wants to see herself on the ice!
23. Motorized Shoot Out Hockey Game
Again, this is another toy we don’t own—after all, we can’t get the kids everything—but it looks pretty cool, and I was a fan of electronic games like this growing up, so I wanted to share it. The reviews say it’s a fast-paced, fun challenge that kids really enjoy, so I know this one would be a hit. ALEX Toys’ Motorized Shoot Out Hockey Game lets two players compete by controlling their shots while motorized goalies make the action even more exciting. If your kids love competitive games, this one is sure to be a favorite!
24. Playmobil NHL Score Clock with Referees
The Playmobil NHL Score Clock set goes perfectly with the Playmobil NHL Hockey Arena. Like all the other Playmobil hockey-themed toys, the kids absolutely love it. Honestly, there’s not a single one they don’t enjoy from Playmobil! The set comes with a digital scoreboard to track goals and game time, plus two referees to call penalties and timeouts.
25. LEGO Series 4 Hockey Player
By now, you know my kids and I are huge fans of Playmobil, but I also grew up loving LEGO just as much. Unfortunately, LEGO doesn’t make as many hockey-themed toys as they do for other winter sports like skiing. It’s pretty tough to find LEGO hockey figures, and when you do, they can be a bit pricey. But for those who love them, the LEGO Series 4 Collectible Hockey Player is a must-have for any collection. This fierce, unstoppable character is known for his speed, toughness, and loyalty to his team, making him a powerful figure on the ice and a great addition to any LEGO collection!
26. Playmobil NHL Locker Room Play Box
Nothing screams hockey fun like a locker room playset—haha! But seriously, this is Playmobil, and we eat it up. The Playmobil NHL Locker Room Playset makes a fun addition to our family’s growing Playmobil hockey collection. It adds that behind-the-scenes touch to our kids’ hockey world, where they can imagine players gearing up for the big game or celebrating a hard-fought win. Like everything Playmobil, it’s well-made and full of little details that bring the hockey experience to life. It’s the perfect complement to all the other Playmobil hockey sets we have, and the kids love working it into their Stanley Cup scenarios!
27. McFarlane’s Sports Picks NHL Legacy Series Figures
My kids aren’t into the McFarlane toys, but I’ve got to say, these figures are pretty awesome. McFarlane is known for making really cool, high-quality figures, and their NHL Legacy Series is no exception. These 7” scale figures showcase top players with incredible detail, each displayed on team logo bases with dynamic backdrops. Even though my kids don’t collect them, I know there are plenty of kids—and parents—who would love to display these somewhere in their house. They’re a great collectible for any NHL fan who wants to add a little hockey flair to their space!
28. Synthetic Ice Tiles
These Potente Synthetic Ice Tiles are perfect for kids who need to practice during the off-season and don’t have easy access to ice or for those who basically live on their skates. We don’t own these ourselves since we have year-round ice rinks nearby and spend most of the off-season inline skating, but for kids who want to keep their hockey game sharp and practice all year, these are a must. However, our kids have skated on similar surfaces before, and they were surprised by how similar the feel is to real ice. The synthetic ice tiles are lightweight, portable, and durable, offering a real ice-like grip. They’re easy to set up, and whether indoors or outdoors, they provide a smooth glide that’s ideal for elite hockey training right at home. Perfect for keeping those skills sharp even when the ice isn’t around!
29. EA SPORTS NHL 25
Before the kids, I loved playing EA SPORTS FIFA on XBOX, but now with the kids, we’ve got a PS5 and switched over to EA SPORTS NHL 25—and we all love this game, maybe a little too much! Although we limit game time, we can easily spend a couple of quality hours playing together. The all-new Grudge Match System adds extra excitement by tracking the history of matchups between teams in both online and offline modes, making showdowns with rivals even more intense. Plus, with the next-gen Sapien Technology and Frostbite Engine, the visuals in NHL 25 are incredible. The characters look more real than ever, making this one of our favorite ways to bond as a family!
30. Hover Hockey (and soccer) for Kids
We gave the 3-in-1 Hover Hockey and Soccer Set to our nephews a couple of years ago, and they’ve gotten a ton of use out of it—definitely worth it! While my own kids never got into it, my brother loved how much it kept his kids entertained. The 3-in-1 Hover Hockey and Soccer set is perfect for indoor or outdoor play, and the LED lights make it extra fun for night games. It’s rechargeable, easy to use, and a great way to keep kids active and having fun!
31. Blackhawks vs Red Wings NHL Hockey Guys
We don’t own this toy set, but I was immediately drawn to it because it reminds me of the little plastic toy soldiers I loved as a kid—only these are hockey players! I know kids would have a blast playing with this, just like I would have back in the day. The Kaskey Kids Blackhawks vs. Red Wings NHL Hockey Guys playset includes 14 players, a referee, goals, a puck, a rink, and a 26″ x 18″ mat. It’s perfect for hands-on fun and imaginative play for hockey fans of all ages. Plus, it’s easy to clean up and portable, making it a great gift for any young hockey lover.
32. Tim Horton’s Hockey Barbie Doll
Leave it to Barbie to come out with another fun hockey toy for girls, this time in collaboration with Canada’s favorite coffee and fast-food chain, Tim Hortons. Our daughter doesn’t have this one yet, but I heard Santa Claus will be bringing one this Christmas! It’s great to see Barbie continuing to show that girls can be just as involved in the game, and this partnership with Tim Hortons makes it even more special. I’m sure this will be a hit in our house!
33. NHL-Opoly Junior Board Game
I’ve always loved any Monopoly-style game, and a hockey version that I get to play with the kids? That takes the cake! NHL-OPOLY Junior might just be my personal favorite game right now to play with the whole family. It’s a fun board game for kids aged 6 and up where you customize your piece, collect players, and aim to win the Stanley Cup—all while trying to avoid the Penalty Box. It’s the perfect mix of classic board game fun and hockey excitement!
34. Ice Hockey Activity Book For Kids
This is another book we bought for our little ones to get them excited about reading while dreaming of hockey. Ice Hockey Activity Book for Kids is a super cute interactive activity book that they really love! It is perfect for kids aged 4-8, combining fun ice hockey-themed puzzles, counting, and challenges to help them develop their skills. It’s the perfect mix of learning and play, and it keeps them engaged while fueling their love for the game!
35. Playmobil NHL Advent Calendar: Road To The Cup
Growing up, my parents always bought me advent calendars for the holidays, usually filled with either candy or Legos, and it’s been fun to share that tradition with my own kids. Now, there are even more awesome options out there, like Playmobil’s NHL Advent Calendar. Each day, the kids get a new surprise, from hockey figures to accessories—even the Stanley Cup! It makes counting down to Christmas even more exciting, especially with the added fun of puck-firing action. It’s a great way to bring some holiday cheer and hockey fun into the season!
36. Table Top Rod Hockey Game
The Franklin Sports Table Top Rod Hockey Game has been a great addition to our house. It’s affordable, simple to set up, and perfect for some quick indoor hockey fun. The kids really enjoy it, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.
37. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Puck
We don’t have this book yet, but according to reviews, it sounds amazing, so I had to add it to the list. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Puck is a funny rhyming story where an old lady swallows everything from a hockey game, like the puck and the players! Reviews say kids love the silly story and hockey fun, making it great for reading out loud. I’m sure it would be a big hit in our house!
38. Playmobil NHL Take Along Arena
We love these portable Playmobil sets because they’re easy to clean up and pack away when playtime’s over. And the kids? Well, they love them because it gives them something fun to do at family get-togethers—keeping them happily occupied while the adults catch up. The Playmobil NHL Take Along Arena is great for game night, and it folds out into an exciting hockey game with customizable player numbers, three figures, an arena, a goal net, and all the hockey gear needed for hours of fun on the go. It’s a perfect way to keep the kids entertained wherever we are!
39. My First Book of Hockey
This wasn’t our kids’ very first hockey book, but it was definitely one of their first, and it turned out to be a great resource for them to learn about the game early on. My First Book of Hockey is a fun, kid-friendly guide that explains the basics of hockey with action photos, simple text, and cool graphics. It’s perfect for young readers (and even adults!) to dive into the game together. It’s a book that made it easy and fun for our kids to start understanding the sport they love!
40. Rod Hockey Game
The Deluxe Rod Hockey Game is a great 40″ tabletop game with electronic scoring that I had the chance to play at a game store in Boston. It’s similar to the classic bubble hockey games but much more affordable. Although I’d love to have a game like this at home for myself and the kids, we don’t have the room for it. But I know plenty of people do, and it would be a fantastic addition to any home, especially for those lucky enough to have a game room!
41. Bubble Hockey Table
The NHL Super Chexx Pro Bubble Hockey is definitely on the pricier side and a bit out of our budget, but it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve loved this game ever since I was a kid, back when the original USSR vs. USA version was at the arcade. Now, whenever we head up to the hotel at Burke Mountain in Vermont, we play it with the kids—it’s always a blast. The modern version brings all the fun of classic tabletop hockey to your home, and you can customize it with your favorite teams, logos, and colors to make it extra special. I know plenty of people have wanted one of these since they were kids, too, which is why it’s on the list—it’s a dream addition for any hockey fan!
