Dinosaur Toys: Realistic Figures, T. rex Toys and Remote-Control Dinos

The best dinosaur toy depends on age. Under 3, pick chunky toys labeled for that age, with no small parts. From about 4, realistic figures from Schleich, Papo and PNSO suit young collectors, and T. rex figures lead most ranges. Older kids often want remote-control dinosaurs, LEGO sets or Jurassic World figures.

This hub covers figures, T. rex toys and remote-control dinosaurs, with the safety labels that matter for each age. For the rest of our gift ideas, start at the dinosaur gifts guide by age and interest.

Which dinosaur toy fits which age?

Age grades are the maker’s call, not ours. They reflect safety testing as well as play level, so read the label on the package rather than a listing title.

Our guides to dinosaur gifts for toddlers and dinosaur gifts for kids 6 to 12 go further for each age band.

What safety labels should dinosaur toys have?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bans small parts in toys intended for children under 3. A small part is anything that fits entirely into a test cylinder sized like a young child’s throat. The ban also covers pieces that break off during use and abuse testing.

Toys with small parts that are meant for children from 3 to under 6 must carry a choking hazard warning, under 16 CFR 1500.19. That warning is a strong hint that a toy should stay away from a younger sibling.

What are the best realistic dinosaur figures?

Realistic figures are the classic gift for the young collector. Three makers are well known for them.

Schleich

Schleich’s Dinosaurs range on its U.S. store includes dozens of figurines plus playsets. Its Triceratops (15050) is hand-painted, measures about 4.7 by 1.4 by 2.0 inches, and is listed for ages 4 to 12. The figure shows the animal grazing, head lowered, with its horns and neck shield.

The real Triceratops was far bigger. The Natural History Museum lists it at about 9 m long and 10,000 kg, a plant eater from the USA that lived 68 to 66 million years ago.

Papo

Papo, a French figurine maker, describes its dinosaur collection as realistic and hand-painted, made for children as well as collectors. Its Allosaurus figurine (55078) is about 24.5 cm long and 10.5 cm tall, and Papo lists it for ages 3 and older.

PNSO

PNSO figures are closely tied to the work of the Chinese paleoartist Zhao Chuang, according to the UK retailer Everything Dinosaur, which stocks the range. The packaging carries his scientific artwork. PNSO appeals to teens and adults who want accurate display models, so check the age on the box before giving one to a young child.

Which T. rex toy should I buy?

Tyrannosaurus rex is the figure most kids ask for first. The Natural History Museum lists it at about 12 m long and 7,000 kg, with around 60 saw-edged teeth. It lived in Canada and the USA from 68 to 66 million years ago.

For preschoolers, a chunky licensed figure is easier to hold than a slim realistic one. Fisher-Price lists its Imaginext Jurassic World Rebirth Tyrannosaurus Rex (JFJ65) at about 8 inches, for ages 3 and up. A push button makes the head lunge. Our Jurassic World toys guide covers the full Mattel range.

For school-age collectors, realistic T. rex figures from Schleich, Papo and PNSO come in several poses and sizes. For builders, LEGO makes T. rex sets at many levels; see dinosaur LEGO sets.

Are remote-control dinosaurs worth it?

Remote-control and walking dinosaurs suit kids who want action rather than a figure to pose. They are a good fit for birthdays at 6 and up, when a child can steer and handle charging.

Check three things before buying:

• Power. Some run on AA cells, some on a built-in rechargeable battery, and many remotes use button cells.
• Battery doors. Button or coin cell compartments must be secured under Reese’s Law. A screw on the door is a good sign.
• Age label. Many remote-control toys include small parts, so the choking hazard warning should appear when they do.

What other dinosaur toys make good gifts?

Figures are only one way into the hobby. Match the toy to the child’s interest:

• The builder: LEGO sets range from simple 4+ builds to large fossil models. See dinosaur LEGO sets.
• The movie fan: Mattel makes the Jurassic World figures and playsets. See Jurassic World toys.
• The cuddler: soft dinosaurs and weighted plush for bedtime. See dinosaur plush.
• The young paleontologist: excavation bricks and dig eggs. See dinosaur dig kits.

Figures also make good party favors and stocking stuffers, since small figures fit a gift bag. Check that favors for a mixed-age party are safe for the youngest guest.

How do I buy dinosaur toys safely on eBay?

• Buy new, in the maker’s packaging, so the age grade and warnings are on the box.
• Read the age on the package photos, not the listing title.
• Check the maker and item number against the maker’s own page when a listing names one.
• Read seller feedback and the returns policy before you buy.

Dinosaur Gifts is not affiliated with Universal, Amblin, Mattel or the LEGO Group; product names are trademarks of their owners.