Starbox Nook Nooks have been named one of The Toy Insider's Hottest Toys of 2026, with the collectible featured in the guide's 12 Under $20 list and showcased on the TODAY show. It is a surprise blind box collectible for ages 3+: each box opens to reveal a tiny animal friend inside its own LED light-up home, with six Nook Nooks to find plus a super-rare chase figure.
The Toy Insider is one of the most trusted toy guides for parents and gift-givers, so making its 2026 list is a genuine vote of confidence, and a handy shortcut for families deciding what to buy this year. Here is what Nook Nooks are, what is inside each box, why they made the list, who they suit, and where to buy them.
What are Starbox Nook Nooks?
Starbox Nook Nooks are collectible mini figures that live inside LED light-up themed homes. Each blind box is a surprise unboxing: you open it to discover a cute animal friend, such as a capybara, bunny or penguin, nestled in its own tiny world built from everyday objects like a retro TV, a washing machine, a fridge, a clock or a computer. The homes light up, decorate and display together.
There are six Nook Nooks to collect, plus one super-rare chase figure hidden in the range, seven in all. Each set comes with its animal, a light-up home, and accessories to decorate and rearrange. Nook Nooks are designed for ages 3 and up, and batteries are included, so the lights work straight out of the box.
Every little creature has a cozy nook to call home. Part of the fun is that the homes are made from familiar household objects turned into snug living spaces, so a sleepy capybara might soak in a washing machine while a curious penguin settles into a fridge. It is as much about imagining the little world as it is about collecting.
What is inside a Nook Nooks blind box?
Each Starbox Nook Nooks blind box contains one collectible animal figure, one LED light-up themed home, and a set of accessories to decorate the scene. Because it is a blind box, the character and home are a surprise until you open it. That mystery is a big part of the appeal: half the fun is not knowing which friend you are about to meet.
Collectible animal figure: One cute animal friend, such as a capybara, bunny, penguin, dog or cat
LED light-up home: A themed mini home that glows, from retro TVs and washing machines to fridges, clocks and computers
Accessories: Furniture, plants and extras to decorate and rearrange the scene
Collection: Six Nook Nooks to find, plus one super-rare chase figure
Recommended age: 3 years and up
Batteries: Included (3 x LR44)
Why were Nook Nooks named a hot toy of 2026?
Nook Nooks were chosen for The Toy Insider's 2026 Holiday Gift Guide because they bring together three things kids love right now: the thrill of a surprise unboxing, highly collectible mini characters, and a hands-on light-up world to decorate and display. They also land at an accessible price, which earned them a place in the guide's 12 Under $20 list, around US$13 per blind box (about US$12.97 to US$12.99) according to The Toy Insider.
The Toy Insider's 21st annual Holiday Gift Guide brings together 400 toys from more than 190 toymakers, with standouts spotlighted across three signature lists: the Hot 20, the STEM 10, and the 12 Under $20. The guide was revealed on the third hour of TODAY by The Toy Insider's editor-in-chief, Ali Mierzejewski. To make any of these lists, a toy has to stand out against hundreds of others, so it is worth a look when you are choosing a gift.
What makes Nook Nooks so collectible?
Blind box collectibles and small-world play are two of the biggest trends in kids' toys right now, and Nook Nooks bring both together. Not knowing which one you will get makes every box a little event, and the super-rare chase figure gives collectors a reason to keep hunting. With six standard designs plus the rare figure, a full set feels achievable but still has that one special piece to chase.
The light-up homes give kids more to do than just collect. They can decorate each nook, mix and match rooms across different sets, and line them up into a glowing little neighbourhood of tiny homes. Because there is always something to arrange and display, a Nook Nook tends to stay in play rather than get opened once and forgotten.
How do you collect and display Nook Nooks?
The simplest way to start is with a single blind box, then add more to work towards the full set of six plus the super-rare figure. Because the homes are designed to sit together, kids can group them on a shelf, a windowsill or a desk and switch the lights on to bring the scene to life. The accessories inside each box mean every nook can be styled differently, so no two collections look exactly alike.
The sets mix well across the range too. Rooms and pieces swap between homes, so kids can rearrange their tiny worlds as the collection grows, and trade any duplicates with friends. There is plenty to do long after the box is opened.
Who are Nook Nooks best for?
Nook Nooks are best for young collectors aged 3 and up who love surprise toys, cute animals and small-world play. They make an easy, affordable gift, which is why they sit in The Toy Insider's 12 Under $20 list, so they work well as a stocking stuffer, a party favour, a pocket-money treat, or a first step into collecting for kids who enjoy unboxing and displaying their finds.
They are also a good fit for families who want a toy that lasts beyond the first five minutes. The combination of collecting, decorating and displaying gives children an ongoing reason to come back to their nooks, and the accessible price makes it easy to add to the collection over time rather than all at once.
Where can you buy Starbox Nook Nooks?
Starbox Nook Nooks are available at major toy retailers and online for the 2026 season. Visit the ZURU Toys Where To Buy page to find your nearest stockist or preferred online retailer.
Frequently asked questions
What are Starbox Nook Nooks?
Starbox Nook Nooks are collectible blind box mini figures for ages 3+. Each box reveals a surprise animal friend inside its own LED light-up themed home, built from everyday objects like a TV, fridge or washing machine. There are six to collect, plus a super-rare chase figure.
Did Nook Nooks win a toy award in 2026?
Starbox Nook Nooks were named one of The Toy Insider's Hottest Toys of 2026 and featured in the guide's 12 Under $20 list. The 2026 Holiday Gift Guide was revealed on the third hour of TODAY by The Toy Insider's editor-in-chief, Ali Mierzejewski.
How many Nook Nooks are there to collect?
There are six Starbox Nook Nooks to collect in Series 1, plus one super-rare chase figure hidden in the range, seven in all. Each set comes with its own animal, a light-up home and accessories.
What age are Nook Nooks for?
Starbox Nook Nooks are recommended for children aged 3 years and up. They contain small parts, so they are not suitable for children under 3.
Do Nook Nooks light up, and do they need batteries?
Yes. Each Nook Nook home has LED lights that glow to bring the scene to life. Batteries are included (3 x LR44), so the lights work straight out of the box.
How much do Nook Nooks cost?
Starbox Nook Nooks were featured in The Toy Insider's 12 Under $20 list, priced at around US$13 per blind box (about US$12.97 to US$12.99) according to The Toy Insider and retailer listings. Prices vary by retailer. Visit the ZURU Toys Where To Buy page for current stockists.
Where can I buy Starbox Nook Nooks?
Starbox Nook Nooks are available at major toy retailers and online. Visit the ZURU Toys Where To Buy page to find a stockist near you.
