The Hottest Toy of the Year Is Less Than $30 on Amazon Right Now

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Every year, the Good Housekeeping Institute brings in a dozen or so kids to test toys in person in our offices. (It's a tough gig, but someone's gotta do it.) And every year, before we've had a chance to put away all the game-board pieces that have been strewn across the room and clean up the slime that has oozed over the tables, people start asking me which toy the kids liked the most.

This year, I didn't even have to think about it. One toy revealed itself to be the most coveted plaything: the Monster Jam Chomping Megalodon RC.Kids of all ages, from the very smallest to the tweens, all clamored for a turn. It was so popular, we had to bring out a second one and get two running at the same time. Then the kids would play with them until the charge ran out, we'd juice them up again, and they'd do it all over again.

And right now, savvy shoppers can get a jump on their holiday lists and grab the Megalodon at an incredible deal—if they take one step before they check out. Click on the Amazon coupon, and it can be had for just $26.99, which means it's 46% off the full price.For shoppers who don't click the coupon box, it comes up as being $45, or a discount of just 10%.

The main draw is the creature's flapping jaws, and kids had fun trying to get it to chomp down on some of the other toys that were out for play. (Sorry, KPop Demon Hunters, for the shark bites!)

It also comes with a chain attached, which can be used like a leash, or can attach to something like a chair leg to keep the beast caged. But—watch out!—the chain can break (and reattach, and break again), which shows just how powerful the Megalodon can be. But the real fun is when it goes into "Unpredictable Beast Mode," when it snaps its jaws, does wheelies, or spins like a tornado.The shark charges with a USB-C, but two AAA batteries are needed for the remote.

It's good for kids ages 4 and up. "My kid played with it for hours and didn't get bored," one mom of a 5-year-old kid who tested the toy at home told the Good Housekeeping Institute. "One of the best things about it is that it works great both indoors and outdoors.He drove it on grass, the street, the sidewalk, hardwood floors, and even carpet without any problems."

"The quality is really impressive too," she added. "Even after lots of crashes, bumps, and running it into the walls, it held up really well.It's definitely a sturdy toy that's made to handle rough play!"

"Being in control of the remote-control shark made him feel independent," said another mom, the parent of a 7-year-old in-person tester. "He liked that the vehicle flipped upside down and was pretty fast compared to others we've tried."

The deal that's going on right now is just the cherry on top of the sundae, in my opinion. After combing through the feedback from the in-person kid testers, the at-home kid testers, and even the parents, this toy is one that's worth it at full price.

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