There's no getting around it -- the year 2020 has had more than its fair share of life-changing issues. However, ready or not, Christmas is on its way -- and children, with all their natural resilience will still be writing their wish lists and letters to Santa.

Chris Byrne, known internationally as "The Toy Guy," says he anticipates the trend toward lower-priced toys will continue. "Significantly this is a trend that has been going on for a couple of years as such lines as L.O.L. Surprise!, Shopkins, 5 Surprise Mini Brands and many others are among the best sellers in the business -- and are under $20," he says. "Even prices of the traditionally $100-plus items, like interactive pets have come down under that threshold."

For example, Byrne describes FurReal Mama Josie the Kangaroo Pet as "an adorable interactive kangaroo that comes with three joeys, one of which has a surprise gender reveal." These FurReal pets are big hits around the holidays. "And now the price has come way down ($69.99) and the play has gone way up," says Byrne.

For girls, American Girl dolls are often high on the request list. "Looking forward to the Summer Olympics, which has been postponed to 2021, the brand is proud to celebrate and cheer on our country's amazing athletes," says Queen Stevenson, who represents American Girl. The exclusive doll sets feature 18-inch doll-sized Team USA gear for the following six summer sports: gymnastics, soccer, swimming, track and field, softball and beach volleyball. A Team USA Medal Ceremony Set and a girl-sized Team USA "Go for the Goal" Tee will help young fans gear up for next year's celebrations.

"This is actually going to be a big year for dolls," Byrne says. He is impressed with The Fresh Dolls, which is an entire line of African American and multicultural dolls developed by Dr. Lisa Williams. These dolls are designed to bring authenticity to the representation of both women and men. "I think these are really significant this year as they allow African American children to see the real beauty of people like them and engage in truly aspirational fashion play."

For a big purchase for a little one, Byrne suggests a ride-on Real Rigs Recycling Truck. "Kids love garbage trucks," he says. "This recycling truck has a big personality, featuring over 100 interactive sayings, sound effects, songs and expressions. It provides the perfect blend of fun and safety."

For the very young, little "Baby Shark" enthusiasts will adore Pinkfong Baby Shark Dancing DJ. This little guy comes programmed with five different "Baby Shark" remixes. When baby dances, so does Baby Shark. His body rocks back and forth and his fins flap to the music.

Learning and keeping busy at home has been another theme this year, and it is something that will likely continue for a while. "Look for arts and crafts, construction, collectibles and other activity sets to be strong sellers," Byrne says. Popping up on several Top Toys lists is the STEAM Lab Paper Flower Science Kit from Crayola. "I just love this for the combination of science and arts and crafts. Kids make paper flowers and then set the wicking stem into a colored solution. They watch as the color is taken up through the stem and into the petals. There is a whole collection of these sets. "

Another toy that's sure to be a hit is the Playmobil Back to the Future Delorean. This set came out earlier this year, just in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the movie "Back to the Future." "This has been a huge hit with kids -- and especially adult collectors," Byrne says. "We are seeing a lot of toys bought for adults. But this is also great from intergenerational play as kids and parents play together."

If a family is really in need of some silliness, Byrne recommends Deer Pong from Hasbro. "Every year or so, we get one of these absolutely ridiculous games that are just off-the-hook silly," he says. "This is that game for 2020. This is hilariously dumb."

Byrne anticipates that toy sales may, in fact, be up this holiday season, as parents "are very eager to have the holidays seem as normal as possible," says Byrne. "And with some holiday traditions on hold for this year, some of that money is likely to go into toy purchases."