Walmart WonderLab In 2023: The Ultimate Interactive Toy Experience

Walmart WonderLab is an exciting new digital platform that allows kids to test virtual 3D renderings of the most popular toys for 2022. Through voice commands and interactive buttons, children can bringtoy prototypes to life and try out features as official Walmart toy testers. This innovative virtual playground makes it easy for kids to preview and add the most sought-after toys to their wishlists to share with parents and gift-givers.

What is Walmart WonderLab?

Walmart WonderLab serves as an interactive virtual toy testing ground where kids can play with 3D models of newly released toys through tablets, computers, or laptops before the products hit Walmart shelves. Children take on the official Walmart toy tester role to unbox digital versions of dolls, playsets, vehicles and more using specialized voice commands and on-screen controls.

This digital experience allows kids to experiment and engage with the hottest toys in a completely virtual setting. Kids can activate features, check out accessories, view demo videos, and add favorite toys to wishlists to seamlessly share gift ideas with parents. Walmart partnered with tech company Eko to create WonderLab as a futuristic approach to toy buying.

Benefits of Virtual Toy Testing

As an experienced ecommerce seller, I‘ve found that enabling customers to interact with product models virtually reduces purchasing risk and drives better conversion rates. Walmart‘s WonderLab offers the following key benefits:

• Allows more informed toy selection with no financial risk
• Gives parents and gift-givers certainty on which toys kids prefer
• Provides entertainment and hours of engagement for kids
• Showcases Walmart‘s toy inventory and brand partnerships
• Helps Walmart gather data to optimize future inventory
• Leverages interactivity and technology to modernize toy shopping

In 2022, the average shopper wants more product education and customization before buying. Immersive digital experiences like Walmart WonderLab cater to these needs in the toy market.

Top Toy Trends for 2022

Based on insights from toy industry analysts, here are the top toy categories expected to dominate holiday sales this year:

Interactive and customizable toys along with favorites from movies like Jurassic World and Paw Patrol will also rank among the most in-demand toys this holiday season.

Walmart WonderLab 2022 Toy Lineup

Here is a preview of the major toy brands and products featured in Walmart WonderLab this year:

Imagination Igniting Toys

• Barbie Extra Doll & Vanity Playset – $59
• LEGO Friends Amusement Park Roller Coaster – $99
• Nerf Elite 2.0 Motoblitz CS 10 – $59
• Bluey Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse – $89

Creativity Boosting Toys

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Art Easel – $49
• Crayola Ultimate Creativity Station – $39
• KiwiCo Maker Crate STEM Projects – $25/month
• Osmo Creative Kit for iPad – $99

Outdoor Fun

• Jetson Bolt Folding E-Bike – $398
• ZURU X-Shot Excel Crusher – $19
• Green Toys Rocket Ship Set – $20
• PlayMonster Kinetic Sand – $20

Plush Pets

• FurReal Poopsy Panda – $50
• Fisher Price Butterscotch Pony – $60
• Disney’s Raya Tuk Tuk Plush – $15
• Squeakee The Balloon Dino – $70

And much more! With over 50 top toys, Walmart WonderLab allows kids to explore the latest and greatest toy releases through an engaging virtual experience.

How Parents Can Access Walmart WonderLab

Parents can easily access Walmart WonderLab by visiting walmartwonderlab.com. Simply click or tap "Start Testing Toys" to enter the interactive playground. No apps, accounts or passwords needed to gain access.

Kids can get started exploring and wishlisting toys right away. The site works best through Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge using a tablet, computer or smartphone. Walmart designed the experience with kids ages 3 to 12 years old in mind. But children of any age are welcome to play and test toys!

Tips for Parents

Here are a few tips to make the most of Walmart WonderLab:

• Have kids test a broad range of toys like puzzles, action figures, musical instruments etc.

• Check the site regularly as new toys are added frequently

• Let kids play for extended periods to thoroughly evaluate toys

• Compare similar toys like different playsets or dolls in a series

• Encourage kids to explain why they liked certain toys best

• Finalize wishlists 1-2 months before the holidays as the hottest toys sell out

• Use wishlists to shop for approved toys online or in-store with ease

• Refer back to wishlists for birthday and other gifting occasions

• Follow Walmart on social media for WonderLab updates and promotions

The Future of Virtual Toy Shopping

Walmart is leveraging technology to reinvent the toy buying experience in new ways. Retail analysts predict more immersive interactive shopping across all product categories in the coming years.

It‘s likely we‘ll see virtual and augmented reality integrated into top retailers’ mobile apps and websites. As shopping increasingly shifts online, companies like Walmart are investing in digital tools that allow customers to better evaluate products from home.

Interactive try-before-you-buy experiences reduce purchasing friction and returns. For sellers, virtual platforms provide valuable product testing feedback and customer data to maximize sales.

In the future, imagine kids slipping on VR headsets to play with true-to-life virtual toy replicas or entering interactive metaverse toy stores. Walmart is positioning itself now to lead toy retail in emerging experiential shopping frontiers.

Conclusion

With Walmart WonderLab, kids can take the official toy tester title to unbox and play with 3D models of the latest dolls, games, vehicles and more. This virtual toy playground makes wishlist creation and holiday gift shopping seamless for the entire family. By leveraging interactive ecommerce technology, Walmart is enhancing toy discovery and evaluation for the next generation of shoppers.