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The top 15 toys for Christmas 2026

The big day is just six weeks away!

The 15 toys on the experts list they say are the hottest toys for Christmas 2026
Author: Andrea FoxPublished 11th Nov 2026

A list of the hottest toys to find under the tree this festive season, has been revealed. An expert panel has formed the DreamToys 2026 list featuring 15 toys and games.

NeeDoh Swirl Niceberg Bigjigs Toys £13.99

NeeDoh Swirl Niceberg Bigjigs Toys £13.99


The top 15 toys for Christmas 2026
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Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul Moose Toys £29.99


Melissa Symonds, Executive Director, UK Toys at Circana says the toy industry is in a great place:

"The UK toy market is up 13% in value for the first nine months of the year and some of these toys are great examples of the categories such as building sets, vehicles, sensory toys, traditional games that are all driving the toy market."

The market is showing the fastest growth rate in more than 10 years, and is worth £4.58bn for the 12 months from September 2025.

Melissa is on of those who helped my up the list, along with Geoff Sheffield, Chairman of Toy Retailers Association. He says the main take away from the list is a lack of focus on screens:

"Most of these toys aren't, you know, engaging screens. It's about being creative, engaging with the product, letting your own personality shine through."

According to research most shoppers would rather see the product in store in person. The Insights Family, say more than three-quarters (76%) of parents say they spend more in-store than online, up from 71% in 2024.

With the cost of living crisis affecting everything, that includes toys, though Geoff says inflation hasn't affected toys as much as some other items:

"The average price of these top 15 this year is three pound higher than it was last year, which, you know, given everything else that's gone up in that time, that's not bad.

"And actually the average toy price is just over £10 pounds this year, and last year was £13. So I guess it's a reflection of what's happening and what's driving the market. But I think we've got a good spread for all pockets."

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