Karen Silas
What are the top toys for Christmas for girls or boys? Amazon, Mattel, Selfridges, Nickelodeon, John Lewis & Hamleys list the hottest, most popular kids toys to gift for Christmas 2020: LOL Surprise, Paw Patrol, Marvel, STEM, Monopoly & more
There are just DAYS until Christmas – and with the clock ticking on the countdown to the festive season, it’s now or never to get shopping! Choosing the most joy-inducing Christmas gifts for our kids isn’t always easy, so every gift guide shortcut is welcome. Retailers like Amazon and toy brands like Mattel are thankfully making it easy with their Top Toys for Christmas 2020 lists, revealing the toys that boys and girls are most asking Santa for this year.
We're making toy shopping even more simple for you by giving you ALL the key trending toy lists from retailers and brands including Amazon, Amazon UK, Nickelodeon, Hamleys, Selfridges, Mattel and John Lewis right here!
SHOP MORE BEST GIFTS FOR KIDS:
Beyond toys: Christmas gifts for kids that they will definitely love
20 last minute bargain toys that will arrive before Christmas: LOL, Monopoly and more
14 best Christmas jumpers for kids
And what are the top toys for Christmas 2020? Experts have studied the latest toy trends in order to serve up helpful lists predicting the most popular toys and games.
RELATED: 19 amazing stocking fillers for everyone in the whole family
On these lists, you’ll find red hot buys for LOL Surprise, Paw Patrol, Playmobil, Star Wars, Barbie and LEGO, as well as everything from cutting edge STEM gifts for the science-loving kid in your life to family classic games like Monopoly, Uno and Top Trumps. You'll find teaching toys about everything from the environment to emotions, and interactive pets, too, are a BIG trend for this year. The toys this year are truly amazing - there's even an animatronic Baby Yoda on the list!
MORE: Check out our latest gift guides for him, her, royal fans, teens and more
With social distancing measures likely to be in place, online shopping is definitely the way to go to get ahead of Christmas shopping. We're covering the trending toys available in both the UK and the US, so be sure to get shopping before these red hot toys sell out!
Amazon UK's Top Toys for Christmas 2020
On 1 October, Amazon UK released its Top Toys for 2020 list with expert predictions about what children will have on their wish lists this year. LOL dolls and Paw Patrol are among the toys dominating this year, alongside classics like UNO and some new trends, like digital video cameras for your future social media star.
Fans of the Mandalorian will love this animatronic version of The Child a.k.a. Baby Yoda – with over 25 sound and motion combinations, it's just like having the adorable Star Wars star at home!
Animatronic Baby Yoda, from £80.68/$78.99, Amazon
This version of the popular L.O.L. Surprise! range has 50 surprises and also transforms into a plane, car, recording studio and mixing booth.
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane £89.99/$89, Amazon
For kids aged 3 and up, the Dino Patroller is a cool motorised team vehicle that comes with a Chase figure and a T-Rex
Paw Patrol Dino Rescue, £64.99/$53.99, Amazon
Have a future media star in your life? They'll love this creator cam, which includes an HD video recorder (and 20 virtual backgrounds) a mini tripod/handle and a wrist strap and is for kids aged 5 and up
VTech KidiZoom, £59.99/$79.95, Amazon
Interactive pets are one of the hottest toys of the year, and this one is so realistic it actually will enthusiastically unbox itself!
Present Pets Fancy Puppy Interactive Toy, £54.99/$49.99, Amazon
Classic Uno gets a fun and fast-paced twist thanks to the 'UNO Showdown unit' that sends cards flying!
Mattel Games Uno Showdown, £16/$22.84, Amazon
This interactive Balloon Dog will be your household's most unusual pet, with over 60 sounds and dog-like movements
Squeakee The Balloon Dog, £59.99/$79.99, Amazon
Star Wars The Mandalorian is one of Christmas 2020's most popular toy themes. This LEGO transport shuttle for boys and girls aged 10 and up comes with three mini figures, including The Child aka Baby Yoda
LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship Toy, £119.99, Amazon
Barbie's slogan is 'You can be anything' – and in this case the iconic doll is a cuisine-savvy businesswoman running her own food truck! It comes with a colourful food truck PLUS 30 accessories from appliances like a fryer and blender to a menu board, pots, utensils and serving trays, food items and of course seating for clients
Barbie Food Truck, £49.99/$43.92, Amazon
A new generation is ready to enjoy the adventures of Marty McFly in Back to the Future – and this Playmobil set puts kids in the driver's seat! The 1980s film's time-travelling DeLorean comes complete with Marty, Doc and Einstein the dog figures and the wheels of the car fold up to switch to 'flight mode'
Playmobil Back to the Future DeLorean Toy, £49.99/$49.99, Amazon
Amazon U.S.'s Top Toys We Love list
Amazon experts in America have also studied up on what kids will be asking Santa for in 2020, compiling the Amazon Toys We Love 2020 list to reveal the top toys for Christmas. It seems kids everywhere are on the same page this year with L.O.L., interactive pets and Baby Yoda-themed toys all making appearances.
Amazon’s top toys: Boys & girls aged 0-2 years
Your little one can give you some 'help' around the house with this realistic toy vacuum
Dyson Toy vacuum, Was £25/$39.99 NOW £17.99/$26.99, Amazon
LEGO is always a bit hit for the holiday season – and we love this model of Princess Ariel's home under the sea
LEGO Disney Princess Ariel’s Undersea Castle, £24.99/$38.95 Amazon
Amazon’s top toys: Boys & girls aged 3-5 years
This lively pink flamingo doesn't just sing – it also mimics what you say, eats, wiggles and poops!
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo, £25.98/$19.34, Amazon
Encourage your child's inner musician with this 10-piece musical instrument set
Melissa & Doug Band in a Box, Was £19.67, NOW £17.60, Amazon
Realistic toy pets are definitely a Christmas 2020 trend, and Amazon predicts the special child in your life will love this dog that they will need to feed, walk and clean up after, preparing them for a real-life furry companion
furReal Poopalots Big Wags Interactive Pet Toy, £19.99/$19.97, Amazon
Every bow-bedecked box contains a party-themed L.O.L. doll plus 8 surprises including shoes, fashion, accessories and more – collect all 12 dolls!
L.O.L. Surprise! Doll plus 8 accessories, £11.99/$10.88, Amazon
Your child can take their Bluey figures for a ride in the Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle, which comes with one Bandit figure plus 2 Surfboards that fit in the roof rack
Bluey 4WD family vehicle, £34.99/$32.88, Amazon
Amazon’s top toys: Boys & girls aged 6-8 years
If a lifelike, fully-moving animatronic Baby Yoda is a bit too much, this 11-inch cuddly version of the Mandalorian breakout star is also set to be a huge hit with kids this Christmas
Baby Yoda plush toy, £24.99/$18.49, Amazon
The newest incarnation of Barbie – the Fashionista – comes in 35 skin tones, multiple body types, including differently-abled dolls, and 94 different hairstyles so there's one for every child to see themselves reflected at playtime. Every doll, of course is super stylish, wearing the latest trends and don't worry, there are lots of Kens to choose from too!
Barbie Fashionista doll, from £9.95/$7.88, Amazon
Described as a combination logic game, marble run, and STEM toy, the Gravity Maze, which consists of a game grid, nine towers, a target piece and three marbles, is fun for the whole family. The brain game has 60 challenges, ranging from beginner to expert, and is great for anyone aged eight and up
ThinkFun Gravity Maze, £39.20/$29.99, Amazon
This cool gift combines two of today's kids' favourite things – LEGO and Minecraft – in a 562-piece set that will ignite their imaginations. Suitable for kids 8+.
LEGO Minecraft The Illager Raid, £64.97/$68, Amazon
Amazon’s top toys: Boys & girls aged 9-11 years
A collection of over 15 no-fuss science and STEM experiments to do at home, from creating water tornadoes or an erupting volcano, to growing a crystal
National Geographic Earth Science Kit, £34.99/$29.99, Amazon
A no-sew DIY quilt kit to create a super soft fleece blanket
Fleece quilt kit, £25.54/$19.99, Amazon
Relive the adventures of Star Wars at home with this five-strong collection featuring R2-D2, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and Luke Skywalker
Star Wars Celebrate The Saga Toys Rebel Alliance Figure Set, £29.99/$29.99, Amazon
Amazon’s top toys for boys & girls aged 12+
Could this game BE any more fun? This Monopoly board with a Friends twist features properties like Central Perk and tokens like Monica's chef's hat and Phoebe's guitar.
'Friends' the TV Series Monopoly, £20/$22.75, Amazon
The festive season's hottest card game involves throwing soft foam burritos at them – we think it's pretty clear that kids will love to play this new take on dodgeball
Throw Throw Burrito game, £19.99/$24.99, Amazon
Nickelodeon's Top Toys 2020
A twist on the classic fishing game for kids aged four and up, the Baby Shark Song plays as up to four players try to catch the fish while the gameboard spins
Baby Shark Fishing Game, £14.99/$23.24, Amazon
This colourful bicycle, emblazoned with images from kids' favourite Paw Patrol, converts from a training bike to a balance bike
Paw Patrol Bike, £49.37, Amazon
This version of the classic card game is inspired by young YouTube star Ryan Kaji's 'Ryan's World'
Ryan’s World Top Trumps, £4.99/$11.99, Amazon
With 'Top Gun 2' – the sequel to the classic 1986 Tom Cruise jet fighter flick – set for a Christmastime release, kids' excitement will soar with this model aircraft from the action-packed film
Top Gun Mavericks F-18 Hornet Model Aircraft, £34.78/$40.08, Amazon
Selfridges Top Toys for Christmas 2020
Selfridges has presented its prediction for the top-selling toys this Christmas, with a range of picks from collectibles to invest in to sustainable toys and modern classics like Barbie and Peppa Pig.
The Keel Eco collection features sweet plush toys, each depicting an endangered species – and even better, every toy is made from 100% recycled materials
Keel Eco Snow Leopard soft toy, £15, Selfridges
Peppa Pig's shopping centre includes a lift and working microphone to make important announcements for shoppers!
Peppa Pig Shopping Centre Activity Set, £40/$45, Selfridges
These pop music inspired LOL dolls – which include Honeylicious, Pop BB, Kitty K and Lonestar – come with two outfits, plus the packaging converts into a wind-up turntable to play the enclosed pink record
Honeylicious LOL Remix doll, more doll styles available, £40/$45, Selfridges
LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario starter set, £50/$56, Selfridges
With three floors, a garden, rooftop pool you can fill with water and working lift, PLUS more than 70 accessories from furniture to pets, Barbie's battery-operated dream house is definitely a dream Christmas gift!
Barbie Dream House playset, £290/$325, Selfridges
This LEGO Lamborghini is a collectible toy that's a great gift for grown-ups too, suitable for ages 16 and up
LEGO® Technic™ 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 set, £350/$395, Selfridges
Mattel's Top Toys for 2020
Like Amazon, the famed toy brand has both UNO Showdown and Barbie Fashionista dolls on their hot list – plus some more covetable toys like these...
The Linkimals range of learning toys includes various toys – including the Smooth Moves Sloth that lights up, plays music and more – for babies and toddlers aged nine months and up. You can also check out more characters from the line, including Play Together Panda, Happy Shapes Hedgehog and Counting Koala
Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth, £34.99 NOW £22.50, Amazon
Toddlers can get the garden-to-table experience with this educational and fun toy, which includes 30 play pieces, as well as lights and music as kids learn how to prep and plate their own homegrown 'meals'
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the Fun Garden to Kitchen, £60, Amazon
Kids will love this Thomas the Tank Engine train set with a remote-controlled Thomas – they can load, unload and transform cargo and visit multiple Sodor locations
Thomas & Friends Mad Dash On Sodor Set, £74.99, Amazon
This isn't your mum and dad's Pictionary! The 2020 version of the classic game includes a hi-tech pen so you can draw in the air. How does Pictionary Air work? Just download the game app to your smartphone or tablet – if you point the in-app camera at the player drawing, you'll see them AND their drawing on your screen!
Pictionary Air, £19.99, Amazon
An interactive pal designed with four modes of learning play so it will be one of your child's favourites from aged 6 months to five years
Fisher-Price Rollin' Rovee Interactive Musical Toy, £58.99/$38.88, Amazon
Cave Club dolls are joining L.O.L. and Barbies on kids' Christmas wish lists
Cave Club Rockelle and Tyrasaurus, £34.99/$38.83, Amazon
The tallest Hot Wheels garage to date, with parking for 100+ cars and a working two-car lift, will definitely leave an impression on Christmas morning
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage, £87.99/$99.99, Amazon
Hamleys Top Toys for Christmas 2020
Experts at Hamleys also have released their top toys for 2020 list. Head of Buying at Hamleys Victoria Kay said: “Creating some simple Christmas magic feels more important this year than ever and we think there’s lots of memorable and affordable fun to be had with our 2020 hot picks. From clever tech to lovable animatronic pets and classic family games to be played around the table, we can see carefree, shared play and togetherness featuring heavily this year.”
This kit will help turn your tablet into the ultimate learning tool
Osmo Genius Starter Kit, £100, Hamleys
Rev up the fun with this super cool Ferrari scooter for kids aged four and up
Ferrari Foldable Led Twist Scooter, was £70 NOW £56, Hamleys
Unfortunately, one of Hamleys' picks for Top Toys 2020 – the Nerf Ultra One with 25 ultra darts – is sold out on the site. But you're in luck – you can still get this popular toy on Amazon.. but shop quickly while it lasts!
NERF Ultra One Blaster, £50, Amazon
Barbie and her friends will be hitting the road in style in this multi-tasking vehicle with a pool, truck, boat and 60 accessories
Barbie 3-in1 Dream Camper, £90, Hamleys
Monopoly is a perennially popular game and Hamleys is predicting that kids will love this version which turns the rules upside down. Players actually earn cash via those usual Monopoly pitfalls like going to jail or paying rent!
Monopoly for Sore Losers, £23, Hamleys
This pair of tanks called Reaper and Shadow are two of the most popular remote control vehicles sets of the festive season.
Laser Battle Hunters, £60, Hamleys
These mini-pals from Hamleys' Movers & Shakers collection include Harry Husky, Peanut Pug, Louis Labrador, Kitty Kitten, Flutter Foal and Charles the King Charles Spaniel.
Hamleys Mini Movers, £12, Hamleys
A twist on the traditional Cluedo game - in this version, would-be sleuths need to bluff their way through, telling fibs in hopes of solving the case
Cluedo Liars Edition Board Game, £22, Hamleys
John Lewis' Top Toys for Christmas 2020
For John Lewis, “This Christmas is all about focusing on finding something that will inspire and delight,” said John Lewis Partner & Assistant Buyer, Toys, Molly Baker. “From clever toys that encourage children to express their emotions to new train sets using smart technology, we’ve ensured our selection suits all interest and ages.” The retailer released its 10 Best Toys for Christmas 2020 – and we’re sure kids will love every gift on the list! Here are some of our favourites:
A teaching toy with light-up shape buttons and emotion pegs that will help kids aged two and up learn about emotions as well as colours, shapes and numbers
VTech Feathers & Feelings Peacock, £22, John Lewis
This eco-friendly scooter, with a deck made from recycled fishing nets, is designed for kids ages five to 12
Maxi Micro ECO Deluxe Sustainable Scooter, £129.95, John Lewis
What better than a toy that can become part of your annual holiday family tradition? It will be a favourite to put together every Christmas for years to come
LEGO Creator Gingerbread House, £84.99, John Lewis
Pretty Isabelle is 46cm tall and wears a sparkly top and headband – but different outfits are sold separately to ensure she's the best-dressed BFF around
John Lewis & Partners 'Isabelle' Collector's Doll, £30, John Lewis
A colourful and classic wooden toy that takes it back to baby basics – it's all about organic play, learning and moving and your little one will love it
John Lewis & Partners Wooden Baby Walker and Bricks, £45, John Lewis
This sped-up version of Monopoly, exclusive to John Lewis & Partners, includes two new exciting game mechanics and comes with a limited-edition collectable token
Monopoly: The Mega Edition, £25.99, John Lewis
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.