Wondering what toys kids will love this year? The top toys of 2023 lists are starting to roll in, so you'll know just what kids are wanting for Christmas. As a mother myself, I know that choosing the most joy-inducing Christmas gifts for our kids isn’t always easy, so every shortcut is welcome. Which is why I've put together this definitive list of all the Top Toys for the festive season for this year.
“Knowing what to buy a child, even your own, is a minefield,” says HELLO! Online Commerce Partnerships Editor and busy mum Carla Challis. “There's so much choice that I often find myself stumped, and become overwhelmed with by it all. Or, I end up buying something similar to what my kid has rather than something a little different.
"To save time (and my sanity) I always look to a top toys list for inspiration - I don't have time to be researching what's hot this year in the toy world but these lists save us busy parents time. And for that, it's priceless."
With even more challenges like shortages and delivery issues these days, early online shopping is the way to go to get ahead of the Christmas rush. And we're making toy shopping even more simple for you by giving you ALL the key trending toy lists from retailers and brands for 2023.
How are the Top Toys for 2023 chosen?
Retailers like Amazon, John Lewis and Macy's, and toy brands like Mattel and Hasbro thankfully make it easy with their annual Top Toys for Christmas lists, revealing the toys that boys and girls are most asking Santa for each year.
Our Top Toys 2023 list includes the expert recommendations from the world's most famous toy companies and retailers. Of course, we also use our expertise here at HELLO! to highlight certain toys from the various Top Toys lists based on both what parents here at HELLO! are shopping and what our readers have flocked to in the past, with priority given to the toys recognised as trending for this year.
Many of the toys on the list are popular globally, so where possible I've included pricing for both the UK and US.
Top toys for Christmas 2023: What's HOT
This year has been quite a landmark time for films with toy tie-ins, including The Little Mermaid, with Halle Bailey as Ariel, and the Margot Robbie-starring Barbie movie. It's no surprise that kids and grown-ups alike have been flocking to the shops on- and offline to make sure they have the newest toys for their collections.
The Barbie Dream House is the most fun fantasy accommodation you could imagine, and with the Barbie film, there was even a real-life Air BnB version – John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and their family were even among the guests who tried it out for themselves! For 2023, there's a brand new toy version of the Dream House - and it even include the pink slide that Barbie herself Margot Robbie said was her favourite feature!
The Little Mermaid Ariel doll was a top-seller for HELLO! readers when the film was released, and if your little one doesn't have theirs yet, now's the time to shop to be sure they'll have one under the tree.
What are the top toy brands & retailers for Christmas 2023?
As of August 2023, new Top Toys lists have been unveiled as we speak, for example John Lewis's all-new edit. We're expecting new lists from trusted retailers like Amazon, Hamleys, Selfridges, Macy's and more - so I'll be updating our edit throughout the shopping season. Be sure to bookmark and keep checking back!
And in case you want to see what's been popular in the past, we've also included last year's hits. So in this round-up of both new season toys AND the most popular toys from the past year, you'll find red hot buys for LOL Surprise, Paw Patrol, Playmobil, Star Wars, Barbie and LEGO.
You'll also find teaching toys about everything from the environment to emotions and interactive pets, too – plus cutting-edge STEM gifts for the science-loving kid in your life and family classic games like Monopoly and Uno.
So... let's get Christmas shopping!
Mattel's Top Toys 2023
Mattel is one of the hottest toy brands on the planet right now - and its list of trending favourites includes some of the most sought after characters, from Barbie to Monster High and Pokemon and Hot Wheels, which is set to get a big screen adaptation following in the success of the Barbie movie. The brand's experts have chosen toys for all ages, from stocking fillers to major treats for under the tree.
Barbie Cutie Reveal
The Barbie Cutie reveal is a Barbie dressed in a cute animal costume - like a bunny or tiger - and 10 accessories, including a pet. After the unboxing, the colour reveal fun comes when you use ice cold water to transform Barbie doll’s face with animal face paint.
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler
If the child on your list love cars and dinosaurs, they’ll be over the moon with the Transform the Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler, which transforms from a 20+ toy car transporter to track and a T-Rex that ‘eats’ the cars! Two 1:64 scale Hot Wheels cars are included.
Polly Pocket Pollyville Resort Roll Away
A Polly Pocket film is also in the works - and what better way to get ready than with the Pollyville Resort Roll Away. The playset, opens to a 3-story hotel, doubles as a storage unit complete with an extendable handle for on-the-go fun.
MEGA Pokémon Forest Center
Attention, Pokemon fanatics (and parents of fans!) The 648-piece Pokémon Centre buildable set for children 8 and up features Pikachu, Chansey, Eevee, and Togepi for hours of fun as kids develop their problem solving skills and creativity.
Fisher-Price Little People Barbie Dream Plane
If your child isn’t quite old enough for a Barbie doll set, this is the ultimate Barbie Dream Plane for little ones aged 18m+. Imaginative play is taken to new heights for the youngest Barbie fans with this adorable push-along airplane with fun sounds and a light-up nose.
John Lewis Top Toys 2023
John Lewis is always one of my most highly anticipated Top Toy lists, because it’s chosen by a panel of kids after hours of playtime! I spy a whole host of perennial favourite brands, like Melissa & Doug, Lego, Scalextric, Fisher Price, Little Live Pets and of course, this year’s hottest, Mattel’s Barbie.
The 1990s are back with Furby and of course, there are selections from John Lewis’ own exclusive line of toys.
1/10
Lego Holiday Main Street
Lego is always a great choice for a children's gift, and this cute Christmas Lego kit will be a real winner over the festive season.
2/10
Barbie Convertible Doll Car
All things Barbie are trending, and this pink convertible is zooming to the top of many a child's wish list.
3/10
Fisher-Price Mix and Learn DJ Music Table
If your child is an aspiring DJ, this fun toy will have them spinning for at-home dance parties in no time.
4/10
Melissa & Doug Barber Role Play Set - COMING SOON
We can see why this cute grooming set is a winner with the little ones. “This toy is my favourite because I like the funny beard.” said one John Lewis Toy Testing panel expert, five-year-old Khang.
5/10
© Carmen OrdonezJohn Lewis Wooden Café Set - COMING SOON
We love the annual John Lewis wooden toys, which remind us of simpler times - like this sweet café set complete with pretend coffee machine.
6/10
Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll - COMING SOON
Fans of Gabby’s Dollhouse will be thrilled to receive this 20.3cm tall, with such adorable details as a cat-ear headband.
7/10
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise - COMING SOON
Little Live Pets have been trending for the past few festive seasons, and this year's John Lewis pick – a guinea pig family along with a deluxe interactive hutch – might be the cutest ever.
8/10
Hasbro Furby - COMING SOON
Throwback toys are a hot trend, and Furby is making a big return! “I remember my cousin having a Furby when I was younger, I think they’re cool," said ten-year-old Kyron from the John Lewis Toy Testing panel.
9/10
Le Mieux Puppy, Cockapoo - COMING SOON
If you're looking for a soft toy, may we introduce you to LeMieux's cuddly cockapoo, the perfect puppy companion this winter.
10/10
Scalextric John Lewis vs Waitrose Car Racing Set - COMING SOON
Exclusive to John Lewis, the Scalextric race track features two remote-controlled racing cars – John Lewis and Waitrose – and is great for playing alone, or with friends or siblings. “The Scalextric set is on my Christmas wishlist because I can play it with my brother," enthused John Lewis Toy Testing panel expert Leian, aged ten.
Toys and Books Category Lead Alan Wright says: “At John Lewis, we value the importance of imagination and want to ensure our smallest customers have the opportunity to experiment through creative-play. The top ten toys offer something for every kid, no matter what they would like to be when they grow up.
“From a barber shop set and mix and learn DJ table to John Lewis’ very own wooden café set. Our top ten toys will help youngsters develop their nurturing skills, with Mama Surprise and Le Mieux’s Cockapoo showing them how to take care of animals.”
Need more ideas? These were last year's top toys
Check out last year's most popular for more ideas of what to shop this 2023 festive season...
Mattel's Top Toys for Christmas 2022
Mattel, the brand behind such icons as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, have come up with a dream Christmas top toys list, Mattel's 'Most Coveted Gifts', filled with fun.
Fisher-Price Little People Light-Up Learning Camper, £37.99 / $32.99
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Designed for children ages one to five, this interactive camping playset includes a push-along camper, and a car to tow it, with flashing lights and 40+ songs, sounds and phrases for fun, imaginative play. The toy has three Smart Stages learning levels, from counting and alphabet, to learning about the weather and daily routines.
Barbie Holiday Barbie Doll, £36 / $39.15 (WAS £54.99)
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'Tis the season for Barbie's most glamorous looks - and the Holiday Barbie does not disappoint, with a poinsettia-inspired red gown and matching strappy stilettos. The collectable Barbie includes a doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity.
Disney and Pixar Cars Showtime Loop Playset, £23.79 / $32.99 (WAS £35)
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For a whole new generation of Cars fans, this fun track inspired by the Pixar Disney+ series Cars On The Road features beloved character Ivy in a scene straight from the show.
Buzz Lightyear Ultimate Mission Sox Robot Cat, £54.99 / $79.99 (WAS £79.99)
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If your child loves Buzz Lightyear, they'll be over the moon when they meet his 8in-tall robot sidekick, Sox. The hi-tech feline has touch-activated sensors all over his body, speaks, walks forward and backward and moves his head and eyes. Sox also comes with six different plug-in data chips so he can provide kid-friendly space info.
Hot Wheels RC Tesla Cybertruck, £133 / $142
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The Hot Wheels 1:10 R/C Cybertruck is so futuristic! The remote-controlled mini Tesla truck, which has working headlights and taillights and reaches speeds up to 12mph, also comes with Cyberquad vehicle that can be stored on the open truck bed.
Amazon UK 10 Top Toys for Christmas 2022
These are the 10 toys Amazon's experts loved for Christmas 2022...
Crayola Colour n Style Mermaid Friends Sea Salon, was £26.99 now £21.75, Amazon
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With The Little Mermaid reboot on the horizon, kids are being reacquainted with the wonderful world of mermaids. This Crayola set lets children use their imagination, as well as glitter highlights, braiding clips and hair extensions, to create cool hairstyles in the mermaid hair braiding salon.
Throw Throw Avocado by Exploding Kittens, £24.99 / $14.99, Amazon
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From the creators of the viral hit Throw Throw Burrito game comes this fun dodgeball card game for kids and adults alike that will really guac your world.
Jurassic World Ocean Protector Mosasaurus Dinosaur, £44.99 / $37.99, Amazon
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For children in that dinosaur phase, what could be more fun than this fantastic creature from Jurassic World: Dominion? The toy has a movable jaw and joints, and is made from recycled plastic so it’s environmentally-friendly too.
Pictionary Air Star Wars Family Drawing Game, £19.99 / $19.99, Amazon
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Pictionary Air is taking inspiration from a galaxy far, far away for this rendition of the popular family drawing game.
Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit, £34.50 / $18.89, Amazon
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This 25-piece toy set is great for aspiring dentists - or even to de-mystify a dental visit for little ones who are a little hesitant to get in the chair!
Squishmallows 7.5" Tally the Grey Cat, £8.99 / $19.99, Amazon
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Loveable, squishable Squishmallows, which are available in a whole host of cute characters, are still one of Christmas 2023’s hottest toys – and little Tally the Grey Cat is a purrr-fect gift.
Playmobil City Life Recycling Truck with Flashing Light, £29.99 / $27.99, Amazon
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For the child who is obsessed with vehicles - or the environment - this toy rubbish truck with a tilting bed, 2 rubbish collectors and bins will provide hours of entertainment and teach kids the importance of recycling.
Learning Resources MathLink Numberblocks, £20.99, Amazon
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The stars of the award-winning CBeebies series are one of the hottest learning toys.
LEGO Friends Horse Show Trailer, £89.99 / $99.99, Amazon
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For children that are fascinated with horses, farms or vehicles, this play set is the ultimate in fun with horse figures, a toy car with trailer, a dog and more accessories.
Selfridges Top Toys 2022
Selfridges' hottest toys for Christmas ranged from playroom essentials to scooters and inclusive toys.
JELLYCAT Bashful Bunny, £21 / $25
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Micro Scooter LED Eco: Mint, £88 / $154.99
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Little Omo wooden face puzzle, £27
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LE TOY VAN Vanity Table & Stool wooden furniture set 92cm, £120
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Supersized Squishmallows, 20", £60 / $39.99,
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BRIO 87-Piece Deluxe Railway Set, £250 / $399
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LEGO Star Wars 75338 Ambush on Ferrix playset, £70 / $69.99
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Porsche Taycan Turbo Remote Control Car, £23 / $49.99
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COCOMELON Bedtime Cody musical plush doll, £28 / $22
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GABBYS DOLLHOUSE Gabby's Purrfect Dollhouse, £80 / $79.99
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John Lewis' Top Toys 2022
Favourite retailer John Lewis released its best toys for Christmas 2022 list, based on the opinions of a very special focus group - kids themselves! As always, a "panel of tiny testers" helped come up with the top 10...
Jiggly Pets Pink Pup, £11.99 / $29.99
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The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, £20
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John Lewis Wooden Pizzeria, £40
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I’m a Stylist Styling Head, £40 / $46.25
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Vtech JotBot, £49.99 / $64.80
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LeMieux Toy Pony, £49.99
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John Lewis Wooden Work Bench, £60
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Hamley's Top Toys for Christmas 2022
The top toys from Hamley's will provide fun all year, from a Roller Disco Peppa Pig to the adorable Bear in a Hoodie.
Roller Disco Peppa, £37 / $33.99, Hamleys
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CoComelon Boo Boo JJ Doll, £44 / $44.99, Hamleys
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One Trick Pony Game, £27 / $20, Hamleys
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Disney Pixar Lightyear Jetpack Lift-off Buzz Lightyear, £60 / $32.95, Hamleys
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Barbie Cutie Reveal Dolls, , Hamleys
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Hamleys Bear in a Hoodie - Panda, £22, Hamleys
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Tick Tock Brick Knock, £34, Hamleys
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Jumping Sumo Ralleyz racer, £70, Hamleys
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X-Shot Skins Last Stand Dart Blaster, £35 / $19.99, Hamleys
COMING SOON
Barbie Dreamhouse, £199/$224.99
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New in 2021, Barbie's fully-furnished dreamhouse, which comes with over 75 storytelling pieces, was more jaw-dropping than ever. The home comes to life with music, eight light colour options and four settings, from day mode to party mode. Features of the house include a DJ Booth, working lift and puppy play area with a pool and slide, just like the main house. When can we move in?
Hasbro's Top Toys for Christmas
Nerf Ultra Select, £61.99 / $59.99
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Nerf is popular year after year, and the fully-motorised Nerf Ultra Select blaster, is still on many a kid's wish list.
Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle Dollhouse, £139.99/$149.99
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This fairytale castle is perfect for your little prince or princess who dreams of storybook adventures. The four-foot, six-room dollhouse has realistic miniature features like a bathtub, stove and chandelier, and comes with 29 accessories, from a blanket to dinnerware and tea set. There's even music and a window that lights up like a Disneyland fireworks show.
Macy's and Toys R Us Hot Toys List
US department store Macy's teams up with toy retailer Toys R Us for they yearly Hot Toys List.
Melissa & Doug Examine & Treat Pet Vet Play Set, £30/$32.49, Macy's
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Interactive pets are a top toy across the board - and here's the perfect complement if they need to go to the vet! The Pet Vet Play Set includes everything to examine and treat your furry companion: a reusable examination checklist, neck cone, pretend treatments/ointments and more. Also included are a plush dog and cat to get your little veterinarian started as soon as they open their gift.
Jurassic World Stomp and Escape Tyrannosaurus Rex, £41/$44.99, Macy's
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For children aged four and up, this oversized T-Rex measuring nearly 22" long has dinosaur sounds and movable limbs with stomping action for an action-packed playtime.
Disney Princess Style Collection Play Suitcase, £39.99/$39.99, Macy's
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For the kid who travels or would love to see the world, this play suitcase with 17 play travel pieces is a dream come true. The pink luggage includes everything they'll need for their imagination to take them around the world, including airplane tickets, a passport, eye mask, earbuds & more!
National Geographic Light Up Air Rockets, £29.99/$24.99, Macy's
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Among National Geographic's popular STEM toys you'll find this light-up air rocket kit with a foot pump launcher that sends LED missiles up as high as 100 feet.
Melissa and Doug Kids' 6-Piece Good Clean Fun Play Set, £36.99/$35.49, Macy's
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Whether your little one likes to play house or you just want to keep them entertained while you tidy up, the Melissa and Doug cleaning playset will provide hours of fun. The set includes a broom, mop, duster, brush, dustpan and storage stand.
UNO Extreme, £21.99 / $54.99, Amazon
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A classic fan fave with a twist! A fun random-action card launcher comes into play, shooting cards into the air with light and sound effects. Have some serious family fun while kids learn skills such as problem-solving, strategy and pattern recognition.
LEGO DUPLO My First Alphabet Truck, £23.99/$24.99
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Suitable for little ones from 12-24 months, this intro toy to the world of LEGO is a lovely gift for preschoolers to help them learn their letters from A to Z.
VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch, £38 /$44.99,
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If your child is jealous of your smart watch, you can now get them a realistic one of their own. This VTech kids' smart watch takes photos and videos, and also is equipped with a pedometer, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch and voice recorder.
Linkimals Smooth Moves Sloth, £30 /$29.40, Amazon
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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.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the Fun Garden to Kitchen, £139.99 /$71.51, Amazon
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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'.
Pictionary Air, £14.99 /$18.49 , Amazon
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This isn't your mum and dad's Pictionary! The latest 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!
Fisher-Price Rollin' Rovee Interactive Musical Toy, £38/$48.99, Amazon
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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.
Mattel Disney Pixar Cars Radiator Springs Mountain Race Playset, £44.95/$29.97, Disney
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Disney Pixar's Cars fans can travel back to the iconic sights and rugged terrain around Radiator Springs with Disney's latest playset! It's a thrilling 2-car race from the top of the Wheel Well Motel, spiraling in and out of a waterfall and through caves and buildings to the finish line: Flo's V8 Café!
LEGO Luigi Starter Course, £35/$59.99, Amazon
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L.O.L Surprise! OMG Movie Magic Studios, £95.45/$119, Amazon
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LOL Surprise! dolls have been hot for a while, and the cool toys don't show any sign of slowing down! Just check out this incredible movie play set with a dozen dolls, multiple stages and even a green screen.
Batman Giant Transforming Playset, £99.99/$99.99, Amazon
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Who wouldn't love their very own Batcave? This 33-inch tall playset brings Batman's hideway to life.
Squeakee The Balloon Dino, £39.99/$69.99, Amazon
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Balloon Dino, with over 70 sounds and movements, was a major hit for 2021 and is still going strong with shoppers.
Little Live Pets Got to Go Turdle, £32.95/$29.99, Amazon
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Also in the interactive pet category we have Shelbert the turtle, who is tops in the 'poop toy' trend. You can feed him and he even has a special song for when he has to go.
RELATED: The best funny poop toys for kids this Christmas
Linkimals Dance n Groove Penguin, £24.99/, Amazon
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An adorable electronic learning toy from Fisher-Price's popular Linkimals range.
Geomag Classic Magnetic Construction for children, £23.45, Amazon
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Whether they're building colourful structures or testing new designs, kids will love getting creative with this 52-Piece magnetic construction kit.
boppi Wooden Bamboo Marble Run - Starter Pack, £32.99, Amazon
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PAW Patrol Transforming PAW Patroller, £58/$64.99, Amazon
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We love PAW Patrol and Amazon's sure that kids will love this cool PAW Patrol vehicle that has sound effects as well as dual vehicle launchers behind its doors. A Ryder PAW Patrol figure and ATV are included.
Spidey and His Amazing Friends Playset, £65/, Amazon
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Fans of Spider-Man can't get enough of his "Webquarters" - the perfect backdrop for action packed play with a host of ramps and hidden escape hatches.
Polly Pocket Rainbow Funland Theme Park, £39.99/$39.97, Amazon
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Polly Pocket's 30-piece playset has everything from a roller coaster to multiple castle play areas.
The Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot, £39.96/$42.49, Amazon
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For ages 6 months and up, this engaging education toy is made of three individual bots that combine into an interactive robot pal. There are three Smart Stages learning levels with fun activities - more than 120 songs, sounds and phrases - to explore.
Crossed Signals Game, £21 / $19.99
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If you're looking for an exciting game for Christmas, this one's right up your street! Speed and accuracy are the name of the game as you're challenged to react fast, moving and shaking the light wand according to Crossed Signals' lightning-quick light and voice commands. One to four players can participate, and the game is for players aged 8 and up.
More Top Toys kids love
TRENDING: LEGO Creator Expert: Santa's Visit, £89.99 / $99.99, LEGO
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FAST DELIVERY: Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit for Fire Tablet & iPad, £59.99 / $41.99 (WAS £79.99), Amazon
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FAST DELIVERY: Morphy Richards Toy Kitchen Set, £10 / $14.21 (WAS £20), Amazon
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Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage, £93.74 / $85.73 (WAS £124.99), John Lewis
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Play-Doh Ice Cream Truck Playset, £74.99 / $75.99 (WAS £99 / $94.99)
