Looking for the best Christmas toys for children in 2026? You've come to the right place!
The official DreamToys list has been revealed with the 15 hottest toys expected to be on children's wish lists this festive season.
From must-have collectibles and interactive toys to creative craft kits and family games, there's something for every little toy lover.
Read on to find out what will be topping your little one's wish list this Christmas!
Christmas might still feel a little way off, but if you're anything like me, you'll already be thinking about what to buy the children this year!
Lara, Sophia and Tatiana loved going along to the DreamToys press reveal yesterday and have promptly added several items to their wish lists!
Head over to the Attachment Mummy social media channels to see their favourites...
But if you're wonddering just where to start with your toy Christmas shopping, let us - and the DreamToys list - take some of the strain!
Yes, finding the perfect Christmas presents can be tricky, particularly when toy trends seem to change by the minute.
But the DreamToys 2026 list is perfect for giving parents a helping hand when it comes to choosing the best toys for Christmas.
Selected by an independent panel of toy retailers and industry experts, representing everything from hundreds of independent toy shops and national chains to supermarkets, department stores and more, the toys are then put to the test by the lucky winners of the DreamToys mini toy tester competition.
So, these aren't just toys predicted to be popular by industry experts, they've also had the seal of approval from little toy testers themselves.
With the UK toy market experiencing its fastest growth in more than a decade, it's clear that families are embracing the joy of play. Whether you're shopping for toddlers, primary-school-aged children or tweens, the DreamToys 2026 selection is packed with Christmas gift inspiration.
There's plenty to get excited about this year, just ask my three!
DreamToys 2026: The 15 Best Christmas Toys for Kids This Year
The annual DreamToys list brings together 15 toys predicted to be particularly popular this festive season, and this features everything from imaginative playsets and sensory toys to popular character toys and exciting games.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the toys children will be hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year!
All products are available from national chain and independent toy shops, or Amazon. Just click on the pink writing to read more about them, or to purchase.
Ready, set, battle! Beyblade fans will love the Sneak Attack Battle Set, which brings the excitement of competitive spinning-top battles straight into the home.
Beyblade has been a favourite with children for years, and this set gives them the opportunity to launch their tops into action, challenge friends and family, and see whose Beyblade comes out on top.
It's a brilliant gift for children who love action-packed play, competition and collecting different Beyblades. It's also a great excuse to get everyone involved in a little friendly rivalry!
Lara loved watching the battle on this one and said it was hilarious how competitive everyone got!
Could be the perfect thing for a Christmas Day contest?
If your child loves collecting cute accessories and satisfying fidget toys, the Clickeez Bubble Pops Keyboard could be a big hit.
Combining the fun of bubble-popping sensory play with the appeal of collecting, this keyboard-shaped case is filled with Clickeez surprises.
It's a lovely little gift idea for children who enjoy tactile toys, collecting and having something fun to fiddle with.
Its compact design also makes it a handy option for keeping little hands entertained when you're out and about, and the keyboard is a great idea for storing your collection, plus it comes with 12 unique Clickeez, including light up ones!
Sophia and Tatiana are now completely obsessed with these!! They've gone straight to the top of their wish lists and have messaged all their friends about them!
Such a fun collectable and completely adorable. Sophia can't wait to get her hands on the Hello Kitty ones!
This is one seriously adorable interactive toy!
furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Tiger starts life as a cute little tiger cub before transforming into a much bigger tiger.
This clever growing feature makes it a particularly exciting surprise for children who love animals and interactive plush toys.
With its playful personality and transformation feature, Gabby encourages imaginative nurturing play as children care for their new furry friend and discover all the fun it has to offer.
A lovely Christmas present for children who dream of having their very own interactive pet.
Oh. my. goodness!! This one is totally adorable, we all fell completely in love! The girls thought she was adorable and couldn't wait to tell their friends about her!
furReal has come a long way now Gabby grows, plays, changes her growl from sweet to scary, and loves to cuddle and have her bottle. SO sweet!!!
For crafty children who love making things, the Giftie Badge Maker is a brilliant creative Christmas gift.
This arts and crafts set allows children to design and create their very own personalised pin badges, giving them the chance to make something completely unique.
Whether they're creating badges for friends, decorating their bags or making little gifts for family members, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative.
I love gifts like this because they encourage children to use their imagination and enjoy the satisfaction of making something themselves.
It's also a lovely activity for a rainy afternoon or a quiet Christmas holiday.
Tatiana and Lara enjoyed making their own badges and though this would be a fun activity for a sleepover or over Christmas with the family, especially as you can upload your own photos to use for the badges. Fun!
Slime lovers, this one's for you!
Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul is a sensory play kit designed for children who can't get enough of squishy, stretchy and wonderfully messy slime.
With slime-inspired creative play at its heart, this set is perfect for experimenting with different textures and enjoying hands-on sensory fun.
Slime continues to be hugely popular with children, and it's easy to see why.
It's fun, tactile and encourages creativity, making this a great Christmas present for slime lovers!
If they love slime, this is THE gift!! Such a great idea and will occupy slime fans for hours!
Get ready for some roaring Hot Wheels action!
The Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage is a fantastic gift for children who love cars, dinosaurs and exciting track play.
Combining the world of Hot Wheels with a giant T-Rex-themed garage, this impressive playset brings plenty of action to imaginative racing adventures.
Children can send their cars racing through the garage and create their own thrilling stories as they play.
With its eye-catching dinosaur design and exciting vehicle play, it's likely to be a standout present under the Christmas tree.
This is one of the bigger-ticket gifts on this year's DreamToys list, but could be just the thing for a serious Hot Wheels fan.
The girls made a beeline for this one! Literally heading straight across the room to it.
It's a beast of a toy but amazing fun and has so much play value. There's plenty of space to store cars and lots of play modes, making it a fantastic gift for any car lover.
Lara's a bit obsessed with this one! Such a brilliant gift that will be played with for years to come.
KPop Demon Hunters fans are going to love these!
Following the huge popularity of the KPop Demon Hunters phenomenon, the Huntr/x Singing Dolls bring favourite characters into the world of dolls and imaginative play.
Perfect for children who love the music, fashion and characters from the film, these dolls let them recreate their favourite moments and invent brand-new adventures of their own.
With their colourful outfits and music-inspired appeal, they're a lovely Christmas gift for little fans who love collecting dolls, dressing up and putting on their own performances.
Sophia already had these at the top of her wish list but thought they looked and sounded even better 'in the flesh', as it were. Big fan!
She has made it quite clear that these will be expected for Christmas!
Ahoy, little builders!
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Iconic Pirate Ship is a brilliant gift for children who love building, creating and going on imaginative adventures.
As part of LEGO's clever 3-in-1 range, the set allows children to use the same collection of bricks to build three different models.
The pirate ship is perfect for swashbuckling adventures, while the alternative builds offer even more opportunities for creative construction and imaginative play.
It's a fantastic option for encouraging problem-solving, patience and creativity, and the ability to rebuild it into different models means there's plenty of play value beyond the initial construction.
A lovely Christmas present for LEGO fans and budding little pirates!
Top of Lara's wish list! We loved seeing the three different builds side by side and the adorable sea monster. Such a fun build with lots of play and rebuild potential, we love this set.
Miniature toy lovers will be delighted by the Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset.
Taking the miniature collecting trend to another level, this clever playset features a tiny record player that really spins and plays music!
It's a particularly fun concept because children get the excitement of collecting miniatures alongside a little interactive surprise.
Perfect for fans of Mini Brands and children who love all things miniature, it's a lovely gift that combines collecting, discovery and imaginative play.
My three have been mad about Mini Brands since before they even launched in the UK so this new addition to the range is a HUGE hit wiht them.
Such a fun idea, and the collectable record surprise balls will be an essential stocking stuffer!
If you've got a child who loves squishy sensory toys, chances are NeeDoh is already on their radar!
The NeeDoh Swirl Niceberg is part of the hugely popular NeeDoh collection, known for its satisfying squishy textures and tactile appeal.
Designed for squeezing, squishing and stretching, it's a simple toy that provides plenty of sensory enjoyment.
It's easy to see why NeeDoh toys have become such a popular trend.
They're fun to play with, satisfying to squeeze and make lovely little gifts for children who enjoy fidget and sensory toys.
The girls love their NeeDoh penguins and this block of squish is sure to be a hit in playgrounds up and down the land!
PAW Patrol fans can combine two things little ones absolutely love: their favourite rescue pups and dinosaurs!
The PAW Patrol Megasaurus Dino Vehicle brings the excitement of the popular children's series into dinosaur-themed vehicle play.
Perfect for younger children who love recreating adventures with their favourite characters, this toy encourages imaginative storytelling and plenty of action-packed rescue missions.
PAW Patrol remains a firm favourite with little toy lovers, making this a lovely Christmas gift for children who enjoy character toys and imaginative adventures.
Oh this one is FUN! Fantastic toy for little ones with the inflatable dino and Paw Patrol play potential. Adorable face too! Our girls LOVED it.
Can you believe Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary?
The Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box marks three decades of the much-loved Pokémon phenomenon and is sure to appeal to collectors and fans alike.
Pokémon cards have remained incredibly popular across generations, with children enjoying the excitement of collecting, trading and battling with their favourite characters.
This special anniversary-themed Elite Trainer Box is a brilliant gift idea for Pokémon fans, whether they're already enthusiastic collectors or just starting their trading card journey.
It's also a lovely way for parents who grew up with Pokémon to share a little nostalgia with their own children!
Sophia was all over this! Pokemon fans will love all the cards and accessories and, as he's everyone's favourite, there are guaranteed Pikachu cards in every pack!
For children who love dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures and anything a little bit scary, the Primal Hatch Megalodon Specimen is sure to make a splash.
This imaginative robotic shark features a water-activated element, bringing the prehistoric Megalodon to life through interactive play.
The idea of hatching or activating a giant prehistoric shark is bound to capture children's imaginations, making it a particularly exciting gift for little ones fascinated by the ocean and ancient creatures.
It's a great choice for children who enjoy adventurous toys, surprises and discovering how their toys work.
This was the stand out toy for Tatiana. She says it was amazing watching it transform, it was really cool and she cannot stop talking about it!!
Guess this one is top of her wish list this year then!
Looking for a Christmas game the whole family can enjoy?
Starts with Ends With is a fast-paced word and reflex game that challenges players to think quickly and come up with words under pressure.
It's a brilliant option for family game nights, encouraging children to think creatively, improve their vocabulary and sharpen their quick-thinking skills while having lots of fun.
With traditional games enjoying a resurgence in popularity, this is a lovely reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas make the most entertaining family gifts.
Perfect for bringing everyone together during the Christmas holidays!
We liked this, a fun new addition to the board game scene.
Toy Story fans will love this playful educational toy from VTech.
The Toy Story 5 Explore & Learn Lilypad combines familiar characters from the much-loved Disney Pixar franchise with interactive learning and discovery.
Designed to encourage little ones to explore through play, it's a lovely option for younger children who enjoy pressing buttons, discovering sounds and interacting with their favourite characters.
With Toy Story continuing to capture the hearts of children and parents alike, this is a lovely gift for little fans who want to bring a bit of their favourite film into playtime.
Talk about saving the best till last! Lara LOVED this toy and has been talking about it since. Woody even gave it his seal of approval!
She even has froggy hand pads just like Lilypad in the movie!
A really fun spin off of the movie and a great tool for kids, especially as it has a QWERTY keyboard for them to learn early on. Great idea!
What Are the Biggest Toy Trends for Christmas 2026?
One of the most interesting things about this year's DreamToys list is the sheer variety of toys featured.
It's lovely to see such a broad range of toys performing well, from hands-on creative activities to collectibles and traditional family games.
There's also been an interesting shift in what parents are looking for when choosing toys for their children.
Research from The Insights Family found that fun has overtaken educational value as the number one factor influencing parents' toy-buying decisions.
Of course, learning through play is still important, but parents increasingly want toys that children genuinely enjoy playing with.
Value for money and the ability to play with toys repeatedly are also becoming more important considerations.
And it seems children are enjoying more playtime too, with weekend playtime with toys and games reportedly up 10% compared with last year.
One in five parents of children aged three to nine also say that the opportunity to play together as a family influences their toy-buying decisions.
I think this is such a lovely reminder that the best toys aren't necessarily the ones with the most features or the biggest price tags.
Sometimes, it's the toys that encourage imagination, laughter and time together that become the most loved.
Will the Best Christmas Toys Sell Out in 2026?
With the toy market already performing so strongly this year, it's worth keeping an eye on the toys that are likely to be particularly popular.
Last December, more than 1,300 toys were selling every minute during the busiest shopping week, and retailers will be hoping for another busy festive season in 2026.
The DreamToys list is a useful starting point if you're trying to get ahead with your Christmas shopping, particularly if your children have already started dropping hints about what they'd like to find under the tree.
The good news for shoppers is that physical toy shops are also enjoying a boost.
Research from The Insights Family found that 76% of parents say they spend more in-store than online, up from 71% in 2024.
So, if you enjoy browsing the toy aisles and letting the children have a look at what's available, a trip to your local toy shop could be a lovely way to get some Christmas inspiration.
Where Can You Buy the DreamToys 2026?
The toys featured in the DreamToys 2026 list are available from local toy retailers and national chains as well as other stockists, such as amazon, although prices and availability may vary.
It's worth shopping around to compare prices before buying, particularly for some of the bigger Christmas presents.
Which DreamToy Will Be on Your Child's Christmas List?
From the adorable furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Tiger to the creative Giftie Badge Maker, exciting Hot Wheels T-Rex Garage and collectible Pokémon anniversary set, there's a fantastic selection of Christmas gift ideas in this year's DreamToys list.
Whether you're looking for the perfect present for a toddler, a creative gift for a primary-school-aged child or a must-have collectible for a tween, the 2026 selection offers plenty of inspiration.
And with fun firmly taking centre stage for parents this year, it's lovely to see so many toys that encourage children to play, imagine, create and enjoy themselves.
Now the big question is: which of these 15 toys will be making it onto your children's Christmas wish lists?
Happy shopping!
Holiday or Christmas shopping?
You can find lots more ideas in our gift guides.
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