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Best Christmas toys 2025: your guide to the best toys for this Christmas 🎄
Take the stress out of festive shopping with our guide to the best toys for Christmas 2025, including predicted bestsellers, exciting new releases and insight from retail experts.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Sep 11, 2025
It may still be November, but many parents are already on the hunt for the best toys for Christmas 2025 - and for good reason. Predicted bestsellers often sell out before December, so knowing what to buy (and when) can make all the difference to stress-free festive shopping.
🎁 Christmas 2025 toy hotlist: our top 10 must-have toys
🌟 Toniebox 2 Starter Set | £80 £100 | Age 1+
🌟 Gabby's Dollhouse The Movie Playset | £65 | Age 3+
🌟 Playmobil Sky Trails | £70 | Age 7+
🌟 LEGO Disney 101 Dalmatians Puppies | £15 £20 | Age 6+
🌟 Sylvanian Families Skytop Fairy Castle | £61 | Age 3+
🌟 Bluey Toy House Mega Bundle | £40 £80 | Age 3+
🌟 Bitzee Hamster Ball | £40 | Age 3+
🌟 Wicked Dolls: Students of Shiz | £24 | Age 4+
🌟 Labubu Collectibles | From £18 | Age 15+
🌟 Pad Creator Instant Print Tablet | £130 | Age 8+
>> Jump to: The best toy bargains spotted by savvy Mumsnetters 🔥| Highlights from The Big Christmas Press Show and Toy Fair 2025 🧸
If finding the best toys for this Christmas is on your autumn to-do list, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ve combined:
Predicted bestsellers from leading retailers including Argos, John Lewis and Selfridges.
Expert insights from toy buyers and industry insiders.
Real parent advice and testimonials from Mumsnet, the UK’s largest online parenting network.
This year’s best buy lists from retailers so far feature a mix of:
Beloved classics (Sylvanian Families, Hot Wheels)
On-trend characters (Bluey, Minecraft, Gabby’s Dollhouse)
Interactive must-haves (Bitzee, Toniebox 2)
Creative play staples (Gui Gui Slime, Build-A-Bear)
Collectible crazes (Labubu, Smiski, Wicked Dolls)
As Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, explains:
“This year’s top toys reflect the dynamic landscape of play, bringing together world-famous brands, beloved movie characters and highlighting cutting-edge innovation… Families can rely on us to find the coolest toys to gift this Christmas, making it truly special for kids and adults alike.”
Beyond the retailer predictions, we’ve been busy too. The Mumsnet team has attended key industry events including The Toy Fair 2025 and The Big Christmas Press Show 2025, which gave us the opportunity to see some of this year’s top toys in person and quiz their manufacturers on all their best selling points. We’ve also scoured the Mumsnet forums to see what the UK's largest network of parents recommend in terms of brands that stand the test of time and those which aren't worth the spend.
So, whether you’re looking for the latest LEGO set, a new playset featuring your child’s favourite TV character, or even something silly (a pooping giraffe, anyone?), read on to discover our definitive guide to the best toys for Christmas 2025. We’ll keep updating this page as new toys and deals drop - so be sure to bookmark the page and check back regularly. Happy Christmas shopping!🎄
Best Christmas toy for toddlers
Toniebox 2 Starter Set
Educational
Expandable - individual Tonies are a great add-on present/stocking filler!
Compatible with original Tonies
Screen-free entertainment
Initially pricey
Extra Tonies sold separately (though various bundles are available)
Key specs
Price on writing: £100 | Age suitability: 12m+
What Mumsnet users say
Tested and reviewed by Mumsnet editor Rachel Erdos: Toniebox 2 review
As a fan of the OG Toniebox which we've owned for several years now (see my original Toniebox review here), I was very keen to see the new and improved version at The Big Christmas Press Show recently - and I certainly didn't come away disappointed!
The first thing you notice about the Toniebox 2 might be the striking new colourways, but the re-design is certainly a lot more than a fresh coat of paint - it's a whole new generation of screen-free storytelling, games and interactive features. Still shaped like the familiar soft-touch, durable cube and compatible with all your existing Tonies, the new model layers in a range of smart upgrades. The standout is the Tonieplay easy-dial system, which introduces interactive, quiz-style audio games that children can join in with – no screen needed.
A dynamic light ring reacts to what’s playing and helps guide kids through activities, while bedtime-friendly additions such as a sleep-timer night light and a gentle “sunrise” alarm support daily routines.
It’s also been redesigned to be even more toddler-friendly, now certified from age one (rather than three-plus) thanks to softer, squishier side padding and bigger, gentler 'Nursery' Tonies created specifically for younger children. With an accompanying parent app and increased memory too, it’s a familiar toy made smarter, more engaging, and ready to grow with your child.
Best Christmas toy featuring TV character
Gabby's Dollhouse The Movie Playset
Huge preschool brand recognition
Lots of characters and accessories included
Strong imaginative play value
Large (will need storage space)
Pricey for a single playset
Key specs
Price on writing: £64 | Age suitability: 3+
What Mumsnet users say
A colourful playset straight from the Netflix hit, the latest version of Gabby's Dollhouse ties in with the new movie, bringing Gabby and her friends to life for endless role-play adventures. Kids will love the lenticular 'moving' cat eyes, the cat-a-vator (lift) and the interactive buttons, sounds and animation across the seven themed rooms.
The set comes packed with accessories, including two dollhouse deliveries to unbox, each revealing surprise accessories just like in the show. We love the huge play potential this set has to offer, as well as its scope for imaginative play.
Best Christmas toy for fans of marble run
Playmobil Sky Trails
Combines creativity with STEM learning
Compatible with add-on packs
Appeals to a wide range of ages
Pricey
Plastic
Key specs
Price on writing: £70 | Age suitability: 7+
What Mumsnet users say
Playmobil like you've never seen it before, the all-new Sky Trails starter set allows kids to build grafity-defying tracks complete with loops, ramps and launch pads for the two included Playmobil astronauts to whizz their way through.
Having seen a demonstration at The Big Christmas Press Show, I was impressed by the play value of the set and the combination of creativity, engineering and fast-paced fun as well as the neat design. It's quite pricey at £70 so definitely firmly in the main gift category.
Best LEGO toy for Christmas 2025
LEGO Disney 101 Dalmatians Lucky & Penny
Affordable
Collectible
Encourages STEM and imaginative play
Limited appeal for older children
Key specs
Price on writing: £16 | Age suitability: 6+
What Mumsnet users say
If you've got a 101 Dalmatians fan - or just someone who loves dogs and puppies - you can't go wrong with this cute LEGO set featuring Lucky and Penny from the iconic Disney film.
The adorable puppy builds have moving parts, adding to the fun, and of course, LEGO is great for encouraging creativity as well as essential STEM skills. Best of all, it's under £20, making it an ideal stocking filler or top-up gift for school-aged builders.
Best Christmas toy for imaginative play
Sylvanian Families Skytop Fairy Castle
Detailed designs
Collectible value
Great for imaginative small world play
Expensive
Tiny parts can get lost easily
Key specs
Price on writing: £61 | Age suitability: 3+
What Mumsnet users say
Another striking addition I was lucky enough to see in person at The Big Christmas Press Show, the Skytop Fairy Castle is beautifully whimsical new addition to the timeless Sylvanian Families playset range. It features in both Selfridges' and John Lewis' lists of the best toys for this Christmas, and it's not hard to see why - the tiny features of Sylvanian Families playsets are a huge hit with kids and adults alike in terms of small world play and collectible display value, and this fairy-themed amusement park is no exception.
Now in its 40th year, Sylvanian Families has seen something of a resurgence in recent years, with sales up +228% last year according to retailer Selfridges. Appealing to kids’ imaginations and parents’ sense of nostalgia, there's a lot to like about the cute, furry little characters and their many, many different playsets.
Best Christmas toy for Bluey fans
Bluey Toy House Mega Bundle
Hugely popular brand
Sturdy design
Encourages imaginative play
Quite pricey
Not suitable for under threes due to small parts
Key specs
Price on writing: £60 | Age suitability: 3+
The Bluey Toy House Mega Bundle takes celebrating Bluey fandom to the next level. This expansive playset recreates the Heeler family's home with four detailed rooms (living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom), opening doors, and a clever fold-out patio panel for extended play space.
It comes fully furnished - with movable accessories including beds, sofas, a fridge, bathtub and rugs - and features the entire Heeler family (Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad). Plus, there's a BBQ playset included to bring outdoor scenes to life.
Best interactive Christmas toy
Bitzee Hamster Ball
Engaging
Compact and portable
Interactive
Limited depth over time
Can be noisy
Key specs
Price on writing: £35 | Age suitability: 3+
What Mumsnet users say
The Bitzee Hamster Ball takes the popular Bitzee interactive toy to the next level, introducing a virtual pet that can roll around, react and interact with kids. Little ones can feed, play and customise their pet and watch them grow from baby to super Bitzee.
A great option for primary school kids, the Bitzee Hamster Ball also features up to 20 little 'friend' hamsters which can be unlocked to interact and play with the main 'pet'. Think Tamagotchi, only in 2025.
Best doll set for Christmas
Wicked Students of Shiz
Trendy
Affordable
Collectible
Small parts
Niche appeal
Key specs
Price on writing: £24 | Age suitability: 4+
Inspired by last year’s blockbuster Wicked and the sequel hitting cinemas this Christmas, this affordable doll set featuring five iconic main characters is sure to be a crowd pleaser with all Defying Gravity fans.
Featuring nine storytelling accessories, the dolls have moving parts including bobble heads for maximum imaginative play value. They're a good price point too, making them an ideal stocking filler.
Best on-trend toy for Christmas 2025
Big on-trend factor with preteens and teens
Blind box excitement
Collectible
Pricey for what it is
Blind box can mean duplicates
Key specs
Price on writing: From £18 | Age suitability: 15+
What Mumsnet users say
Mischievously cute, the Labubu monsters are the 2025 toy craze taking the market by storm. Combining the excitement of a blind box (each comes in a mystery package) with a part-toy, part-fashion-accessory appeal, Labubu dolls appeal to collectors and kids alike thanks to their cheeky expression and soft cuddly fur.
The biggest challenge is trying to get hold of one - they're often sold out on Labubu manufacturer Pop Mart's website and can be quite pricey when bought elsewhere.
Best creative tech toy for Christmas 2025
Pad Creator Instant Print Tablet
Blends tech appeal with creative play and learning
Built-in printer allows kids to instantly print their creations
Pricey
Paper and ink will need replacing
Key specs
Price on writing: £130 | Age suitability: 8+
This creative tech toy combines the appeal of a kids' tablet with creativity and the instant gratification of easy printing. Kids can snap photos with the built-in 5MP camera, draw and decorate images using the stylus, add filters or fun templates, then print their creations instantly via the integrated thermal printer - no messy ink required and prints are instantly dry.
With four paper rolls included (enough for over 250 prints), this tablet is perfect for imaginative play, scrapbooking, or making personalised cards - bringing a tech-savvy twist to arts and crafts.
Best Christmas LEGO kit for age 10+
LEGO Fortnite Klombo
Combines LEGO creativity and STEM appeal with the popular gaming trend
Challenging build for older kids
Strong play value and display potential
Pricey
Niche appeal
Key specs
Price on writing: £72 (was £90) | Age suitability: 10+
What Mumsnet users say
A blockbuster crossover between Fortnite and LEGO, this Klombo set is perfect for older kids. It's a challenging build which is sure to keep them busy, and it has great play value too thanks to its moveable legs and mouth, plus the two Fortnite mini figures included.
There's also a bonus QR code gamers can use to redeem a bonus Fortnight Island Adventure Peely Outfit in the LEGO Fortnite video game. It's a little pricey with an RRP of £90, but it's currently 20% off at Argos, so grab it quick if Fortnite and LEGO tick the boxes for your preteen.
More of the best Christmas toys: recommended by retail experts
🎁 Little Live Pets Gotta Go Giraffe | £30 | Age: 4+ | Recommended by: Argos
🎁 Noodoll Plush | £23 | Age: 0+ | Recommended by: Selfridges
🎁 LEGO Minecraft Creeper | £27 | Age: 10+ | Recommended by: John Lewis
🎁 Gui Gui Create and Collect Slime | £10 | Age: 6+ | Recommended by: Argos and John Lewis
🎁 Build-A-Bear Workshop Toy Stuffing Station | £35 | Age: 3+ | Recommended by: Argos
Highlights from The Big Christmas Press Show and Toy Fair 2025
Best prices on kids' toys for Christmas: spotted on Mumsnet 👀
When it comes to hunting down Christmas bargains, Mumsnetters are a force to be reckoned with. The first Christmas Bargain Thread launched back in the summer, so our trusty hive mind is already hard at work tracking down the top toy deals for 2025. Here are some of the bargains to be had on the best toys for this Christmas:
I just bought some bits from Argos [...] There was a Harry Potter LEGO set, Pets Alive toys, some really nice wooden toddler toys - all sorts in the 3 for £20 [offer]. - InbetweenDreams
When should you begin shopping for Christmas?
For the most popular toys, you may want to consider buying sooner rather than later. Whilst prices can fluctuate on the run-up to Christmas, it's unlikely you’ll see any huge discounts on toys that are selling fast.
You can sign up for price alerts and notifications across stores such as Amazon and Argos. However, there is a genuine risk that the most in-demand items will sell out long before December. If the toy is at the top of your child’s Santa wishlist, you may not want to take that risk.
Should I order Christmas toys online?
Ordering online can certainly take the pressure out of Christmas shopping and allows you to pick up your toys discreetly and without having the kids in tow. Many brands offer free postage with a minimum spend, so when you factor in the cost of parking at your local shopping centre, it’s often the cheaper option too.
A word of warning, however - be careful if you have an Alexa at home. Whilst notifications are hidden when ordering close to Christmas, this isn't done as standard in earlier months. Be careful surprises aren't ruined by curious kids!
How can I save money on Christmas toys?
Firstly, check out our Mumsnet Christmas forum for the bargain-hunting threads. Secondly, keep an eye out for deals as the countdown to Christmas continues - there are always huge discounts on toys across several top retailers around Black Friday.
It pays to shop around too. Toys can vary in price between retailers so it's worth checking a few sites before committing to your choice, factoring in any additional postage charges and delivery time frames before you checkout.
This Christmas, you may want to set a budget and stick to it. Remember that for many young children, too many toys can be overwhelming. You can most likely cut back without reducing their level of enjoyment. Many families are also making kids aware of the cost of living crisis, explaining that even Father Christmas’s budgets may be a little tighter this year.
Where can I donate toys this Christmas?
There’s no doubt that this Christmas is going to be tough for many families. If you’d like to help others have a magical Christmas, you can donate toys to others using the following schemes:
Birmingham Children’s Hospital - The Celebration Toy Fund purchases toys and games specifically for children who are staying in hospital over Chrsitmas, Diwali or Eid. Donate here.
Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal - donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. Find your local centre here.
Kids Out Charity - helps kids seeking refuge from domestic abuse. Learn more here.
Action for Children - an annual secret Santa to help vulnerable children. Learn more here.
Which toys were the bestsellers for Christmas 2024?
The most in-demand toys for Christmas last year were a mixture of re-imagined nostalgic favourites such as Furby and Barbie, on-trend character toys such as Stitch, STEM favourites including Connetix and, of course, LEGO.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Baby & Child Content Editor at Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising several content pages related to all stages of parenting and pregnancy. As a parent of three school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsnetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews and buyers' guides such as this one.
Jenny has been the editor of the Best Christmas Toys page since 2023 and has attended several toy-focused trade events over the last few years with a focus on finding and testing the best toys for kids of all ages. She also edits several key toy-focused pages for Mumsnet, including the best family board games and the best kid's Advent calendars.
How we chose our recommendations
We regularly scour newly released Christmas 2025 toy prediction lists from top retailers and update our guides as soon as they’re available. We also keep a close eye on recommendations and insights shared by parents on the Mumsnet forums. In particular, we looked for toys that children already own and love, as well as those topping Christmas lists for this year. By combining these real parent experiences with a touch of insider industry knowledge, we’ve pulled together our guide to the best Christmas toys.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet’s Talk boards have been the go-to place for parents to share their Christmas List Plans of Attack for over two decades. Our members are brilliant at sparking ideas and offering tried-and-tested tips on where and when to find the best deals.
Here at Mumsnet HQ, we’ve also built strong links with the biggest retailers and manufacturers, so we always have an eye on what’s new - and which products are set to top Christmas lists this year.