The UK toy market is worth more than £3bn annually, with over 350 million toys sold a year – half of them in the last three months. And with so many more toys on offer, picking out Christmas presents for the children in your life can be bewildering. One thing you mustn’t do is leave present-buying until the last minute – the thrill of the chase is never enjoyable when it’s up and down the toy aisles on December 24.
With over 20 years of professional experience – playtesting for toy companies, writing instruction manuals and starting up clubs for kids and adults – I know a thing or two about the world of toys. My self-styled moniker of “toyologist” is a nod to the Maureen Lipman BT advert of some years past (“You get an ology, you’re a scientist!”) but I take my task very seriously. Play is, after all, a fundamental part of growing-up.
Here’s my guide to this year’s toy trends and the must-have toys in each category so you can understand what children actually want – and avoid the “back-of-the-cupboard before they’re back at school” fate.
INTERACTIVE PLAY: These are toys which stimulate children’s senses by moving, talking or playing, helping to support pre-schoolers’ development
Purro the Kitten (for age: 5+) – £49.99 at smythstoys.com or currently on offer with 40% off at Amazon
With its soft-knit exterior this purring pet is feline very tactile. An interactive kitten, it’s a pet without the mess that’ll respond to touch, sound and music. Loaded with over 70 different meows, purrs and sound effects, it’s a high pedigree plaything.
Daisy the Goat (for age: 4+) – £49.99 at Very.co.uk
Move over unicorns, sloths and koalas there is a new animal in town, and it is full of zen. This yoga-loving kid is an interactive toy with 60-plus reactions, from meditative moves to more playful pursuits. When ready, Daisy can switch personality to offer a mode with soft-breathing and gentle music for some well-deserved downtime.
STEM PLAY: Standing for science, technology, engineering and maths, these toys promise to help kids develop skills such as problem solving and parents love them for their educational value.
Gecko Run Deluxe (for age: 8+) – £44.96 at Amazon
A marble run the like of which you’ve not seen before, there are plenty of pieces to offer more of a challenge to any construction team and with much more satisfaction delivered upon completion when your ball-bearing is unleashed. There are twists, turns, seesaws and more to overcome on this vertical track that can be set up on windows and walls and removed easily with little fuss.
Build Your Own Kits (for age: 8+) – £19.99 from Amazon or buildyourownkits.com
There are plenty of options when it comes to build kits, it is one of the most popular toy categories but after your hard work you want something that offers more than just something static to stare at.
These kits offer plenty of interactivity when you’re done. Opt for the Marble Labyrinth or the pinball machine, but there are plenty of others on offer in this great value range.
PLUSH: Sales of these soft, squishy – often collectible – stuffed toys are soaring, and the affordable price points make them extra appealing for parents looking for gifts.
Hug-a-Lumps (for age: 3+) £19.99 Amazon also stocked at Thetoyshop.com
With eight animals to choose from, including a bunny, dinosaur and pug, these weighted plush toys are great for kids of all ages. While soft and snuggly, the added weight gives them anti-stress appeal and a feeling of comfort when placed on the shoulder. Watch out, the grown-ups might want to borrow them too.
Hello Kitty Squishmallow, 20cm (for age: 3+) £12.99 Amazon also stocked at Smyths Toys
It is the 50th anniversary this year of the iconic Kitty and, well, what an absolute whirlwind it has been. Selling out of almost everything Hello Kitty that hits the shelves this year there’s this latest arrival from the people who helped make the plush category cool once more – they’ve done the kitty proud.
ROLE PLAY: From wooden food and kitchen sets to construction toys, role play toys help children learn life skills and unleash their imagination.
Cotton Candy Maker £29.99 Amazon
Children deserve just one indulgent gift – all things in moderation after all- so create some of the fun of the fairground right at home. Add some sugar, twist the lid and let it spin to create delicious bite-sized candyfloss spheres.
Brio Steam and Go Train (for age: 3+) currently has 33% off
Train-loving toddlers will be enthralled with this chunky choo-choo. The battery-powered locomotive travels along whilst sending out a safe-to-touch steam from its funnel. Built to last, it makes a great display piece for any playroom too.
AS SEEN ON SCREEN: Your youngsters can play with iconic cars or pretend to be Baby Yoda, Ahsoka Tano or Han Solo with toys and gadgets tied to TV and films.
Power Saber (for age 6+) – £59 from MenKind
Star Wars fans will be transfixed by this telescopic lightsaber which extends to around 90cm in length at the touch of a button. Available in red or green, depending on your allegiance, the LED lights will flash if the blade clashes with an object and it also features motion-based sci-fi sound effects.
Scalextric Back to the Future vs Knight Rider (for age 5+) – £160 from Argos
Still on-track after more than 50 years, the slot-car racing maker continues to innovate for a new audience and revive retro rides to get the grown-ups revved up. This set celebrates two iconic cars: KITT has the pulsing red strobe and the DeLorean, a working FLUX capacitor. Add to, and expand your track, and with so many cars available from Scalextric HQ you’ll be spoilt for choice.
MINDFULNESS: A growing area for gadgets and activities aimed at young children, items in this category aim to promote creativity and concentration but also help little ones stay attentive and relaxed.
Yoto Player, 3rd generation (for age 3+) – £89.99 from Amazon
Story-telling types and book lovers alike won’t want to find the off-button on this remarkable machine. No cameras, microphones or screen the Yoto brings audio to life with sound and a pixellated screen. It also has a nightlight, room thermometer, Bluetooth speaker and headphone socket. The Yoto cards number into the hundreds suitable for all ages with best-selling novels, music, activities, free podcasts, radio and you can create content with a Make Your Own card.
Nestlums (for age 4+) – £24.99 from John Lewis
This playful pocket-money tracker is aimed at younger kids who have very little contact with actual cash and is designed to help their savings habits. Grown-ups have access to updating the balance, kids can see what they’ve earned and spent and enjoy the on-screen interactions.
