When it comes to finding the perfect present for the festive season, Santa isn't the only one in the know. Christmas toys are one of the best parts of the festive period (whatever your age). So thank goodness John Lewis, once again, has curated a brilliant collection of toys that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of both the young (and the young at heart).
Even though it feels like just moments ago we were discussing the summer holidays and the best kids' sunglasses, December is well and truly on its way. And as always, but perhaps particularly with the current cost of the living crisis, it will pay to spread the purchasing of gifts over a few months instead of taking the whole hit in December.
Following extensive research (read: playtime) by a panel of experts (read: kids), hundreds were whittled down to just 10 of the best Christmas toys at John Lewis. And lest you think we're jumping the gun, the retailer has also revealed that sales of baubles, as well as faux trees, are set to be huge this year.
John Lewis has a long history of excellent service dating back to 1864, and over the years, it has built a reputation for quality and reliability. Its Christmas toys are selected through months of testing, and many of these selections coincide with our own expert-selected toys. Without further ado, here are the top 10 Christmas toys at John Lewis.
SHOP: The Top 10 John Lewis Christmas Toys 2023
This all-new Gabby is top of John Lewis' toy list and is set to be at the top of lots of letters to Father Christmas. Gabby's Dollhouse is almost five times more popular than the average TV series in the UK. This doll is 20.3cm tall and features the exact same details – clothes, hair, cat-ear headband – that appear in the hit Netflix show. This is the perfect addition to your little one’s toy-box and great for encouraging play.
What's Barbie without her iconic bright pink convertible? This is a brilliant must-have for fans of Barbie, both old and new. And since she's having a moment since the release of this year's live-action movie, Barbie toys are guaranteed be incredibly popular this year.
Currently, save 20 per cent (Offer ends 31.10.2023)
www.johnlewis.com
If your little one is desperate for a puppy this Christmas and you are desperate not to have to clean up after yet another mischievous family member, we have the perfect alternative: the LeMieux Puppy. Little ones can play make-believe with this realistic cockapoo puppy.
Currently out of stock - but should be back in stock shortly.
This is the perfect play set for pretend play, as little ones can act like a barber. Complete with pretend razors, brushes, shaving cream, combs and even a fake beard, it’s a brilliant gift for boys and girls aged three and upwards.
www.johnlewis.com
Your little one might not be able to make you a coffee just yet, but they can practice their barista skills with this sleek wooden café set. It comes complete with everything from a pretend coffee machine and takeaway cup to herbal teabags, pastries and even a card machine.
Your little one can develop their fine motor skills and nurture their love of music with this brilliant Mix and Learn Music Table from the master of kids’ toys, Fisher-Price. Complete with more than 100 songs, sounds and learning phrases, this musical tablet is great for children of all ages.
It is currently out of stock at John Lewis - but should be back in stock shortly. Available on Amazon.
Another gift for pet lovers. Give them the gift of this lovable (and mess-free) guinea pig family and its interactive hutch. The set comes complete with a mama guinea pig, a hutch, three adorable babies and much more.
If you were a child of the '90s, then there is a good chance that you, too, had a Furby on your Christmas list growing up. This curious little creature has had a glow-up since the retro Furby was released. The interactive toy friend has five voice-activated modes and over 600 phrases, jokes, songs, and so much more.
Would a Christmas list be complete without LEGO? We don't think so, and neither does John Lewis. We can't get enough of this Christmas-themed LEGO set. The 1,514-piece snowy set is the newest addition to the much-loved LEGO Winter Village Collection. Children and adults can build a toyshop, music shop and customers, plus the shopkeepers, their homes and the tram ready to take everyone home.
www.johnlewis.com
Last, but by no means least, is Scalextric. This incredibly fun set comes complete with a track that twists, turns and rises, two racing cars, plus remote controls to make this a super-interactive game that children and adults will love.
Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.