When it comes to finding the top toys to buy this Christmas, Santa isn't the only one in the know. Here at Grazia, we have spent months doting over all the best toys this year has to offer so that you can see those lit-up faces without the stress of shopping for Christmas gifts online.
Finding that perfect gift for the special little person in your life can feel overwhelming, especially when there's so much choice. Plus, you could spend a small fortune to make all of their dreams come true on Christmas morning if you don't shop wisely.
Want to know which are the top toys predicted to be the most sought-after this year? Well, you're in luck! We are taking all of the stress out of last-minute Christmas shopping so you can discover early on what presents are set to be at the top of every child's Christmas list, according to our expert parent writers, who have been visiting toy fairs and testing toys for months. Just call us Santa's little helpers.
Make sure to bookmark this page, as we will be regularly updating this article in the run-up to Christmas.
SHOP: Top Toys For Christmas 2023
Best soft toy
www.selfridges.com
The Amuseable Spruce Tree soft toy is a huggable Christmas teddy with a friendly face and fuzzy branches. Perfect for a baby's first Christmas or cuddling year-round.
Best interactive toy
www.argos.co.uk
The Vtech Ocean Melodies Tummy Time Whale is an interactive baby toy designed to encourage tummy time through play. It features music, lights, and ocean-themed activities to stimulate sensory development and motor skills. We know little ones love putting toys in their mouths, but don't worry, this whale is BPA-free.
Batteries required: 1 x AA (included).
For ages three months and over.
Best Christmas toy for pre-schoolers
We cannot get enough of the Elmo Slide Plush. This is the cuddly toy sensation that brings pure joy! Hug him, squeeze him, and watch as his giggles tickle your heart. Elmo does it all, from singing to dancing and flapping his arms.
Best Christmas toy for regulating emotions
This charming critter wiggles, hops, and knows when to stop. With its enchanting glow, it's a whimsical friend ready to light up your child's imagination and playtime. We love that this bug is perfect for exploring emotions. As well as fun settings, this toy has a calming mode, which can help soothe and comfort your child.
Best educational Christmas toy
www.very.co.uk
The Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters Playset is an action-packed hub for numerical adventures! With interactive features, it's where the Numberblocks unite to solve math missions, offering a thrilling blend of learning and fun.
Best Christmas toy for toddlers
www.very.co.uk
Want to help your kids burn off some of that festive energy? This epic play-set is like a gift from Santa himself, delivering three times the fun. Your little athletes can shoot hoops, kick goals, and bowl for fun - all in one fabulous package. It's the ultimate holiday game-changer that'll have your kids jumping for joy on Christmas morning.
Best sensory toy for toddlers
If you're a fan of a weighted blanket, you will understand the soothing element of this weighted Elmo plush. Whether your little one is feeling down, needs some sensory soothing, or just wants to share secrets with Elmo, he's always there to lend an ear (or a furry red shoulder)!
Best retro toy
www.selfridges.com
Guess whose back from the 90's - you may remember Furby from your own childhood. This vibrant, interactive soft toy is your child's ticket to a world of wacky conversations and dance parties.
Best toy for Minecraft lovers
www.lego.com
Your Minecraft mad child can venture through the fiery corridors and treasure-laden chambers this Christmas to discover pixelated wonders beyond imagination with this LEGO Minecraft set.
Best doll toy
www.argos.co.uk
Perfect for mini fashionistas, the Style Bae is the perfect doll for play. Simply peel, stick, and style! All tops, bottoms, and shoes are made from reusable cling stickers and loaded with pinks, patterns, and soft fabrics.
Best play kitchen for Christmas
www.kidly.co.uk
Whilst they won't be able to cook the Christmas dinner in this kitchen, it's sure to bring endless hours of imaginative play. We love this sleek and stylish kitchen that has been crafted from sustainably produced wood.
Best kids Christmas toy under £20
www.johnlewis.com
Looking for a fun gift that doesn't break the bank? This is our must-have product for under £20. This Spirograph toy is like a time machine taking you back to the days of nostalgia while giving it a modern twist – scratch away the black and reveal a rainbow of colours. Your little one can create dazzling, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Best musical toy for Christmas
www.thewhitecompany.com
Jingle all the way into the holiday spirit with the gorgeous wooden guitar - the perfect gift for your little rockstar in the making! This isn't just a toy; it's a gateway to a world of musical discovery. Crafted with love and designed for tiny hands, it's the ultimate Christmas present to nurture your child's budding talent.
Best Disney toy for Christmas
www.shopdisney.co.uk
With her shimmering tail and lifelike features, she's not just a doll; she's a true treasure. Watch your child's eyes light up as they reenact their favourite scenes from the new live-action movie or create entirely new adventures under the sea.
Best Hot Wheels toy for Christmas
www.marksandspencer.com
Picture your child's excitement as they command this massive T-Rex transporter, roaring and stomping around the playroom. With its mighty jaws and menacing eyes, this dino is ready for action, and it's all aboard for transporting your child's favourite Hot Wheels toys to epic Jurassic journeys.
Best board game for kids this Christmas
www.johnlewis.com
Everyone loves a board game on Christmas day, but finding one that the whole family can enjoy can be tricky. Pigs on Trampolines is a whimsical and hilarious game. Use the trampolines to bounce pigs into the pig pen and try to land in the mud puddle! Every pig that lands in the puddle earns a mud pie. Keep on bouncing the pigs until all the mud pies are gone - the muddiest piggy wins!
Best L.O.L doll toy this Christmas
With those big, wide eyes, chic outfits, and unmistakable charm, L.O.L. dolls are more than just dolls. The beautiful L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. Fashion House is made out of real, sustainable wood and is top of any L.O.L. doll fan's Christmas list. It features four floors and nine play areas, including a living room, pool, rooftop patio, diner, and more.
Best playset for boys
www.thetoyshop.com
Yet another nostalgic toy making a return this Christmas. If you were a fan of the Ninja Turtles, you would know that this is the mobile headquarters for Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael, our favourite heroes in a half-shell.
19.
PYXEL Coding Pet
Best coding toy for Christmas
PYXEL is not just a pet; it's a mentor, patiently teaching your child the ropes of coding languages, logic, and problem-solving. It's the perfect companion for aspiring coders.
Best scooter for kids this Christmas
www.argos.co.uk
As any parent knows, scooters aren't just for summer. They offer hours of outdoor play and are a great way to burn off all of that festive energy. Whether you're cruising through the neighbourhood to admire holiday decorations or simply enjoying a dry winter day, your child will no longer be sulking at the back but gliding ahead on this LED light-integrated spectacular.
Suitable for ages 6+
Best kids toy for animal lovers
If a pet is on your child's Christmas list, this is the next best thing and thankfully requires zero of the effort of a real animal. Mama Guinea Pig is more than just a pet; she's a talking, moving, and oh-so-cute companion that your kids will adore. Watch her waddle around the Christmas tree.
Best Barbie toy for this Christmas
redirect.viglink.com
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know Barbie is having a moment this year. We predict that there will be lots of Barbies mentioned in letters to Santa this holiday season, but we love this Barbie because she is a little bit different - she is scented! That's right, Watermelon Crush Barbie smells as sweet as she looks, adding a delightful sensory element to your playtime.
23.
Alpine Lodge
Best toy for Lego lovers this Christmas
www.lego.com
The Alpine Lodge Lego toy is a winter wonderland in brick form. With charming details like a cosy fireplace, snowy roof, and festive holiday decorations, it's the perfect set to capture the spirit of a mountain retreat. This is the perfect to build this Boxing Day.
Best toy for pre-teen boys this Christmas
www.currys.co.uk
If you are anything like us and picking up endless foam bullets doesn't float your boat this festive season then the Gel Blaster is perfect for you.
25.
Squishmallows
Best toy for pre-teen Girls This Christmas
If you thought that soft toys were just for little children, you would be very wrong. Squishmallows have taken the word of TikTok by storm, and they are a must-have for pre-teens. Whether snuggling on the couch or adding a touch of whimsy to their bedroom, this plushie is a holiday gift that promises to bring smiles, warmth, and Disney wonder to their hearts.
The Best Places To Shop For Christmas Toys:
Liberty London
John Lewis
Boots
Argos
Hamleys
Kidly
Marks and Spencer
The White Company
Very
Disney Store
Amazon
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.