Must-have Christmas toys 2025: Expert-picked toys tried and tested by kids
Another year, another onslaught of magical Christmas toys. Here's the best picks from toy experts which have been tried and tested by children.
Christmas is only a stone's throw away with hundreds of shiny new toys about to flood onto UK shop shelves.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or family friend, it's important to keep your finger on the pulse of all the best new toy releases if you're going to get that magical present-opening moment on Christmas morning – which is where the experts come in.
Every year the UK's biggest retailers, like Very, Hamleys, Argos, Amazon and more, share their picks for the must-have Christmas toys to buy for your children.
To help you decide which toys are actually worth it, we'll be keeping a list of the best products coming out and sending them to our child testers for an in-depth review. So far, Argos, John Lewis and Selfridges have released their top 10 list, here's a closer look.
Jump to:
- How do experts pick their top Christmas toys?
- How do we test the top Christmas toys?
- Top Christmas toys to buy your child in 2025
- Last year's top Christmas toys still available
How do experts pick their top Christmas toys?
Every year, expert retailers such as Argos, Selfridges, Hamleys and The Entertainer publish lists of the toys they think will be most sought after this Christmas.
Selections are normally based on the biggest, best and trendiest moments of the year – and there have been plenty of those. Popular TV shows and social media moments (like Peppa Pig's new baby sister) can play a part, as well as the latest advancements in toy technology.
Last year 90's nostalgia was a heavy factor, with Furby, Beyblades and Polly Pocket all making a return, as well as Bitzee Digital Pets, which are very reminiscent of Tamagotchis. Stitch also had a huge renaissance thanks to the new Lilo and Stitch movie – a trend we expect to see more of this Christmas – alongside dolls and LEGO sets from Wicked Part One.
So far, Selfridges, Argos and John Lewis have released their top toy picks and it's exactly as we thought. Sylvanian Families and Hot Wheels rank highly; driving up the nostalgia factor. While toys licensed from Wicked, Minecraft and the popular anime series One Piece all appear, plus, of course, Labubu's!
Last year, a lot of the imaginative play toys centred around kitchen and cooking, with the Ooni toy pizza oven and Melissa & Doug Wooden Vending Machine proving particularly popular, now we have the John Lewis wooden air fryer on the menu. Plus, a huge upswing in toys that have a do-it-yourself element, like the Build-a-Bear Workshop Stuffing Station and Little Live Pets Gotta Go Giraffe-Gigi.
As the Argos press release reads: "This year’s Top Toys reflect the dynamic landscape of play, bringing together world-famous brands, beloved movie characters and highlighting cutting-edge innovation. It’s also so important for us to tap into the latest play patterns, supporting children’s development through interactive fun and encouraging them to unleash their creativity too"
How do we test the top Christmas toys?
Our best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including testing during the MadeForMums Toy Awards and feedback from our trusty Top Testers Club.
For these Christmas toys in particular, we send them out to parent and child testers who deliver detailed feedback as well as direct quotes and imagery from the child themselves. Our family testers consider size, price, assembly, portability, age suitability, durability, how easy it is to store and, of course, how much fun it is!
Each year, 1000s of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.
Must-have Christmas toys to buy your child in 2025
Toniebox 2, £99.99
Recommended by: John Lewis and Argos
Age suitability: 1+
Batteries required: None (USB-C charging port)
The all-new Toniebox 2 is now available for pre-order. This upgraded model has new colourways and an updated design, plus the Tonieplay function which allows you to play interactive games with your favourite characters. The Toniebox 2 is 1+ certified, as opposed to the original Toniebox, which was for ages three and up and is available from 15th September. Check out our Toniebox 2 bundles and deals page for more.
Mattel UNO Spin Game, £16.99
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 7+
Batteries required: None
It's a new spin on UNO – literally! This version of the game includes the dreaded spin cards which requires the player to spin the wheel and follow whatever action is lands on. Different spin powers include Colour Draw, Swap Hands, Colour Discard and so much more.
Buy Mattel UNO Spin Game for £16.99 at John Lewis
Casdon Build-A-Bear Workshop Stuffing Station, £35
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: 3 x AAA
How many of us have experienced the joy of the Build-A-Bear workshop? Well now, you can bring the workshop to your home with this incredible portable stuffing station. The kit comes with two diddy teddies that you can pump up with fluff and then style with outfits and sunglasses! Best of all, it comes with two birth certificates, so everyone knows exactly who these bears belong to.
Buy Casdon Build-A-Bear Workshop Stuffing Station for £35 at John Lewis
Bitzee Hamster Ball, £40
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 5+
Batteries required: 3 x AA (included)
Bitzee's have been a winner among parents for the past two Christmases. These digital pets function a lot like Tamagotchi's, requiring kids to play with them, feed them and discover new friends to unlock. Now though, they're swapping the ring-box design for a cool little hamster ball that allows you to pick up and roll your pet around, all while being able to see them from every angle.
Buy Bitzee Hamster Ball for £40 at The Entertainer
Instant Print Tablet, £130
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 8+
Batteries required:1x Li-ion 4000mAh rechargeable Battery included
The Pad Creator Instant Print Tablet can really help to unlock your child's creativity. With six inspiring modes, kids can take photos, record videos, draw, add stickers, insert text, images and design cards or collages using a wide range of built-in templates. Then, they can print off anything they make onto physical sticky paper.
Buy Instant Print Tablet for £130 at BargainMax
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Giraffe-Gigi, £30
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: 3 x AA (included)
Gigi the giraffe is a cheeky little pet who needs to be put on the toilet! You can feed her, chat to her, sing to her, but just know as soon as she says "Uh-Oh, Gotta Go!" you'll need to put her on the potty.
Buy Little Live Pets Gotta Go Giraffe-Gigi for £30 at Argos
VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Bluey & Satnav Road Trip Playset, £44.99
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: 2 x AAA
Bluey is off on her travels, but needs a trusty Satnav to find her way. With this playset you can press buttons or drive Bluey's car over certain points to get her to speak. She has one sing-along song and six melodies that can be played, plus the car and house playsets have plenty of buttons to push and bits to pop open.
Buy VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Bluey & Satnav Road Trip Playset for £44.99 at John Lewis
Noodoll plush, from £23
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: From birth
Batteries required: None
Jellycats, Squishmallows, Labubu's, now introducing the Noodoll plush. These adorable little teddies were inspired by the shapes of rice grains and noodles, and started life as a storybook character. Now, they're available to buy in a range of outfits and designs, from dinosaurs to rice pudding.
Shop Noodoll plus toys from £23 at Selfridges
Jurassic World Interactive Hatching Dino, £64.99
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 5+
Batteries required: 3 x AA (included)
If you want a toy with an exciting opening experience, this is it. This Jurassic World Interactive Dino literally hatches from an egg. It's then free to roam and cause terror with its roars and stomping, all of which you can control with a handy remote. Best of all, you can put it back in the egg for re-hatching, so you can relive that heart-stopping experience all over again.
Buy Jurassic World Interactive Hatching Dino for £64.99 at Very
Gabby's Dollhouse The Movie, £65
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
Bring home the magic of Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie! This incredible two-feet dolls house has seven rooms, including a party room on the fourth floor, plus a Cat-a-vator to take your dolls where they need to go.
Buy Gabby's Dollhouse The Movie for £65 at Argos
Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber, £40
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: 3 x AAA (included)
Live the world of Star Wars like never before with this super realistic Crystal Lightsaber. This toy features seven different blade colours, sound effects and for the first time – crystals that can be swapped in and out of the hilt. There are 10 crystals in this set and 50+ different combinations of crystals and sounds to try.
Buy Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber for £40
LEGO Minecraft The Creeper, £29.99
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 10+
Batteries required: None
Minecraft fans will adore this brilliant blocky Creeper, featuring four movable legs and a poseable head. The head also opens up to reveal a pig mini figure and TNT block for an extra bit of detail.
- Buy LEGO Minecraft The Creeper for £29.99 at John Lewis
- Buy LEGO Minecraft The Creeper for £29.99 at LEGO
Gui Gui Shimmer Deluxe Duo Pack, £19.99
Recommended by: John Lewis and Argos
Age suitability: 6+
Batteries required: None
This deluxe slime kit is beautifully bright and shimmery. It comes with two different colours as well as gems, crystals and little slime bears. Or, you can buy the cheaper Gui Gui Create And Collect Slime kit.
- Buy Gui Gui Shimmer Deluxe Duo Pack for £19.99 at John Lewis
- Buy Gui Gui Slime kit for £10 at The Entertainer
Wicked Barbie dolls, from £6
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: None
Wicked was one of the biggest movies for families last year and, with the second film approaching, it's set to be just as prevalent this Christmas. Right now you can buy Barbie versions of both Elphaba and Glinda in a range of different outfits.
- Buy Elphaba Singing Barbie doll from £35 at Selfridges
- Buy Glinda Singing Barbie doll from £35 at Selfridges
John Lewis Wooden Air Fryer, £30
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
This mini air fryer is the perfect addition to your kids' pretend kitchen and comes in a stunning sage green. Crafted with premium quality, sustainably sourced wood, this air fryer toy comes with chips and drumsticks for kids to fry up a feast.
Buy John Lewis Wooden Air Fryer for £30 at John Lewis
Jellycats, from £10
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: From birth
Batteries required: None
Jellycats still rule the roost when it comes to cute plush toys. Whether it's a piece of fruit, an animal or even a baseball, there's an Amuesable to suit you. You can find a whole host of Jellycats at the Selfridges pop-up store in London, or you can take a look online.
LEGO One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship set, £119.99
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: 10+
Batteries required: None
LEGO has released a new range of sets based on the anime series One Piece. One of our favourites is the Going Merry Pirate Ship set, which allows builders to explore the cabin, kitchen, workshop and more, all while navigating the high seas towards their next exciting adventure.
Buy LEGO One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship set for £119.99 at LEGO
Sylvanian Familes, from £5
Recommended by: Selfridges and John Lewis
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
First created in 1985, Sylvanian Families are back! Appealing to children and adults alike, these adorable figures had a +228% increase in sales last year. Perhaps most appealing about them is the range on offer, from otters to bears and so much more.
Retailer Selfridges has chosen their entire Sylvanian collection to feature in their top 10 list, while John Lewis is promoting the Skytop Fairy Castle complete with swings, a life and a ton of mini-figures.
- Shop Sylvanian Families collection at Selfridges
- Buy Sylvanian Families Skytop Fairy Castle for £59.99 at John Lewis
Hot Wheels Formula 1 Racing Grand Prix Track, £80
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: 5+
Batteries required: 4x D batteries (not included)
You can now pre-order this brand-new Formula 1 Hot Wheels set, dropping on 1st September. Featuring three highly detailed F1 cars and a thrilling Grand Prix track, it's the perfect gift for petrol heads.
Pre-order Hot Wheels Formula 1 Racing Grand Prix Track for £80 at Selfridges
SMISKI mini figures, £12
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: 3+ Recommended for age: 15+
Batteries required: 4x D batteries (not included)
SMISKI are curious little creatures that hide in corners of the home and glow in the dark at nighttime. With 6 SMISKI variations in each series, including Yoga, Dressing, Moving, Work, Cheer and Exercising, each character presents a different personality and comes wrapped, making each unboxing a surprise.
Shop SMISKI Phosphorescent mini figures at Amazon
Labubu Pop Mart
Recommended by: Selfridges
Age suitability: 15+
Batteries required: None
Labubu's have taken the toy world by storm this year. The little fanged fiends have proved very hard to get your hands on, so we'd suggest heading over to one of Selfridge's pop up stores, or taking a look at Side Kicks.
BRIO 36114 Mega Spiral Set
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
This advanced train set includes 63 modular track and support pieces, designed for builders to construct taller, more complex layouts. You can assemble impressive spiral-shaped tracks, intricate figure-eight loops or even towering multi-level track designs. It's not available yet, but will be in stock very soon.
Check out the BRIO 36114 Mega Spiral Set at John Lewis
Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories, £24
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: None
You can re-enact the entire Wicked movie with this pack of five dolls, they are: Glinda, Elphaba, Nessarose, Fiyero and Boq.
Buy Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories for £24 at Bargain Max
Steiff Jimmy Christmas Teddy Bear, £39.90
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 1 month
Batteries required: None
This adorable Christmas teddy is full of festive cheer with a tartan tie and Santa hat atop its curly head.
Buy Steiff Jimmy Christmas Teddy Bear for £39.90 at John Lewis
LEGO Disney Lucky & Penny 101 Dalmatians Puppies Set, £20
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 6+
Batteries required: None
If your child is puppy-mad, try getting them this 101 Dalmatians LEGO set, made up of 268 pieces.
Buy LEGO Disney Lucky & Penny 101 Dalmatians Puppies Set for £20 at LEGO
LEGO Star Wars Wicket the Ewok Figure Building Toy, £110
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 12+
Batteries required: None
Star Wars fans will also adore this LEGO Ewok recommended by Argos. It's made of 1,010 pieces and comes with an additional Ewok mini-figure.
Buy LEGO Star Wars Wicket the Ewok Figure Building Toy for £110 at LEGO
Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz, £140
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
This toy offers house of experimentation and active fun. You can arrange the tubes and connectors in any way you can imagine, create loops and swirls, weave them under tables. Then, switch on the turbine and let the fun begin. Can you make the foam balls leap from one tube to the next, or hover in mid-air, or go around and around in an endless cycle?
Buy Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz for £140 at Argos
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter Toy, £55
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: None
Drive into battle with this Hot Wheels City Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter and Cars Playset. After knocking out cars with the fire-breathing red dragon, unlock the smaller blue dragon and transform it into racetrack. The race track dragon has wings that you can flap like a real dragon and can scoop up cars to be stored in its bigger friend. The set comes with two cars included but can store up to 20 cars at a time.
Buy Hot Wheels City Ultimate Dual Dragon Transporter Toy for £55 at The Entertainer
Monster Jam Smash & Bash Gravedigger, £50
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: 2 x AAA (not included)
This remote control Smash & Bash Gravedigger is made to withstand anything. No matter where your child drives it – into walls, on the patio, off a high shelf – this bad boy will live.
Pre-order Monster Jam Smash & Bash Gravedigger for £50 at JD Williams
Sticki Rolls Jumbo Studio Rolluxe Deluxe, £39.99
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 5+
Batteries required: None
Sticki Rolls were a huge hit last year and now they're back in a Jumbo Deluxe set! The all-in-one Sticki Rolluxe includes 500 stickers and 3 Jumbo Stickies in a stylish wearable handbag.
Buy Sticki Rolls Jumbo Studio Rolluxe Deluxe for £39.99 at Smyths
Last year's must-have Christmas toys you can still buy in the UK
Melissa & Doug Wooden Vending Machine Toy, £79.99
Recommended by: John Lewis
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
The Melissa & Doug wooden vending machine is a great way of improving your child's dexterity, colour-matching and imaginary play. Simply insert one of the three colourful coins, or credit card, and pick one of the nine coloured snack boxes, including food packages, snack bars, drinks and pouches.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Vending Machine Toy | £79.99
Goo Jit Zu Hero Creator Pack, £20
Recommended by: Argos and Very
Age suitability: 4+
Batteries required: None
You can now make your own Goo Jit Zu Hero from scratch. Simply mix water, plenty of goo and a few fish and pump it into the figure, then watch as it comes to life. Once filled, your Goo Jit Zu's body can be stretched to three times its size.
Goo Jit Zu Hero Creator Pack | £20
Ooni toy pizza oven, £25
Recommended by: Selfridges and Made for Mums Toy Awards
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: 3x AAA (not included)
Children love to copy their parents' day-to-day lives, so if you're a fan of the Ooni pizza oven, you can now buy a mini one for your pint-sized chef. The oven comes with a flame-effect light to make it feel as real as possible, plus accessories like a pizza cutter and pizza ingredients.
Ooni toy pizza oven | £25
The Gross Bucket, £29.99
Recommended by: Hamleys and Very
Age suitability: 3-4+
Batteries required: 3x AAA (not included)
This playset is only for the strong stomached as it features a huge range of "freaky figures" and "creepy compounds" from inside the Fast Food Fryer. From mouldy milkshakes to smelly sauce, each of the 9 compounds is certain to gross you out, and inside 8 of them is a collectible creature.
The Gross Bucket | £29.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutation Station Van, £40
Recommended by: Argos
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: None
Get ready to make some crazy creatures with this Mutation Station Van from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Inside, you'll find 6 2.5-inch figures (including 2 Ninja Turtles) which can all be divided into three sections, you can then put any combination of these sections in the the Mutation Station, press the button and voila! You'll have a new hybrid creature made up of the different characters.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutation Station Van | £40
Disney Bitzee, £40
Recommended by: Argos, Very and The Entertainer
Age suitability: 3+
Batteries required: 3 x AA (included)
The Bitzee pet was a hugely popular toy last Christmas, and now they've followed up with a magical Disney version. Now, the virtual pets you can stroke, feed and play with could be Stitch, Wall-E, Goofy, Olaf and more. With more than 30 iconic characters to choose from and dozens of responses and sounds, this is an ideal companion for your little Disney fan.
Disney Bitzee | £40
We've more top toys, all tested and rated by parents and children including Best toys for 2 year olds, Best toys for 3 year olds, Best toys for 4 year olds and Best toys for 5 year olds.