Barbie, Fluffie Stuffiez and Harry Potter all feature on a new list of this year’s most popular Christmas toys.
Each year, the UK’s Toy Retailer’s Association puts together a list of the ‘hottest, most sought-after’ toys for Christmas to give parents a heads up on what’s likely to fly off the shelves.
Last year’s list included Barbie, Paw Patrol and Pokémon, with eight of the top 12 coming in at less than £35 (€40).
Eight-year-old Mason plays with ‘Beast Lab’ at Dreamtoys 2023, 07-11-2023. Image: Katie Collins/AlamyBarbie returns to the list this year, alongside the Bitzee Interactive Pet, the Fingerlings Monkey and Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds.
This year, the list has been expanded from 12 to 20 toys with prices ranging from £8.99 (€10.33) to £149.99 (€172.32).
The top 10 toys are:
- Barbie Pop Reveal |Mattel | £26.99
- Beast Lab | Moose | £89.99
- Bitzee Interactive Pet | Spin Master | £32.99
- Cookeez Makery Oven Playset | Moose | £39.99
- Fingerlings Monkey | Character Options | £17.99
- Fluffie Stuffiez Large Plush | MGA Ent | £34.99
- Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle & Grounds | LEGO | £149.99
- Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler | Mattel | £94.99
- O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers | MGA Ent | £36.99
- Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home | Moose | £64.99
The annual ‘DreamToys’ list is selected by a panel of retailers, including large chains and small independent shops across the UK, and is billed as the best predictor for the year’s most popular Christmas toys.
Toys are chosen based on “the value they bring to playtime, the play patterns they inspire, the emerging trends they represent, or as the hero line in a range of toys that offers price points for every budget”.
A LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds at Dreamtoys 2023, 07-11-2023. Image: Katie Collins/AlamyDreamToys Selection Committee Chair Paul Reader said: “Christmas is a magical time of the year, particularly for children, and this list provides gift givers an authoritative and independent view on what we believe will be the most requested toys to help make that all important purchasing decision.”
“The top 20 will be highly sought after, so if families have a particular product in mind, my advice is to shop early to avoid disappointment.
“If you are simply looking for inspiration, I’d implore everyone to visit their local toy shop and speak to experts who can help suggest the perfect gift for under the tree.”
This year’s list suggests prices are on the rise, with just four of the Top 12 coming in at less than £35 (€40) – down from eight last year.
