Hamleys, the finest toy shop in the world today unveiled its Festive 15 — the hot toys for Christmas 2026 – with simple, instant, satisfying sensory play right at the top of the list as the squishy phenomenon continues to grow across Tik Tok, Instagram and amongst hordes of children from 3 to kidults and adults.
The Big Squij range – a set of ultra-soft, slow-rise squeezable sensory and stress-relief toys, represents amazing value at £10. They offer an irresistibly quirky series of designs from animals to food and a playful hearts assortment. There’s a duck, a corgi, a croissant, a shrimp, dumplings and a watermelon. Hamleys will reveal new additions to the range across October, November and December.
And continuing the theme of comforting, simple, instant joyful play, Hamleys’ senior buying team are also tipping the Movers and Shakers range of soft toys with playful interactive features – close to having a real pet. You can choose from a West Highland Terrier, Golden Retriever, an adventurous Husky and a playful Black & White Cat. They walk, they sit, they hop, they skip – they hug!
The Festive 15 list spans a wide range of interests and styles and will appeal to everyone from 18 months to 18 years + and this year also showcases the continuing trend towards ‘persona play’, where toys aren’t defined by what they do, but by the figure at their centre – inviting children in, handing them a persona and letting them build their own stories and adventures.
And it’s a concept highlighted by a breakthrough kidult toy and J-Pop figure of the world’s first successful “Vocaloid” – Hatsune Miku – Japan’s biggest virtual pop star. She is a turquoise-haired 16-year-old whose “voice” comes from music software and whose songs, styling and stardom have been created almost entirely by millions of fans rather than a record label.
Hatsune Miku has gone from a computer program in 2007 to sold-out arena tours, performing as a hologram in front of thousands of adoring fans hooked on anime and internet pop culture. And she is about to hit the UK with the latest leg of her world tour Miku Expo arriving at London’s O2 Arena on 12 November. This detailed collectible figure lets fans take a piece of the phenomenon home.
With an estimated 15,000 new toys launched in the last 12 months, Hamleys’ buying team has included a number of figures and character toys including two takes on Marvel’s Dr Doom (a LEGO buildable head and a Hasbro action figure), two Barbie dolls dressed for The Nutcracker, a Thunder Unicorn and a Ready, Pedal, Go Interactive Peppa Pig.
The toy is becoming the starting point for a story a child writes themselves, rather than the finished product.
“The Squishy craze is only really just getting going – the demand is huge and we have new editions to unveil in the run up to Christmas. There is a wonderful simplicity to their power whether you are a young child or an adult – literally once you squeeze one, it’s really difficult to put it down,” said Victoria Kay, Head of Buying and Merchandising at Hamleys. “Building stories and fun scenarios is such a great take out from some of the character and figure toys – they are empowering children to run with their own imaginations and create rich and dynamic worlds. “
The Festive 15 will all be in-store very soon and to add to the Yuletide clamour – The BEST, the sparkliest, the most-fun filled Santa’s Grotto experience anywhere is back at Hamleys world famous store on London’s Regent Street.
Tickets are now on sale for this much-loved festive experience, running from 14 November to 24 December. Children aged 2–8 can meet Hamleys Elves, explore their magical workshop and meet Santa himself — with a special gift bag for every child.
Bookings accommodate up to six people, with visits running from 10.15am to 8pm. Prices start at £75 for three people on selected December weekdays and weekends.
Tickets are expected to go quickly, so book early via the Hamleys Santa’s Gro
Hamleys’ Festive 15
Movers and Shakers, Get ready for nonstop giggles! These adorable Movers & Shakers soft toys are bursting with personality and playful interactive features your child will adore. Endlessly entertaining, each one is designed to spark imagination.There are four choices, choose from your favourite furry friend: the loyal West Highland Terrier, the ever-friendly Golden Retriever, the adventurous Husky, or the playful Black & White Cat. Irresistibly huggable — collect them all! . Age: 18m+ RRP: £35.00 Links | |
Thunder Unicorn. Get ready to sprinkle some extra magic into your Christmas this year. The Thunder Unicorn is the remote controlled friend you never knew you needed. Watch it strut, glow, and gallop with enchanting effects that turn playtime into pure wonder, making it a dream come true for every young unicorn fan. Age 3+ RRP: £75.00 link here | |
BARBIE COLLECTION BARBIE In The Nutcracker Clara Doll RRP: £30.00 Link here BARBIE In The Nutcracker Sugar Plum Doll RRP: £30.00 Link here | |
PlayDoh STAMP & SPIN PIZZA PLAYSET. Spark hours of imaginative fun with the Stamp and Spin Pizza Playset! Comes with 5 tubs of colourful modelling dough, the pizza oven features a fun stamp-and-spin action that twirls out a pretend crust. Then decorate with 25+ pretend toppings using the grater and moulds provided. With 8 handy tools for cutting, rolling and shaping, kids can box up their creation for “delivery,” then squish it all together and start fresh! Age 4+ RRP: £20.00 Link here | |
Articulate Under Pressure. Quick minds – get ready for a game that keeps everyone on their toes! Articulate: Under Pressure gives a bold new twist to a much loved party classic, with fun topics, and non-stop energy in every turn – ideal for the after dinner Christmas game with the family. Choose from three exciting modes, or let the timer keep things wild.Age 8+ RRP: £25.00 Link here | |
Primal Hatch Megalodon Something enormous is about to break free! Drop the oversized egg into its tank, pour in water, and watch nature take an ancient turn. The liquid bubbles and shifts to deep crimson as glowing eyes flicker to life and low roars rumble from within. Then, with a final crack, a colossal 40.6cm Megalodon smashes through, jaws snapping and ready to rule. Best part? The adventure resets. With immersive lights, and sound effects, it’s a roaring good time for budding explorers and dino loving daredevils alike. Age 3+ RRP: £55.00 Link here | |
Dr Doom Action Figure. Step into the world of Marvel with this striking 15cm Doctor Doom figure, crafted to mirror his on-screen appearance from Avengers: Doomsday. With screen-accurate details and 20+ movable joints, you can pose the figure in all kinds of fun and dynamic positions. A great addition to any fan’s collection! Age 4+ RRP: £30.00 Link here | |
ScorpiX RC Transforming Car This sleek and stylish sports car comes with LED head and tail lights and compact wheels for precision turning. It transforms into a scorpion at the touch of a button with pincers and a tail extending out of the body, as smoke is released from underneath the car. It can be driven in car or scorpion mode with a remote control distance of 25 metres. Age 7+ £50.00 Link here | |
Hatsune Miku T-Most PVC Figure. Meet the virtual superstar who changed music forever! As one of the world’s first and most beloved Vocaloids, Hatsune Miku captivated fans with her synthesised voice and catchy songs — turning her into a global phenomenon, and companion to millions. This T-Most figure captures her signature look, posed on a striking heart-shaped base. Age 7+ RRP: £28.00 Link here | |
The Big Squij Range. Get ready to squeeze into the season’s hottest trend. This ultra-soft, slow-rise collection is taking sensory play to a whole new level, with irresistibly quirky designs spanning animals, food, and fun. From the adorable Corgi Butt and Duck to the mouth-watering Croissant and Watermelon, plus the playful Hearts Assortment, Big Squij is a must-have on every Christmas list this year. Age 3+ RRP:£10.00 | |
Numberblocks sing and record music player. This Christmas, help little ones count their way to stardom with the Numberblocks® Sing and Record Music Player, straight from the hit CBeebies show! With 15 fun sounds and songs, including the famous theme tune, it blends learning with festive fun. A built-in microphone records up to 90 seconds of singing for playback, while five character buttons teach counting, colours, and shapes. With a carry handle, volume settings, and headphone jack, it’s ready to unwrap! Age 3+ RRP: £26.95 link here | |
LEGO Doctor Doom Bust. This Christmas the Kidult trend continues, unmask the villain behind the legend! The LEGO® Marvel Doctor Doom Bust lets grown-up builders assemble a striking display piece inspired by the Avengers: Doomsday antagonist. Movable jaw and neck joints, a metallic-finish hood and cape, and sharply sculpted details bring real menace to life. Complete with a bonus minifigure and nameplated stand, it’s a standout gift for Marvel fans this festive season — perfect for stocking the shelf or under the tree. Age 18+. RRP £45.00 Link here | * |
Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Interactive Toy. This Christmas, join Peppa Pig on two wheels with the Ready, Pedal, Go Interactive Toy! Pop on her helmet, attach the push stick, and guide her along as she “learns” to ride. Detach the stick, give her a gentle push, and watch her pedal solo until she stops. Smart sensors mean Peppa reacts with over 70 sounds and phrases. She comes with decorative and bandage stickers, so kids can personalise her bike and patch her up after a tumble! Age 3+ RRP: £30.00 Link here | |
Hamleys Wooden London Taxi. Bring a piece of London charm home this Christmas with this Hamleys own, classic Wooden London Taxi! Beautifully crafted and a timeless design, it’s perfect for little hands to push, pull, and steer through imaginative adventures. Age 12months RRP: £25.00 Link here | |
Magic 3D Track Set This enchanting 171 piece electronic 3D track set includes colourful track cubes, traffic accessories and a USB chargeable train car. Running in a loop, there are multiple layouts and combinations of track designs to play with which encourages creative construction and logical thinking. RRP: £60.00 Link here |
