With life increasingly fast-paced and complicated, Hamleys toy experts are homing in on a growing cultural shift towards simplicity – a bouncy ball and teddy bear featuring heavily in their Top Toys for Christmas this year.
With an estimated 15,000 new toys launched in the last 12 months, Hamleys’ senior buying team have honed their festive recommendations to 15. There’s no shortage of tactile comfort, uncomplicated and nostalgic fun to be had in the list full of great value toy options. But the list includes fun tech too, with a robotic Toy Story Woody, a zippy remote controlled drifting car and an AI powered football skills game.
TY Bouncers at £7 each are already laying claim to pole position in the must-haves this Christmas. They offer a collection of 80 different soft, furry balls with character faces from cats, cows, monkeys and pandas to familiar icons from Spiderman, Stitch and Paddington to Bluey, Batman, Paw Patrol and Minecraft characters.
“They’ve been building steadily all year to a point now where they’re a full-on craze. They work because they represent uncomplicated fun: a timeless toy – reimagined. They are simple – no tech, no instructions — just bounce and laugh. They also offer tactile engagement with soft textures and the friendly faces offer a sensory break from digital overload. They evoke nostalgia – the charm of classic toys, reminding parents of their own childhoods. In a world full of noise, they’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things bring the biggest smiles,” said Victoria Kay, head of buying and merchandising at Hamleys.
According to research from Future Marketing Insights, compact designs that work well at home and on the go are increasingly popular1, while products that can be stored neatly and grow with children are especially valued. At the same time, adults are turning to tactile, fuss-free toys that offer moments of calm and independent play.
With a classic new Teddy Bear range, a series of Market Place food soft toys – a category still growing in popularity – and Peppa Pig’s beloved baby Evie, it is set to be a comforting Yuletide.
Hamleys’ Festive 15
| LEGO meets Marvel – what’s not to like? The LEGO Marvel Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene Set features the iconic train from the Spider-Man 2 movie. The superhero stops a runaway train with a large web, but Doc Ock moves in to crush the train carriage with his mechanical tentacles. The outcome and adventure are over to the children and their imaginations. Age: 9+ RRP £45 | |
| Roblox Dress to Impress fashion dolls. Each one of these Mystery Models inspired by the Roblox game can strike up an iconic runway pose and rocks its own signature style. You can mix and match the looks by swapping hair, tops and bottoms, shoes and other accessories across the range. Blend physical play with digital fun as each also comes with a unique code that unlocks in-game digital items. Three to collect. Age: 6+ RRP £30 Available from end of October | |
| TY Bouncers offer a collection of 80 different soft, furry balls with character faces from cats, cows, monkeys and pandas to familiar icons from Spider-Man, Stitch and Paddington to Bluey, Batman, Paw Patrol and Minecraft characters. Age 3+.
RRP: £7 | |
| L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers have been upgraded this year and the bestseller now has fun new play patterns. Emerging from a magic blossoming flower, they can be maneuvered and made to hover more easily with a wand or with your hands. There are 8 dolls to collect. Age:6+ RRP: £30 | |
| Hamleys Market Place Food Pizza Slice – the toy and food fad is not going away and this year Hamleys have added a family of food soft toys to the collection: Pizza Slice, Pear, Watermelon, BLT sandwich and a cute Pretzel. At approximately 13 cms high, these cuties will capture plenty of cuddles this year. Age: 0+
RRP: £12 | |
| SOCCER DASH The new interactive AI powered football trainer can be used indoors and out, solo or in teams and is designed to elevate your skills and drills. Featuring a smart ball and four smart targets, there are six different games to play. The AI technology adapts to your skill levels and helps you build your core dribbling and essential ball control. Age: 6+ RRP: £50 | |
| Human Controller A hilarious, interactive game that combines a blindfolding, goggle headset that vibrates with directional cues and takes you through over 30 games and challenges. It encourages movement, is ideal for family gatherings and parties and comes with a built-in timer and scorer. Mad cap fun, it will keep the family laughing. Age: 14+
RRP: £35 | |
| Robosen Mini Robot – Toy Story Kit – Woody Woody remains a rite-of-passage toy, connecting parents and children through Toy Story’s enduring legacy. This animated robotic figure has immersive original sounds that will delight fans of all ages this Christmas. Age: 3+
RRP: £80 | |
| One Piece Egghead Arc Series From the popular One Piece franchise and the booming Mighty Jaxx with their cult following, these edgy, retro-futuristic collectible characters are designed by acclaimed sculptor, Jason Freeny. The signature styling appeals to younger gamers and older fans alike, bridging the gap between gaming and toy culture. 7 to collect. Age: 3+
RRP: £15 Available mid-November
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| Micro Drift RC This compact and powerful remote-control car comes with a unique handheld charger and launcher and can perform smooth and epic drifts in its four-wheel drive mode. With cool styling, it is fun, fast and affordable. Age: 6+
RRP: £30 Available from end of October | |
| Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber A fresh take on the legendary toy, this latest saber comes with 10 different coloured crystals, seven different blade colours and over 50 unique sound and effects combinations – to give children the chance to effectively design their own style lightsaber. The Crystal Combiner taps into strong intergenerational appeal and reflects renewed Star Wars exposure through Disney spin-offs. Age: 4+
RRP: £40 | |
| Evie with Blanket With her soft and cosy blanket, the latest preschool/under 5 sensation is a cute and adorable cuddler already in high demand. Age: 2+
RRP: £13 | |
| Sky Trails: S1 Starter Kit This new action building system from Playmobil allows children and adults to create a fun, twisting course where the Sky Riders are suspended beneath the tracks and able to whizz through tubes, along beams and over ramps and lifts for great aerial action. The fun can change, grow and morph into different shapes, modes and dynamics with new build sets creating more action and challenges. Age: 7+
RRP: £70 | |
| Wooden Hamburger Stacker Food continues to be a great theme for younger play and this charming solid wooden toy allows children to build their own burger with layered ingredients. Encourages pretend play and decision-making. A great fit for early years roleplay. Age: 2+
RRP: £15 Available from end of October
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| Hamleys Bertie Heritage Teddy Bear A classic, traditional teddy bear – part of a collection of three new Hamleys Bears (Tilly, Maple and Bertie). Available in 20cm, 25cm and 30cm sizes. Evoking nostalgia and comfort, Bertie reflects the timeless gift of a cuddly toy. Perfect for families seeking tradition and charm. Age: 0+
RRP: From £20 Available from end of October |
