DreamToys 2026: The 15 Hottest Toys Predicted to Be on Children’s Christmas Wish Lists

Christmas shopping inspiration has arrived, with the official DreamToys 2026 list revealing the 15 toys expected to be among the most sought-after gifts this festive season.

Announced by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), this year’s selection brings together an exciting mix of interactive toys, collectables, creative playsets, building kits and much-loved characters. From the latest KPop Demon Hunters dolls and Pokémon collectables to imaginative LEGO creations and interactive robotic animals, the list offers plenty of inspiration for families searching for the perfect Christmas present.

The announcement also comes at an exciting time for the UK toy industry, which is experiencing its strongest growth in more than a decade.

Here are the 15 toys making this year’s selection:

All prices are recommended retail prices (RRPs). Actual prices may vary between retailer.

What Makes the DreamToys 2026 List Special?

This year’s selection reflects the changing interests of children and families, with everything from sensory play and creative activities to competitive games and character-inspired toys.

Several products tap into popular trends, while others demonstrate that traditional play experiences remain just as appealing.

Interactive Toys, Collectables and Sensory Play

Collectable toys and hands-on experiences feature prominently in the 2026 selection.

The Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset brings miniature play to life with a record player that actually spins and plays music. Meanwhile, NeeDoh Swirl Niceberg celebrates the continued popularity of squishy sensory toys, and the Clickeez Bubble Pops Keyboard combines a keyboard-shaped collector’s case with a playful toy set.

For children who enjoy imaginative and interactive play, the furReal Gabby the Grow & Roar Tiger offers something a little different, transforming from a small cub into a larger tiger.

LEGO, Building Sets and Creative Play

Building toys continue to capture children’s imaginations, with the LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Iconic Pirate Ship earning its place on the list.

The set allows children to construct three different models using the same collection of bricks, offering opportunities to rebuild, experiment and create new adventures.

Creative activities are also represented by the Giftie Badge Maker, which allows children to design and make their own pin badges, and Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul, a sensory slime kit designed for hands-on fun.

Action Toys, Vehicles and Games

For children who love fast-paced play, competition and exciting adventures, the DreamToys 2026 selection includes several standout options.

The Beyblades Sneak Attack Battle Set continues the appeal of competitive spinning-top battles, a toy phenomenon that first emerged in 1999.

Vehicle fans can look forward to the Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage, a multi-level playset that combines the excitement of racing with an impressive dinosaur-inspired design.

The PAW Patrol Megasaurus Dino Vehicle also brings together two popular play themes, while the Primal Hatch Megalodon Specimen offers an exciting robotic shark experience activated by water.

Traditional games haven’t been forgotten either. Starts with Ends With brings a competitive word and reflex challenge, while the Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box celebrates three decades of one of the world’s most recognisable collectable franchises.

KPop Demon Hunters, Pokémon and PAW Patrol Lead the Character-Inspired Line-Up

Familiar entertainment favourites continue to influence children’s Christmas wish lists.

The KPop Demon Hunters Huntr/x Singing Dolls bring the popular franchise into the world of imaginative play, while the PAW Patrol Megasaurus Dino Vehicle gives younger fans another opportunity to recreate adventures with their favourite characters.

The VTech Toy Story 5 Explore & Learn Lilypad also features on the list, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Toy Story franchise following the release of the film earlier this year.

With established favourites sitting alongside newer entertainment trends, the selection offers plenty of choice for children with different interests.

UK Toy Market Enjoys Its Strongest Growth in More Than a Decade

The announcement of DreamToys 2026 comes as the UK toy industry celebrates an exceptionally strong year.

According to figures from industry data specialists Circana, the UK toy market grew by 13% year-to-date, reaching £2.64 billion by September 2026. Over the 12 months from September 2025, the market was worth £4.58 billion.

The number of toys sold also increased significantly, with 257 million units purchased year-to-date. That’s 38 million more toys than during the same period last year, representing a 17% increase.

Several categories experienced particularly impressive growth:

• Explorative toys: up 45%.
• Building sets: up 32%.
• Action figures: up 17%.
• Traditional games: up 17%.
• Vehicles: up 7%.

Paul Reader, Chairman of the DreamToys Selection Panel at the Toy Retailers Association, said:

“2026 has been incredible for the UK toy market, with growth reaching levels we haven’t seen in more than a decade. What’s particularly encouraging is that this isn’t being driven by one product or category. Innovation, newness and the enduring appeal of play are helping the market grow across a wide range of toys.
“This year’s DreamToys list celebrates the toy market’s diversity and the products we expect to be high on children’s wish lists this Christmas. From toys that spark imagination and creativity to those that bring families together, the list reflects the incredible variety of play experiences available today.”

Fun Is Now the Biggest Priority for Parents Buying Toys

Interestingly, educational value is no longer the number one consideration influencing parents’ toy purchases.

Research from The Insights Family found that fun has overtaken educational value as the leading factor when parents choose toys for their children.

The research also revealed that children’s weekend playtime with toys and games has increased by 10% compared with last year. Furthermore, one in five parents of children aged three to nine said the opportunity to play together as a family influences their purchasing decisions.

Tom Williams, CEO at The Insights Family, said:

“These findings highlight the important role toys continue to play in children’s lives and the evolving priorities of families when it comes to choosing what to buy.
“Fun is now the leading factor in parents’ toy-buying decisions, overtaking educational value, while value for money and the potential for toys to be played with repeatedly are also increasingly important.
Parents are choosing toys that are entertaining, empowering and deliver a sense of creativity and achievement. This reflects a desire for toys that deliver lasting enjoyment and offer something for the whole family, which is exactly what this year’s DreamToys list provides.”

This emphasis on enjoyment, creativity and shared experiences is reflected throughout the DreamToys selection, with products designed to encourage everything from imaginative storytelling to family games and hands-on activities.

High Street Toy Shops Remain Important for Christmas Shopping

There is also encouraging news for independent toy shops and retailers across the UK.

Research from The Insights Family found that 76% of parents spend more in physical shops than online, an increase from 71% in 2024.

The figures highlight the continuing importance of the in-store shopping experience, particularly during the Christmas shopping season, when families can explore toys, receive expert advice and discover new gift ideas.

Melissa Symonds, Executive Director of UK Toys at Circana, said:

“It’s been an exceptional year for the UK toy market, with the strongest growth we’ve seen in at least a decade. We’re seeing strong demand across a wide range of toys that encourage creativity, imagination and fun, and the industry is heading into Christmas with real momentum.
“Last December, more than 1,300 toys were flying off shelves every minute during the busiest shopping week, and with sales already well ahead of last year, retailers will be hoping for another bumper festive season.”

Paul Reader added:

“Physical toy shops all over the country will be striving to bring fun, innovation and value to families this Christmas, mixed with expert advice from knowledgeable staff. It is fantastic to see that parents value that expertise when it comes to buying safe and fun toys for the family this Christmas.
“Parents will be able to visit some of those stores to enter a competition for their children to win all the toys on the list from this Friday and can visit the Dream Toys website over the coming days to find out more”.

Win All 15 DreamToys 2026 Toys This Christmas

Families also have the opportunity to get their hands on the complete DreamToys 2026 selection through a nationwide competition.

Launching on Friday 13 November, the competition gives eight lucky children the chance to win all 15 toys featured on this year’s list.

Participating stores will be involved, with families able to find further information, including details of participating retailers and competition terms and conditions, through the official DreamToys website.

Where Can You Find the Full DreamToys 2026 List?

Whether you’re looking for the latest collectable craze, an imaginative building set, an interactive toy or a family game, the DreamToys 2026 list offers plenty of Christmas gift inspiration.

With the UK toy market enjoying impressive growth and parents placing an increasing emphasis on fun, creativity and shared play experiences, this year’s selection showcases the variety of toys available for children this festive season.

For the complete DreamToys 2026 selection, further information and competition details, visit the official Toy Retailers Association DreamToys website.

Prices are recommended retail prices and may vary between retailers. Competition terms and conditions apply.