Top Toys Kids Will Ask Santa for This Christmas

The BTHA has revealed the top toys for 2026. LEGO, Disney and more—see the toys likely to top kids’ wish lists this Christmas.

Christmas may have just wrapped up, with the odd decoration still lurking and cupboards bursting with bargain buys, but the toy world doesn’t hit pause. Retailers are already looking ahead, turning their attention to the toys set to shape 2026 as planning begins for the year ahead.

Revealed by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana at Toy Fair London, new figures show the toy market bouncing back in a big way. Powered by pop culture hits like Stranger Things, Wicked, Minecraft and The Traitors, licensed toys now account for over a third of sales, as films, streaming shows and gaming favourites breathe fresh life into toy aisles across the UK.

Kerri Atherton, Head of Public Affairs at the BTHA, said: “Toys are a family affair. Parents are choosing play that feels familiar and meaningful, whether reliving childhood favourites or sharing screen-to-toy moments with their kids. Toys are not just about singular playtime, they’re about connection, comfort, and joy, and it’s great to see quality family time and the wide-appeal of toys across generations driving this revival.”

So which toys are set to be the most sought after? The official Hero Toys list has now been revealed, giving parents a first look at the toys tipped to dominate wish lists. It’s the perfect excuse to plan ahead and make Christmas shopping easier.

Top Hero Toys for 2026

🧸 Plush & Fun

Fuggler Fugg Stars 9‑Inch Plush £14.99 — Buy Fuggler on Amazon
Scratch and Sniff: Under the Sea Fart Book £8.99 — Pre-order on Amazon

⚽ Licensed & Pop Culture

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ Ballers £9.99 — Pre-order on Amazon
Target Star Wars R2‑D2 Magnetic Dartboard £24.99

🧠 Sensory & Pocket Money

NeeDoh Jelly Hops £6.99 — Buy NeeDoh on Amazon
Squeezy Sitting Highland Cow Stress Toy £1.99

🏗️ Construction & Creative

LEGO Botanicals Tulip Bouquet £54.99 — Buy LEGO on Amazon
LEGO® Minecraft Mini Biomes £54.99 — Buy LEGO on Amazon

🚀 Imagination & Playsets

PLAYMOBIL ESA: Mars Research Rocket £49.99 — Buy PLAYMOBIL on Amazon
Citrus Bird Juice Stand £39.99

🤖 Games & Tech

Hex Bots Skitter Bots £9.99 — Buy Hex Bots on Amazon
Smart Games – Hansel & Gretel £19.99
Race Across the World Card Game £12
Style 4 Ever Mini Camera Bag Charm Kit £14.99 — Buy Style 4 Ever on Amazon
Cryptic Killers: Peaky Blinders Case File £22.99 — Buy Cryptic Killers on Amazon
Pup‑Pee Showdown £19.99
Butt Face – Chester Cheeks £24.99

🔬 STEM, Puzzles & Crafts

Potions Lab £19.99
Giftie Badge Maker £34.99
Vase 3D Puzzle £14.99 – Buy Ravensburger on Amazon
Scan & Learn Checkout £34.99

🍦 Outdoor & Larger Toys

Heartbrands Ice Cream Parlour Playset £30.00
ZipString Aracna £29.99
Hot Wheels Racer Ride On £64.99

🧸 Collectibles

MEGA CAT PROJECT – ONE PIECE Good Night Nyan‑Piece‑Nyan! £15 — Buy MEGA CAT on Amazon
Disney YuYus Stitch / Disney YuYus Pooh £14.99 — Buy Disney YuYus on Amazon
Care Bears Caring Cuties £12.99 — Buy Care Bears on Amazon
Jelly Blox Squish Train Set £39.99 — Buy Jelly Blox on Amazon

Looks like Santa’s got some new favourites for 2026! From cuddly plushies to game-changing gadgets, these Hero Toys are sure to top any wish list. Get ahead, pick the ones your kids will love, and make this year’s Christmas shopping a breeze — Santa would definitely approve!