Recent updates
We've updated this article by price-checking all the toys featured, amending prices where necessary, removing items that were out of stock, and replacing them with alternative toy recommendations.
If you're looking for the top Christmas toys so you can buy a winner of a pressie for your child, nieces, nephews or friends' kids, then you've come to the right place.
We've analysed the retailer trends to bring you a definitive list of the top Christmas toys for 2023, to take the hassle out of your Christmas shopping and help you avoid overspending on something that may find itself in the regifting pile before New Year's Eve.
This is supported by child development expert Dr. Amanda Gummer, who says: "I talk to a lot of parents, and time and again I hear that parents panic at the last minute and over-spend in haste when choosing what to buy from the top Christmas toys."
To avoid falling into that trap, check out this list of the toys worth your money this festive season, as chosen by shopping expert and parenting specialist, Heidi Scrimgeour.
Top Christmas toys 2023: at-a-glance
- Mattel Barbie The Movie Doll - £45.99, Amazon
- Playmobil Space Mars Mission Station - £43.89, Amazon
- DOG-E 1691 MINTiD Robotic Dog - £59.99, Amazon
- Little Live Pets Cutie Cuts Lil Snippers - £19.83, Amazon
- Hot Wheels T-Rex Chomp Down Track Set - £37.19, Amazon
- Melissa & Doug Jet Pilot Interactive Dashboard - £105.24, Amazon
- LEGO Gabby's Dollhouse Toy Playset - £69.99, Lego
- ZURU Smashers Dino Island T-Rex Battles - £39.86, Amazon
- Xootz Kids Bubble Go Foldable Scooter - £39.91, Amazon
- LEGO Star Wars Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Jedi Shuttle Set - £64.99, LEGO
- Cookeez Makery Oven - £32.99, Amazon
- Magic Mixies Pixlings - £12.99 Amazon
- Hapello Toy Air Fryer - £14, Asda
- Jabadabado Wooden Market Stall - £117, Kidly
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Delivery Van - £39.99, The Entertainer
- boppi Mideer My Large Floor Puzzle Jigsaw - £8.99, Amazon
- Sesame Street 53426 Elmo Slide Plush - £60, Argos
- Squishmallows 12" Bevin the Pink and Blue Cotton Candy Plush - £15.29, Amazon
- L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers Flutter Star Doll - £31.44, John Lewis
- Furby - £54.99, Amazon
- LEGO Monster Jam™ Megalodon™ - £11.99, Amazon
Top Christmas toys 2023
In a hurry to get this year's most popular toys crossed off your shopping list? Here's our pick of the top toys for Christmas 2023:
What is it? Mattel's Barbie the Movie Doll is based on none other than Margot Robbie. Ask anyone in the toy industry what this year's top Christmas toy is and they'll give you the same answer - Barbie.
Why we chose it: This Dream Villa Pool Party Dollhouse (was £349.99 now £179.99 at Amazon) Barbie Dreamhouse Black Friday deal is a cracker and bound to top wish lists - but Barbie herself gets top billing on our top Christmas toys list.
What is it? This Playmobil Space Mars Mission Station features more than 180 individual play pieces and three Playmobil figures plus light and sound features so it's bound to keep budding astronauts occupied.
Why we chose it: Built to last and brilliant for imaginative play, Playmobil is hard to beat. You can build up your collection too, adding the Mars Mission Rocket and the Meteoroid Laser (both sold separately) at a later date.
What is it: A Robot dog unlike any other - through a special 'minting' process Dog-E comes 'alive' and reveals a unique combination of lights, sounds, and personality traits. No two Dog-E toys are the same. Kids, the future is here.
Why we chose it: With 200+ sounds and reactions, this interactive toy uses innovative technology to communicate via its tail when it’s hungry, playful, or needs a hug. You can use the app to teach it tricks and it can learn your name.
What is it? Each cute pet character comes with a pair of child-friendly scissors so that little ones can trim away their pet's overgrown fur plus a handbag - the perfect place to pop your pooch!
Why we chose it: If, like me, you ever gave your dolls or cuddly toys a haircut when you were a child, you'll understand the appeal of Lil Snippers. There are four different levels of character 'rarity' to collect including two ultra-rare.
What is it? This racing track play set comes with a Hot Wheels toy car - pop it in the police station and press the slam launcher to send it racing through the mouth of a T-Rex who's trying to eat Hot Wheels City. Hours of Hot Wheels fun.
Why we chose it: It wouldn't be a top Christmas toys list without a Hot Wheels playset. This won't break the bank but it's still a substantial gift with plenty of wow factor. Time it right and you can defeat the dino and save the city, too!
What is it? This wooden airplane dashboard has everything little ones need to let their imagination take flight, including a steering yoke, scrolling map, throttle, lights, buttons, switches, and sound effects. It even comes with a play headset.
Why we chose it: My kids created versions of this using cardboard boxes and old game controllers - but this would have blown them away. The throttle actually increases the speed of the scrolling map plus it plays 22 sounds. Ace.
What is it? A LEGO playset based on the super-popular DreamWorks Animation TV show, Gabby's Dollhouse. With four floors and eight activity rooms to build and explore, plus LEGO minifigure versions including Gabby and Pandy Paws.
Why we chose it: Fans of the show may already have Gabby's Purrfect Dollhouse (£69.99, LEGO) but this is a brilliant introduction to building LEGO. Large enough for absorbing play yet it takes up less space than the Dollhouse.
What is it? A simple premise - youngsters have to dig their way through slime and sand (and what kid doesn't love that...) to find their dinosaur pieces, before constructing two beasts who then battle it out using their weapons of choice.
Why we chose it: YouTubers have made this toy super popular with kids - my 10-year-old daughter spotted it in a toy shop and was able to tell me all about how brilliant it is. Slime, sand, duelling dinosaurs... what's not to love?
What is it? It's a three-wheeled scooter, which would make a pretty cool Christmas gift in itself, except this one has a bubble machine mounted on the front! They didn't make Christmas toys like this when we were kids!
Why we chose it: Aside from the absolute joy of whizzing about through a cloud of bubbles, this scooter is also height adjustable to accommodate growth spurts and foldable for easy carrying. Because you will end up carrying it.
What is it? Young Star Wars: Ahsoka fans will love this buildable LEGO Jedi Shuttle which comes with four Star Wars mini-figures (including Ahsoka) plus lightsabers and blasters.
Why we chose it: No list of top Christmas toys is complete without a LEGO set. This has an opening cockpit, retractable landing gear, and stud shooters, plus mini figures of Sabine Wren ready to do battle against Marrok.
What is it? It's a plush toy with sensory tactile features and a clever 'surprise reveal' feature - when children open the oven door they'll discover a warm, scented interactive plushy in the shape of a baked treat!
Why we chose it: Have you not read the description? Come on, kids are going to love this. And yes, it's on our list of top Christmas toys because we really wanna play with it too.
What is it: Kids can mix their own magic potion to reveal a magical Pixling doll. There are three Pixlings to create and collect; Unia the Unicorn, Deerlee the Deer, and Marena the Mermaid Pixling.
Why we chose it: We hate to boast but we predicted that Magic Mixies were going to be huge when we attended the launch in 2021 - and we're sure this craze is set to continue.
What is it: A toy air fryer! At long last, little ones who love playing kitchens and mimicking the adults can cook along with their very own must-have kitchen gadget of the moment. Hope they know what not to put in an air fryer, though!
Why we chose it: So many kids enjoy kitchen-based role-play, and we've been wondering how long it would take for everyone's favourite kitchen item to appear as a toy. So it only seems fitting that an air fryer is under their tree this Christmas!
What is it: No top Christmas toys list is complete without a toy kitchen - but this beautiful wooden market stall goes one better. There's a till with coins and even fabric shopping bags for customers, along with 28 different food accessories.
Why we chose it: Who doesn't love a beautifully crafted wooden toy? We think this is a lovely modern twist on the traditional kitchen game. Let's encourage youngsters to play farmers' markets!
What is it: Everyone's favourite Turtles are experts at using their Pizza Fire Delivery Van to defeat the bad guys by shooting pizza pies at them - and this toy version will be a huge hit with fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
Why we chose it: The van opens from the front and the back, with space for all four Turtles and Splinter (sold separately) but the fun really begins when you fire off pizza pies from the motorised launcher. What's not to love?
What is it: A jigsaw set featuring 10 different puzzles in one, plus a fold-out backdrop that little ones can use to build on and then play with. Made from 100% recycled card, the puzzles feature between two and six pieces each.
Why we chose it: Along with encouraging hands-on problem-solving and enhancing cognitive skills, these bright and colourful puzzles are available in a range of cute themes including vehicles and dinosaurs so little ones can collect the lot.
What is it: Forget the Cha-Cha Slide. Little performers can sing and dance along to the Elmo Slide thanks to this all-singing, all-dancing interactive toy from the much-loved TV series, Sesame Street.
Why we chose it: It's easy to use — simply press Elmo's left hand and he'll start flapping his arms, swaying his hips and sliding from side to side. Plus, you have the option for Elmo to sing in either English or Spanish.
What is it: Super soft and super squeezable, this Squishmallow plush which goes by the name of Bevin is the perfect-sized soft toy for kids aged three years and up to snuggle up to and cuddle whenever their hearts desire.
Why we chose it: Collectibles, like this ultra-squeezable cutie, are big news and they show no sign of slowing down. Bevin is 12-inches in size, so if you ask us, she's the ideal size for taking on sleepovers, packing on long journeys, and playdates.
What is it: Think of this as their new favourite toy that not only looks pretty cool, but it lights up and flies too! L.O.L Surprise really thought of it all when they created this Magic Flyers Flutter Star Doll.
Why we chose it: The brand has become a much-loved classic and this flying doll is no exception. The doll is housed in a magic lamp that lights up and opens when you rub it. When the doll flies out, you can guide it with your hands.
What is it: The toy phenomenon that took over childhoods in the ’90s is BACK and we're here for it. The latest generation Furby features five voice-activated modes and more than 600 responses for kids to discover, including lights, sounds, and songs.
Why we chose it: We love a toy that guarantees hours of fun and Furby does that. The more time spent playing with Furby, the more fun there is to unlock - Furby responds to hugs, pats, belly tickles, shaking, and (our fave) feeding of its pretend Pizza Charm!
What is it: A 260-piece LEGO set that (when dedicated some time to) will piece together to make a replica of a Monster Jam favourite, the monster truck Megalodon.
Why we chose it: If you know a fan of monster trucks, this LEGO Technic replica will be a fan's favourite. Plus, once they've built the Megalodon truck, it actually rebuilds into a Low Racer. So you (and they) get more bang for your buck!
How to choose the best Christmas toy for a child
- Avoid five-minute wonders
- Focus on value for money and how often it will be played with over volume of gifts
- Choose something that can be played with individually or with friends or siblings
"It’s tempting to get caught up in the ‘what’s trending’ when it comes to selecting the best toys for Christmas," Dr. Gummer says. "I always recommend taking a step back from the ‘hottest’ or most popular toy and have a look around if you want something that isn’t going to have them bored after an hour of play. Taking some time to make the right decision will also be better value for money, whilst if you make a smart choice, will keep your little one entertained for a longer period of time."
So avoid five-minute wonders and focus less on making sure kids have lots of presents to unwrap on Christmas day, and more on what will be value for money and what will be played with now (and later!).
"Purchasing (within your predetermined budget) a careful selection of other toys and games can provide a range of play choices that will suit different situations and promote different skills," Dr. Gummer adds. " If you’re planning to buy a selection, then ensure you have games and toys which can be played individually as well as toys which can be played with friends, other siblings or a wider family group - getting different generations together for play at Christmas is a wonderful way of creating memories and it’s what your child will remember about the festive season as they head back to school."
Afterall, "belly laughs over a board game win with Granny are such that money can’t buy," Dr. Gummer adds.
What are the best Christmas toys to buy?
“Choosing the right toy can be overwhelming, especially during the holiday season,” says Vese Aghoghovbia, founder of Philly and Friends . Obviously it's important to consider your child's preferences and their Christmas wish list if they have one, but do't forget to consider your goals for your child and your parenting style. "As a supporter of STEM education, I often opt for educational toys that provide learning opportunities," explains Vese.
"However, there are times when I simply want to see the joy on my child's face and give them something on their wish list that doesn't fall under the category of learning toys! It's also important to remember that children can be easily pleased. My son is usually thrilled with simple toys like Pop-its or Hot Wheels.”
To make the process easier of choosing what to buy from the top Christmas toys, Vese suggests categorising toys and picking those that best suit your little one's age and temperament. "Toys come in different types, including dolls and figurines, learning toys, craft kits, magnetic toys, pretend play toys, and digital toys," she adds.
- Dolls and figurines — "Ranging from soft dolls to action figures, these encourage imaginative play and help children learn nurturing skills and build empathy," Vese says. "They also offer a great opportunity to introduce diversity into children's toy collections."
- Learning toys with educational aspects — "No matter how young, these are a priority for those who value STEM education," Vese adds.
- Kids' craft kits — "Products such as baking and gardening kits are perfect for keeping children busy building, making, or growing."
- Magnetic toys — "Products like Magna-Tiles and Smart Max create endless possibilities for experimenting with different surfaces and building structures while teaching children about the concept of building," Vese tells us.
- Pretend play toys — "These are excellent for developing storytelling skills."
- Digital toys — like audio boxes are on the rise. According to Vese, they are a 'great way' to build listening skills in children.
What is the hottest toy for Christmas this year?
It takes a lot to make a toy a number-one best seller ahead of the festive season. As Dr. Gummer explains: "A great toy is one that sparks children’s interest and imagination, giving them an opportunity to develop skills and build confidence, as well as being just really good fun. A great toy combines high fun factor, with some developmental benefits whilst being easy to use."
And if there's one great product that's been stealing the hearts of little ones and is bound to be on just about everyone's Christmas list, it's toy company Mattel's much-loved Barbie doll.
The movie, which brought the iconic toy to life, was released in July 2023 and made a record-breaking $155m (£120m) on its opening weekend. So it's fair to say Barbie fandom has reached new heights. Whether it's a Barbie doll, like the one we've featured in this guide, or a Dream Villa Pool Party Dollhouse (was £349.99 now £174.99 at Amazon) — forget dreaming of a white Christmas, as everyone's hoping for a pink one!
What is the latest toy craze?
Why you can trust GoodTo. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.
Each year, there's always another trending or popular toy release to look out for. While Barbie and all things pink have had their time to shine, we're now seeing new products share some of that spotlight. And that includes the likes of Squishmallows. These super soft and super squeezable collectible plush toys are trending right now and for good reason. They're the perfect-sized toy for both boys and girls aged three years and up, and they're ideal for taking on sleepovers, long journeys and playdates.
How we chose the top Christmas toys
As well as being Deputy Editor of Goodto, I'm a mum of three and have been a parenting journalist since having my first baby 18 years ago - so I've got lots of experience testing and writing about all kinds of toys over many years. For this feature, I spent time researching new toy launches for 2023 before shortlisting the ones I think are going to be popular with kids this Christmas, and worth parents spending their hard-earned on. Finally, my 10-year-old daughter and her friends got to choose the toys included in this guide, based on the things they think kids are going to be asking Santa for this Christmas. We have first-hand experience with almost of the all the toys featured on this list, so we know for a fact that they're items that live up to the hype and which kids really rate.
If you want to know more about how we chose the top Christmas toys, you can also read all about how we test the products featured in our buying guides and product reviews.
If you're after something a bit more specific, but aren't quite sure what to buy, have a look at our LEGO vs Playmobil feature or find out which is best: Yoto vs Tonie. If you've got a Nintendo Switch on your list to buy, we've also weighed up whether you should buy the Switch or the OLED.
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