THIS year’s Christmas top toy list has been revealed – and Santa has been slashing prices as families battle a cost of pressies crisis.
The Toy Retailers Association – which represents more than 2,500 stores in the UK – has revealed its annual Dreamtoys list of the top 12 must-haves for kids.
We’ve rounded up Dream Toys’ top picks
For the first time ever, eight of the top 12 are priced under £35 to help out cash-strapped mums and dads.
Toy Retail Association spokesperson Amee Hill said: “I’ve seen a lot of cost increases in my life so we know it’s a difficult time for a lot of families and gift-givers.
“We are trying to offer different prices because we know people’s budgets might be lower this year.
“We aren’t just thinking about getting the big toy under the tree, but more affordable gifts too.”
Despite this being a cheaper list, you should always shop around before you commit to a purchase – you may find the same toy cheaper elsewhere.
There are always sales and discounts on for big Christmas shops if you enjoy getting it all out the road – and always check Facebook and social media because many shoppers post their findings there.
Prices may vary day to day as well depending on what deals are on, so make sure you check, and look at delivery costs too if you’re ordering online.
There’s a handy comparison site – Trolley.co.uk – which compares the prices of 130,000 products across 14 major supermarkets.
The Latest Deals app also lets you search items and lets you compare prices at several supermarkets to see where it’s cheaper.
But without further ado, let’s get into top toys.
Jazwares Squishmallows
- Price: £7.99
The comfiest pillows – with a bit of character to them
Jazware’s Squishmallows soft toy tops the list of least-pricey pressies at a recommended retail price (RRP) of £7.99.
It could be the perfect snuggly gift from Father Christmas this year.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
- Price: £64.99
It comes with a little hutch as well
It’s a child-bearing guinea pig that can pop out three offsprings.
Your kids will love imagining looking after the guinea pigs and having fun with them.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
- Price: £79.99
The show-based toy could grab a lot of attention from friends
This is a “show to shelf” toy set for £79.99 based on the Gabby’s Dollshouse series from US streaming giant Netflix.
Albino doll Delilah Fields and vitiligo sufferer Jewel Richie also join the Rainbow High doll set – inspired by the hit Netflix show.
Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll
- Price: £32.99
The cutie reveal is for creative fun
This is one for your creative little ones – simply dunk her in water to reveal different colours and have endless play.
Remember to factor in any extra costs if you’re having it delivered, as always.
PAW Patrol Big Truck Pups Themed Vehicles
- Price: £17.99
Little and simple
This is a great one for friends – little ones can let their imaginations go wild with these fun little trucks.
GiGi the Giraffe
- Price: £27.99
You could have hours of fun with this groovy little giraffe
This is an electronic little giraffe with lots of cool dance moves to make everybody laugh.
It comes with a pair of sunglasses to finish off the look.
But you might need to buy batteries separately – it takes 3 AA Demo Batteries, although it’s included if you buy it from Smyths.
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters Hero Pack
- Price: £10.99
A great one for playing with a friend
Thrash and fight with friends with these squidgy little monsters.
These also might entertain those who love to fidget – you’ll be squeezing and playing with these for day before you know it.
Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle Playset
- Price: £29.99
Take a magical ride with this castle
Another one for bright imaginations – use the little wand to tap the gemstone on the castle to open it up and reveal what’s inside.
Pokemon Elite Trainer Box
- Price: £42.50
This could make endless fun with a friend
This special bundle could be a fantastic addition to your child’s collection if they love Pokemon.
It’s also great for playing and battling friends – a fantastic distraction from an action-packed Christmas day.
Rainbow High Series 4 Fashion Doll
- Price: £31.99
So stylish – so much fun
These 12-inch dolls are great for styling, dressing up and giving makeovers if your little one is into dressing up.
It comes with an outfit, shoes, glasses, a stand and a little comb for her hair.
Sink N’ Sand Game
- Price: £19.99
Sink N’ Sand Game could be great for Christmas day
Need a new game for Christmas Day? Say no more. Here’s a fresh, fun new way to wind down after the festive madness with the family.
It’s a board game which also includes Kinetic Sand in place of real sand – so you won’t be getting bored any time soon.
LEGO Star Wars Hoth AT-ST
- Price: £44.99
LEGO Star Wars Hoth AT-ST
Lego is a popular one – even adults like to enjoy building. So this could be another fun one to help out on during the Christmas holidays.
A popular model from the Star Wars franchise, you might recognise it if you’re a fan.
It’s always good to keep an eye out for toy sales – one mum found lots of bargains in the sales last month.
We’ve also rounded up some sweet treat deals – if you fancy a mince pie this Christmas, here’s where sells them for cheapest.
