HAMLEYS has revealed its top 15 toys for Christmas this year, including the return of some nostalgic classics.
With 11 weeks to go until the big day, the iconic toy chain’s experts have rounded up their predictions of what will be on many kids’ letters to Santa.
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The list includes toys aimed at a range of ages, including the beloved Hamleys teddy bears and Peppa Pig‘s baby sister Evie, as well as nostalgic picks such as a new Star Wars Lightsaber and a remote controlled car.
For tech-lovers, a Toy Story Woody robot and and an AI-powered football game have also made this year’s list.
But Hamleys expects its number one must-have toy for 2025 to be a furry bouncy ball – called TY bouncers – as kids and adults turn away from screens to simple, fuss-free toys.
“They evoke nostalgia – the charm of classic toys, reminding parents of their own childhoods,” said Victoria Kay, Head of Buying and
Merchandising at Hamleys.
“In a world full of noise, they’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things bring the biggest smiles.”
We’ve unveiled Hamleys’ top 15 toys for Christmas below – and where you might be able to find them at a cheaper price.
TY Beanie Bouncers
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Hamleys predicts these furry tennis balls will be top of the list of festive must-haves this year.
They offer a collection of 80 soft bouncy balls with cartoon faces on them.
You can choose from cute animal faces such as cats, cows, monkeys and pandas, or familiar icons like Spider-Man, Paddington, Bluey and Batman.
These are suitable for ages 3+ and cost £7 each.
However, they’re available in Smyths toy stores for £5.99 each.
LEGO Marvel Spider Man
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With the LEGO Marvel Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene Set, kids can build the iconic train from the Spider-Man 2 film.
The set is suitable for ages 9+, and is selling for £45 at Hamleys.
John Lewis is currently selling it for £35.99, and it’s £40 at Argos.
Roblox Dress to Impress fashion dolls
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These dress-up dolls are inspired by the popular Roblox video game.
Kids can mix and match the outfits, and they each come with a unique code that unlocks in-game digital items.
They’re on sale in Hamleys for £30.
L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers
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These best-selling dolls hover from a magic blossoming flower, and can be maneouvered with with a wand or with your hands.
They’re suitable for ages six and up and are on sale for £30.
However, Smyths is selling them for £23.99, and you can also get them for a bargain in John Lewis at £24.
Market Place Food Pizza Slice
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Hamleys’ Market Place Food soft toys are the chain’s take on the viral Jellycat toys – but they’re a lot cheaper.
A Pizza Slice, Pear, Watermelon, BLT sandwich and a cute Pretzel are among the latest additions the toy store thinks will prove popular among children and adults alike this Christmas.
They sell for £12 each and are suitable for all ages.
Soccer Dash
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This new interactive AI-powered football game can be used indoors and outside, and is perfect for getting the family together on Christmas and Boxing Day.
It features a “smart ball” and four “smart targets”, with six different games to play. The AI technology adapts to your skill levels and helps you build up your football skills.
It costs £50 and it suitable for children aged six and over.
Human Controller
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This interactive blindfold game takes you through over 30 games and challenge.
It’s ideal for family gatherings and parties, especially if you have teenage kids as it’s best for people aged 14 and over.
It costs £35 at Hamleys, but is currently reduced to £29.99 at Smyths.
Robosen Mini Robot – Toy Story Woody
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This interactive robot brings Woody from Toy Story to life, with authentic audio clips and movements.
It’s the most expensive pick of the list, at £80.
One Piece Egghead Arc Series
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These collectible characters are inspired by the popular One Piece franchise, and bridge the gap between gaming and toy culture.
There are seven to collect, and they cost £15 each.
Micro Drift RC
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This nostalgic remote control car comes with a handheld charger and even has a four-wheel drive mode.
It’s available in Hamleys stores from the end of October for £30.
Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber
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This fresh take on the legendary toy allows kids to effectively design their own lightsaber.
It comes with 10 different coloured crystals, seven blade colours and over 50 sound combinations – allowing kids
It costs £40 from Hamleys, but is currently £29.99 from Smyths and £31.98 at Asda.
Peppa Pig Evie with Blanket
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The latest Peppa Pig character, Baby Eve, is set to be a huge hit with preschool kids this Christmas.
The cuddly toy costs £13 from Hamleys, and is also available for the same price at Smyths.
Sky Trails S1 Starter Kit
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Playmobil’s latest toy allows kids to build a twisting aerial course, where Sky Riders can whizz through tubes, along beams and over ramps.
It’s suitable for ages seven and up, and costs £70.
Wooden Hamburger Stacker
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This pretty solid wooden toy allows babies and young kids to build their own burger by layering the ingredients.
Hamleys says it encourages pretend play and decision-making in kids aged 2 and above.
It’s available from the end of October and costs £15.
Hamleys Bertie Heritage Teddy Bear
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Hamleys is well known for its classic teddy bears, and a new addition to its collection – Bertie – has made this year’s list of top toys.
The bears are available in 20cm, 25cm and 30cm sizes, and are suitable for all ages.
Prices start from £20, and they’re available from the end of October.
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