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.