Top picks for must-have toys this holiday season include Peppa Pig, Wicked dolls, Formula 1 Lego, and Hot Wheels, according to industry experts and toy retailers. These toys are expected to dominate the 2025 DreamToys list.
One standout toy is the Peppa Pig Oinks & Snuggles Evie Doll, offering more than 20 interactive sounds and accompanied by a playmat, bottle, dummy, bib, and blanket for an immersive experience. Additionally, the Jurassic World Primal Hatch T.Rex allows kids to hatch their very own dinosaur from an egg shell and engage in caretaking and play activities.
The Wicked For Good Singing Dolls are also expected to be popular, coinciding with the release of the final movie in the franchise this month. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, Lego and Mattel’s Hot Wheels Racing F1 Grand Prix Circuit, along with the Monster Jam Smash & Bash Grave Digger RC, are featured on the list.
Collectibles like Dress to Impress Mystery Model Dolls, Mini Brands – Fill the Fridge Playset, and Pokemon are also making waves. Building sets, particularly Lego’s Speed Champions F1 Racing Cars and One Piece the Going Merry Pirate Ship, continue to be a rapidly growing category.
The UK toy market, valued at £3.9 billion, anticipates that 23% of total sales for the year will come from the Christmas season. Parents are increasing spending on gifts for their children, with a 12% rise year on year, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth according to market intelligence company The Insights Family.
Paul Reader, chairman of the DreamToys selection panel at the Toy Retailers Association, highlighted the diverse range of toys on this year’s list, aiming to inspire creativity and imagination. He emphasized the list as a valuable resource for gift-givers and shoppers preparing for the festive season.
Melissa Symonds, executive director of UK toys at Circana, expressed optimism as the toy market experiences growth after several years of a soft market, benefiting both toy manufacturers and retailers as they approach the crucial holiday shopping period.
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