This year’s long list of DreamToys – the predicted best-selling toys and games for Christmas 2020 – is a mix of ‘those that have kept families entertained over lockdown’ and boundary pushing innovation destined ‘to impress under the Christmas tree.’
Alongside the DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas, the committee has released a fuller, longer list of toys and games that it believes will be topping wish lists across the country this festive season, featuring familiar names like Barbie an Peppa Pig alongside new lines such as Fifi the Flossing Sloth and Squishmallows.
Family favourites Scrabble, UNO, and Cluedo also make an appearance in time for the season.
Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee, said: “2020 has been a challenging year for all, but toys have entertained and educated many during lockdown.
“This year’s list represents a mixture of those toys which have kept families company during these difficult times, and innovation which will impress under the tree. We hope toys will continue to bring joy to all families over the festive period – as they have always done.”
There are seven categories this year, each designed to highlight the wildly different and varied types of play that children can take part in.
Dolled Up:
Barbie Colour Reveal Mermaid Doll Asst – Mattel – £19.99
Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll – Bandai – £24.99
FailFix Epic Colour ‘N’ Style Makeover Pack – Moose Toys – £29.99
Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers Assortment – Spin Master – £34.99
Kindi Kids Shiver ‘n’ Shake Rainbow Kate – Moose Toys – £39.99
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane Playset – MGA Entertainment – £89.99
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Fashion Doll Asst – MGA Entertainment – £39.99
Luvabella Mealtime Magic – Spin Master – £64.99
Crafty Kids:
Aquabeads Star Bead Studio – EPOCH Making Toys
Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Stamper – Spin Master
DOTS Rainbow Jewellery Stand Set – LEGO
Friends Jungle Rescue Base – LEGO
Gemex Deluxe Creation Station – John Adams
Kidizoom Studio – VTech Electronics
Stuff A Loons Maker Station – Character Options
The Original Spirograph Design Set Boxed – Flair Leisure Products
Licensed to Thrill:
Fortnite Battle Bus – Jazwares
Harry Potter Hedwig – LEGO
Jurassic World Epic Roarin’ T-Rex – Mattel
Marvel Bend and Flex (Asst) – Hasbro
Peppa Pig Peppa’s Shopping Centre – Character Options
Pokémon Carry Case Playset – Character Options
Star Wars 501st Legion Clone Troopers Set – LEGO
Star Wars The Mandalorian – The Child “Baby Yoda” – Mattel
Super Mario Adventures With Mario Starter Course – LEGO
Animal Farm:
Fifi the Flossing Sloth – Zuru
Hey Duggee Voice Activated Smart Duggee – Golden Bear
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo – Character Options
Present Pets (Asst) – Spin Master
Rainbocorns Wild Heart Surprise – Zuru
Smashers Dino Ice Age Surprise Egg – Zuru
Squeakee The Interactive Balloon Dog – Character Options
Sylvanian Families Adventure Tree House – Epoch Making Toys
Lockdown Showdown:
Cluedo Liars Edition Board Game – Hasbro
Dobble – Asmodee
Monopoly For Sore Losers – Hasbro
NERF Ultra One Motorised Blaster – Hasbro
Pensilly – Character Options
Pop Up Pirate – TOMY UK
Scrabble – Mattel
Super Mario Blow Up Shaky Tower – Epoch Making Toys
UNO Showdown – Mattel
Windy Knickers Board Game – John Adams
Tiny Treats:
5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Capsule – Zuru
Bright Fairy Friends – Funrise Toys
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu – Character Options
L.O.L. Surprise! Remix Hair Flip Doll – MGA Entertainment
Rubik’s 3 x 3 Metallic Anniversary Cube – John Adams
Squishmallows 7.5” – Squad 4 Asst – Jazwares
Awesome Automobiles:
Back To The Future DeLorean – Playmobil
Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper – Mattel
Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower Playset – Mattel
Laser Battle Hunters Vehicle – Character Options
Micro Machines World Super Van City – Jazwares
PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicle – Spin Master
PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller – Spin Master
Technic Fast & Furious Dom’s Dodge Charger Car – LEGO
Toot-Toot Drivers Twist & Race Tower – VTech Electronics
In a year which has also seen fewer holidays and more time at home, the importance of toys has come to the fore. A survey of 2,000 UK parents with young children (aged 10 or under), conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Toy Retailers Association, has shown that this year has led to not only increased time playing with toys but also to parents growing closer with their children.
When asked if their children had played more with toys this year, 46 per cent of parents said that this had been the case and that it was a result of lockdown. 56 per cent of parents stated that they have spent more time playing with their children this year, and a striking 88 per cent of those said that the increased playtime had resulted in them growing closer to their children.
As Christmas approaches, toys seemingly remain at the forefront of children’s minds with 86 per cent of parents saying that their children either already have requested or are expected to ask for toys this Christmas. 82 per cent of parents said that they planned on buying toys this Christmas for their children, demonstrating that they remain the go-to gift for children across the country.
