Hamleys reveals its top 15 toys for Christmas 2026, including £10 squishies, Barbie dolls and Peppa Pig

Hamleys has unveiled its Festive 15 for Christmas 2026, with squishy sensory toys, interactive pets and family favourites among its picks.

collection of toys next to a Christmas tree

Published: October 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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Hamleys has revealed its top 15 toys for Christmas 2026, with everything from £10 sensory squishies and interactive soft toys to Barbie dolls, Peppa Pig and LEGO Marvel collectibles making the list.

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The retailer's annual Festive 15 selection spans toys for little ones aged 18 months and up, as well as older children and adult collectors. This year's picks highlight the appeal of hands-on sensory play, toys that bring favourite characters to life and gifts that encourage children to create their own stories.

With Christmas shopping already on some families' minds – a recent survey by the famous toy shop revealed that the week commencing 12 October is when Christmas shopping "officially" starts – Hamleys says its buying team has spotted growing interest in squishy toys, alongside interactive playthings and character collectibles.

Squishy toys are a big Christmas trend for 2026

the Big Squiji range

Leading Hamleys' festive predictions is the Big Squij range, a collection of ultra-soft, slow-rise squishy toys designed for squeezing and sensory play.

Priced at £10, the range features playful designs inspired by animals and food, including a duck, corgi, croissant, watermelon and hearts. New additions are also due to be revealed throughout October, November and December.

The Squishy craze is only really just getting going.

Victoria Kay, Head of Buying and Merchandising at Hamleys

Hamleys says the toys are proving popular with children and adults alike, as the squishy trend continues to gain attention on TikTok and Instagram.

Victoria Kay, Head of Buying and Merchandising at Hamleys, said: “The Squishy craze is only really just getting going – the demand is huge and we have new editions to unveil in the run up to Christmas. There is a wonderful simplicity to their power whether you are a young child or an adult – literally once you squeeze one, it’s really difficult to put it down,”

Interactive toys and pretend pets make the list

hamleys xmas toys

For children who love animals, Hamleys is also tipping its Movers and Shakers range of interactive soft toys.

The collection includes a West Highland Terrier, Golden Retriever, Husky and black and white cat. The toys can walk, sit, hop and skip, with playful features designed to bring them closer to the experience of having a real pet.

Other picks for younger children include the Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Pig interactive toy. Designed for ages three and up, it features a toy Peppa who can pedal her bike, with more than 70 sounds and phrases triggered by smart sensors.

The Numberblocks Sing and Record Music Player also makes the list. Aimed at children aged three and up, it features 15 sounds and songs, a microphone that records up to 90 seconds of singing and character buttons designed to introduce counting, colours and shapes.

Barbie, Marvel and Hatsune Miku for character-loving kids

hamleys character toys

Character toys remain a key part of Hamleys' Christmas predictions, with familiar favourites sitting alongside collectibles aimed at older children and adult fans.

The Barbie collection includes two dolls inspired by Barbie in the Nutcracker, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Both are dressed in sparkling ballet outfits and feature adjustable ballet shoes that allow them to rise onto pointe. Each doll costs £30 and is recommended for ages four and up.

Marvel fans have two Doctor Doom options to look out for: a £30 action figure for ages four and up, and a £45 LEGO Marvel Doctor Doom Bust aimed at adults aged 18 and over.

Another standout is the Hatsune Miku T-Most PVC Figure, priced at £28 and recommended for ages seven and up. The collectible celebrates the Japanese virtual pop star, whose synthesised voice and fan-created music have helped her build a global following.

Kay says character toys can also give children the opportunity to develop their own imaginative worlds.

“Building stories and fun scenarios is such a great take out from some of the character and figure toys – they are empowering children to run with their own imaginations and create rich and dynamic worlds. “

More toys in Hamleys' Festive 15

The wider selection covers a range of interests, from creative play and family games to action-packed toys and construction sets.

Other products highlighted by Hamleys include:

When does Hamleys' Santa's Grotto open for Christmas 2026?

Alongside its toy predictions, Hamleys has announced the return of its Santa's Grotto experience at its famous Regent Street store in London.

Running from 14 November to 24 December 2026, the experience is designed for children aged two to eight. Little visitors can meet Hamleys Elves, explore their magical workshop and meet Santa, with a special gift bag for every child.

Bookings accommodate up to six people, with visits running from 10.15am to 8pm. Prices start at £75 for three people on selected December weekdays and weekends.

Tickets are on sale now, and families can find booking information through the Hamleys website.

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Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!

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