Christmas gifts for children: what are the top toys of 2021?

Some of the biggest franchises in film and TV are dominating the toy wish lists this Christmas. The DreamToys 2021 list, issued by the Toy Retailers Association, sees Star Wars, Pokémon, Jurassic World and Paw Patrol make the top 12 alongside perennial favourites like Barbie and Hot Wheels.

“This year’s DreamToys list is an exciting blend of evergreen favourites and the year’s biggest brands that we believe will be the most sought after under the Christmas tree this festive season,” said Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee.

However, due to speculation about toy shortages because of a lack of delivery drivers and backlogs at manufacturers, shoppers will have to “act fast” as retailers are “already selling out”, said The Sun.

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We take a look at the top 12 toys of 2021, in alphabetical order, and also pick out some other must-have presents for kids this Christmas.

DreamToys 2021: the top 12 toys for Christmas

All prices quoted as recommended retail price (RRP), market price may vary from retailer to retailer

1. Barbie Dreamtopia Colour Change Mermaid

Mattel

Dip the Barbie mermaid doll in warm water to see her hair, bodice and tail instantly transform to reveal a rainbow of pretty pastels.

2. Bluey Family Home Playset

Moose Toys

Recreate some of the most memorable moments from the show in the Bluey Family Home playset.

3. CoComelon Deluxe JJ Interactive Doll

Bandai

Baby JJ is the star of CoComelon, the biggest kids show on YouTube that has more than 120m subscribers.

4. Gassy Gus

John Adams

The gut-busting board game, that’s a hoot when you toot! It’s dinner time and Gus loves to eat. There’s just one big problem, most things Gus eats give him gas.

5. Hot Wheels Massive Loop Mayhem

Mattel

This epic track includes a huge 28-inch wide loop that’s designed for multi-car play – vehicles whip around the loop and avoid nail-biting near-misses with each other. It comes with one 1:64 scale Hot Wheels vehicle to get the action started.

6. Jurassic World Slash ’n Battle Scorpios Rex

Mattel

Inspired by the animated series Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, the all-new hybrid dinosaur, Scorpios Rex, is extremely fast, dangerous and unpredictable – and unleashes terror with its poisonous quills.

7. Lego Star Wars Boba Fett’s Starship

Lego

Fans of Star Wars: The Mandalorian can play out bounty-hunting missions and battles with this Lego brick version of Boba Fett’s Starship. It features a handle for easy flying, an opening Lego mini-figure cockpit, rotating wings, two stud shooters and two rotating dual blaster cannons (non-shooting).

8. Little Live Pets My Pig Piggly

Character Options

With more than 25 sounds and reactions, Piggly makes the cutest pet. She moves and sounds just like a real pig! Feed her with her bottle and give her a cuddle as she reacts to your touch.

9. L.O.L. Surprise Movie Magic Doll

MGA Entertainment

The all new L.O.L. Surprise! Movie Magic dolls are ready to perform and show off their acting and filmmaking skills at the ultimate L.O.L. Surprise! movie set.

10. Magic Mixies Cauldron

Moose Toys

Experience real magic with the Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron. The cauldron comes with all the magic ingredients you need and a special wand for you to mix a potion and make a cute furry friend.

11. Paw Patrol Chase’s Deluxe Transforming Vehicle

Spin Master Toys

Chase’s sleek city police car features silver metallic paint, authentic movie details and graphics, and an exciting transformation straight from Paw Patrol: The Movie.

12. Pokémon 8” Plush Pikachu

Character Options

Cute and cuddly Pikachu plush stuffed animal is a must have for all Pokémon fans!

13. Impala pink quad roller skates

With a PVC upper, heel and sole, these retro-inspired roller skates are approved as vegan by Peta, which will appeal to some teenagers. Hard-wearing and waterproof, they have four wheels, and a plastic brake stopper.

from £85; urbanoutfitters.com

14. VTech kidi superstar DJ

Kids can record their own songs and learn to DJ with 15 pre-set tracks in four styles. There is Bluetooth to connect external music too, five different sound effects and disco lights (batteries required: 4x AA). Ages 6+.

£60; smythstoys.com

15. Magna-Tiles

Created by a Japanese maths teacher, these magnetic tiles are designed to help children learn geometric concepts at home. They are made from BPA-free plastic. Age 3+.

from £20; amazon.co.uk

16. Vilac metal push car

Perfect for budding little drivers, this French-made, ride-on racing car with rubberised wheels is 38cm wide and 76cm long (assembly is required). Suitable for ages 3+.

£106; maisonsdumonde.com

17. Poo Bingo Game

Discover 24 animals and their uniquely shaped poos in this family bingo game. Illustrated by award-winning artist Claudia Boldt, the game contains everything you need to play classic bingo, plus an informative booklet by Aidan Onn. Age 3+.

£13; trouva.com

18. Plan Toys Musical Band

Suitable for children aged 3+, this mini drum kit has different-sized drums, a cymbal and guiro. It is made from sustainable wood by Plan Toys, a long-established eco toy maker, and is 35cm tall.

£60; babipur.co.uk

19. Lexon Mino Bluetooth speaker

It may be only 3.7cm tall, but this portable speaker has 3W output and Bluetooth connectivity. A 30-minute charge gives two hours’ play.

£30; goodhoodstore.com

20. VTech marble rush launch pad playset

This set has easy-to-construct, colour-coded modular marble runs, and comes with fun sound effects (requires 2x AA batteries). Ages 4+.

£26; very.co.uk

21. Ricepudding night light

Squishy and soft, this rechargeable blue bear night light is easy for little hands to operate and is made from BPA-free silicone. Just pat it on the head to switch it on and change from bright to soft light.

£27.50; noodoll.com

22. JLab Audio JBuddies Studio Over-Ear Headphones

JLab

For “faff-free listening”, the JBuddies headphones – sized to fit kids aged six and over – are impossible to fault. A smart, solid design with superb sound quality.

£14.99; johnlewis.com

23. Bentley Balance Bike

The Bentley Collection

Meticulously engineered to provide a comfortable, safe and effortlessly stylish ride for little ones, the Bentley Balance Bike is influenced by the aerodynamic design of the Bentley Continental GT, with its lightweight magnesium alloy frame. The bike is available in Sequin Blue, Glacier White, Onyx and Dragon Red, which are expertly colour matched to choices from the range of Bentley paint colours. Suitable for children aged three and above.

£450; bentleymotors.com