Christmas gifts for kids 2022: top toys of the year revealed

Pricing has been a ‘strong consideration’ for the latest DreamToys shortlist

The DreamToys of 2022 have been unveiled by the Toy Retailers Association – and some old favourites have made it on the shortlist.

Evergreen brands such as Barbie, PAW Patrol, Pokémon and LEGO Star Wars are included, as well as popular newcomers including Jiggly Pets GiGi the Giraffe, Squishmallows and the Heroes of Goo Jit Zu.

Selected by an independent panel of retailers and toy experts, the annual DreamToys selection is the “most authoritative predictive list” of what items will be popular each Christmas, said Toy World. Pricing has been a “strong consideration” this year, the industry magazine reported.

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Featuring an “exciting mixture of classic toys and the year’s biggest brands”, the DreamToys 2022 list “encapsulates what we believe will be the most sought-after products this Christmas”, said Paul Reader, chair of the DreamToys selection committee. The panel of experts took cost “into consideration”, he continued, following a “challenging year for many families”.

Wth eight of the top 12 items priced under £35, “we feel we’ve selected the best toys to delight children this Christmas while suiting different budgets”, Reader added.

Here are the 2022 DreamToys shortlist of 12 top toys, in alphabetical order, as published by the Toy Retailers Association.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Product nameSupplierRRP
Barbie Cutie Reveal DollMattel UK£32.99
Gabby’s Purrfect DollhouseSpin Master Toys UK£79.99
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters Hero PackCharacter Options£10.99
Jiggly Pets GiGi the GiraffeCharacter Options£27.99
Little Live Pets – Mama SurpriseMooseToys£64.99
Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle PlaysetMooseToys£29.99
PAW Patrol Big Truck Pups Themed VehiclesSpin Master Toys UK £17.99
Pokémon Elite Trainer BoxAsmodee UK£42.50
Rainbow High Series 4 Fashion DollsMGA Entertainment£31.99
Sink N’ Sand GameSpin Master Toys UK£19.99
Original 7.5” SquishmallowsJazwares£7.99
LEGO Star Wars Hoth AT-STLEGO Company£44.99

1. Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll

Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll

Mattel UK: £32.99

2. Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse

Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse

Spin Master Toys UK: £79.99

3. Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters Hero Pack

Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Goo Shifters Hero Pack

Character Options: £10.99

4. Jiggly Pets GiGi the Giraffe

Jiggly Pets GiGi the Giraffe

Character Options: £27.99

5. Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise

Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise

MooseToys: £64.99

6. Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle Playset

Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle Playset

MooseToys: £29.99

7. PAW Patrol Big Truck Pups Themed Vehicles

PAW Patrol Big Truck Pups Themed Vehicles

Spin Master Toys UK: £17.99

8. Pokémon Elite Trainer Box

Pokémon Elite Trainer Box

Asmodee UK: £42.50

9. Rainbow High Series 4 Fashion Dolls

Rainbow High Series 4 Fashion Dolls

MGA Entertainment: £31.99

10. Sink N’ Sand Game

Sink N’ Sand Game

Spin Master Toys UK: £19.99

11. Original 7.5” Squishmallows

Original 7.5” Squishmallows

Jazwares: £7.99

12. LEGO Star Wars Hoth AT-ST

LEGO Star Wars Hoth AT-ST

LEGO Company: £44.99

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