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From K-Pop Demon Hunters to Paddington: John Lewis declares the 10 ‘must-have’ toys for Christmas 2026
Christmas just came early...
Okay, we know the kids aren’t even back at school yet, but here at GH we don’t think it’s ever too early to start thinking about Christmas. And it seems John Lewis & Partners agrees, as the department store has announced its top 10 toys for the festive season.
And if this year’s selection is anything to go by, children could be spending a little less time staring at screens and a lot more time building, performing and playing make-believe.
‘This year’s Top 10 Toys welcome families to put the living room back at the heart of family life,’ says John Lewis toy expert and buyer Alan Wright. ‘As a nation, we’re witnessing a ‘Great Play Revival’, with ‘playtime’ toys – think those that encourage collaboration, creativity and outdoor adventure – making up nearly half of all sales in the John Lewis toy department.’
There are plenty of big names in the mix, too. K-Pop Demon Hunters makes its Christmas-list debut, while classics such as Paddington, LEGO and The Gruffalo all feature.
Ready to get ahead on the Christmas shopping? Here are the 10 toys John Lewis thinks we’ll be seeing everywhere this year.
We know you spend every evening picking up their magnetic tiles, but a few more won’t hurt (kids love them).
The Connetix Ball Run Launcher adds a new action-packed element to construction play, letting children build their own courses before sending the balls whizzing around them. The 47-piece pack can also be combined with existing Connetix sets for increasingly ambitious creations.
Age: 3+
Wow, doll’s houses don’t come much more impressive than this – and we think Paddington would approve of his new home from Le Toy Van.
It’s an especially timely addition to the list as 2026 marks 100 years since the birth of Paddington creator Michael Bond. One for young fans of the bear – and quite possibly the grown-ups shopping for them, too.
Age: 3+
Read more: The best Paddington Bear gifts to buy
It’s hardly surprising to see K-Pop Demon Hunters make the cut this year.
The Rumi Singing Doll brings the Netflix hit into the toy box, with the character dressed in her performance look and able to belt out the oh-so-catchy Golden. Expect this one to be high on the wishlist of HUNTR/X fans.
Age: 4+
LEGO Icons 10361 Winter Village Collection Holiday Express Train
LEGO Icons 10361 Winter Village Collection Holiday Express Train
Arguably the most Christmassy toy on the list, LEGO’s new Holiday Express Train is made for building together over the festive season.
The whopping 956-piece set creates a four-carriage train that runs around a 16-piece track – just the thing for setting up around the Christmas tree. It includes four minifigures, a bell-ringing polar bear and 3D-printed piece.
Age: 18+ (requires adult supervision)
Micro Scooters Mini Micro Gruffalo Foldable Eco LED Scooter
Micro Scooters Mini Micro Gruffalo Foldable Eco LED Scooter
Sales of outdoor toys are up 82% this year according to John Lewis.
So it’s fitting that The Gruffalo has rolled into the top 10 aboard a Micro Scooter. The collaboration features bespoke illustrations inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story, with matching helmets, bells and other accessories also available.
And if The Gruffalo wasn’t enough to win them over, the light-up wheels probably will.
Age: 2-5
Plus-Plus Learn To Build Space Superset
Plus-Plus Learn To Build Space Superset
For the kids who happily spend hours constructing, deconstructing and starting all over again, this 1,000-piece Plus-Plus set should keep them occupied.
The space-themed kit includes pieces for making rockets, astronauts, planets and aliens in both 2D and 3D, with instructions included for added inspiration.
Age: 5+
Shopping for slightly older kids? Part collectible, part keepsake, these little wooden Momiji dolls have a secret compartment for hiding a personalised message inside.
They also tap into the continuing ‘blind-box’ trend, where you don’t know which character you’ll get, adding an extra element of surprise to collecting and swapping with friends or siblings.
Age: 15+
Marvin's Magic Treasured Tricks Wooden Set
Marvin's Magic Treasured Tricks Wooden Set
If your kids love putting on a ‘show’, look no further.
Marvin’s Magic has given the classic magic set a rather lovely wooden makeover, with a collection of tricks designed to encourage children to practise, perform and put on their own show for the family. Just don’t blame us when they start charging admission.
Age: 6+
Breakfast in bed? We’d be happy with a lie-in, to be honest. John Lewis’s latest wooden food set is designed for imaginative role play, letting little ones serve up their own pretend morning feast.
It follows last year’s wooden air fryer into the retailer’s festive top 10 and taps into the continuing popularity of traditional wooden toys and play kitchens.
Age: 2+
Read more: 15 best role play toys to spark imaginations
Known for its beautifully designed plush toys and nursery keepsakes, Mon Ami makes the kind of gift that feels made to last. This adorable duckie is especially sweet for little ones celebrating their first Christmas.
Age: suitable from birth
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