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12 of the best playsets for 2025, from Barbie to Pokémon
If you're looking for that "wow" present, look no further.
If you want to be sure that the playset you're planning on buying your child will actually be something they'll love, and not a toy they'll abandon after five minutes, read on.
When compiling our list of the best playsets, our experts were looking for durability, age suitability, safety, quality and performance. But more importantly, all the playsets included below have been tried by parents and kids, to ensure they aren't overly complicated and are super fun to play with.
Best playsets 2025
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If you're looking for that “big present” to wow, you're in the right place. But don't worry, prices start from just £19.99. Whether your little one is in the thick of the Bluey stage, or is really obsessed with all things cars, we've got suggestions below that we're confident they'll love.
Best Deal
Gabby's Dollhouse Meow-mazing Dollhouse
This version of Gabby's dollhouse feels pretty magical, and comes complete with a working lift and interactive animations. It also features a Gabby figure, and kids can customise spaces with furniture (sold separately).
They'll love arranging all the little pieces in the different rooms, sending Gabby down the slide, and pushing the nose button, which makes the eyes open and react. Ages 3+
This beginner LEGO set is a great way to introduce them to building blocks. The larger DUPLO bricks are perfectly sized for small hands, and once they've assembled the Heeler house, there's a matching game for them to play.
It's easy for parents to assemble, and super rewarding watching kids figure out all the bits for themselves, too. Ages 3+
Children adore mimicking adults in the kitchen, and this Play-Doh set comes with a mini oven to make them feel all grown-up. The set also includes moulds and 11 pots of modelling clay so kids can "bake" their own pizzas and other goodies in their pretend kitchen.
We guarantee it will capture your toddler's attention and spark their imagination. Ages 3+
Peppa welcomed a new little sister this year, and this playset has room for the whole family, including Baby Evie. It comes with all three siblings and basic furniture, so kids can reenact their favourite episodes. From a practical point of view, it also folds up for easy storage. Ages 3+
A great toy for siblings to play with together, this Hot Wheels set separates into two car-demolishing dragons. One flaps its wings and chomps on cars, while the other uses its long fire tongue to brush the cars out of its way. It also converts into a race track and launcher and is easy to store when they're not using it. Ages 4+
Alternatively, if you have a little more to spend or you're buying for an older kid, this Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage Playset is even more jam-packed with features.
Melissa & Doug Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set
This Melissa & Doug stovetop will make them feel like they're really cooking, as it comes with a squeezey bottle of water to turn their “raw” creations into prepared meals. It's seriously impressive! Ages 3+
Pokémon Carry Case Battle Ruins Playset
There's more to Pokémon than just collecting cards, including this fold-out playset that transforms from a backpack-sized shape into a battleground. It includes four play areas and comes with a Pikachu toy. Ages 4+
Get Barbie on the road with this fully-stocked camper van with over 60 accessories. It comes with a cute puppy pal, a swinging chair, and BBQ – and everything can be stored inside the van when not in use.
Kids will love how many interactive elements there are, including the pop-up tent and fold-down picnic table. Ages 3+
Mattel Fisher Price Thomas & Friends Toy Train Playset
Mattel Fisher Price Thomas & Friends Toy Train Playset
Train sets are a classic toy, and this motorised Thomas can chug along 18 feet of track. Made by Fisher-Price, it's designed for preschoolers, and has fun elements like a bridge, bell, and tunnels to keep them entertained for hours. Ages 3+
Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Barnyard Playset
Learning Resources Peekaboo Learning Barnyard Playset
This set is super fun to play with, but also helps kids with their motor skills, making it a win-win for parents. Toddlers can stack the veggies, open and shut the doors, and move the animals around for hours of peekaboo fun. Ages 18 months+
Polly Pocket Pollyville Resort Roll Away Playset
This Polly Pocket dollhouse is on wheels, ready to roll around with them, wherever they go. Inside there's five different play areas for the dolls to live, a slide and even a ferris wheel!
And currently it has a 42% saving in the Black Friday sale. Ages 4+
Sylvanian Families 5716 Red Roof Country Home
Sylvanian Families 5716 Red Roof Country Home
The Sylvanian Families franchise has been loved by kids for generations. Get their obsession started with this dollhouse playset which opens up for kids to get stuck into, and even has a light-up lamp! The three-storey house even has a secret play space, and is the perfect piece from which to add other kits. Ages 3+
LEGO City Robot World Roller-Coaster Park Set
LEGO City Robot World Roller-Coaster Park Set
Older kids will be delighted with this robot-themed roller coaster. It includes a detachable mech toy, eight Lego City minifigures and even a mini arcade with toy video game consoles! Seriously impressive. Ages 8+
Angel Madison is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with over 25 years of editorial experience. She writes about parenting, toys, plus-size fashion, sneakers, and more for brands like Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Prevention, and Esquire. Before her time at Hearst, Angel worked as a parenting editor for New Jersey Family and covered entertainment for NBC Universal, AOL, and TV Guide. When she’s not testing the latest footwear trends, adding to her collection of over 100 LEGO sets, or scouting for the hottest new toys, you can find Angel walking long distances (either in the woods or in New York City) and spending time with her daughter.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
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