If your children are already thinking about what will be going on in their letters to Father Christmas, then it’s time to start shopping for the toys that they want the most.
Many parents are shopping early this year, amid warnings of price increases and potential shortages, so we’ve rounded up a list of the toys that are predicted to be flying off the shelves this year so you can beat the crowds and get those most-wanted gifts for your younger family members.
Whether you prefer to hit the high street or curl up in a chair and shop online, there are plenty of deals to be had if you are looking to get your Christmas toy shopping sewn up early. Here’s our pick of the bunch:
Gassy Gus
One of the naughtiest gifts on festive wishlists this year, is the very un-festive Gassy Gus board game. As the name suggests, the object of the game is to feed Gus as much as you can and wait for it to turn to gas!
Suitable for ages 4 and upwards and designed for two to four players, the game also features realistic fart noises, which will be sure to raise a chuckle from your youngsters. The game is predicted to be a big hit this Christmas – and parents can grab a bargain at The Entertainer website, where Gassy Gus is currently on offer at £19.20.
Lego Creator Elf Club House
The Lego Creator Elf Club House has made it into the top ten toys for Christmas on the John Lewis website, where a team of young toy testers have chosen their most-wanted festive gifts.
It’s a great project for anyone who wants a traditional gift that recreates all the Christmas feels! There is a telescope so the elves can keep an eye on Santa as he flies through the skies, a fully decorated Christmas tree with gifts to place around it – and even a Lego laptop to track who is naughty and who is nice.
The Club House stands at 22cm high when constructed – and with 1197 bricks needed to complete the build – it will keep the little ones entertained well into the New Year.
L.O.L. Surprise! Club House Playset
L.O.L. dolls are still holding their popularity with youngsters who can’t get enough of the three-inch tall playthings that arrive wrapped in opaque paper, so you never know which doll you’ll get next.
The L.O.L. Club House is no exception with over 40 surprises and two dolls to unbox and play with in a three-storey clubhouse. Little ones will love arranging the furniture, which includes mini beanbags, arcade games and a foosball table.
It’s a great toy for imaginative play – dolls can hang out in the stargazing space, the games room or even in the skateboard zone. And when the fun is over, the whole thing can be folded up and packed away with ease.
Credit: JoJo Maman Bébé
Kaloo Dolls
The Tendresse range of Kaloo dolls is predicted to be popular with youngsters looking for their first dolly. Made from soft materials and with chunky legs that are easy for little hands to grab, these sweet dolls can be personalised with a name of your choice.
Choose from Valentine with a pretty star-patterned dress and headband, Jade with a festive red hat and heart-adorned skirt, or Manon, who wears dainty peach boots and a pastel blue bow. The dolls are so cuddly, they will become your child’s favourite companion.
National Geographic Explorer Science Earth Kit
Educational toys make great Christmas gifts for curious children of all ages – and the National Geographic Explorer Science Earth Kit is listed on online retailer Amazon’s Toys We Love list for 2021.
This STEM-based gift includes five experiments such as creating an erupting volcano, discovering water tornadoes and growing crystals. The kit also allows kids to start their very own rock collection, with a range of gemstones as the first specimens.
Things will also get messy with the Sensory Science Kit, which includes slime, colour-changing putty and play sand. Each activity comes with a fact-filled learning guide to help children discover more about the science behind each experiment.
Credit: Amazon.co.uk
Paw Patrol Adventure City Playmat
Gary Grant, Founder and Executive Chairman of toy shop The Entertainer predicts Paw Patrol will be a hit this year, saying: “There are lots of brands we’re excited about for Christmas 2021. This includes Paw Patrol, following the movie this summer.”
If your little one is a fan of Ryder, Marshall, Rubble and the rest of the Paw Patrol gang, they’ll love creating imaginative adventures with this mega-sized plat mat and action figures.
The set includes the Adventure City road map, plus two vehicles, a town hall and even a wall and ramp that can be driven through – allowing kids to recreate scenes from the Paw Patrol film.
It’s ideal for children aged 3 years and above – but hurry if you want to secure one – the playmat is on the Amazon Toys We Love list for just £38.99, so they will sell out fast.
Scalextric: Batman Vs Joker
Whether it’s parents wanting to reclaim their youth, or a new generation of Scalextric fans discovering the powered racing car set, this toy is set to prove very popular this Christmas.
One of the cars is designed to replicate the iconic Batmobile and the other echoes the green and purple colours of the Joker – complete with a wide smile as the grill of the car.
Scalextric has certainly moved with the times and this set contains two ‘spark plug’ dongles that allow the cars to be controlled via an Android or Apple smartphone instead of hand controllers. Another cool feature is the ability to boost your car and restrict your opponent’s motor. All you have to do is download the app and get ready to race.
