Each year, the expert buyers at Hamleys curate an edit of just 10 toys to allow you to nail the gift giving process for those pickiest of giftees - children.
With an offering of over 20,000 products, this pared-down selection is a godsend to guide consumers through the packed shelves – both virtually and in the Regent Street flagship store.
For 2022, there is an emphasis on classic toys, iconic brands and pieces that will stand the test of time to be passed down through generations and families. There are recognisable labels like Mattel’s Barbie and Play Doh that you will know from your own childhood that are still fixtures on the toy scene today.
Victoria Kay, Head of Buying at Hamleys explains, “The real focus this year has been about quality and investment pieces that you can hand down from generation to generation. It’s not that kind of fast shopping, it’s all about investing in good quality products. We’ve really gone for what we think has a lot of play value and there’s a lot of product to get through to decipher”.
With the economic crisis on everyone’s mind, families may be looking to tighten their belt. With this in mind, the list includes options at all price points, including stocking fillers and smaller gifts. Kay confirms, “We have a whole range of toys to suit every preferences, and every generation from preschool all the way through up to 16+.”
There is always a spike on board games around the time of year but Kay has noticed the same with plush toys too, “It’s a very nice easy purchase for everybody. You can really give a teddy bear to anybody and everybody.” She also highlights the Play-Doh ice cream set for its interactivity, the way it encourages kids to consider money and that as it packs up into the container, “I remember back in the day you always ended up with bits of used PlayDoh in plastic bags”.
The Buzz Lightyear toy also takes the traditional and steps it up a notch. While there are still all the phrases we know and love, there’s the added bonus of a water vapor trail to add greater realism to your little one’s adventures.
Shop the Hamelys top toys below.
Best advent calendars for kids 2022: Toys and chocolate treats
Best toys for Christmas 2022: The most popular gifts for kids this year
Best eco friendly toys for kids for a sustainable way to play
Best nerf guns of 2022 that are fun for adults and kids
Best gifts and toys for 8 year olds that they will love
X-Shot Skins Last Stand
Age: 8+ years
The love for foam shooters shows no signs of wavering and this is the largest in X-Shot’s collection. It can house 14 darts at once in the auto-rotating barrel to reach your opponents up to 27m away. The blaster uses a new air pocket technology to make the projectiles go faster, further and more direct.
Buy now £35.00, Hamleys
Play-Doh Ice Cream Truck
Age: 3+ years
Play Doh has stood the test of time in the most popular games for years and years and this truck is one of the best the brand has ever produced. Get their imaginations running wild with the 27 tools that will enable them to make their own colourful creations. There’s even a sprinkle maker and sweet moulds to adorn on their ice creams. The cash register plays music to encourage interactive play and there’s storage galore for all the pieces once playtime is over.
Buy now £100.00, Hamleys
Peppa Pig Roller Disco
Age: 3+ years
Peppa Pig is heading to the roller disco with this doll inspired by the fan-favourite children’s TV character. It stands at 28cm tall and has lights, sound, music and she’ll even talk.
Buy now £37.00, Hamleys
One Trick Pony
Age: 3+ years
This game will get the whole family belly laughing. With your hand looped in the cowboy’s lasso, you have to herd the animals before he catches you. Works best for two to five players.
Buy now £27.00, Hamleys
Cocomelon Boo Boo Jj Doll
Age: 3+ years
The star of the US YouTube hit show, little ones will be able to play with their very own Cocomelon themed doll. The JJ character in plush form will reveal the areas where he’s been hurt for your kids to tend to. When an area lights up, they need to apply a bandage which will then be met with phrases like “My boo boo is gone!”. The doll will also sing.
Buy now £44.00, Hamleys
Disney And Pixar Lightyear Jetpack Liftoff Buzz Lightyear
Age: 3+ years
After the hugely popular Lightyear film comes this new take on the classic toy. Buzz is wearing his iconic Space Ranger Alpha suit complete with its jetpack but here’s the twist. There’s the addition of a fusion cannister that is designed to be filled with water to create a spray as he takes off in flight. The doll measures at 30cm and has over 20 phrases and 12 moveable joints.
Buy now £60.00, Hamleys
Barbie Cutie Reveal Doll Unicorn
Age: 3+ years
Enhance the unboxing experience with this Barbie. Not only will they be treated to the doll itself but there are 10 surprises in total that includes a plush animal friend. The iconic doll is wearing an animal costume but underneath is where the real magic is - she comes complete with shimmery clothes, accessories and a comb to tend to her long hair and activate the fun. There’s colour-changing elements, animal face paint that appears and the animal opens its eyes.
Buy now £33.00, Hamleys
Hamleys Bear Hoody Panda 24cm
Age: 0+ years
The Hamelys bear has been a stalwart in the retailer’s offering with new iterations each year. The heritage design is given an extra cosy plush detail with a panda onesie that includes the hood. It is 24cm and is super soft for cuddling.
Buy now £22.00, Hamleys
Tick Tock Brick Knock
Age: 8+ years
It’s a race against the clock with this game where you have 15 or 30 seconds (depending on which mode you opt for) to pull out a block with a high pressured twist on Jenga. Miss the time and the bomb base will expload, causing the entire tower to collapse. Loser has to draw a dare card.
Buy now £34.00, Hamleys
Ralleyz Jumping Sumo
Age: 6+ years
This remote control car from Ralleyz can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. The toy is run through batteries and controlled through a rechargeable remote. Prepare to race.
Buy now £70.00, Hamleys
