The legendary toy shop is making the hunt for the perfect Christmas morning surprise that much easier by curating a list of the toys its buyers deem to be the crème de la crème of its hallowed halls.
“We've looked at a broad range of toys and key trends”, explains Victoria Kay, Head of Buying at Hamleys. “We can reveal that slime is still as popular as ever as well as educational toys and exclusive products. All the toys are new to market”.
Innovation is the overarching theme of the edit, which is immediately obvious by the inclusion of a classic game given a souped-up twist. Get the whole family involved in a game of Twister - but not like you’ve ever played it before. Forgo the mat, which has been replaced by wristbands on both the arms and legs and the addition of a screen. This also means it can be played alone as well as in a group.
What’s more, Disney has collaborated with Playmobil for an adorable Winnie the Pooh playhouse, while Hamleys has teamed up with Warner Bros. for a plush Harry Potter-themed teddy bear that will go down a treat with Wizarding World fans, no matter their age.
On the latter note, the toy store has placed emphasis on its kidult collection to ensure there is something for big kids too. The Tamiya’s R/C Lunch Box was chosen for its true-to-life construction process. Kay breaks it down: “You make it as you would a proper car with a proper chassis and wheels to create a true collector’s item with a hobby feel to it”. The same is true for the Cult of San Reja anime action figure.
It wouldn’t, of course, be a Christmas list in 2023 without some reference to Barbie. Over at Hamleys, the retailer recommends a doll with a slime twist. “You don’t know what Barbie you’re getting”, Kay reveals. “You empty slime into the cup, open the packet and get 15 different toys”. It’s an unboxing experience akin to L.O.L Surprise! that includes the doll itself with a water-activated, colour-changing face and hair as well as accessories. This plays into the enduring trend for anything creative and messy: “Everyone wants excitement and everyone is excited when things come out of something, blow up or are messy”, stresses the expert.
You can also be sure to find a Paw Patrol entry and a Marvel must-have.
Find out more about each item on Hamleys’ top toy list below
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Playmobil & Disney: Winnie’s & Piglet’s Tree House
Role play is just part of the picture with this collaboration. Disney and Playmobil have joined forces to create this beautiful toy that you won’t mind displaying. The first activity begins with the construction that is easily done, then the real fun can begin. Characters include Winnie and Piglet.
Buy now £49.99, Hamleys
L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers
In the signature L.O.L. Surprise style, the excitement just keeps on coming with this Christmas gift. There are three different colours that resemble a handbag out the box but, tap it and it flashes, jingles and rocks to reveal a flying fairy. It is ready to go straight away (no charging necessary).
Buy now, Hamleys
Ty Toys Marvel Avengers Spiderman Squish-A-Boo 14 Inches
These giant toys will make an adorable addition to their bedroom. It doubles up as a cushion and is extremely soft, tactile and cute. The designs come as part of a collaboration with Marvel so you can treat them to Spiderman, the Hulk, Groot, Black Panther and Iron Man.
Buy now £17.99, Hamleys
Anime The Cult Of San Reja Neil
Anime has been growing in popularity in the last few years and is now a massive trend here in the UK. You can get your hands on the Japanese cartoon characters from The Cult of San Reja where the action figures can move but also make for a collector’s item for display.
Buy now £45.00, Hamleys
Barbie Pop! Reveal Fruit Series Strawberry Lemonade Scented Doll
The unboxing doesn’t end at simply the wrapping with this toy. There are eight sensory steps that are each revealed as they dive deeper into the drink cup packaging. It opens with a fully-fledged articulated Barbie as well as accessories. There are four flavours available.
Buy now £26.99, Hamleys
Beast Lab Shark Beast Creator
This toy plays into both the reveal and slime trend. There are two Sharks Beasts - but you don’t know which you are going to get - once the steam and smoke dissipate, the character is left, covered in slime. The beasts have 80 different sounds and features for endless playtime.
Buy now £90.00, Hamleys
Hasbro Gaming Twister Air
Wear the wrist and leg bands to get this family-friendly game started. Unlike traditional Twister, there is no mat involved. Instead, it has been brought to hi-tech realms where you earn points based on the movements on the screen. They can play on their own or with friends.
Buy now £26.99, Hamleys
Paw Patrol Movie Skye Deluxe Vehicle
The new Paw Patrol film PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is set to launch in November and this toy is part of the merch collection. It is made for role-playing adventures with Skye where the plane requires no batteries but has interactive turn handles to operate the wings and buttons for soft dart projectiles.
Buy now £49.99, Hamleys
Hamleys Harry Potter Gryffindor Bear
If they have pledged their allegiance to one house in the Harry Potter universe in particular, this plush toy will delight come Christmas morning. The adorable furry bear is adorned with a scarf in the colours of and embroidered with the coat of arms of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin.
Buy now £30.00, Hamleys
Tamiya Lunch Box
This R/C van will require building and this gives it a hobby-like feel in the way in which it resembles a real car, from chassis to wheels. Once the minivan body has been set on the monster truck wheels, the role-playing can commence.
Buy now £184.00, Hamleys
Hamleys Wooden London Bus
Whether they’re a resident or a fan of the capital, few things are more quintessentially London than a double-decker red bus. This preschool toy will encourage fine motor skills and role-play creativity. It is crafted from FSC-certified recycled wood so it’s a more durable and plastic-free alternative too.
Buy now £35.00, Hamleys
Ralleyz Soft Dart Blaster
A blaster toy is a sure-fire win with those around the seven to nine age bracket. This option comes complete with 28 darts that are soft enough so as to not cause any damage to their person or home but the automatic mechanism will be incredibly satisfying.
Buy now £40.00, Hamleys
Hamleys Magic Motion Car
As if by magic, this car can race around the house, following a ball, map or your fingers. It has a lively yellow exterior and a striking striped design.
Buy now £40.00, Hamleys
