Among the trendy toys this year are Bitzee Hamster Ball, LEGO Star Wars sets, and the popular Bluey Toot-Toot Drivers Playset. These are set to be some of the top Christmas toys 2026 UK families will be looking for during the holiday season. From interactive pets to STEM educational toys and collectible items, these gifts are perfect for bringing joy to children. To explore more, check out our exclusive collection at SDMAX UK.

Top 5 Toy Trends of 2026

We are seeing a great mix of interactive play and nostalgia in the toy market right now. Data from the Global Toy Industry suggests that these 5 categories will be the main attractions in 2026:

Interactive and Digital Pets

One of the biggest trends this year is interactive digital pets. Kids are now demanding toys that talk to them, react, and grow. The global electronic pets market is estimated to exceed $12.3 billion by 2027, up from $6 billion in 2019, which is a testament to the popularity of this category.

For example, Bitzee Hamster Ball or Tamagotchi Uni are now not just virtual pets, they are also creating emotional connections with children. The Bitzee Hamster Ball toy is famous for its unique interactive play, where the physical and digital worlds merge together.

These types of immersive play toys keep kids busy for hours and they can learn things like caring and responsibility. These trending toys will undoubtedly be the hotcakes of the upcoming holiday season.

Character-Based Toys

Characters from several major animated series and movies dominate the toy market every year. 2026 will be no exception. Currently, Bluey toys are at their peak of popularity, especially among children aged 4-7. Similarly, Gabby’s Dollhouse toys are popular among girls and classic Star Wars toys are equally popular among adults and children. 

According to market reports, the market for licensed toys is constantly growing. When a character is a big hit, sales of its collectible and franchise toys increase several times. For example, products like the Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber or the new Gabby’s Dollhouse Play Kitchen are not just toys, they are a way for children to connect with their favorite characters. This top Christmas toys category will also include new movie-inspired toys.

Creative and Building Sets

Creative and building toy sets encourage hands-on learning and imagination in children. The global construction sets market is worth nearly $10 billion, indicating that this is a sustainable and important trend. LEGO sets are always at the top of the STEM toys category.

But these days, in addition to LEGO, magnetic building tiles like Magna-Tiles and Connetix are also very popular. Magna-Tiles are a favorite among parents and children for their open-mindedness and limitless creativity. These building toys are not just for play, they also help develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

Collectible and Miniature Toys

There is a new craze for collectible toys in the toy market. This trend is born from the fun of adding many toys at a low cost. According to recent data, the market for blind boxes and miniature toys is growing rapidly. 

For example, toys like Labubu dolls or the traditional Sylvanian Families are now gaining popularity as trending collectibles not only for children but also among adults. Children love to exchange them with their friends and feel the excitement of finding rare items.

STEM and Educational Toys

Parents want their children to learn through play. That’s why the demand for STEM toys UK is growing. The global Educational Toys market is estimated to exceed $32 billion by 2027, highlighting the importance of education and entertainment.

Educational toys are no longer just science boxes, it offer interactive and playful learning opportunities. For example, products from brands like Pad Creator Tablet or Fat Brain Toys help children develop mathematical concepts, creativity and critical thinking. These toys are not only fun, but they also teach skills that are essential for the future. 

Hot Holiday Gift Picks for 2026

What gifts will you give your child to make them the happiest this holiday season? As an experienced wholesaler, here is a mix of the most trending toys of 2025 that are sure to be a hit:

Interactive Hits: Interactive digital pets like the Bitzee Hamster Ball or Cabbage Patch Kids Cuties can be great gift ideas for 5-year-olds. It teaches kids to be caring.

Character Craze: For fans aged 8 to 12, the Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber or Bluey’s Ultimate Caravan Adventure are the best gifts. These top Christmas toys 2026 will transport them to the world of their favorite shows.

STEM Superstars: A Pad Creator Tablet or an advanced LEGO Technic set is perfect for kids aged 10 and up. These latest toys for 10-year-olds will help them understand complex concepts through play.

Collectibles: Small toys include Labubu Dolls or L.O.L Surprise! O.M.G. Fashion Dolls are the biggest hit in this year’s new girl toys category.

These toys are not only trendy but also the best in terms of quality and entertainment. To finish your Christmas shopping quickly, shop these trending toys now at SDMAX UK for free delivery!

Collector’s Corner: What Kids Will Be Crazy About in 2026 

Kids always love to create their own collections. You might be wondering, “What are kids collecting in 2025?” From experience, I can say that blind box and limited edition items will be in high demand this year.

Labubu and other figures from Pop Mart are currently the hottest collectibles. These toys have great craftsmanship and quality in their designs. Similarly, Sylvanian Families have secured their place as future collectibles due to their classic nostalgia.

We predict that toys that are limited in production and have a connection to a popular franchise (like Star Wars: The Acolyte collectibles) will be the toys worth money in the future. Collecting trending miniatures also creates a kind of social game among kids.

Tips for Parents: How Many Toys Are Enough?

While buying toys for kids is a joy, managing the pile of toys is a big challenge for parents. Many people ask, how many toys should kids have? According to psychologists, too many toys can shorten kids’ attention spans and they can’t focus on any one toy. 

This is called the Over choice Effect. A popular suggestion is the 20 toy rule – no more than 20 toys should be within reach of kids at any one time. If you feel your kids are getting too many toys, start a Toy Rotation System. Hide some toys and swap them out for new ones after a certain period of time. 

This way, even old toys will look as attractive as new ones. These simple tips for decluttering toys and organizing kids toys will make your gift planning easier and improve the quality of your kids’ play.

Conclusion

The 2026 UK holiday season is all about fun and education in the world of toys for kids. Interactive pets, character-based toys, STEM sets, collectible dolls – all kinds of toys are exciting for kids.

If you want to make sure your child or loved one gets the trendiest and most loved toys this Christmas, check out SDMAX UK’s exclusive collection. You can easily order toys from here with free wholesale UK delivery.