Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

DreamToys 2024: Helen Skelton top Christmas toys

dreamtoys

TV presenter Helen Skelton has revealed the much-anticipated DreamToys list, showcasing the hottest toys for Christmas 2024. Curated by the Toy Retailers Association, this annual list highlights the most exciting toys set to fill stockings and spark joy this festive season.

What is DreamToys?

DreamToys is the UK’s definitive guide to the best toys for Christmas, selected by an independent panel of toy experts and retailers. The list provides parents with valuable insights into trending toys and ensures they spend wisely.

Helen Skelton, their ambassador, said:
“With so much choice, finding the perfect gift can feel overwhelming. The DreamToys list helps parents choose toys kids will treasure for years to come.”

Top toys for all ages

The DreamToys list includes toys for preschoolers to adults, offering a variety of interactive gadgets, family games, and nostalgic favourites. Prices range from affordable stocking fillers at £9.99 to premium picks at £79.99.

Highlights from the list include:

  • Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Set – £44.99
  • FurReal Peanut the Playful Monkey – £79.99
  • LEGO Disney Stitch – £59.99
  • Hot Wheels Ultra Shark Car Wash Playset – £59.99
  • Little Live Pets My Walking Penguin – £24.99

See the full list at DreamToys.

Insights into the UK toy market

Toys remain an essential part of Christmas celebrations, with the UK toy market estimated at £3.4 billion in 2024. Research shows spending on gifts for children has risen by 35% since 2021.

Parents increasingly return to high street shopping, with town and city centre visits up 10% last year. The popularity of nostalgic toys among adults, or “kidults,” also continues to grow, now accounting for 29% of toy spending.

Where to shop DreamToys

Paul Reader, Chair of the selection committee, encourages parents to shop locally:
“Visit your local toy retailer to find expert advice and the perfect DreamToys for your children.”

With Christmas just weeks away, there’s no better time to explore this year’s must-have toys. Make the season magical with gifts that inspire play for all ages.

For more information, visit DreamToys.

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

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