Top toy trend predictions for Christmas 2024 – and the cheaper alternatives

Each year, major retailers Amazon, Hamleys and John Lewis release their predictions for the top toys set to dominate stockings everywhere at Christmas. This year's selection spans a wide range - from play kitchens to classic Play-Doh.

As we go into December, we've rounded up the products from each of these lists to give you a view of the season's most sought-after toys. And if you're shopping on a budget, we've scoured the marketplace to find affordable alternatives worth considering.

Read on to discover this year's trendiest toys, along with insights from our Family editor on what’s expected to top the charts.

Jump to:

• Amazon Top Toys for Christmas 2024
• John Lewis Top Toys for Christmas 2024
• Hamleys Top Toys for Christmas 2024
• Our expert's toy trend prediction

Need more gift inspiration when buying for little ones? See the best Christmas gifts for kids

John Lewis Top Toys for Christmas 2024

Hexbug Wall Crawler Gecko

Age range: 4+ years

For any creepy crawly-obsessed kids, a wall-climbing robotic gecko is sure to make their Christmas – and get a scream out of anyone who doesn't like crawly creatures! It features on John Lewis's Top Toys list this year.

It's remote controllable and has LED eyes to help it stand out in the dark.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

They might not all have the ability to crawl up walls, but there are other Hexbugs available with slightly lower price tags:

• Hexbug HEX BOTS Scorpion – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017516
• Hexbug HEX BOTS Nano, Pack of 5 – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018020
• Hexbug HEX BOTS Nanoland Set – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018021 

Play-Doh Rainbow Swirl Ice Cream Playset

Age range: 3+ years

This Play-Doh ice cream maker playset lets kids create colourful, pretend soft-serve ice cream and decorate it with make-believe sprinkles and pretend pretzels.

It includes 284g (10oz) of Play-Doh modelling compound, featuring a few dual-colour tubs to make the perfect swirl of ice cream, plus tools such as a toy spoon and knife and an ice cream cone and cup to 'serve' their creations in.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Play-Doh has plenty of pretend cookery sets and food makers, and the ice cream maker set above is actually among the cheapest available.

For more Play-Doh kitchenware sets, we've picked out a few alternatives of a similar price or cheaper below:

• Play-Doh Swirlin' Smoothies Blender Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017519 
• Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Cookie Creations – Available from Argos (£13)
• Play-Doh Flip 'n Pancakes Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017520

Lego Santa's Sleigh Set

Age range: 9+ years

Lego is a go-to gift for many at Christmas, and this Santa set adds a truly festive touch. It can be played with as a toy, or sat on a window sill as festive décor.

John Lewis calls it 'a charming project to complete over the festive season,' and adults may it love just as much as kids.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

This Lego set is typically around £40 at most retailers, but if you want a cheaper and smaller festive option, see some of our suggestions below:

• Lego Nutcracker – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017501
• Lego Gingerbread Ornaments – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017502
• Lego Friends 2024 Advent Calendar – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017397

If you're looking for more Lego sets, head to our guide on the best Lego deals – we've found bargains on popular sets including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel and more

John Lewis Wooden Deluxe Play Kitchen

Age range: 3+ years

For the ultimate play kitchen, this set from John Lewis contains everything from a microwave to a fridge freezer. It typically retails for £250.

It also comes with 24 play accessories including pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, salt and pepper shakers – and even a miniature olive oil bottle.

Currently out of stock online at John Lewis.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

You might not get all the bells and whistles of the John Lewis Deluxe kitchen set, but it shouldn't be hard to find a play kitchen under £100:

• Ikea Duktig – Available from Ikea (£63)
• Ikea Spisig – Available from Ikea (£59)
• Kitchen Corner Wooden Play Kitchen – Available from Smyths Toys (£39.99)

Bonnie Bear

Age range: From birth

Expected to be available from John Lewis later in the month, this cuddly bear has found itself on the retailer's top toys for 2024 list.

According to John Lewis, this bear will be available for around £33. However, the original manufacturer Aurora World has the same bear listed for around £10 less.

Available from Aurora World (£22.99).

Are there cheaper alternatives?

A simple teddy bear shouldn't too be hard to come by for under around £15. See alternative options from Ikea and Smyths Toys:

• Ikea Djungelskog (28cm) – Available from Ikea (£8)
• Sitting Teddy Bear (43cm) – Available from Smyths Toys (£8.99)
• World's Softest Plush Brady the Bear (40cm) – Available from Smyths Toys (£12.99)

We asked the parents, godparents, aunties and uncles of Which? to pick the best gifts for one-year-olds

VTech My 1st Record Player

Age range: 12+ months

For music-loving little ones, this light-up toy turntable from VTech features five double-sided records in a handy portable case.

Each disc plays a different music style - either country, techno, jazz, hip hop or pop - as well as saying fun phrases and animal sounds.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

This turntable typically retails around £30, but there are some cheaper options available for kids who love making music:

• Baby Einstein+ Hape DJ Discovery Magic Touch Turntable Toy – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017986
• VTech Sing Song Microphone – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017987 
• Halilit Rhythm Pals Musical Instrument Set – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017988 

Barbie Mysteries The Great Horse Chase Ultimate Stable Playset

Age range: 3+ years

Barbie dolls have seen a resurgence in popularity since the Barbie film was released in the summer of 2023.

This particular set comes with plenty of accessories as well as Barbie herself, including a horse and stable, toy tools and horse food, jumping hurdles and miniature critters.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

While far from the most expensive Barbie playset out there, this one is also far from the cheapest. You'll save if you opt for just the doll, or for a set with fewer accessories:

• Barbie Fashionistas #213 Blonde with Striped Top, Pink Skirt & Sunglasses Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017990 
• Barbie Travel Doll with Dog and Holiday Accessories – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017991
• Barbie and Ken Rollerskate Set – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017992 

Or, if your heart is set on a bigger playset, consider these options:

• Barbie Dream Boat Playset – Available from Smyths Toys (£34.99)
• Barbie Dream Closet with Doll and Accessories – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017993 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Vending Machine Toy

Age range: 3+ years

This interactive vending machine toy allows kids to stock snacks, insert colour-matching toy coins or a bank card, and push the corresponding buttons to release them.

It requires no batteries or assembly, and includes nine double-sided play food packages such as snack bars, drinks and pouches. It typically costs between £70 and £80 at most retailers.

Available from John Lewis (£79.99).

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you don't want to fork out on the vending machine, you might want to consider a smaller pretend-food playset:

• Melissa & Doug Scoop And Serve Ice Cream Counter – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017996 
• Melissa & Doug Sandwich Toy Shop – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017998
• Kitchen Corner Wooden Tea Set (Pink) – Available from Smyths Toys (£12.99)

Alternatively, to help playing make-believe shop even more realistic, there are plenty of supermarket tills and store counters to choose from online:

• John Lewis Wooden Cash Register – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017997 
• Leapfrog Count Along Till – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018000 
• Kitchen Corner Grocery Store Supermarket – Available from Smyths Toys (£34.99)

Squishmallows Squish-a-Longs - 14 Pack

Age range: 6+ years

The brand Squishmallows is commonly associated with rotund cuddly toys in a range of cute styles, stocking everything from farm animal plushies to foods and Disney character soft toys.

This pack of plastic miniatures features 14 one-inch tall collectable 'Mini-Squishes', plus wearable ring accessories.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Depending on the size and design, you'll typically find full-size soft Squishmallows retailing for between £8 and £25:

• Squishmallows Gigi the Orange Tabby Cat (7.5") – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018010 
• Squishmallows Todd the Beige Rooster (12") – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018013
• Squishmallows Dijimon The Cyan Blue Iguana (16") – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018014 

You could also browse more toys, games and accessories from this brand:

• Squishmallows Take 4 Card Game – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018015
• Squishmallows Soft Toy Bag Clip (3.5'') – Available from Claire's (£4.80)

Connetix Magnetic Tiles Rainbow Motion Pack

Age range: 3+ years

Each Connetix Rainbow Motion Pack comes with two car bases with rubber wheels, square and rectangular magnetic pieces, two doors and an idea booklet.

This pack is one of the smaller options with 24 pieces, but there are larger packs which contain 50, 102, 120 and 212 pieces. The tiles are also available in pastel colours in some packs.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Magnetic kids toys aren't hard to come by, though it's important that you're cautious when buying them. A Which? study from 2021 found dangerous toys being sold from online marketplaces involving magnets which could potentially break off and be swallowed.

As an alternative for this toy, we'd suggest buildable vehicles which don't include magnets, especially if you're buying for younger children:

• Little Dutch Wooden Stacking Train – Available from Scandibørn (£18.17)
• John Lewis Build Your Own Solar Powered Car – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018017 

Hamleys Top Toys For Christmas 2024

Stitch Crack Me Up Plush

Age range: 3-4 years

Featuring on the Hamleys Top Toys list this year is the Stitch 'Crack Me Up' Plush doll. 

It sits at 11-inches tall and plays the familiar sound of this beloved Disney character giggling when shaken. According to Hamleys: 'Stitch laughs out loud, and then shimmies and shakes when he’s placed down on a surface.'

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Giggling character toys are nothing new, and those who grew up watching Sesame Street will remember the popularity of the Tickle Me Elmo doll. It's a slightly cheaper option:

• Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo – Available from Smyths Toys (£19.99)

If you're set on a Stitch toy, getting a plush doll without the giggling feature will save you money:

• Disney Lilo & Stitch 25cm Stitch Soft Toy – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018037
• Disney Lilo & Stitch 20cm Stitch Soft Toy – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018052 

Lego Transformer Bumblebee

Age range: 10+ years

Lego also makes an appearance on Hamley's Christmas list this year, with the slightly less festive Transformer Bumblebee predicted to be popular.

In true Transformer style, this buildable model can be left in Autobot form or folded into 'vehicle mode'.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

The Lego Transformers Bumblebee is actually one of the cheaper options if you're specifically looking for a Transformers Lego set - the alternative Optimus Prime figure can cost anywhere up to £160!

It's also fairly cheap when compared to other sets in the Lego Icons range, though you might want to consider these alternatives if you're looking for vehicular Lego sets:

• Lego Speed Champions McLaren Formula 1 Race Car – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018029
• Lego Speed Champions Ferrari Competizione – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018030 

Or, if you want one Lego set that can be arranged in different ways, consider something from the Lego Creator range. These have a 3-in-1 design, meaning you can build, break apart and rebuild the same bricks into different designs if you wish:

• Lego Creator Space Astronaut – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018032 
• Lego Creator Flowers in a Watering Can – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018033
• Lego Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018034 

Still looking for Lego? Head to the best Lego deals this Black Friday

Numberblocks Five Musical Superstar Stage

Age range: 3-4 years

Numberblocks fans are sure to enjoy watching Five take centre stage in this interactive toy inspired by the series. Simply place the character on the stage to listen to a selection of fun songs and sound effects. Other characters are also available to purchase seperately.

This set comes with accessories including a microphone, guitar and miniature speaker, as well as ten changeable backdrop options.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

For young Numberblocks fans, there are other themed toys available for much less:

• Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018055 
• Numberblocks Mini Vehicles Set, 5 Car Pack – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018056 

The Terror Fried Gross Bucket

Age range: 3-4 years

We know what you're thinking, it's more Halloween than Christmas, but it's true that this bucket of ghastly grub has made it onto Hamleys toy trends list this year.

The Terror Fried Gross Bucket is packed with foul fast-food fun, containing slimy, squishy compounds designed to look like a popular fast food. Kids will find a collectable figure inside eight of the nine products in this set.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you don't want your little one digging through these 11 herbs and surprises, but they still enjoy tactile toys, you could opt for regular slime, kinetic sand, or a science kit:

• Cra-Z-Compounds Slime Set – Available from Smyths Toys (£10.99)
• Kinetic Sand Ultimate Sandisfying Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018062 
• Gross Science Kit – Available from Smyths Toys (£19.99)

Hamleys Alessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll

Age range: 3-4 years

Hamleys says that the Alessandra Fur White Bonnet Baby Doll 'has a soft touch body and limbs and a lifelike weight' so that 'it feels like you are holding a real baby'.

She comes set with a romper, fleece, dummy, family book and Certificate of Authenticity.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

There are most definitely cheaper alternatives to this £120 baby doll if you're less concerned with realism and additional items: 

• Zapf Baby Annabell Little Annabell (36cm) – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017524
• Cupcake Newborn Baby Daisy Doll – Available from Early Learning Centre (£19.99)
• Little Dutch Baby Doll, Noa – Available from Scandibørn (£29.95)

Hasbro Drop Trivia Family Game

Age range: 10+ years

This fast-action trivia game can be played head-to-head with two players or in teams.

Players are provided with a list of answers they must sort into the correct order using pucks to score points. After four rounds, the team with the most points wins.

Available from Hamleys (£24.99).

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you're a fan of card games with less equipment involved, see a few options below:

• Monopoly Deal – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010007
• The Mind – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010008 

Or, if you're a sucker for the classics with trivia or coin-dropping elements:

• Hasbro Trivial Pursuit – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017528
• Connect 4 – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010036

Want to stock up before family game night? See our pick of the best board games

Disney Princess Moana Singing Doll

Age range: 3-4 years

Ideal for young Moana fanatics, this musical doll plays the song 'We're Back' from the sequel film and lets kids sing along and play at the touch of a button. It's likely to be popular ahead of the film's UK release in November.

She has bendable arms and legs, and comes with her trusty paddle and true-to-movie outfit and accessories.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If the singing aspect isn't as important to you (or you just want a quieter household!), you can get the cheaper Moana fashion doll which is purely for dress-up or imaginative play:

• Disney Princess Moana Fashion Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017530 

And for more budget-friendly Disney Princess dolls:

• Disney Frozen Elsa Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017531
• Disney Princess Mulan Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017532 
• Disney Princess Rapunzel Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017533

The Monster Rotary XL Electric Blaster

Age range: 5-6 years

Hamleys has put this heavy-duty blaster on its Top Toys list for Christmas 2024 – it can hold up to 30 foam bullets at once, with a shooting range of 15 metres.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Popular toy blaster brand Nerf has a large catalogue of cheaper options, a few of which we've listed below:

• Nerf N-Series Agility Blaster – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017536 
• Nerf N-Series Sprinter Blaster – Available from Smyths Toys (£19.99)
• Nerf N-Series Strikeback Blaster and 18 Nerf N1 Darts – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017535

L.O.L. Surprise! Mermaids Tots Assortment

Age range: 7-9 years

Kids can mould their own colour-changing mermaid tail to fit a small 'tot'. There are eight total tots to collect, and the one sent will be chosen at random.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

You'll struggle to find a cheaper stocking-filler than this one - we've found some retailers selling them for around £8 a pop. This colour-changing Barbie is a good option at a similar price point:

• Barbie Dreamtopia Mermaid Doll – Available from Argos (£8)

Play-Doh Marvel Hulk Smash & Squish

Age range: 5-6 years

Play-Doh has cropped up again as a toy trend this Christmas, with Hamleys nominating the Marvel Hulk Smash & Squish set. This set includes a bendy five-inch Hulk character, four colours of Play-Doh compound, and a mould press for squashing Play-Doh into fun shapes.

Hamleys is currently selling it for £18, but we found it cheaper elsewhere. You can compare these prices below:

Are there cheaper alternatives?

There are Marvel Play-Doh sets available featuring a range of super characters, including Spiderman, Venom and Captain America, typically for a similar price to the Hulk set:

• Play-Doh Marvel Spider-Man Launch & Slice Battle Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018072
• Play-Doh Marvel Hero Adventure Set – Available from Smyths Toys (£15.99)

Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Deluxe Vehicle

Age range: 3-4 years

Complete with oversized wheels, a grabbling hook, projectile launcher and flashing lights and sounds, Paw Patrol lovers can drive around with Chase the dog all Christmas long. 

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you're not a fan of the price tag on this toy, there is a slightly different smaller version available for around half the price:

• Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Cruiser Chase Vehicle – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018076

Alternatively, you can find more Paw Patrol character toys for less:

• Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels Recycle Truck Rocky Vehicle – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018077 
• Paw Patrol Mission Paw Vehicle - Zuma's Mission Hovercraft – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018078

Bulldozer Stunt Bounce Car

Age range: 5-6 years

Yet another toy car makes it onto the Hamleys list this year. Costing £45, this fully remote-controlled 'bulldozer' stunt car has a rechargeable battery, and is designed to be able to roll over obstacles and bounce back with ease. 

Currently out of stock at Hamleys.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Compared to the remote control cars we've tested, this one sits between cheap and mid-range. See some other options below:

• 1:12 Turbo Xtreme Metal Radio Control Buggy – Available from Smyths Toys (£29.99)
• RCG Racing 1/16 RC Rock Crawler Pro – Available from RC Geeks (£29.99)

Haven't found the right toy car yet? See our pick of the best remote control cars

Hamleys Huggables Plush toy selection

Age range: 5-6 years

The Hamleys Huggable range resembles the Squishmallows that have been so popular recently.

These soft, squishy plushies come in different character designs, such as a broccoli stick or ice cream cone. Each one is around 36cm (14") tall.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

At £22 per Huggable, these are slightly more expensive than Squishmallows. See pricing for those of a similar size:

• Squishmallows Shantrice Fawn Plush Soft Toy (16") – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018108
• Squishmallows Gold Dragon with Sparkle Belly Plush Soft Toy (16") – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018109 

Read our advice on Black Friday 2024 this winter to make the most of the sales

 Amazon Top Toys for Christmas 2024

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer

Age range: 10+ years

For the most dedicated Jedi (or, in this case, Sith), a huge Lego Star Wars starship set is the crème-de-la-crème of Christmas presents.

This Star Destroyer set features over 1,500 pieces, with mini-figures of Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper and Imperial Soldiers, and Commander Praji included.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

£150 is no small amount to spend on Lego, but you'll be pleased to know that there are much more affordable Star Wars sets out there, and a Christmassy option too:

• Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017105
• Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018239 
• Lego Star Wars Jedi Bob's Starfighter – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018240 
• Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024 – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017400 

Keep an eye on the best Star Wars Lego deals this Black Friday

Hatchimals Alive Mystery Hatch Pufficorn

Age range: 5+ years

The Hatchimals Alive Mystery Hatch is an egg-shaped toy containing one of two possible 'pufficorn' characters that hatch with interaction.

The egg responds to tapping, rocking, and cuddling with sounds, lights, and mist during the hatching process. This set comes with a randomised Hatchimal which sings and lights up, and batteries are included.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you shop around a bit, you'll likely find some much cheaper 'egg-hatching' toys without an accompanying light and mist show:

• Hatching Penguin Egg – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018173 
• Unicorn Hatching Egg – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018174
• Triceratops Hatching Egg in a Box – Available from Natural History Museum (£9)

Simba ScreamerZ Babbling Bear

Age range: 5+ years

ScreamerZ are soft toys available in three character designs - this bear one has fluffy blue fur, sticking-up ears, and large round eyes, but a monkey and rabbit are also available.

It has three functions: pressing the belly gently makes a small scream, pressing harder triggers a loud scream, and shaking the toy produces a shaky scream.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Although you press the outside of the stomach to make noise, the moving mouth of the ScreamerZ resembles a puppet. If you don't mind making the noise yourself, you can make your money go further with one (or a few) puppets:

• Joyin Animal Friends Deluxe Kids Hand Puppets (6-pack) – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018175
• Fiesta Crafts T-Rex 3D Dinosaur Hand Puppet Craft Kit – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018177 

Play-Doh Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset

Age range: 3+ years

Play-Doh appears on every retailer's list this year, with Amazon's selection being the Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset.

This toy combines pretend play with a kids' scooter, and includes a play kitchen for making Play-Doh pizzas and delivering them using a slot to hold a toy pizza box.

The scooter has storage under the seat for Play-Doh accessories as well as a pretend checkout station with a card reader and moulds for making Play-Doh money. It requires no batteries or electronics.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

This is one of the larger Play-Doh sets available, and tends to be slightly pricier due to the addition of the scooter. If you're looking for just a scooter, consider these options below:

• Peppa Pig Twist 'n' Turn Scooter – Available from Smyth's Toys (£24.99)
• Paw Patrol Twist 'n' Turn Scooter – Available from Smyth's Toys (£24.99)
• Evo Eclipse Kids 3 Wheel Scooter – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018180

Or, take a look at some smaller Play-Doh food sets:

• Play-Doh Burger Barbecue Set – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018182 
• Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Spiral Fries Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018183 

Hape Tricks n Twists Marble Track

Age range: 3+ years

This DIY marble track set lets kids build towers and tracks for marbles to roll through.

It includes 129 pieces, including blocks, tracks, slides, marbles, and trays to create the track. You'll also get a jump, bell-bucket, spiral funnel, ringing bell, and sliding track.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Marble runs are easy to come by, and the great thing about getting multiple from the same brand is that the sets are usually compatible with each other, so you can grow your collection and make bigger and more complex marble runs over time.

Wooden sets tend to be more expensive than plastic, and this particular set typically retails for around £58. There are some smaller options available for less:

• Hape Castle Escape Wooden Marble Race Track Set – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018188 
• Hape Quadrilla Marble Race to the Finish – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018191 
• Marble Run 80 Piece Game – Available from Smyths Toys (£12.99)
• Vtech Marble Rush Launch Pad Playset – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018192 

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Age range: 8+ years

In this fast-paced card game, players take turns matching cards to the sequence 'taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza'. When there's a match, you must be the first one to quickly slap the pile to win the round.

It's designed for two to eight players with a playtime of around 10 minutes.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Retailing around £10, this quick-firing card game is already quite an affordable stocking-filler. It was among one of the cheapest in our board game testing.

For other cheap and cheerful card games, see these options: 

• Happy Salmon Card Game – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018203 
• UNO Classic Card Game – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009093
• UNO Show 'em No Mercy Card Game – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018200
• Dobble Card Game – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009107 

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is also one of our expert's favourites for gifting - see the best early Christmas gift ideas for more. Or, for our full review of this game, head to the best board games

Rainbow High Watercolour & Create DIY Fashion Doll

Age range: 4+ years

This doll set includes six watercolours for creating colourful designs on the doll's hair and clothes. You can dip or dab the colours using a sponge for precise patterns.

The set also includes rubber bands for tie-dye designs and stencils for shapes, and the doll comes with an all-white outfit and additional shirt and trainers. Designs can be rinsed off with soap and water to create new looks repeatedly.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

You might not get the colour-changing outfits included, but Bratz dolls are a lookalike substitute for these doe-eyed fashion dolls, and can be found around the same price or slightly cheaper:

• Alwayz Bratz Cloe Fashion Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018221 
• Alwayz Bratz Yasmin Fashion Doll – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018222 

Or, depending on when you shop, you might also be able to snag a deal on a colour-changing Barbie hair styling toy:

• Barbie Totally Hair Deluxe Neon Styling Head – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018224 

Gabby’s Dollhouse, 15-Piece Rainbow-Themed

Age range: 3+ years

This dollhouse, inspired by 'Gabby’s Dollhouse' series, features six rooms, a hidden attic, and a working lift, with buttons that play six sounds from the show.

The set comes with a Gabby figure, 10 accessories, themed furniture and stickers. There are also two surprise toys packaged as Dollhouse Deliveries to be unwrapped, just like in the show.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

If you're after a more basic dollhouse, there are cheaper options available. Like with most toys, you'll find wooden versions tend to be more expensive than plastic:

• Jupiter Workshops Wooden Dolls House – Available from Argos (£40)
• Sofie's Wooden Doll House with Furniture – Available from Smyths Toys (£34.99)
• DIY Building Plastic Dollhouse 2-Story 7 Big Rooms Furniture – Available from The Range (£14.08)

Lexibook Disney Stitch Electronic Diary

Age range: 6+ years

Lovable Disney alien Stitch appears on another list this year, this time in the form of an electronic diary on Amazon's Top Toys list.

It features a customisable password for security, 10 melodies, a voice recorder, and a voice modifier for creative fun. There's an included pen and refillable notebook, and a built-in photo frame for kids to personalise their diary with their favourite memories.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

The Stitch-themed Lexibook typically retails on Amazon around £40, though there are other character designs available for cheaper at the time of writing.

You may also be able to find deals on other electronic diaries, such as the VTech model below, or opt for a more standard notebook or journal if your child loves writing:

• Lexibook Barbie Secret Journal – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018237 
• VTech Pink Secret Safe Girls Diary – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018236 
• Junior Happy Self Journal – SQUIRREL_TEXT_50018238 
• Disney Stitch Claire's Exclusive Cosy Shaker Notebook – Available from Claire's (£9.60)

Snackles, Series 2 Mini (11.5cm)

Age range: 3+ years

Plush toys have proven popular once again, with Amazon nominating Mini Snackles as a Top Toy this year. They are also available in small (20cm), medium (35cm) or large (40cm) sizes.

Snackles are soft plushies that come holding their favourite licensed snack, such as Krispy Kreme, Pringles or Subway. There are 11 total Snackle characters to collect, and choosing this particular option means the Snackle character you'll receive is randomised.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

You'll rarely see this product costing more than £10 on Amazon, so cheaper alternatives are few and far between. We found a more festive option for around the same price:

• Snackles Christmas Edition Soft Toy Assortment (13cm) – Available from Smyths Toys (£9.99)

Our expert says

Tonie Box

Age range: 3+ years

The Toniebox is a clever interactive speaker which plays different songs and stories based on the character placed on the top of it (known individually as 'tonies').

There are hundreds of tonies to collect, including beloved children's characters such as the Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit and Peppa Pig. The box itself is available in six different colours.

What are the John Lewis, Amazon and Hamleys Top Toys for Christmas 2024?

Each year, John Lewis, Amazon and Hamleys compile lists of the toys they expect to be popular with kids for Christmas. Here, we've listed all the products on these brands' Top Toy 2024 lists. You can also view the lists on the retailers' websites:

• Head to the Amazon Top Toys for Christmas 2024 list.
• Head to the John Lewis Top Toys for Christmas 2024 list.
• Head to the Hamleys Top Toys for Christmas 2024 list.

More Christmas gift ideas from Which?

Still on the hunt for more present inspiration? Head to one of our handy gift guides:

• Best cheap Christmas gifts under £30
  
• Best early Christmas gift ideas
• Best Christmas gifts for men
• Best Christmas gifts for women
• Best Christmas gifts for gardeners
• Best Christmas gifts for kids
• Best Christmas gifts for dogs

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