As schools reopen and festive planning begins, Argos has unveiled its top 20 toys for Christmas 2026. Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, says this year’s list combines imaginative play, innovation, and retro nostalgia to inspire children’s creativity and development.
Retro Throwbacks with a Modern Twist
Nostalgia drives this year’s toy trends with classic formats upgraded.
The Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset (£20) is a fully functioning mini record player that plays music from chart‑topping artists, while the Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set (£150) brings classic arcade culture home in brick form. Meanwhile, high‑octane classic play gets scaled up in the Wheels City Ultimate T‑Rex Garage (£130), which can store and launch up to 50 cars.
Interactive Tech for Imaginative Play
Interactive technology adds new dimensions to play.
The new Tonies Lite (£60) is a compact, travel‑friendly audio companion, while Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye (£55) reacts to children with over 60 physical responses. The Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy (£55) turns opening a new toy into an event, using water to trigger a fizzing, foaming reaction that lets kids “hatch” their own prehistoric shark.
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The Kidi 12‑In‑1 Guitar Superstar (£50) guides beginners through real tunes with light‑up frets, and the Projector Karaoke Machine (£90) pairs smart‑app connectivity with built‑in stage lights for at‑home concerts.
Creative Play and Immersive Storytelling
Small‑world building and hands‑on crafting give children control over their imaginative stories.
Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (£30) lets fans build and battle their favorite starter Pokémon, while Armor‑Up Dinosaur T‑Rex – Ajax (£45) brings action to life with tail‑activated jaw movement and mix‑and‑match armour pieces.
The Badge Maker (£35) turns bedrooms into crafting studios. The retailer also offers the Workshops Four Storey Wooden Doll House (£150) with working lights and sounds. It adds the Monster 40 cm Soft Toy (£20), which combines plush comfort with a hidden tummy pocket and feeling cards for gentle emotional exploration.
Screen‑Inspired Adventures
Favourite TV shows and movies inspire toys that bring beloved characters into everyday play.
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The Argos‑exclusive Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush (£50) is a super‑sized, extra‑huggable version of Toy Story’s Bullseye. Fans can also take centre stage with the KPop Demon Hunters Golden Singing Dolls (£35 each), which perform the band’s hit song from the film “Golden”.
Preschoolers can enjoy screen favourites come to life with the Dino Vehicle (£60), a 76.2 cm dinosaur from PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, and the Pedal Peppa (£30), which helps Peppa Pig learn to ride her bike with over 75 interactive sounds and phrases. The & Monsters Fart Blaster Pro (£30) lets pranksters launch real scented fart rings up to six feet through the air.
All 20 top toys are available online at www.argos.co.uk and in selected Argos stores nationwide.
They also offer same‑day and next‑day delivery, with free delivery on small items over £100 and convenient Click & Collect services.
