Trending Kids' Toys UK (2026)
Every year a handful of toys and franchises dominate kids' wish lists, and this year is no exception. This guide rounds up what Which? and John Lewis identify as the trending toys for 2026, spanning ages, budgets and interests, along with the safety marks worth checking before you buy.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Lego Star Wars Smart Play Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training 75422
Trending: Star Wars
Part of Lego's new Smart Play range, this training-scene set includes Luke and Yoda minifigures and uses motion-activated Smart Bricks for sounds and lights as you play.
- Interactive Smart Brick technology
- Recognisable Star Wars scene
- Includes two minifigures
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Star Wars Smart Play Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training 75422 | Trending: Star Wars | £59.99, Smart Brick with lights and sounds | Check price |
| The Pokemon Company Pokemon Trading Card Game: Battle Academy | Trending: Pokemon | Starter set with three 60-card decks | Check price |
| Connetix Ball Run Launcher Pack | John Lewis Top 10 | 46 pieces, includes launcher and 2 wooden balls | Check price |
| Plus-Plus Learn To Build Space Superset | John Lewis Top 10: STEM | 1,000 pieces, baseplates and wheels included | Check price |
| Jellycat Bartholomew Bear (28cm) | Trending: Jellycat plush | 28cm classic teddy bear | Check price |
| Marvin's Magic Treasured Tricks Wooden Set | John Lewis Top 10: Traditional | Wooden set with wand, cards and props | Check price |
| Micro Scooters Mini Micro Eco Gruffalo Foldable LED Scooter | John Lewis Top 10: Active play | £117, age 2-5, Gruffalo detailing | Check price |
| Le Toy Van Paddington Doll's House | John Lewis Top 10: Premium | £300, four-storey wooden house | Check price |
| Nerf Marvel Spider-Man Strike 'N Splash 2-in-1 Blaster | Trending: Spider-Man | 2-in-1 foam dart and water blaster | Check price |
| Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy My Mario Character Figure Set | Trending: Super Mario | Figurine set for younger children | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Trending: Star Wars
Lego Star Wars Smart Play Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training 75422
Part of Lego's new Smart Play range, this training-scene set includes Luke and Yoda minifigures and uses motion-activated Smart Bricks for sounds and lights as you play.
- Price guide
- £59.99
- Includes
- Luke and Yoda minifigures
- Features
- Smart Brick lights and sounds
Pros
- Interactive Smart Brick technology
- Recognisable Star Wars scene
- Includes two minifigures
Trending: Pokemon
The Pokemon Company Pokemon Trading Card Game: Battle Academy
Which? flags Pokemon's resurgence as it marks its 30th anniversary. This starter set includes three ready-to-play decks, a board and tutorials, making it a solid entry point for beginners.
- Includes
- Three 60-card decks, board, tutorials, accessories
Pros
- Complete starter set
- Built-in tutorials for beginners
- Multiple decks included
John Lewis Top 10
Connetix Ball Run Launcher Pack
A magnetic tile expansion pack with a ball launcher, tubes, connectors and an inspiration book, letting kids build and experiment with custom tracks for speed, height and direction.
- Pieces
- 46
- Includes
- Launcher, tubes, connectors, tiles, 2 wooden balls, inspiration book
Pros
- Customisable tracks
- Encourages experimentation with speed and direction
- Compatible with existing magnetic tile sets
John Lewis Top 10: STEM
Plus-Plus Learn To Build Space Superset
Which? notes UK parents are increasingly looking for skill-building toys. This large space-themed construction set includes baseplates, wheels and hubs for both 2D and 3D builds, including rockets and astronauts.
- Pieces
- 1,000
- Theme
- Space
Pros
- Large piece count for extended play
- Supports both 2D and 3D building
- STEM-focused
Trending: Jellycat plush
Jellycat Bartholomew Bear (28cm)
A classic Jellycat teddy bear in their popular plush range, which Which? highlights as an ongoing trend across age groups.
- Size
- 28cm
Pros
- Classic, well-loved design
- Popular collectible brand
John Lewis Top 10: Traditional
Marvin's Magic Treasured Tricks Wooden Set
A traditional wooden magic set including a wand, cards and magic props, offering screen-free, hands-on play.
- Includes
- Wand, cards, magic props
Pros
- Hands-on, screen-free play
- Traditional wooden construction
John Lewis Top 10: Active play
Micro Scooters Mini Micro Eco Gruffalo Foldable LED Scooter
A foldable, LED-equipped scooter for toddlers with Gruffalo book character detailing and grip tape inspired by the story, encouraging active outdoor play.
- Price guide
- £117
- Age range
- 2-5 years
Pros
- Foldable for storage and travel
- LED lights
- Licensed Gruffalo design
John Lewis Top 10: Premium
Le Toy Van Paddington Doll's House
A detailed, four-storey wooden doll's house inspired by the Paddington films, with opening doors and windows, a removable roof, and illustrated stonework.
- Price guide
- £300
- Storeys
- 4
Pros
- Highly detailed design
- Opening doors, windows and roof
- Licensed Paddington theme
Cons
- Premium price
Trending: Spider-Man
Nerf Marvel Spider-Man Strike 'N Splash 2-in-1 Blaster
A dual-function blaster that switches between foam darts and water, with an adjustable strap, part of the current wave of Spider-Man themed toys.
- Function
- Foam dart and water blaster, 2-in-1
Pros
- Two play modes in one toy
- Adjustable strap for comfort
Trending: Super Mario
Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy My Mario Character Figure Set
A toddler-friendly Mario figure set from Fisher-Price's Little People range, letting younger fans join in the Mario trend before they're ready for a Nintendo Switch.
Pros
- Designed specifically for toddlers
- Introduces a popular character early
Buying guide
What safety marks should I check before buying a toy?
Look for a UKCA or CE mark, both of which indicate the toy meets UK or EU safety standards, plus a UK contact address on the packaging. The voluntary Lion Mark from the British Toy & Hobby Association shows the maker follows safety and ethical practice standards beyond the legal minimum.
What does the '0-3' warning symbol mean?
This symbol warns that a toy contains small parts or other features that pose a choking or safety hazard for children under 3, and toys unsuitable for under-3s are legally required to carry this warning. It's a safety warning rather than a general recommendation, so check it even if a child seems capable of playing with the toy.
Are toys from online marketplaces as safe as those from shops?
Not necessarily. The British Toy & Hobby Association has reported serious safety issues with a high proportion of toys bought through some online marketplaces, often from third-party sellers rather than the platform itself. Buying from an established retailer or brand's own listing reduces this risk.
Are trending or licensed toys worth the extra cost over generic alternatives?
Licensed and trending toys often cost more for the branding, but many also include genuine functional extras, like Lego's Smart Play interactive bricks here. If budget matters more than the specific character or brand, a generic or own-brand equivalent with similar play features can be better value.