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The best toys in 2026, from Pikachu animatronics to Furby and beyond

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Here's your guide to the hottest releases this year

A man holds a Pikachu toy, with the same figure displayed in packaging to the right
(Image credit: Future/Catherine Lewis)
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If we're being honest, tracking down the best toys can be a total nightmare. New trends and crazes are constantly doing the rounds, and what was big last month is now ancient history. That's why I've braved events, toy fairs, and more to bring you the hottest must-haves around.

You'll find my top choices for 2026 here, alongside the best toys for a variety of reliable franchises like Star Wars, Disney, and Marvel. Stuck for ideas on what to get your kids or the younger members of your extended family? These should give you some inspiration.

Best toys in 2026: Editor's choice

Best toys: Lego

Lego has been gracing our toyboxes since the 1940s, so it's built up a staggering range of models based on every franchise (or idea) you can imagine. No matter whether you want kits based on movies like Star Wars and Marvel or are happy to whip up your own creations with classic bricks, Lego has you covered. For me, that's why it might just be one of the best toys ever made – period.

The best Lego sets prove why. They allow you to build vehicles, scenes, and characters from the most beloved stories around, be it the Millennium Falcon or Hogwarts. There's something to suit all ages, too. You see, Lego doesn't just offer kids' playsets; there are for-adults display pieces as well, like the utterly magnificent Lego Rivendell. I'm also a huge fan of the new book nooks range, because they allow you to show off your fandom in a practical but not overwhelming way.

Best toys: Nerf

There's a reason why Nerf has stuck around for as long as it has; these toy blasters are so, so much fun no matter your age or the time of year. In fact, they've been delighting kids the world over since 1989. Thanks to new variations dropping each year, the brand doesn't seem to be running out of steam either. It's getting to the point that I suspect we'll still be introducing our grandchildren to the best Nerf blasters in a few decades' time.

It's not hard to see why. Whether it's tag, target practice, or good old-fashioned roleplay, these toys boast a lot of versatility. Thanks to them using foam darts, Nerf blasters are also perfect for indoor or outdoor use; unlike the best water guns, they don't have a seasonal expiration date.

While there are plenty of distinct ranges, the current headliner is the N-Series. These fire darts further, faster, and more accurately than previous versions.

Best toys: Disney

Seeing as a certain mouse is amongst the most widely-recognized icons in the world, it's no surprise that you could spend a a full week seeking out Disney toys and not see all of them. In other words, there will be something suitable for you regardless of interest, movie, or franchise. There's an option for most age-ranges too, from newborns to adults.

Of all these, plushies are the easiest option. There's a mountain of them for almost any character you can think of, and many get special seasonal versions at the Disney Store. I've been hands-on with a lot of these at official Disney events so can speak to their quality, and they always impress me with how well-made they are.

Best toys: Star Wars

The galaxy far, far away has some of the best toys for both the young and the young at heart. Action figures, miniature starships, plushies, animatronics, and lightsabers of all kinds are available practically everywhere toys are sold. That's understandable, to be honest; Star Wars led the charge on merchandising as we know it today.

Personally, I'd always point people in the direction of the Hasbro Black Series action figures if they're looking for a good starting point. Besides boasting an absurd level of detail to go with numerous accessories, they're great for play or display. That means they make ideal presents for children or adults.

Lego is also a very solid go-to. There are kits to suit a variety of age-ranges and budgets, so you're bound to find something suitable where the bricks from Billund are concerned.

If you want a more in-depth breakdown, check out our guide to the best Star Wars toys.

Best toys: Marvel

Marvel was always pitched as the "world outside your window," but after 60+ years of stories, it's now a world very much its own. That includes a continent of merch, so there's no shortage of choice when it comes to toys.

Because this is overwhelming, I'd usually recommend starting with the Marvel Legends action figures. These are highly detailed, well-articulated, and relatively affordable, making them perfect for play or display. Want an all-ages present? You can't go far wrong there.

I'd also prioritize Lego if you're unsure of where to start. You can find kits based on most Marvel franchises, and they range from younger playsets to display pieces for grown-ups.

Best toys: Fortnite

In a twist that will surprise no-one, this absurdly popular franchise has generated an equally absurd number of Fortnite toys. Hop aboard the Battle (bargain) Bus, folks - you're spoilt for choice.

Broadly speaking, the best Fortnite toys can be divided into one of two camps: cheaper figures that are perfect for your kid's toybox and premium collectibles that are made for display. The four-inch Jazwares range is ideal if you're a younger fan thanks to their relatively affordable price, for example. They also come with loads of neat extras and are often supplied with multiple characters per-pack, giving them enviable bang for buck. Meanwhile, the more expensive Legendary Series equivalents or the McFarlane line sit at the other end of the scale. Thanks to a higher level of detail and greater articulation, these Fortnite action figures are often designed with collectors in mind.

It's a similar story with Fortnite's Lego offerings. These are generally playsets or grand display pieces, but both are excellently done.

Best toys: Harry Potter

Although I'm still waiting on my Hogwarts letter, there's no need to hang around when it comes to Harry Potter toys. You could fill the entire Room of Requirement with merch based on the Wizarding World.

This includes costumes, Wizard's Chess sets, animatronics, and more, but I gravitate toward the wands. Along with being one of the most recognizable elements of the series, there's a tremendous variety of them to suit most age-groups. If you're hunting down gifts for the young witches or wizards in your family, this is what I'd suggest.

For more toy goodness, why not check out the best water guns? As for something else you can all enjoy as a family, don't miss the best family board games.

Benjamin Abbott
Benjamin Abbott
Tabletop & Merch Editor

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.

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