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
Mark my words, this is going to be a must-have toy in 2026. A animatronic tie-in to this year's Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it's a delightful little thing that busts out of its egg with a wiggle and a shake. Once free, you can then be charmed by its sound and movement responses when interacted with. It's absolutely adorable.
This clever invention is being teased as Lego's biggest addition since the minifigure, and having been hands-on with it, I get the hype. Smart Play isn't a replacement for imagination; it's an enhancement. Thanks to over 20 patented world-first technologies, it's able to match your movement, speed, and more with sound effects and lighting.
Stitch has always been one of Disney's more popular icons, and that fame only increased thanks to last year's live-action movie. Folks went wild for the interactive Experiment 626 toy, and now Angel is getting her own version. This one has LCD eyes and over 50 sound effects/phrases.
Remember Tamagotchis? This feels like the modern incarnation of that idea. Touted as "digital friends you can touch," kids will collect, look after, and play with these mystical creatures... all without screens. Look after them correctly and they'll grow from baby to Super Bitzee.
OK, I know they look like something from a nightmare. But that's kinda the point - these things are so ugly they're almost endearing. A new range earned the London Toy Fair seal of approval this year, but plenty of older models exist from Batman to Powerpuff Girls.
The '90s icon has been enjoying a comeback in recent years, and while "long Furby" was once reserved for memes, it's now a genuine product. This one comes with over songs, numerous games (some of which are multiplayer), five modes, and more. It was big in 2025, so I expect that trend to continue over the coming months.
The '80s sensation are back with a vengeance, and these Labubu-style offshoots were generating a lot of buzz at the 2026 London Toy Fair when I visited. Besides being freakin' adorable, they can be attached to your bags to join all your on-the-go adventures. There's no word on release date yet, but hopefully we'll know soon.
We've only got a teaser for this new, Scalextric-style kit at the moment, but judging by how good Carrera's other Mario Kart releases have been, this is one to watch. Want to get your kids into racing, or looking to buy a slot car set with a gaming flavor? Look no further. I'd take this over standard race cars any day.
Although I've put it toward the bottom of the list, this is one of my most anticipated toys of 2026 - its position is purely due to it being so new that we don't have a release date or price yet. This fuzzy version of Pikachu has over 100 sound/action combos, moving parts, and more. We've seen it in person, and it's a delight.
Best toys: Lego
✅ Generally cheap
✅ Very cheerful
❌ Random packs
💲 Average price:
$4.99/£3.49
If in doubt, grab some blind-box minifigures! These come in a variety of themes (from pets to Marvel), and besides being collectible items in themselves, they'll fit right into your kids' own builds. The current series revolves around animals, with minifigs dressed up as lions, monkeys, dolphins, rabbits, and more.
Editor's choice:
Minifigure Series 28 | View at Lego
✅ Hugely creative
✅ Interactive figures
❌ Can get expensive
💲 Average price:
From $14.99/£12.99
If you're buying for younger builders who might be beyond the likes of Bluey, I'd say it's worth taking a look at the Super Mario range. The big selling point of this is being able to create your own 'levels' or Mario Kart tracks for interactive figures to complete, so it's a treasure-trove for both problem-solving and imaginative roleplay.
Editor's choice:
Interactive Mario & Kart | View at Amazon
✅ Lots of choice
✅ Very creative builds
❌ Best ones are expensive
💲 Average price:
From $10/£9
If you're stuck for ideas and you don't think the person in question would like something based on Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, or a more specific theme, I'd suggest taking a look through Lego's many gaming ranges. Some of the biggest franchises - be it Fortnite, Minecraft, or Sonic the Hedgehog - are represented here, so you're likely to find something they'll enjoy.
Editor's choice:
Fortnite Battle Bus | View at Amazon
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
✅ Easy to use
✅ Very affordable
❌ Only uses 6 darts
💲 Average price:
$10/£10
No matter who you're buying for, this blaster is a great choice. It strikes the perfect balance of accuracy and performance vs. price, with a very sturdy design that should survive a lot of punishment. As mentioned in our full review, it's the perfect all-rounder.
Read more: Nerf N-Series Agility review
✅ Less force needed
✅ Still very accurate
❌ A bit more expensive
💲 Average price:
$25/£15
Shopping for younger Nerf warriors? This is pitched as a "my first Nerf blaster," and it's so much easier to use than other ranges. That's because it requires less force to fire and prime. Plus, it's still pretty accurate so will be a great option even after the kid in question grows older.
Read more: Nerf Elite Jr. Rookie Pack review
✅ Carries 40 darts
✅ Good accuracy
❌ Quite large
💲 Average price:
$30/£25
This might just be the ultimate Nerf blaster. Thanks to an enormous ammunition clip capable of carrying 40 darts at once combined with pinpoint accuracy, it's a fantastic choice for older kids. It's quite large so smaller children may struggle to wield it though, so bear that in mind before hitting checkout.
Read more: Nerf N-Series Infinite review
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
✅ Very high quality
✅ Loads of options
❌ Perhaps a bit generic
💲 Average price:
$22.99/£18
Walt Disney once said "I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." Considering how Mickey and Minnie are some of the most recognizable figures in the world, I don't think that's possible... so a plushie pair makes an easy gift for Disney fans in your life. There are loads available via Disney's official store, as well as seasonal versions that are always of a high quality.
Editor's choice:
Sorcerer Mickey (View at Disney)
✅ So many options
✅ A range of prices
❌ Expensive large sets
💲 Average price:
From $9.99/£8.99
It's something of a golden age for fans of Disney and Lego; there's a treasure trove of sets available worthy of being held in the Magic Kingdom castle. No matter whether the kid in question loves Frozen, Moana, Tangled, Encanto, The Little Mermaid, or something else entirely, there will be a model to suit them.
Editor's choice:
Mini Arendelle/Elsa's Ice Palace | View at Lego
✅ 100+ sounds/reactions
✅ Reacts to you
❌ A big investment
💲 Average price:
From $70/£80
It feels as though Stitch has become one of Disney's best loved icons, and the spotlight has only grown brighter following the live-action movie. That makes anything Stitch-related a good choice if you're tracking down the best toys, but this one's realistic movements and 100+ sounds make it an absolute delight.
Editor's choice:
Interactive Stitch (View at Amazon)
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
✅ Great detail
✅ Play or display
❌ Toys often retire
💲 Average price:
$24.99/£24.99
These high-quality action figures are the best toys for Star Wars fans in my opinion thanks to their exceptional detail, suitability for kids or adults, and their reasonable price. You can check out the full range at Amazon, or see the latest models via Hasbro Pulse.
Editor's choice:
The Mandalorian | View at Amazon
✅ Mix-n-match
✅ Safe for play
❌ Can lack sound
💲 Average price:
$15/£15
There's no shortage of lightsaber toys right now, but few can hold up to Lightsaber Forge if you're buying for younger kids. Their pieces can be mixed and matched into completely original designs, which is very cool, but you can also get ones based on the movie designs.
Editor's choice:
The Darksaber | View at Amazon
✅ For play or display
✅ Iconic scenes
❌ Can get expensive
💲 Average price:
From $20/£15
Lego produces a treasure trove of sets based on Star Wars, and there are options to suit any budget. You'll also find kits that are perfect for play or display. One of my favorites is Lego Boarding the Tantive IV because it depicts an iconic scene with neat minifigures and interactive elements.
Editor's choice:
Boarding the Tantive IV (View at Amazon)
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
✅ Excellent detail
✅ Play or display
❌ Launched in waves
💲 Average price:
$24.99/£24.99
If you want the best action figures around or are hoping to find an easy gift for all ages, the Marvel Legends line is the only choice. They have very impressive levels of detail for a reasonable price, are easily posable for display, and usually come with accessories. You can check out the full range at Amazon, or see the latest models via Hasbro Pulse.
Editor's choice:
Wolverine (View at Amazon)
✅ Fires silly string
✅ Swap for water
❌ Runs out fast
💲 Average price:
$20/£20
When I was six, one of the things I loved most was being able to dress up as my favorite superheroes - and I adored my glove and web-shooter combo back then. Today's Spider-fans are no different. While there are plenty of roleplay items based on other Avengers (like Black Panther claws), Spidey's signature gear is still an easy recommendation.
Editor's choice:
Super Web Slinger | View at Amazon
✅ Good for play or display
✅ Can mix or match
❌ Often expensive
💲 Average price:
From $20/£15
If you want the ultimate Marvel toys for older kids or adults, I'd point you in the direction of Lego. Besides offering an impressive rogue's gallery of sets that involve most major heroes and villains, they can be mixed and matched for endless, imaginative play. Personally, my favorite is Lego The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron because it's ideal for play or display.
Editor's choice:
Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron (View at Amazon)
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
✅ Fantastic level of detail
✅ Play or display
❌ Slightly limited range
💲 Average price:
$16.99/£14.99
Of all the Fortnite action figures we've been hands on with, these stood out the most. Despite being more expensive than the Solo or Squad Mode models, the jump in detail is noticeable; the sculpts are crisp and well-painted, and the props they come with (not to mention the good articulation) offer loads of posing opportunities.
Editor's choice:
Drift (View at Amazon)
✅ Recreates iconic designs
✅ A very social game
❌ Some are pricey
💲 Average price:
From $9.99/£11.99
The best Fortnite Nerf guns allow you to claim Victory Royale in real life. Stand aside, Avengers - this might be the coolest crossover Nerf has made so far. These are based on weapons from the video game itself, and fans of all ages (but particularly younger ones) will adore running their own Battle Royales with them.
Editor's choice:
B-AR Motorized (View at Amazon)
✅ Wide variety of playsets
✅ Great display pieces too
❌ Still in its infancy
💲 Average price:
$17.99/£17.99
I'm surprised it took so long for a Fortnite/Lego crossover to happen, but I'm not complaining - the models we've gotten out of it so far are fantastic. You can currently get your hands on playsets that see minifigures battling amongst iconic locations as well as more in-depth display pieces. I particularly like the Battle Bus, as it blends both.
Editor's choice:
Battle Bus (View at Amazon)
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
✅ Incredible detail
✅ Screen-accurate
❌ Not for younger kids
💲 Average price:
From $35/£35
There are so many different toy wands out there, but the Noble Collection replicas are by far the best in my book. Besides looking incredibly screen-accurate, they come in plush storage boxes just like in the movies. Yes, you can get cheaper options. But these are the best in terms of detail, finish, and authenticity, so they make great gifts.
Editor's choice:
Harry Potter's Wand (View at Amazon)
✅ Affordable
✅ Great for roleplay
❌ Not interactive
💲 Average price:
From $8/£10
OK, who amongst us hasn't imagined what it'd be like to cast spells? One of the best bits in the Wizarding World is daydreaming about using Wingardium Leviosa or Expelliarmus, and these cheap, cheerful replica wands let kids live out that fantasy. Great for costume parties, Halloween, or general roleplay.
Editor's choice:
Dumbledore Wand (View at Amazon)
✅ Huge range
✅ Variety of prices
❌ Best sets are expensive
💲 Average price:
From $15/£13
As you can probably tell by the fact that I've recommended it so much in this guide, I think Lego is hands-down one of the best toys for kids - and the Harry Potter range is pretty special. Whether it's small classroom playsets or enormous display models featuring a castle's worth of Easter eggs, these models are must-haves for fans.
Editor's choice:
Talking Sorting Hat (View at Amazon)
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.
