The best toys for Christmas 2025 — what to buy, why they’re hot, and how to shop smart

The 2025 holiday toy season blends tech-smarts with old-school play: STEM kits and app-enabled toys sit alongside LEGO, dolls, and board games that bring families together. Retailers and independent experts are already naming “must-have” lists — the Toy Insider’s giant holiday guide, Parents’ Hot 20 roundups and retailer-curated lists (Walmart, Amazon, Good Housekeeping) show the same broad themes: creativity & STEM, screen-friendly and screen-free options, nostalgic reboots and collectible lines. (The Toy Insider)

Below you’ll find a practical, age-stratified guide to top picks and trends for Christmas 2025, plus buying and safety tips so your gifts arrive on time and get played with again and again.

Top trends shaping the 2025 toy season

• STEM + maker play: Hands-on robotics, coding toys, and build-to-play kits remain huge — teachers and parents want toys that teach problem-solving while staying fun. (The Toy Insider)
• Screen-hybrid toys (but better): Rather than passive tablet time, many toys pair physical play with companion apps for augmented storytelling or gentle instruction. Thoughtful integration (not screen addiction) is the trend. (Good Housekeeping)
• Nostalgia & reboots: Classic brands (LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels) keep releasing fresh sets and crossovers that appeal to kids and gift-giving adults alike. (Parents)
• Collectibles + franchise toys: Short-run collectibles and character lines tied to streaming hits and franchises continue to spike demand (Squishmallows, themed action figures, licensed LEGO). (Good Housekeeping)
• Value & early shopping from big retailers: Major retailers are releasing curated “Top Toys” lists early to help shoppers (and to lock inventory), so planning ahead pays off. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)

Best toys by age (top picks & why they work)

Babies (0–18 months)

• Look for sensory, motor-skill and safe-teething toys: soft books, activity gyms, simple stacking/shape-sorters. Brands that appear across expert lists focus on safety and tactile play. (The Toy Insider)

Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Picks: interactive pretend-play sets, simple ride-ons, chunky building blocks, and plush characters from popular TV shows. Toddlers benefit from open-ended pretend play (supermarket, animal sets). Toy Insider’s holiday picks emphasize durable, repeatable play. (The Toy Insider)

Preschool (3–5 years)

• Picks: imaginative playsets (kitchens, dollhouses), arts & crafts kits, starter STEM kits (simple circuits, magnetic tiles). These toys build language, fine motor skills, and creativity. (The Toy Insider)

School-age (6–9 years)

• Picks: deep-dive building (LEGO Technic and expanded sets), beginner robotics and maker kits, strategy board games. These are “replayable” gifts that reward investment and encourage independent play. (Parents)

Tweens (10–12 years)

• Picks: advanced STEM (3D design, electronics), maker subscription boxes, craft kits that produce display-worthy projects, and social/party games that work in groups. Parents’ lists highlight strategy games and creative tech for this group. (Parents)

Teens (13+)

• Picks: higher-end electronics (gaming handhelds, audio), creative tools (video production kits, advanced model builds), strategy games, and experiences. Look for items with longevity and skill-building. (Parents)

Standout picks for Christmas 2025 (representative examples)

Below are representative toys that show the season’s breadth — from tech-forward to tactile favorites. (These are pulled from a mix of expert and retailer lists for 2025.)

• LEGO sets (various lines): perennial winners for creativity and replay value (classic and licensed sets). (Parents)
• Magna-Tiles / magnetic building toys: travel-friendly and endlessly combinable; great for ages 3+. (Good Housekeeping)
• Play-Doh / creative craft kits (new themed sets): inexpensive, screen-free, great for stocking-stuffer role. (Parents)
• App-paired STEM kits & beginner robotics: designed to teach coding logic and mechanical thinking while staying child-friendly. (The Toy Insider)
• Collectibles & plush (Squishmallows, franchise plush): big this year for comfort + collectibility. (Good Housekeeping)
• Board & party games (new strategy and family games): designed for replayability and multi-player fun — great for holiday gatherings. (Parents)
• Screen-hybrid musical/creative toys (digital + physical): e.g., kid-friendly music toys and creative devices that convert drawings into games. (Good Housekeeping)

How to pick the “right” toy (practical checklist)

1. Age-appropriate: check manufacturer recommended ages (choking hazards, skill level).
2. Play value: prefer toys that support multiple play modes (solo, social, creative, physical).
3. Longevity: will kids still play with it weeks/months later? Prefer toys with high replay value.
4. Safety & durability: look for reputable brands, strong reviews, and certifications where applicable.
5. Budget sense: mix a few “big” gifts with smaller, high-value stocking stuffers — retailers’ curated lists help balance price vs. popularity. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)

Where to buy (and when)

• Early lists & retailer drops: Walmart, Amazon and other big chains publish “Top Toys” and holiday lists early; these let you reserve or buy before peak demand. If a hot item is named on a retailer list, treat it as likely to sell out. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)
• Specialist toy reviewers: Toy Insider, Good Housekeeping, and Parents provide tested lists and often note tested durability and age-appropriateness. Use these for deeper vetting. (The Toy Insider)
• Indie makers & small brands: For unique gifts and sustainability-minded options, check boutique toy stores and makers — but plan for longer shipping windows.

Budget ideas (gifts for every price tier)

• Under £20 / $25: craft kits, Play-Doh sets, small board games, plush collectibles.
• £20–£60 / $25–$75: LEGO small sets, medium craft kits, starter STEM kits, family board games.
• £60–£150 / $75–$200: major LEGO sets, higher-end robotics kits, electronics/console accessories.
• £150+ / $200+: video game consoles or premium robotics/kit bundles, tech gifts with long-term value.

Safety & sustainability notes

• Batteries & small parts: check age labels; watch for small batteries (button cells are dangerous).
• Materials: if sustainability matters, look for wooden toys, recyclable packaging, or brands that publish environmental policies. Many reviewers now call out eco-friendly picks. (The Toy Insider)
• Data privacy for connected toys: if a toy connects to Wi-Fi or an app, check the privacy policy and required permissions. Prefer toys that require minimal personal data.

Gift-wrapping, returns & price-watching

• Many retailers offer gift wrap and extended holiday return windows — check before buying. Retailers release curated lists early (Walmart, Amazon, Toy Insider), so use price alerts and retailer wishlists to track deals and stock. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)

Final picks — a short “starter” shopping list (quick hits)

• LEGO (classic/Technic/licensed) — ages 5+ for variety. (Parents)
• Magnetic building tiles (Magna-Tiles-style) — ages 3+. (Good Housekeeping)
• App-paired beginner robotics / STEM kit — ages 6+. (The Toy Insider)
• Replayable board game (family strategy or party game) — 6+. (Parents)
• Plush/collectible from popular franchises — all ages (check labels). (Good Housekeeping)

Quick shopping strategy for 2025

1. Pick the big-ticket item (high replay value) first.
2. Add 1–2 small creative or craft gifts.
3. Use retailer lists to spot trending items; buy early for winners or set price/stock alerts. (Walmart Corporate News and Information)