Best Places To Buy Christmas Toys Online
Best Places To Buy Christmas Toys Online are your key to a stress-free 2024 festive season, letting you shop for UK kids’ gifts from the comfort of your home.
With millions of parents choosing online retailers to skip crowded stores, finding trusted websites with fast delivery, competitive prices, and reliable stock is essential.
Whether you’re hunting for a cuddly Squishmallow, a high-tech Bitzee, or a sprawling Barbie Dreamhouse, this guide highlights the top UK online toy retailers for 2024, plus expert tips to secure the hottest gifts before they sell out.
Online shopping offers unmatched convenience, but not all retailers deliver the same experience. From price trackers to last-minute delivery options, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to make Christmas 2024 magical.
For a broader look at how UK parents shop, check the Guardian’s feature on the best Christmas gifts for kids and Good Housekeeping’s roundup of popular toys for 2025.
Let’s dive into the Best Places To Buy Christmas Toys Online and ensure your gifts arrive on time, wrapped and ready for the big day.
Why Online Toy Shopping Dominates in 2024
Online toy sales in the UK are booming thanks to fast delivery, better stock transparency, and the growing appeal of avoiding high street chaos.
Retailers like Amazon UK and Smyths Toys are offering increasingly flexible options—think same-day click-and-collect, real-time stock updates, and tracked shipping.
Tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel allow parents to monitor price drops and jump on Lightning Deals for high-demand toys like the Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Box or Furby 2024.
The release of the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2024 list traditionally sparks a surge in online traffic. Parents race to grab sell-out toys before mid-November.
Items like Bitzee (£24.99) and Barbie Dreamhouse (£179.99) have historically vanished from virtual shelves within days of the list dropping. Buying online early isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic.
Retailers offer digital wish lists, stock alerts, bundle deals, and exclusive online-only products.
From budget toys to collector sets like the LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car, buying online gives you access to more variety than any single store can hold.
Top 7 Online Toy Retailers for Christmas 2024
1. Amazon UK
Why We Love It: Massive range, Prime delivery, price tracking tools
Amazon’s toy catalogue is unmatched. From Squishmallows to LEGO Technic, Amazon offers competitive pricing and delivery flexibility.
Prime members get free next-day shipping, and Lightning Deals often slash prices on hot toys like Furby 2024.
Their extensive reviews, “frequently bought together” suggestions, and pre-order features make it a data-driven parent’s dream.
2. Argos
Why We Love It: Real-time local stock checks, same-day click-and-collect
Argos is ideal for last-minute shoppers. Their click-and-collect service allows you to reserve toys like Barbie Dreamhouse or the Hot Wheels T-Rex Transporter and pick them up within hours.
With seasonal bundle deals, competitive pricing, and delivery from ÂŁ3.95, it remains a go-to for fast, reliable Christmas shopping.
3. Smyths Toys Superstores
Why We Love It: Toy specialist, online exclusives, regular promotions
Smyths is often first to restock sell-outs like Beast Lab.
With “Buy One, Get One Half Price” offers and free delivery over £20, it balances savings with speed.
They also stock store-only Squishmallows and STEM kits that make perfect main presents or sibling bundles.
4. The Entertainer (TheToyShop.com)
Why We Love It: Affordable pricing, exclusive ranges, high customer ratings
The Entertainer is great for preschoolers and themed gifts. Exclusive sets like Gabby’s Dollhouse accessories and LEGO deals are common.
With free click-and-collect, clear delivery cut-offs, and helpful gift guides by age and budget, it’s a well-rounded family-friendly retailer.
5. Hamleys
Why We Love It: Premium gifting, exclusive toys, elegant wrapping
While pricier, Hamleys is ideal for showstopper gifts. Think collector LEGO sets or high-end plush for toddlers.
Their luxury presentation makes it ideal for grandparents buying something magical. Expect delivery fees from £4.95–£7.95 and customer service tailored to big-budget buyers.
6. John Lewis
Why We Love It: Quality-first approach, extended returns, sustainability focus
John Lewis stands out for educational toys and a strong eco-conscious product selection.
From Squishmallows to STEM kits, their catalogue is curated with development in mind.
The customer support is exceptional, and their returns policy (90 days!) gives parents peace of mind.
7. Very.co.uk
Why We Love It: Flexible payments, seasonal discount codes
Very caters to budget-conscious buyers who still want access to hot toys like Bitzee and Furby 2024.
“Buy Now, Pay Later” options and regular voucher codes make large hauls more manageable.
They also offer free Collect+ click-and-collect at hundreds of UK locations.
Pro Tips for Online Toy Shopping in 2024
- Start early – Buy before mid-November to beat the rush after the official toy lists go live.
- Use price trackers – Tools like Honey or Keepa help score deals on Amazon.
- Set stock alerts – Argos and Smyths will notify you when must-have toys are back in stock.
- Bundle smartly – Look for bundle promotions at Smyths or The Entertainer to save on multi-toy buys.
- Know your cut-offs – Check delivery deadline calendars so gifts arrive before Christmas Day.
- Read reviews – Amazon and Trustpilot reviews help avoid disappointing toy quality or seller issues.
For more on how we evaluate retailers, visit our Press and Media page or the About Us section.
Delivery Comparisons: What to Expect
Delivery can make or break your toy-buying experience. Here’s how the top retailers stack up:
- Amazon UK: Prime: free next-day; Non-Prime: £3.99–£5.99 (3–5 days)
- Argos: Click-and-collect (free, same-day); Delivery from ÂŁ3.95
- Smyths Toys: Free delivery over £20; Express £4.99 (1–2 days)
- The Entertainer: £3.99 standard (3–5 days); £5.99 express (1–2 days)
- Hamleys: ÂŁ4.95 standard; ÂŁ7.95 express; premium packaging extra
- John Lewis: Free over ÂŁ50; Next-day ÂŁ6.50; Store collection available
- Very: ÂŁ3.99 standard; ÂŁ4.99 next-day; Collect+ free
Delivery windows tighten in December—so always check Christmas order cut-off dates, especially for toys that are low in stock.
Eco-Friendly Gifting Trends
Sustainability is playing a bigger role in toy buying. John Lewis and Hamleys have curated eco-toy sections, offering wooden sets, recycled materials, and FSC-certified packaging.
LEGO’s plant-based bricks are a major win for green gifting.
Durable sets like LEGO Technic also tick the long-lifespan box, making them better for the planet than throwaway plastic toys.
For more inspiration, see John Lewis’ guide to best sustainable toys.
Retailer Highlights from 2024
- Amazon: Black Friday sales dropped Bitzee to ÂŁ19.99 for Prime members
- Smyths: Sold thousands of Squishmallows in 48 hours with BOGOF deals
- Argos: Real-time stock tracking helped secure Barbie Dreamhouse nationwide amid low availability
These retailers didn’t just sell toys—they made it possible for parents to avoid stress and still get magical gifts on time.
Smart Shopping for Every Age Group
- Age 2–4: Squishmallows, sensory toys, plush characters
- Age 4–6: Bitzee, surprise-reveal toys, Gabby’s Dollhouse
- Age 6–10: Furby, Hot Wheels T-Rex, STEM kits
- Age 10+: Pokémon cards, LEGO Technic, board games
Retailers like Amazon and John Lewis allow you to filter toys by age, while our Must-Have Christmas Toys page gives curated recommendations.
Final Thoughts: Shop Smart and Early
The Best Places To Buy Christmas Toys Online offer speed, convenience, and savings—but the real secret is timing.
Avoid disappointment by shopping early, using price tools, and sticking with trusted UK retailers like Amazon, Argos, Smyths, and John Lewis.
For up-to-the-minute bargains, don’t forget to check our regularly updated guides:
- Christmas Toy Deals
- Must-Have Christmas Toys
- Toys Every Kid Wants 2025
- Cheapest Christmas Toys
- Last-Minute Christmas Toys