Dream Toys 2024
Dream Toys 2024 is the ultimate guide to the UK’s most-wanted Christmas toys, unveiled annually by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA).
This definitive list, curated by a panel of independent retailers, toy experts, and industry leaders, showcases the toys set to dominate wishlists in 2024.
From plush collectibles to high-tech gadgets, the Dream Toys 2024 selection offers something for every child and budget, making it a trusted resource for parents, grandparents, and gift-givers across the UK.
Unlike retailer-specific lists, the TRA’s selection is brand-neutral, focusing on quality, popularity, and innovation.
Released in October 2024, the list sparks a buying frenzy, with many toys selling out quickly.
Let’s unwrap the Dream Toys 2024 list, explore how it’s chosen, and discover why it’s a must-have guide for festive shoppers.
For wider context, see the BBC’s coverage of DreamToys 2024 unveiled by the TRA and ToyWorld’s breakdown of the official top toys for Christmas 2024. For how we evaluate toys and sources, check our How We Review Toys page.
What Is the DreamToys List?
The DreamToys list, an annual tradition since 2005, is the TRA’s curated selection of the top toys expected to lead Christmas sales.
Compiled by a diverse panel including small independents, large chains, and toy experts, it’s based on:
- Sales Trends – Data on what’s selling across UK retailers.
- Retailer Insights – Feedback from shop owners on customer demand.
- Kids’ Preferences – Popularity driven by social media, TV, and play patterns.
- Innovation – Toys with unique features or high play value.
Unlike guides from Amazon or Argos, DreamToys is impartial, offering a broad view of the market.
Its 2024 edition, featuring 20 “Must Have” toys, reflects a mix of nostalgia, tech, and creativity, making it a go-to for parents seeking gifts that kids will love.
The list’s announcement often triggers sell-outs, so early shopping is key.
Dream Toys 2024 – Full “Must Have” List
The Dream Toys 2024 list includes 20 standout toys, each chosen for its appeal, quality, and market buzz.
Below is the full lineup, with prices in GBPÂŁ and age recommendations:
- Barbie Pop Reveal – £179.99, ages 3+. A three-foot-tall playset with a slide, elevator, and lights, perfect for role-play.
- Beast Lab – £69.99, ages 5+. A STEM-inspired kit with fizzing experiments to create roaring beasts.
- Bitzee – £24.99, ages 5+. A screen-free digital pet with touch-based evolution, blending nostalgia and tech.
- Gabby Girl Doll – £14.99, ages 3+. A Netflix-inspired doll with pop-up cat ears for imaginative play.
- Furby 2024 – £59.99, ages 6+. An interactive toy with 600+ responses, reviving 90s nostalgia.
- Hot Wheels Ultimate T-Rex Transporter – £49.99, ages 4+. A dino-themed hauler that launches cars with lights and sounds.
- LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car – £189.99, ages 10+. A 1,642-piece build with functional steering, ideal for collectors.
- Magic Mixies Pixlings – £19.99, ages 4+. A potion-reveal doll for magical unboxing fun.
- Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Box – £49.99, ages 6+. A nostalgic card set with rare Pokémon like Charizard.
- Squishmallows (16-inch) – £14.99, ages 2+. Ultra-soft plushies with collectible designs.
- Paw Patrol Paw Patroller – £34.99, ages 3+. A rescue-themed vehicle for fans of the show.
- VTech Kidizoom Videocam – £49.99, ages 4+. A kid-friendly camera with fun filters and games.
- L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers – £19.99, ages 4+. A mystery unboxing toy with collectible figures.
- Little Live Pets: My Walking Penguin Waddles – £24.99, ages 2+. An adorable interactive pet with surprise play.
- LEGO Friends Beach Amusement Park – £89.99, ages 8+. A vibrant build with interactive rides.
- Bluey 3-in-1 Transforming Plane – £29.99, ages 3+. An action playset based on the popular show.
- RealFX Disney Stitch Puppetronic – £24.99, ages 3+. Interactive role-play fun with a beloved Disney character.
- Play-Doh Ultimate Barbecue Set – £19.99, ages 3+. A creative kit for sculpting food-themed creations.
Many of these toys align with our Top 10 Toys This Christmas guide and inform our predictions in Best Christmas Toys 2025, confirming their status as festive must-haves.
What Makes a Toy a Dream Toy?
To earn a spot on the Dream Toys 2024 list, a toy must excel in several areas.
The TRA panel evaluates:
- Market Trends – Sales data and retailer feedback highlight top performers.
- Age Suitability – Toys must match developmental stages, from toddler to pre-teen.
- Educational Value – Many, like Beast Lab or VTech, blend learning with fun.
- Media Popularity – Toys tied to shows like Paw Patrol or games like Minecraft gain traction.
- Wow Factor – Unboxing moments, like Magic Mixies Pixlings, create excitement.
Age-Specific Appeal of Dream Toys 2024
The Dream Toys 2024 list caters to a wide range of ages, ensuring every child finds a perfect gift:
- Toddlers (Ages 2–4) – Squishmallows, Little Live Pets (e.g., Waddles), and Bluey sets offer sensory comfort and active play.
- Pre-Schoolers (Ages 4–6) – Bitzee, Gabby Girl Doll, and Magic Mixies Pixlings spark creativity and imagination.
- School-Age Kids (Ages 6–10) – Pokémon 151, NERF Hyperfire, and Minecraft toys offer strategic and active fun.
- Pre-Teens (Ages 10+) – LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car and LEGO Friends challenge with complex builds.
Social Media’s Influence on Dream Toys 2024
Social media played a huge role in the Dream Toys 2024 list’s popularity.
TikTok unboxings of Beast Lab and Instagram reels of Squishmallows drove demand, with influencers showcasing play features.
Hashtags like #DreamToys2024 trended post-announcement, pushing toys like Bitzee to sell-out status.
Eco-Friendly Aspects of Dream Toys 2024
Sustainability is a growing focus in the Dream Toys 2024 list.
Brands like LEGO use plant-based plastics in sets like LEGO Friends, while Play-Doh incorporates recyclable packaging.
Plush toys like Squishmallows use durable materials for long-term use, reducing waste.
Retailers like John Lewis and Amazon highlight these eco-friendly options, appealing to parents prioritising sustainability, as noted in our Best Places to Buy Christmas Toys Online guide.
Where to Buy Dream Toys 2024
The Dream Toys 2024 toys are available at major UK retailers, but stock moves fast post-announcement.
Top options include:
- Amazon UK – Fast shipping and bundles on Pokémon and Bitzee.
- Argos – Click-and-collect and “3 for 2” deals on Gabby Girl Doll and more.
- Smyths Toys – Pre-Christmas sales and stock alerts for Hot Wheels and LEGO.
- The Entertainer – Specialises in character toys like Paw Patrol and Bluey.
For related coverage, see The Independent’s roundup of DreamToys 2024 and where to buy them.
Final Thoughts – Why Dream Toys 2024 Matters
The Dream Toys 2024 list simplifies Christmas shopping, cutting through the noise with a trusted selection of what kids truly want.
From Squishmallows to LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car, these toys guarantee joy, backed by the TRA’s expertise.
Shop early to secure your picks, and bookmark our Christmas Toy Deals page for ongoing updates on discounts and stock.
Make 2024’s Christmas magical with the Dream Toys 2024 list — your guide to unforgettable gifts.
