Last Minute Christmas Toys
Last Minute Christmas Toys are a lifesaver when time runs out and the big day is looming.
If you’ve left your 2024 shopping until the final week—or even the final day—this guide is your festive fallback plan.
Whether you’ve forgotten a gift, need last-minute stocking fillers, or just got caught out by a toy suddenly selling out, this page will help you find in-stock toys, fast-shipping options, and trusted UK retailers that still deliver in time for Christmas morning.
We’ll walk you through the best stores for express delivery, toys that are still flying off shelves (but somehow still in stock), budget-friendly stocking stuffers, and clever tricks to avoid delays and disasters.
From squishy favourites like Squishmallows to speedy hits like the Hot Wheels T-Rex Transporter, here’s how to win Christmas—just in the nick of time.
Need official cut-off guidance? Check Royal Mail’s last posting dates and Good Housekeeping’s roundup of popular toys for 2025 for extra context while you shop.
Best UK Retailers for Last Minute Toy Delivery
Timing is everything when you’re buying Last Minute Christmas Toys.
These retailers are your go-to for fast, reliable fulfilment—many offering same-day or next-day delivery in December:
- Amazon UK – Prime members get free next-day or even same-day delivery in some postcodes. Look for the “Arrives Before Christmas” badge on toys like the Bitzee Interactive Pet (£24.99).
- Argos – Over 800 locations offer real-time stock updates and same-day click-and-collect. Grab the Gabby Girl Doll (£14.99) in under an hour if it’s in stock near you.
- Smyths Toys – Offers next-day delivery up to 22 December and free same-day in-store pickup for toys like the Hot Wheels T-Rex (£49.99).
- The Entertainer – Same-day click-and-collect from 170+ shops and 1–2 day delivery (£5.99) for last-minute orders. Check for Squishmallows in stock.
- Very.co.uk – Usually offers tracked delivery within 2–3 days and voucher codes on popular toys like the Pokémon 151 Elite Box (£49.99).
Need more store options? Visit our full guide on Best Places to Buy Christmas Toys Online.
In-Stock Toys to Save Your Christmas
Many top toys are still available right up to the final week.
Here’s a snapshot of popular toys that are likely in stock and available for fast delivery:
- Bitzee Interactive Pet – £24.99, ages 5+. A tactile digital pet sensation still readily available at Amazon and Smyths.
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Gabby Girl Doll – £14.99, ages 3+. Compact, collectable, and usually in stock at Argos and The Entertainer.
- Squishmallows – £14.99, ages 2+. Hugely popular plush toys, but still well-stocked in most major stores.
- Hot Wheels T-Rex Transporter – £49.99, ages 4+. Action-packed dino fun with lights and sounds, available at Smyths and Argos.
- Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Box – £49.99, ages 6+. A collector’s favourite that keeps returning to stock in time for Christmas.
More choices? Browse our Top 10 Toys This Christmas for guaranteed winners.
Stocking Fillers Under £15
Need quick, budget-friendly gifts?
These Last Minute Christmas Toys under £15 are perfect for stockings or small presents:
- Mini LEGO Polybags – £3–£7. Available at Tesco, The Entertainer, and Wilko, with quick builds themed around LEGO City, Star Wars, or Friends.
- UNO or Dobble – £6–£12. Great for travel and family play, found at Asda, Amazon, or B&M.
- Squishmallow Clip-Ons – £6–£9. Found at Smyths or The Entertainer, perfect for backpacks or stockings.
- Pokémon Booster Packs – £4–£8. Single packs for trading fun, available at Amazon or The Entertainer.
- Fidget Toys or Blind Boxes – £2–£8. Pop-its and mystery toys at B&M, The Works, or Poundland.
Explore even more ideas in our Cheapest Christmas Toys guide.
Fast Shopping Tips
- Use “Arrives Before Christmas” Filters – Retailers like Amazon and Very make it easy to spot safe bets.
- Stick to Click-and-Collect – Argos, Smyths, and The Entertainer can have toys ready in hours.
- Don’t Trust Marketplace Sellers – Avoid third-party listings promising miracles.
- Bundle Items – Get all your toys from one shop to save delivery time and cost.
- Set Stock Alerts – Use notifications to catch restocks of hot toys like Bitzee or Squishmallows.
Cut-Offs for Christmas Delivery (2024)
- 20–21 Dec – Prime next-day, Argos same-day collect, Smyths express.
- 22–23 Dec – Argos and The Entertainer click-and-collect only. Amazon same-day limited.
- 24 Dec – In-store only: Sainsbury’s/Argos combos, Tesco, Wilko, B&M.
Monitor our Christmas Toy Deals for up-to-date shipping info. Quick questions? See our FAQs or Contact Us for help.
Quick Picks by Age
Ages 3–5
- Magic Mixies Pixlings – £19.99, magical reveals
- Play-Doh Sets – £10–£15, always available at Smyths
- Cozy Dozys Mystery Bear – £24.99, interactive plush at Very
Ages 6–9
- Pokémon 151 Elite Box – £49.99, collectable excitement
- LEGO Friends Beach Amusement Park – £89.99, creative build
- Gabby Girl Doll – £14.99, perfect for roleplay
Ages 10+
- LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car – £189.99, collector build
- Bitzee – £24.99, great for tech fans
- UNO Showdown or Exploding Kittens – £10–£15, fast family fun
Late Trends & Shopping Insights
Christmas 2024 saw a massive spike in click-and-collect, with Argos and Smyths leading.
TikTok boosted demand for Bitzee and Squishmallows, while Pokémon cards remained a solid fallback gift.
Most people bought between 18–23 December, making real-time stock checking critical.
Avoiding Scams
- Only use verified retailers—Amazon, Argos, Smyths
- Check URLs and avoid dodgy .xyz domains
- Avoid absurd bargains—if that £50 toy is £18, it’s suspect
- Use credit cards or PayPal, not bank transfers
Final Thoughts
You’re not too late. With a plan and the right tools, Last Minute Christmas Toys are 100% doable.
Shop smart with fast retailers, focus on toys still in stock like Bitzee or Squishmallows, and prioritise express or click-and-collect options.
Don’t forget to explore our Top 10 Toys This Christmas and Christmas Toy Deals for insider savings.
It’s not the time you had—it’s how you finish.