Must Have Christmas Toys
Must Have Christmas Toys for 2024 are already flying off shelves, lighting up wishlists across the UK.
These are the toys every child wants to unwrap on Christmas morning—playsets packed with magic, plush pals built for cuddles, and tech-infused gadgets that wow at first touch.
For independent roundups and price context, see The Guardian’s feature on the best Christmas toys of 2024 and Which?’s analysis of trending toys and where to find them cheapest. For our approach to sources and testing, see How We Review Toys.
From Bitzee to the Barbie Dreamhouse, these are the heavy hitters featured on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2024 list and across retailer bestsellers.
If you’re shopping for a standout gift, this guide covers the festive must-haves making waves this season.
What Makes a Toy “Must Have” at Christmas?
Not every toy earns the title of “must-have.” These special few rise above the rest thanks to a winning mix of factors:
- High Demand – These toys dominate playground chatter and TikTok reels alike. Social media drives buzz, and kids drive sales.
- Recognition & Rankings – Toys appearing on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2024 list are vetted by industry experts and toy retailers nationwide.
- Wide-Age Appeal – Whether it’s a toddler’s first plush or a tween’s new tech obsession, these toys hit the sweet spot.
- Scarcity – The best gifts are often the hardest to find. Most of these toys sell out before mid-December.
They’re not just toys—they’re memory-makers, the stuff of Christmas magic.
Need more gift ideas? Visit our Top 10 Toys This Christmas roundup for even more festive favourites.
Top Must Have Toys for Christmas 2024
Let’s unwrap the five front-runners that are dominating sales and searches this Christmas, with prices in GBP:
- Bitzee – £24.99, ages 5+. A screen-free digital pet that evolves through touch, tilt, and sound. It’s flying off shelves at Smyths and Amazon.
- Barbie Pop Reveal – £179.99, ages 3+. A massive three-storey playset with lights, a slide, and 75+ accessories. A storytelling dream that’s a hit at Argos and Very.
- Squishmallows – £14.99, ages 2+. Soft, squishy, and endlessly collectible. The 2024 range includes dragons, unicorns, and even food-themed plushies.
- Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer Box – £49.99, ages 6+. Featuring Gen 1 icons like Charizard, this box is perfect for collectors and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Gabby Girl Doll – £14.99, ages 3+. With her signature cat ears and colourful outfit, this preschool favourite is selling fast at The Entertainer and Argos.
Want even more winners? Explore our Top 10 Toys This Christmas for additional top picks.
Spotlight: Top 10 Christmas Toys 2024 Official Picks
The Toy Retailers Association’s Top 10 Christmas Toys 2024 list features the industry’s most trusted recommendations.
Here are some confirmed hits from that list:
- Furby – £59.99, ages 6+. With 600+ phrases and voice interaction, the reimagined Furby is equal parts nostalgic and futuristic.
- Magic Mixies Pixlings – £19.99, ages 4+. Mix a potion to reveal your doll—surprise play at its finest.
- Bitzee – Listed again for a reason. Demand hasn’t slowed down.
You’ll find many of these toys featured across major retailers and in our dedicated guide to Best Christmas Toys 2025.
Why These Toys Are Must Haves
So what’s fuelling the demand for these top toys? Let’s break it down:
- Viral Moments – Unboxings of Pixlings and Bitzee go viral on TikTok and Instagram, creating instant “must-get” status.
- Media Tie-Ins – Shows like Gabby’s Dollhouse and games like Pokémon unite TV time with toy time.
- Smart Features – Toys like Furby use sound recognition, motion sensors, and personality progression to stand out.
- Emotional Connection – Squishmallows offer both sensory comfort and social collectability.
Where to Buy the Must Haves Before They Sell Out
If you want to avoid disappointment, here’s where to shop smart this Christmas:
- Amazon UK – Great for Pokémon 151, Bitzee, and fast delivery. Check Christmas Toy Deals for flash discounts.
- Argos – Reliable same-day click-and-collect. Ideal for high-demand toys like the Barbie Pop Reveal.
- Smyths – Known for excellent restocks and early deals. Track restock alerts via their app.
- The Entertainer – Great for plushies, Gabby Girl Doll, and last-minute pick-ups.
Need more retailer tips? Head over to our Best Places to Buy Christmas Toys Online page for a full comparison, or check quick answers in our FAQs.
Age Guide: Who Loves What
To help you match toy to child, here’s a quick age-by-age guide:
Ages 3–5
- Gabby Girl Doll – Roleplay fun for preschoolers.
- Bluey Dance Mat – £29.99, active play with music.
- Pixlings – Magical unboxing moments.
Ages 6–9
- Bitzee – Interactive without screens.
- Hot Wheels T-Rex – Lights, sound, and dino action.
- Luluroo – Cuddly surprises in every box.
Ages 10+
- Pokémon 151 – Trading, battling, and collecting.
- Furby – Retro reboot with modern flair.
- LEGO McLaren Formula 1 Race Car – Complex builds for enthusiasts.
Eco-Friendly Must Haves
Many 2024 must-haves include sustainable improvements:
- LEGO – Incorporating plant-based plastics.
- Squishmallows – Designed for long-lasting use and recyclability.
- Hasbro – Moving toward plastic-free packaging in lines like Play-Doh.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
You don’t need to overspend to give a magical gift:
- Barbie Dreamhouse (£179.99) → Try Barbie Fashion Closet (£29.99).
- Bitzee (£24.99) → Consider mini digital pets (£10–£15).
- Pokémon 151 Box (£49.99) → Grab booster packs (£4–£8) instead.
Find more great value gifts in our Cheapest Christmas Toys guide.
Final Tip – These Toys Will Sell Out
The Must Have Christmas Toys don’t sit still.
If you’re eyeing Bitzee, Pokémon 151, or Squishmallows, don’t wait.
Use click-and-collect, set stock alerts, and follow our Christmas Toy Deals for last-minute bargains.
Planning ahead? Don’t miss our Best Christmas Toys 2025 preview—it’s never too early to prepare for next year’s must-haves.