Top 10 Christmas toys of 2023

Our expert toy team spills the beans on the hottest toy trends this Christmas season, revealing a delightful mix of creativity, nostalgia, and adorable surprises. Here's your ultimate guide to the top 10 toys for Kiwi kids.

Crafty 'tweens will find joy in the miniature pottery studio, inspired by a viral TikTok trend. This mess-free kit not only provides a creative outlet but also allows kids to craft ten different ceramic pieces using quick-dry clay and their spinning wheel. It's a delightful combination of artistry and hands-on fun, making it a top contender on wishlists.

This Christmas, the iconic Barbie takes centre stage with a 51% annual surge in searches, fuelled by the success of Greta Gerwig's box office hit. Now, children can immerse themselves in the world of Barbie with a two-story DIY kit that brings their dream home to life. Complete with stickers for a personalised touch in every space, it's the perfect canvas for budding designers.

Animal lovers rejoice as the Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise takes the spotlight. Building on the success of last year's favorite, the Scruff-A-Luvs Cutie Cuts, this toy introduces a new level of excitement. After giving proper care to the mama guinea pig, it reveals three adorable baby guinea pigs, transforming one toy into a heartwarming family affair.

For the aspiring bakers, the magic Cookeez Oven offers a unique and delicious experience. Kids can create their plush toy using dough and magic ingredients, baking it in the oven for 90 seconds. The result? A furry friend that not only sparks creativity but also fills the room with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods.

Dive into the world of robotics with Build-a-Bot, an interactive and educational toy that allows kids to build their own robot. This hands-on experience not only introduces them to the basics of engineering but also encourages problem-solving skills as they bring their robot creation to life.

Bring the ocean into your living room with Crawling Crab, a delightful toy perfect for imaginative play. Watch as the crab scuttles and crawls, creating a captivating and entertaining experience that sparks the curiosity of little ones and provides hours of joy.

Nostalgia takes flight with the return of the Harry Potter Tamagotchi, bringing the virtual pet into the enchanting wizarding world. This classic '90s favourite combines the magic of Hogwarts with the charm of nurturing a virtual companion, creating a delightful blend of past and present for young witches and wizards.

Lego Star Wars Stormtrooper stands out as a timeless favorite, loved by all ages, combining the magic of Lego with the epicness of Star Wars. Dive into a galaxy far, far away as you build and recreate epic battles, fostering creativity and imagination in every piece.

Twister Air takes a modern twist on the classic game, now with a virtual spin. Players wear wristbands and swipe at colours using an app, adding a tech-savvy challenge to the iconic Twister game. Forget the slippery mat; in this version, challenge your agility and coordination in a whole new way.