As toy sales continue to surge after years of slow growth, children’s wish lists are packed with a blend of classics, tech innovations, and franchise favorites. Market analysts report that toy sales rose significantly, with building sets and film‑inspired toys leading the way and younger children’s playthings reaching levels not seen since 2017. Families and collectors alike are fueling demand, especially in the £30 to £50 price range, where popular items tend to sit. Building brands linked to movies, video games, and cultural phenomena is driving much of the interest.
From legendary building blocks to interactive playsets and beloved characters, the following list highlights the 25 most popular toys kids are asking for right now. These picks cover a broad range of ages and play styles, ensuring there is something for every child and occasion.
25 Most Popular Toys Trending With Kids Today
1. LEGO Star Wars and Franchise Sets
LEGO remains one of the most sought‑after toy brands, with its Star Wars offerings selling out quickly. With updated Mandalorian builds and expansions on classic sets, kids and collectors alike are building iconic scenes from a galaxy far, far away. These sets combine imaginative play with construction skills that grow with the child.
Additionally, LEGO’s 2026 product pipeline includes LEGO SMART Play sets and the first official LEGO Pokémon builds, blending interactive play elements and beloved characters like Pikachu and Eevee.
2. Pokémon Trading Cards
The Pokémon trading card phenomenon is stronger than ever. With new expansion releases and the ever‑present hunt for rare cards, Pokémon packs remain a staple on kids’ wish lists. Trading and collecting also encourage social play and strategic thinking, making this enduring favorite a cultural staple.
3. Barbie Dreamhouse 2025 Edition
Barbie has seen renewed popularity thanks to ongoing media visibility and updated play features. The 2025 Dreamhouse brings interactive elements, trendy accents, and endless imaginative play possibilities. Kids love customizing Barbie’s world, and many recent parent reviews praise its durability and entertainment value.
4. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks
Hot Wheels continues to thrive with high‑energy playsets. The Monster Trucks line, in particular, is a hit with kids who enjoy stunts, racing tracks, and customization. These toys offer a mix of collectibility and hands‑on fun that keeps children engaged for hours.
5. Squishmallows
The squishy plush craze remains a year‑round favorite. Squishmallows are beloved for their soft texture, adorable designs, and collector appeal. New character drops keep interest high, and fans often trade or display their collections, making them a popular gift choice.
6. Interactive Robots And Tech Toys
Tech toys that respond to children’s touch or commands have been gaining traction. Toys like gesture‑controlled robots offer engaging play that feels futuristic without being overwhelming. These interactive playthings help kids explore cause and effect and spark interest in technology and robotics.
7. Classic Play Tents And Imaginative Play Sets
Play tents and themed play spaces remain popular for role‑play and creative exploration. Simple yet versatile, tents like the Star Themed Play Tent give children a private space for storytelling, reading, or imaginative play.
8. Early Learning And Educational Toys
Educational games that blend fun and skill-building are rising on wish lists. Products that offer learning opportunities through play, such as early educational activity kits, reinforce developmental skills while keeping children engaged.
9. Interactive Plush Pets
Plush toys have evolved with technology, and electronic pets like FurReal Friends offer the charm of a cuddly companion with interactive features. These robotic pets move, make sounds, and sometimes respond to touch, offering a rich play experience that combines nurture play with engaging technology.
10. Science And Discovery Kits
Science kits remain popular as parents look for toys that make learning fun. Kits that let kids conduct experiments, build models, or explore nature offer valuable hands‑on experiences. These toys can span a range of ages and interests, often growing with the child.
11. Board Games And Strategy Toys
Games that encourage logic, team play, and critical thinking remain must‑have items for many families. From classic memory games to multi‑player strategy challenges, board games are trending for playdates and family game nights.
12. Bluey Playsets
Based on the beloved animated show, Bluey playsets bring familiar characters and scenarios into three‑dimensional play. Their appeal lies in both role‑play potential and nostalgia, making them a hit with young kids and parents alike.
13. Dinosaur Action Figures
Dinosaurs never go out of style as a toy theme. Large, detailed dinosaur figures with moveable parts and sound effects are especially popular, as kids re‑create prehistoric adventures and explore imaginative scenarios.
14. Interactive Dollhouses
Tech‑enhanced dollhouses that blend imagination with interactive features remain popular. These sets often include small surprises and guided play elements that invite kids to explore different rooms and storylines.
15. Magnetic Building Tiles and Creative Sets
Magnetic tiles and construction toys offer open‑ended play that promotes spatial reasoning and creativity. These versatile sets remain favorites because they adapt to a range of playstyles and age levels, from simple builds to complex structures.
16. Collectible Figures And Blind Boxes
Collectibles, especially those tied to the internet or pop culture, continue to trend. Blind-box figures have seen a surge in interest, with limited‑edition characters and surprise reveals driving excitement. These toys often tie into broader social trends and encourage trading and collection.
17. Craft And DIY Kits
Craft kits that let kids express creativity through art, fashion, and design are increasingly popular. Whether it is making jewelry, painting, or building decorative items, these kits give children a sense of accomplishment and a finished product they can proudly display.
18. Plushies With Comfort Play Value
Soft plush toys remain evergreen favorites for younger kids. Their sensory appeal and comforting nature make them perennial sellers, especially when they feature cute characters or comforting themes.
19. Coding Playsets And STEM Toys
STEM toys that blend play with learning remain essential for many families. Kids asking for coding kits, interactive puzzles, and learning robots reflect the ongoing trend toward educational toys that prepare them for future skills.
20. Virtual Reality And Immersive Experiences
As VR technology becomes more accessible, virtual reality playsets designed for kids are trending. These devices offer immersive experiences that blend gaming with learning, sometimes introducing educational challenges within virtual worlds.
21. Video Game Franchise Merchandise
Toys tied to video game franchises like Minecraft and Roblox remain in high demand. Kids enjoy both physical merchandise and playsets that bring digital worlds to life, encouraging imaginative play away from the screen.
22. Sensory And Fidget Toys
Fidget toys and sensory play items are not only fun but also support focus and stress relief. These handheld playthings continue to top lists, especially among children who enjoy tactile exploration and stress‑relieving movement.
23. Board Game Spin‑Offs And Multi‑Player Challenges
Games that accommodate multiple players and encourage social interaction remain in demand. Whether strategy puzzles or playful party games, these favorites are popular for sleepovers and family gatherings.
24. Action Figures And Superhero Toys
Action figures inspired by movie franchises and superhero series remain go‑to options for many children. These figures capture the adventure and excitement of on‑screen heroes and invite kids to create their own action narratives.
25. Outdoor Play Toys
Outdoor toys such as ride‑ons, sports gear, and interactive games remain popular, especially as families prioritize active play and social interaction. Toys that encourage physical activity remain wishlist staples for many kids year‑round.
What Toy Trends Are Driving Popularity
Toy trends reflect broader cultural shifts in how children play and what families value. Some key trends shaping toy popularity include the rise of interactive technology, the growth of franchise‑driven playthings, the ongoing appeal of building and creativity sets, and the expansion of toys with educational value.
Interactive toys that respond to touch, light, or sound bridge the divide between traditional physical toys and digital engagement. Franchise tie‑ins bring familiar characters off the screen and into hands‑on play. Construction sets like LEGO and magnetic tiles encourage creativity and problem‑solving, while board games and social toys promote cooperative play.
Additionally, the market for kidult and adult collectors has grown, with popular lines attracting interest well beyond traditional age groups, which reinforces the toy industry’s momentum.
Why These Toys Matter
The most popular toys today are more than just fun. They support the development of numerous skills in children.
- Creativity and Imagination: Toys that encourage open‑ended play help children visualize new worlds and tell their own stories.
- Social Skills: Board games and interactive playsets foster communication and teamwork.
- Cognitive Development: STEM and puzzle toys build problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
- Motor Skills: Construction sets and hands‑on play improve hand‑eye coordination and dexterity.
These benefits demonstrate that toy trends are not just fleeting crazes. They reflect how play supports learning and development across childhood.
How To Choose Toys Kids Will Love
When selecting toys, consider the child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. Toys with replay value and those that grow with the child tend to offer the most lasting enjoyment. Licensed toys tied to favorite movies, games, or shows often spark excitement, while educational and creative sets provide deeper engagement and skill building.
Parents should also pay attention to safety, durability, and recommended age ranges to ensure toys are both safe and appropriate for their child’s age.
Toys That Entertain, Inspire, And Bring Kids Together
The toy market is vibrant and exciting, with a balance of high‑tech innovation, timeless classics, and beloved franchises capturing kids’ attention. From LEGO build experiences and Pokémon cards to plush favorites and sensory play items, children are asking for toys that not only entertain but also inspire creativity, learning, and social connection.
Whether it is a building set that sparks imagination or a board game that brings families together, these 25 popular toys reflect how play continues to be a meaningful part of childhood growing up today.
