The Latest Toys And Games 2021
Must Have Toys is a UK Toy Blog about the latest new toys for boys and girls. We list the hottest toys and games from the big retailers, industry experts, popular media and parenting blogs. Toys that are popular at Christmas are often referred to as ‘must have toys’ but we list top toys, family games, toy crazes and gifts for babies, toddlers and teenagers all year round. All links on this page take you to Amazon [disclosure].
X-Shot Dino Attack Blaster
The dino blaster from Zuru includes 16 darts and 4 eggs for adventurous play. Age range 8+.
Must Have Toys 2021 – Fortnite Brawlers
New from Fortnite are the brawlers. Shown below is Kit who is approximately 18cm (7 inches) tall. Comes with two harvesting tools and two weapons. For ages 8+.
Pogo Jumper
Great fun for inside and out. This pogo jumper has an anti-slip cushiony base. A great way to get exercise.
LEGO VIDIYO Unicorn DJ Beat Box
New set from LEGO that opens up the world of music video making for children aged 7+. Download the free app to create and share your own videos. Great for creative kids.
Must Have Toys – Den Kit
Build your own den with this kit from The Den Kit Co. Designed to capture creative imaginations, encourage resourcefulness and innovation, provide escape and sanctuary, and most of all supply hours and hours of simple fun. If you’ve got outside space, this is a great gift idea for girls and boys aged six plus with adult supervision.
LOL Surprise Dance Dance Dance Fashion Doll
New fashion doll from the very popular LOL brand. There’s B-Gurl (shown here), Miss Royale, Virtuelle and Major Lady. With 15 surprises to unbox. For ages 4+.
Poo Bingo
Discover all you ever wanted to know about poo – and more – with Poo Bingo. Features 24 animals and their uniquely shaped poos! This has been one of the most popular products on our site in the last six months.
Raya and the Last Dragon Lego
Raya and the Last Dragon is available through Disney+. LEGO has a selection of new playsets designed around the film. We’ve shown three here: Disney Princess Boun’s Boat Toy (for kids over 6) which is the mid-priced of the three.
The Heart Palace Playset, for 7+, Castle Toy with Namaari Minidoll, Tuk Tuk and Serlot Figures is the highest priced of the three we’ve featured here:
And, the Sisu Dragon Toy, for kids aged 6+ is the lower priced of the three. All would make great gifts for Disney Princess fans for construction and imaginative play.
Must Have Toys – Balance Bike
This balance bike from Janod is perfect for sunny spring days. Suitable for ages 3-6 with an adorable retro look!
Science 4 You Monster Science Factory
Make science fun with this set from the Science 4 You brand. With 13 experients for kids aged 8+.
Must Have Toys – Spirograph
We love Spirograph for keeping kids entertained for hours. It’s one of our picks of classic must have toys. This ‘Scratch and Shimmer’ set is a great way to get amazing coloured patterns by scratching away at the special paper. For ages 8+.
My First Scalextric
Mains powered Scalextric set with easy-to-assemble figure-of-eight track. Suitable for ages 3+ and great for inside play.
Logo 2nd Edition
Logo is one of our favourite family games. Now out in the 2nd edition with all new questions. As tested by us, this is bang-up-to-date so kids will know the brands much better than before. It’s one for older kids aged 12+. See more of our picks of family games 2021.
Must Have Toys 2021 – Wow Pods
New collectibles shown here in Marvel Spiderman. Just swipe to light – move your hand in front of the pod to reveal a mystery surprise feature. Also in Harry Potter and Disney Frozen. See more Toy Crazes that we’ve heard of so far in 2021.
Five Minute Mum
New book which contains a collection of over 150 easy activities to entertain the kids which only take five minutes to set up and five minutes to pack away.
LEGO Dots Cupcake Party
Creative set from the new LEGO Dots range with eight customisable cupcakes. For kids 6 and over.
Must Have Toys – Hexbug Mobot
Little robot friends who let you can record and change your voice. For ages 3+.
Dino Adventure Slimy Sand
Play sand with figures, moulds and cards to learn about the dinosaurs as you create a jurassic world for them. Ages 6+.
Must Have Toys – Giant Science Lab
Picked by The Good Toy Guide as one of its Christmas Must Haves 2020. This bumper giant science lab from well-known brand GALT includes 30 fun experiments with full instructions, there’s even a lab coat and play goggles. Suitable for budding scientists aged 6+ with adult supervision.
Mega Slime Kit
Slime continues to be a popular craze. This set from National Geographic includes eight varieties and some to make for yourself too. Helps kids explore the science behind slime too.
Giggle and Snort Peppa Pig
New at the end of last year, Giggle and Snort Peppa Pig makes sounds when you squeeze her tummy and is 20cm tall.
Unicorn Knitting Set
Here’s a good project for older kids in lockdown from a British company. Includes bamboo knitting needles and suitable for knitters with little experience. Finished unicorn measures 35cm.
Osmo Genius Starter Set
Award-winning learning games that interact with hand-held pieces and an iPad to bring it all to life. For ages 6-10 years. One of Hamleys Top Ten Toys For Christmas 2020.
#Barbie Extra
New Barbie dolls with clothing and fashion accessories as well as a pet and pet accessories. For kids aged 3-9 years.
Jumpking Rectangular DeLuxe Trampoline
Jumpking’s 8ft x 12ft Rectangular Deluxe compact trampoline that is suitable for most gardens and designed to give a bounce similar to a professional trampoline. Suitable for ages 6 years and up with a weight limit of 120kg. Gold Winner in the Independent Toy Awards 2020.
Squeakee Interactive Balloon Dog
The teachers’ favourite in the Robotic Toys section of How To Spend It Well At Christmas and one of the Top 12 Toys For Christmas from This Morning and on Amazon’s Top 12 Toys For Christmas 2020. Meet Squeakee, the electronic balloon dog. He comes to life with over 60 interactive sounds and movements plus lots of cool tricks. For ages 5+.
Botley Coding Robot 2.0
The next generation of the award-winning coding robot Botley. Screen-free coding – no tablet or phone required. For ages 5+. On John Lewis’s list of Top Ten Toys For Christmas 2020.
Cards Against Humanity Family Edition
The very famous party game is now available as a family edition. It’s been completely rewritten and play-tested for families with kids aged 8+. Great game for Christmas.
Peppa Pig Brain Challenge Game
New 10-minute game to help with observation and memory skills. Get the most cards to win! A must for Peppa fans aged 4+.
Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower
Great set if you’re stuck inside. Kids can race multiple cars at once for sky-high crashes. Measures 83cm high. For ages 5-10 years.
Must Have Toys – Present Pets
Interactive surprise puppy pets that paw their way out of their boxes and sing a song when they are revealed. For ages 5+. On the Toy Lists of Amazon and Smyths, selected as a ‘Magic Maker’ by Hamleys, one of the Dream Toys 2020 and one of This Morning’s Top 12 Toys for Christmas 2020.
Must Have Toys – Kidizoom Studio
The Kidizoom Studio is perfect for future YouTube content creators. Make your own videos with special effects and fun tricks, adding music, sound and backgrounds. Includes games and green background for movie-studio style. Looks set to be one of the big Christmas Toys. Age range 5-8 years. One of the Argos Top 12 Toys For Christmas 2020, one of Hamleys Top Toys For Christmas, one of This Morning’s Top 12 Toys For Christmas and on the Christmas List of Amazon too!
Gotta Go Flamingo
One of the Argos Top 12 Toys For Christmas 2020 and one of This Morning’s Top 12 Toys For Xmas too. Feed your flamingo and watch their neck wriggle as the food goes down. Then clean up the poop and dry the magic granules to reuse again and again. He laughs and sings his catchy signature song. This was the kids’ choice in the Robotic Toys section of How To Spend It Well At Christmas 2020. For ages 4+
Must Have Toys – Marvin’s Magic
As featured on the Argos Christmas ad. Magic sets are a great way to keep kids busy. This one from Marvin’s Magic includes 225 easy to perform tricks for ages 6+.
Laser Battle Hunters
The Laser Battle Hunters are radio control vehicles that move forward, back and spin at super-fast speeds for ages 5+. On the 2020 Christmas Toy List of Argos, one of Hamleys Top Ten Toys For Christmas 2020, recommended this year by This Morning and and one of the Dream Toys 2020.
LOL Surprise OMG Fashion Remix Doll
There are 25 surprises with the new LOL OMG Remix fashion doll Kitty K. Plays a record and includes lyrics sheet for sing-a-longs. It’s one of the Dream Toys 2020.
LOL Surprise Remix Plane
And the new 4-in-1 transforming playset with plane, car, recording studio and mixing booth is one of Amazon’s Top 12 Toys For Christmas and Smyths Top Ten toys 2020. Moreover, it fits all LOL dolls. Includes 50 surprises!
Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Animatronic
The Child Animatronic has 25 sound and motion combinations for ages 5+. On the Christmas lists ofAmazon, Argos and Smyths, and one of the Dream Toys 2020.
Must Have Toys – LEGO Super Mario™ Starter Course
The set features a LEGO Mario™ figure that gives instant expressive responses via the LCD screens and speaker. Players earn virtual coins moving LEGO Mario from the Start Pipe to the Goal Pole via spinning and cloud platforms. Expansion Sets also available to create more challenging levels and games to play with and against friends. Contains 231 pieces. As seen on How To Spend It Well At Christmas. For kids aged 6+. Also on the Christmas Toy Lists from Amazon, Argos and Hamleys. And finally, one of the Dream Toys 2020.
Must Have Toys and Games – Pencil Nose
The overall winner in the Family Games section of How To Spend It Well At Christmas was Pencil Nose which is a bit like Pictionary but you have to hold the pencil (or pen) on your nose.
Harry Potter LEGO Hedwig
The Harry Potter LEGO Hedwig owl set for ages 10+ is one of the Dream Toys 2020. Measures 34cm across the wings which move up and down on the turn of a handle. Includes 630 pieces with Harry minifigure and small Hedwig.
Paw Patrol Dino Patroller
The first ever motorised team vehicle from Paw Patrol. All-terrain vehicle to rescue any dinos in trouble. Includes the patroller, Chase figure, Dinosaur figure and two projectiles. One of the Top Christmas Toys 2020 from Made For Mums and one of the Top 12 Toys From Amazon and one of Top 12 Christmas Toys from Argos. For ages 3+.
Peppa Pig Shopping Centre
Peppa’s Shopping Centre has four shopping areas over two floors but you can swap the backgrounds to make six different shops in total. Includes a working lift and microphone with lots of fun shopping sounds. One of the Dream Toys 2020. For ages 3+.
Must Have Toys – Drone Home
One of the Hero Toys 2020, Drone Home is the first-ever game with a real drone. Race to launch your aliens along the ramp and into the drone. For ages 6+. As seen on How To Spend It Well At Christmas.
Barbie Fresh ‘n’ Fun Food Truck
Barbie’s Food Truck comes with lots of accessories (but note dolls are not included) for lots of great, imaginative games with your Barbies. There’s lots of small pieces so this is one for ages 3+. One of Amazon’s Top 12 Toys For Christmas.
Must Have Toys – Barbie 3-in-One Camper Van
The Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper encourages young minds to explore outdoor adventures and bring their travel dreams to life. With multiple transformations, three vehicles, five living spaces, 360-degree play and 60 accessories. One of the Dream Toys 2020 and one of the Top Toys For Christmas 2020 from Hamleys.
Sylvanian Families Adventure Tree House
One of the Hero Toys 2020. New Sylvanian Tree House with swing lift and log-slide. For ages 3+.
Slimy Joe
Fun-filled messy game with lots of slime for ages 4+ for 2-4 players. Save the flutterbies from the carnivorous plant aka Slimy Joe!
Must Have Toys – Mad Dog
Steal his bones if you dare! Mad Dog is a randomised action game for kids aged 4+ with two or more players. Sounds like a great game for the family this Christmas.
Screwball Scramble 2
On the list of This Morning Christmas Must Have Toys 2020 is the updated version of the classic family game for ages 5+. Now with all kinds of new challenges as players try to guide the marble through a brand-new maze.
Must Have Toys – Little Tikes Washer Dryer
Interactive toy washer dryer designed for little kids aged 3+ to pretend they’re doing the washing for hours of pretend play fun!
Scalextric Batman vs Joker Race Set
One of the Hero Toys 2020. New Scalextric set where Batman takes on Joker in a thrilling chase. For ages 5+.
MarioKart Live for Nintendo Switch
Drive a kart in the real world using the usual controls, while watching all the action from the kart’s on-board camera, via your Nintendo Switch or TV screen. As recommended on Huffington Post’s 15 Top Christmas Toys Generating The Biggest Buzz In 2020 (27/10/20)
Must Have Toys – Fifi The Flossing Sloth
Here’s Fifi The Flossing Sloth. She wiggles her bottom and blinks her eyes as she performs the most famous dance of the decade. One of the Hero Toys 2020 and Gold Winner in the Independent Toy Awards 2020. Go on, floss like a boss!
Power Treads
New all surface vehicles that flip, rip and roam all over the house. Build epic trails with thousands of possibilities with this modular track set. For ages 5+.
Monopoly Sore Losers
Twist on the trad Monopoly game which turns losing on its head and celebrates it instead. New rules just for losers such as winning monehy when you go to jail. One of Hamleys Top Toys For Christmas and on the list of Smyths Top Toys For Christmas 2020. For ages 8+.
Monopoly Mega Edition
New ‘mega’ version of the very popular game – get it in for Christmas! Has a huge gameboard with 12 extra spaces, including eight new streets and skyscrapers. For ages 8+. See all the latest family games.
Harry Potter Magical Capsule
New HP surprise collectable with seven surprises including a Hogwarts character. See more new Toy Crazes.
Treasure X Sunken Gold Treasure Ship
New from Treasure X with 25 levels of adventure. With great pirate ship play including walk the plant and fire the canon. As you go through the ship there are more secrets to discover. For ages 6+.
Kindi Kids Shiver and Shake Rainbow Kate
New interactive toddler doll from the Kindi Kids range. Shiver ‘n’ Shake Rainbow Kate has over 40 phases and sounds. If she’s poorly with the Sprinkle Pox, you’ll feel her shiver and shake. But don’t worry, you’ve got everything you need to make her better including lots of Shopkins accessories. For ages 3+.
Lamaze Airtivity Table
New three-in-one activity set for babies from one-year-old. Transforms into an activity table for when they can stand. Features on the list of Made For Mums Top Toys For Christmas 2020.
LOL Surprise Styling Head
With 30 surprises including stick-on hair pieces and colour-change make-up. Head swivels for easy styling and includes a drawer to store accessories. Also available in Neonlicious.
Polly Pocket Unicorn Party Set
Shaped like a unicorn pinata, this party play set is new for 2020. Includes over 25 wrapped surprises. For ages 4+.
Hey Duggee Singing Stick
New plush toy based on the popular CBeebies show, Hey Duggee. Simply press Stick’s tummy to hear the very famous Stick song. It’s 27cm tall and looks very cute!
Rebel Girls Jigsaw Puzzle
As recommended on Huffington Post’s 15 Top Christmas Toys Generating The Biggest Buzz In 2020 (27/10/20). This is the puzzle of the book and celebrates queens, activists, scientists, artists and sporting champions throughout history.
Xootz BMX Scooter
Great present for an active kid. This is a hybrid BMX and scooter suitable for beginners and intermediate riders. For ages 6+.
Smoby Chef Kitchen
This is one of the Top Christmas Toys 2020 from parenting website Made For Mums. It’s more than just a kitchen because it has a restaurant table where kids can entertain their friends. For ages 3+.
Nerf One Ultra
One of the Hero Toys 2020. This new Nerf has the farthest flying Nerf darts ever (up to 36 metres). Comes with 25 darts and high-capacity drum. Boys and girls who love Nerf challenges will love this new Nerf. Always on the lists of Must Have Toys.
LOL Surprise Car
New from the ever-popular LOLs, this is the new Car-Pool Coupe with surprise pool and dancefloor. Includes one exclusive tot doll. Has adjustable seats so sits the LOL Surprise dolls as well as the OMG dolls. See other latest Toy Crazes.
Must Have Toys – Power Pux Challenge Pack
Play, collect and trade the Power Pux. Very popular on Must Have Toys this year. This is a challenge pack where you can play against your friends. Includes a launcher, Pux cups, target and five Pux discs.
Must Have Toys – Trapped Game
New escape room game in three kits – the one shown is ‘Bank Job’. Includes real codes to crack and tests to pass. For ages 8+. Complete with code-reading square, puzzles, clues, solutions and props.
Must Have Toys – Foam Alive Ice Cream
Make your own magic melting Ice Creams with the no-mess Foam Alive Make ‘N’ Melt Ice Cream Kit. Includes three colours plus three ice cream cones, three ice cream moulds and one ice cream scoop. For ages 5+.
LEGO Lamborghini
LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Urus ST-X and Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO Race Cars Set. For ages 8+.
Playmobil Back To The Future DeLorean
Playmobil set for ages 6+ featuring the iconic DeLorean car from the film Back To The Future. Read this piece from The Metro (the UK’s highest-circulation print newspaper) about why no film will ever be better than Back To The Future. Contains 64 pieces and requires adult supervision for construction. One of the Hero Toys 2020.
Must Have Toys – Rainbow Unicorns
Rainbow Unicorns is a new twist on the Head and Tails game for pre-schoolers. It’s teacher-tested and there are two ways to play.
Fairy Kitchen Garden
The latest in this adorable range of fairy gardens is the Fairy Kitchen Garden including micro-greens which you can eat. Beautiful gift for ages 4+.
LEGO Friends TV show Central Perk
Here’s the Friends Central Perk cafe recreated in LEGO. Includes the iconic seating area and seven specially designed mini-figures including Gunther too! See more gifts for teenagers.
Crayola Super Tips
We’ve tested these washable pens from Crayola. The style of the tip means you can draw thin or thick lines and colour in very effectively. The 24-pack has a great range of colours. See more Art and Craft Toys.
Must Have Toys 2020 – Elmer’s Glitter Slime Kit
Must Have Toys – Hair Chalks
One of the top toys at the moment are hair chalks. Have a bit of fun with your hair colour with these ones from Girlzone.
Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker Set
This is a great sticker set with reusable stickers for extended activities and fun, creative play. This pad is entitled Habitats and has five backgrounds and over 150 re-positionable stickers. Also comes in eight other sets including Fairies, Dinosaurs and Vehicles. For ages 3+. Here’s our picks of other toys for kids in this age-group.
Must Have Toys 2020 – LEGO Gadgets Book
Here’s a great LEGO book from Klutz which includes all the bricks you need to build 11 machines. Suitable for ages 8+. See other toys for kids in this age-group.
Colourmazing
Creative colouring set from John Adams. The ink magically stops at the lines and you can blend colours. For ages 6+.
Kinetic Sand Box
We are big fans of Kinetic Sand. This set includes a sand box for easy storage and has seven multi-use tools. For ages 3+.
What Came First Game
Heroes of Goo Jit Zoo – Marvel Superheroes
The stretchiest, gooiest and squishiest Superheroes ever from the Goo Jit Zoo range. For kids aged 4+. One of the Hero Toys 2020. See more of the latest toy crazes.
Leapfrog Yum-2-3 Toaster
One of the Hero Toys 2020. Children over the age of 12 months will love this educational toy from Leapfrog. Not only can they pretend to make breakfast, they can also learn numbers, colours and food names, and sing along too. See other Baby and Toddler toys.
Bakugan Dragonoid Maximus
Finalist in the Action Figure Category of the 2020 Toy Of The Year Awards. Transforming figure for ages 6+. Dragonoid Maximus is the most powerful Bakugan in the universe. This 8-inch tall figure springs open and roars to life with lights and sounds.
Pictionary Air
Connected play game where you download the free app, point the in-app camera at the illustrator and they’ll appear, along with their sketch, on the screen of your smart device.
Slap Ninja
One of Tesco’s Top Ten Toys in 2019 and still popular. Play as the Ninja master and use his huge Karate chop slap to defend the coin. Or play as the student trying to tap the coin. The first player to defeat their opponent three times is the winner!
Volume-Limiting Headphones
Puro volume-limiting and noise cancelling wireless headphones just for kids.
Untamed Snakes
New from the people behind the Fingerlings monkeys and dinosaurs, these are the untamed snakes. They react to sound, motion and touch but watch out, they also lunge.
Must Have Toys – Tonies Starter Box
Audio system for children. Just upload audiobooks and let them listen along.
Gravitrax
Use the Gravitrax starter set to create incredibly demanding ball runs.
Melissa and Doug Vet and Groomer Centre
The Melissa and Doug wooden multi-functional animal centre is easy to assemble and offers amazing play opportunities for children aged 3+. Pets and other equipment is available separately.
Must Have Toys – Barbie Dreamhouse
New version of the Barbie Estate Dreamhouse. This three-storey townhouse is approximately 91cm tall and 122cm wide with lift and pool you can fill with water. Plus, there are realistic lights and sounds. Great for imaginative playtime. Includes accessories but not the dolls.
VTech Walkie Talkies
This is a great present which will keep kids aged 5+ occupied for hours. From trusted brand Vtech, they offer a range of 200m and have a digital screen so you can send secure messages and play games too.
Must Have Toys – My Own Rainbow
We love this rainbow light projector. Perfect for parties and sleepovers. A great to give. Sweet dreams!
Little Live Pets Rainglow Unicorn Vet Kit
Use the five interactive accessories to make your Unicorn better. For ages 4 years and over.
What are best new toys?
Must have toys are new or trending toys that kids really want. Unicorns, Llamas and Mermaids continue to be sought after and are themes for some of the best new toys. Current toy trends include collectables and unwrapping toys. STEM toys and educational toys remain popular too and new family games are constantly being developed. However, there are plenty of toys and games that have stood the test of time such as LEGO and Monopoly. Others reinvent themselves to remain relevant in a fast-moving world.
New toys and games are always highly prized. Children love a novelty especially when it comes to toys. They will look to other people to see if something is worth having. If a friend, or someone else they admire, has a present they think looks good then they may well want it too. But these days, social media is one of the most popular ways to find new toys. It also means that kids can see exactly how a toy or game works – and adults can see what’s included in the price – before a purchase is made.
What are the Dream Toys?
Dream Toys are the annual Christmas toy predictions from the UK Toy Retailers Association. The Dream Toys were announced in October last year.
What are the Made For Mums Christmas Toys?
Made For Mums is a parenting website. Their top toy selections are tested by children and parents, and marked for play potential, value for money and Christmas Wow!
Our blog is written by parents to give grown-ups gift ideas for kids
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