Hamleys reveals its top toys for Christmas 2018

Hamleys has revealed its top 12 toys for Christmas this year at its annual showcase.

The retailer says that while tech, playground collectibles and film-related favourites continue to be favourites among little ones, there are signs that “imperfectionism” is beginning to emerge as a trend as children attempt to resist the pressures of idealised perfection so often seen on social media.

This movement towards self-acceptance and embracing an individual's quirks is typified by Crate Creatures, an cute creature with pointy ears, a naughty grin and glowing eyes. When its tongue is pulled it vibrates and it makes gross noises. An imperfect toy, says Hamleys, with bags of charm.

Similarly, high on the list is Boxer Robot. Not quite the high tech AI we've become used to reading about, but instead this robot is always bumping into things, falling over and sometimes saying the wrong thing.

Even old favourites like Monopoly are getting an imperfect remake with the Cheater’s version which lets people steal and cheat. Get ready for a heated Christmas Day with this one!

Victoria Kay, Head Buyer at Hamleys, said: “We have cute; we have cuddly; we have fun; we have education, but this year in some of our toy categories we are also seeing an antidote to the highly polished perfectionism portrayed in many social media channels. Importantly, these toys are being delivered with character, fun and cheekiness at their heart and we love them. It makes for a wonderfully diverse and interesting range this year – for kids and kidults alike”.

Looking for a stocking filler? Hamleys suggests collectibles like L.O.L Surprise Dolls which come in mystery packaging and contains hidden presents within meaning little ones will never be sure what surprise they’ll get. Hairdorables are fun and fashionable with each doll having different style and hair. Or, there are Flippables, an array of animals wrapped in hundreds of sequins.

For creative kids, Hamleys is predicting that Elasti Plasti will be popular this year. Its new non-sticky, super soft plastic expands, stretches, bubbles and much more.

For older children, the toy shop suggests GraviTrax - a STEM system which teaches kids about gravity, magnetism and kinetic energy. Meanwhile, Nerf strikes the list again with Nerf Laser Ops Pro –Alphapoint 2 Pack and new to the charts is muggle puzzle favourite, LEGO Hogwarts express.

Some new toys – Peppa Castle and Royal Guard Plush from the Peppa Pig range, as well as the Hamleys Cuddly Paddington (all exclusive to Hamleys) – also made the list.

Here's a video of today's Christmas showcase and a sneak peek into the reaction some of its toys got:

Hamleys top 12 toys for Christmas this year are (in no particular order):

Crate Creatures | £40 | Buy it now

Boxer Robot | £80 | Buy it now

Hamleys Exclusive Monopoly, £50, and Monopoly Cheaters Edition | £22 | Buy it now

L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Under Wraps Doll Assortment, £15 | Buy it now

Hairdorables Assortment | £15 | Buy it now

Ty Sequin Flippables, £8 and £15 | Buy from October

Elasti Plasti | £13 | Buy it now

GraviTrax Starter Pack | £50 | Buy it now

Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alphapoint 2 Pack | £45 | Buy it now

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express | £75 | Buy it now

Hamleys Peppa Castle and Royal Guard Plush | £25 each | Buy it now

Hamleys Cuddly Paddington | £30 | Buy from October