The latest fads and trends are fleeting. It can be hard to keep up, and children grow so fast. This makes buying the perfect present for your children or grandchildren incredibly hard, piling on additional Christmas stress when you should be sitting back and relaxing. Thankfully, we’re on hand to help!
Keep reading for your rundown of some of the must-have toys for kids in 2026, sure to go down well with children of all ages.
1. Tippi My First Remote Control Car (ages 2 to 3 years)
Remote control cars are perennial favourites, and the Tippi My First Remote Control Car is the perfect introduction.
Intuitive controls mean that even youngsters will pick it up quickly and be driving like a pro in no time. The steering wheel controller has an array of interactive features, including lights and sounds, while the car itself has a removable driver toy, perfect for imaginative play.
The Tippi has a top speed of 2.5 mph, which is fast enough to be thrilling for your young driver but not so fast that it will damage your cupboards or knock over any side tables.
And, while the car’s “catchy” jingle might start to feel slightly repetitive, the price tag (under £30 from most retailers) should help to soften the blow.
2. Duplo (ages 2 and over)
The name of Lego’s Duplo brand comes from “duplex”, meaning double. The blocks are twice the size of traditional Lego blocks, and the sets are far simpler too, which makes them perfect for younger children.
You might opt for an ice cream trip with Bluey or a Peppa Pig treehouse. Either set is sure to delight toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Among an incredible array of sets are those designed around daily routines like bath time, eating, and bedtime, as well as educational builds to help with counting or learning the alphabet.
Whatever set you opt for, constructing airports, trains, bathtubs, or treehouses requires concentration, fine motor skills, and resilience. And, of course, you can lend a hand too!
3. Montessori Interlocking Building Blocks (ages 3 and up)
The building blocks in this set are multicoloured triangles and squares that can be connected to form anything your child can imagine. As well as teaching confidence, self-control, and resilience, the lack of boundaries or rules frees your child to explore and express themselves, making these sets ideal for encouraging storytelling and imaginative play.
A 150-piece set usually retails for around £50, but there are bargains to be had if you shop around.
As with other building games, playing alongside siblings, friends, and other family members is a great way to build social skills and develop an understanding of the importance of cooperation and sharing, while improving communication.
4. Magnet Exploration – Build & Discover (ages 5 and over)
Make science fun with this exploration of magnets and magnetism. It features 20 fascinating experiments to conduct and explore, all for under £40.
This scientific starter kit features more than 40 components (some of which could present a choking hazard to very young children, especially those below the age of five). Use the pieces in conjunction with the illustrated instruction booklet included to conduct 20 different experiments and play games featuring cars, UFOs, and floating pencils.
5. Liar! Liar! Pants on Fire (ages 7 to 15)
This card game for children combines Would I Lie to You and Call My Bluff. Each card contains two truths and a lie, and the roll of the dice decides which statement the player must read.
Keep a straight face while delivering silly lies or make your opponent question the truth.
This quick and simple game will have players of all ages laughing on Christmas Day.
6. Lego Fortnite Battle Bus (ages 10 and over)
This Lego set, based on the hugely popular Fortnite video game, is perfect for slightly older children. While the set has a 10+ age suggestion, it’s worth noting that the game itself is rated PEGI 12, suitable for ages 12 and above.
The bus comes complete with rolling wheels, a detachable roof, and a hot-air balloon, as well as other accessories from the game.
Once built, the bus can proudly adorn a bedroom shelf, be used for creative play, or be salvaged for parts to create larger and more intricate Fortnite-based models. With Lego, the possibilities are endless.
7. Ravensburger The World 3D Jigsaw Puzzle (ages 10 and over)
Fun, educational, and challenging, this 540-piece 3D globe puzzle is perfect for your geographically minded – not to mention patient – child or grandchild.
The curved pieces fit together to form a sturdy globe that is 22cm in diameter. Once completed, it can be displayed on its accompanying stand, where it rotates freely.
For a real challenge, the puzzle can be completed by eye. But, if assistance is required, the pieces are numbered on the back, perfect for younger children or for completing a particularly tricky section. The puzzle retails for around £27.99.
Get in touch
If you need help managing your finances after an expensive festive season, we’re on hand to help. Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help you manage your long-term financial plans.
