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The Top 12 Toys For Christmas 2018 In The UK, According To Hamleys

Yes, it's that time 🎁
By 

Life editor at HuffPost UK

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It’s getting colder and darker which can only mean one thing: it’s nearly Christmas. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but shops have already started focusing their efforts on what we’re going to buy this festive season.

So if you’re wondering what’s going to be on your kids’ lists this year, this could put you ahead of the game. Hamleys has released its top 12 toys for Christmas, featuring some classics (LEGO) and new arrivals we predict will be big (Crate Creatures).

The shortlist comes after months of researching and planning by the Hamleys toy buyers and features prices from as little as £8, to as much as £80. 

[Read More: These are the toys your kids will probably want for Christmas this year]

“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,” said Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys.

Find the 12 toys (in no particular order) in the slideshow below. 

12
TY Flippables
Hamleys
Remember beanie babies? They're back, but this time with sequins. Stroke the plush toy one way to reveal one sequin colour, then to other way to reveal another.
Price: £8
Ages: 3+
Click here to buy.
11
Gravitrax
Hamleys
Think modern day marble run. It's aimed to be educational as it focuses on STEM subjects, playing with gravity and kinetic energy. Kids build their own run and see if their marble can make it to the finish line.
Price: £50
Ages: 8+
Click here to buy.
10
L.O.L Surprise Dolls
Hamleys
These dolls come hidden in a shell split into separate compartments. You can only unlock the shell surrounding the doll using code cards you find tucked in to each compartment. Once you've unlocked the accessories, you can unlock the doll, take off her cover, and dress her up.
Price: £15
Ages: 6+
Click here to buy.
9
Elasti Plasti
Hamleys
It's slime... without the stickiness. It comes in different colours, you can stretch it as far as you want, and it makes a rude noise when you put in back in the pot. Lovely.
Price: £13
Ages: 5+
Click here to buy.
8
Crate Creatures
Hamleys
As the name suggests, it's a creature trapped in a crate that makes fun noises and has glowing eyes. You can unlock the crate to play with the creature - if you record your voice, they'll play it back in a monster voice. Creepy.
Price: £40
Ages: 4+
Click here to buy.
7
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express
Hamleys
Get your kids (but also secretly you) to build and step aboard the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express from King's Cross. The set comes with mini figures of Harry, Hermione and Ron - it's basically every wizard fan's dream.
Price: £75
Ages: 8+
Click here to buy.
6
Hairdorables
Hamleys
These collectible dolls have a "big hair, don't care" attitude and come in this scene-setting box. Unlock the surprises on the left to get her accessories, then reveal which doll you have on the right.
Price: £15
Ages: 3+
Click here to buy.
5
Paddington Bear
Hamleys
Who doesn't want a cuddly, plush Paddington Bear teddy?! He's 28cm tall, has his signature blue duffel coat and of course, his swing tag. What a cutie.
Price: £30
Ages: 0+
Click here to buy.
4
Monopoly Cheaters Edition
Hamleys
Everyone cheats in Monopoly, right? In this edition, rules are bent, money is stolen and funny business is welcomed. You can also get an exclusive Hamleys edition of Monopoly this year, which takes you on a trip around their seven floors.
Price: £22
Ages: 8+
Click here to buy.
3
Nerf Laser Ops
Hamleys
This one will please parents: instead of having a Nerf toy that fires out foam arrows, these new ones rely totally on lasers, so there's no picking them up off the floor. Even better there's a single player option if your little one doesn't have siblings to play with.
Price: £45
Ages: 8+
Click here to buy.
2
Peppa Pig Castle And Royal Guard Plush
Hamleys
Your child's favourite TV character is now available dressed up as a castle guard or the Queen's guard because, well, why not?
Price: £25
Ages: 18 months +
Click here to buy.
1
Boxer Robot
Hamleys
This mini robot reacts to senses around him, so he'll follow your hands if you want him to move. You can also play loads of games with the robot - he just needs to roll over an activity card to scan it to know what to do.
Price: £80
Ages: 6+
Click here to buy.
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