Argos has unveiled its top 20 toys for Christmas 2026, predicting that retro-inspired items will dominate wishlists this year. The list includes a mini vinyl record player, a wooden train set, and Donkey Kong in Lego form.
Retro favourites and budget picks
The Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset, priced at £20, is a fully functioning vinyl record player that plays songs from artists such as Katy Perry and Chappell Roan. Meanwhile, the Chad Valley Alfie And Jo Wooden Train Set is the cheapest on the list at £15 and features easy-connect tracks for little hands.
The Lego Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set brings the classic 80s arcade game to the living room, but is one of the most expensive toys at £150.
Film and TV tie-ins
Film and TV favourites including Toy Story 5, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig and KPop Demon Hunters are also predicted to be big hitters. The Argos-exclusive Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush is a huggable version of Woody’s loyal companion, priced at £50. And the Megasaurus Dino Vehicle, £60, brings the PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie to life in the form of a 76cm dinosaur that inflates at the press of a button.
Retailer's outlook
Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, said: “We’re always monitoring market trends to discover what truly sparks children’s imaginations, and our 2026 Top Toys list reflects the toys we expect to capture their attention this Christmas.
“From movie magic and retro nostalgia to screen-free storytellers and hands-on crafting, we’ve curated a range that inspires imagination, supports children’s development and encourages creativity through play.”
The full top 20 list includes the Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage at £130, the Chad Valley Wooden Classic Kitchen at £30, the Tonies Lite at £60, and the LLP My Magical Dragon Skye at £55. Other entries feature the Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy at £55, the VTech Kidi 12-In-1 Guitar Superstar at £50, and the Projector Karaoke Machine at £90.
Further items on the list are the Lego Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle at £30, the Armosaurs Armor-Up Dinosaur T-Rex at £45, the Giftie Badge Maker at £35, and the Jupiter Workshops Four Storey Wooden Doll House at £150. The Flutter Monster 40 cm Soft Toy is priced at £20, while the KPop Demon Hunters Golden Singing Dolls cost £35, and the Peppa Pig Ready Pedal Peppa and Minions & Monsters Fart Blaster Pro are both £30.
