Argos has unveiled its list of the most sought-after toys for Christmas 2026, and the 20-strong selection leans heavily on nostalgia. Leading the lineup is the Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset at £20, a mini record player that actually spins and comes with 44 collectible mini records.
Nostalgic throwbacks dominate the list
Millennials and Gen Zs who remember compiling their Christmas lists from the Argos catalogue in the 1990s and 2000s may recognise the spirit of past favourites like Barbie Dreamhouses, Furbys, Doodle Bears, LEGO, and Gameboys. This year, Gen Alpha kids are dreaming up similar gifts.
The LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set, retailing at £150, is modelled on the classic 1981 Nintendo game, allowing the next generation to celebrate that same spirit with building blocks. Hot Wheels also features with the City Ultimate T-Rex Garage (£130), which has space to launch up to 50 cars.
For those who spent hours playing Guitar Hero on the Xbox, the VTech Kidi 12-In-1 Guitar Superstar (£50) offers a modern take on the toy guitar, with light-up frets, touch-sensitive strings, and Bluetooth music streaming. Pokémon fans can look to the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (£30), which lets kids build their own starter Pokémon.
New picks for the future
Argos has also included entirely new toys in its picks. The Little Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye (£55) is a mythical dragon that moves with sound whenever it is petted, fed, or played with. The Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy (£55) hatches a mini prehistoric shark with just a small splash of water.
Other items on the full list include the Chad Valley Alfie And Jo Wooden Train Set (£15), Chad Valley Wooden Classic Kitchen (£30), Tonies Lite (£60), Projector Karaoke Machine (£90), Armosaurs Armor-Up Dinosaur T-Rex – Ajax (£45), Giftie Badge Maker (£35), Jupiter Workshops Four Storey Wooden Doll House (£150), Flutter Monster 40 cm Soft Toy (£20), Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush (£50), KPop Demon Hunters Golden Singing Dolls (£35), Paw Patrol The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle (£60), Peppa Pig Ready Pedal Peppa (£30), and Minions & Monsters Fart Blaster Pro (£30).
Argos comments on the range
Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, said of this year’s launch: ‘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.’
‘Toys have been at the heart of Argos for over 50 years, helping families create magical Christmas moments year after year,’ she added. ‘As a brand, generations of families have trusted our expertise on toys, and we hope to continue inspiring gift-givers this festive season.’
