Argos unveils predicted top toys for Christmas 2026
Argos has revealed the toys it predicts will dominate Christmas wishlists for 2026, with retro-inspired items and licensed favourites featuring heavily on its 20-strong list.
The retailer expects throwback toys to prove popular this year, including a mini vinyl record player, a wooden train set, and Donkey Kong in Lego form, as reported by the Daily Mirror and uk.
Leading the nostalgic picks is the Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset, priced at £20. According to uk, the set serves as a mini record player that actually spins, with 44 mini records to collect. The Daily Mirror added that it is fully functioning and plays songs from artists such as Katy Perry and Chappell Roan.
For fans of classic video games, the Lego Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set is priced at £150. uk noted that it is modelled on the classic game released by Nintendo in 1981, allowing a new generation to celebrate that same spirit with building blocks. The Daily Mirror described it as bringing the classic 80s arcade game to the living room.
Hot Wheels also features with the City Ultimate T-Rex Garage, which costs £130 and can launch up to 50 cars, as reported by uk.
Licensed favourites and screen-free options
Film and TV favourites are predicted to be big hitters, including Toy Story 5, PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, and KPop Demon Hunters, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Argos-exclusive Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush is a huggable version of Woody’s loyal companion, priced at £50. The Megasaurus Dino Vehicle, at £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.
The cheapest item on the list is the Chad Valley Alfie And Jo Wooden Train Set at £15, which features easy-connect tracks for little hands, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
uk highlighted additional items, including the VTech Kidi 12-In-1 Guitar Superstar at £50, with light-up frets, touch-sensitive strings, and Bluetooth music streaming; the Little Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye at £55; and the Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy at £55, which requires only a small splash of water to hatch a mini prehistoric shark.
The Lego Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle is predicted to be a fan favourite, according to uk.
Retailer's perspective
Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, said in a statement reported by the Daily Mirror: “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.”
She added: “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.”
uk also reported that Pearce said: “Toys have been at the heart of Argos for over 50 years, helping families create magical Christmas moments year after year.”