Lockdown trend helps influence the experts’ top 10 toys for Christmas

Increased family play time created by the recent lockdown will help influence the most popular toys this Christmas.

That’s the view of toy experts at Tesco who have picked their top 10 toys for Christmas in order to give parents a helping hand when it comes to making those all-important present choices.

The extra family time also led to the ‘kidult’ phenomenon of adults buying toy brands such as LEGO and Jurassic Park for their children that they themselves played with when they were children.

And it led to a massive 400 per cent increase in demand for board games and ‘kidult’ toys such as LEGO’s Darth Vader Helmet, which is one of this year’s hottest toys and set to be on many Christmas wish lists.

Two major film launches will also influence kids’ Christmas want lists this year with toys already on sale ahead of Jurassic World Dominion which comes out next year and also children’s favourite Paw Patrol.

Also for the first time ever the Tesco toy experts have selected a toy from the previous year’s top 10 list, the family game Pictionary, because it has continued to be a top seller throughout the year.

Tesco Category Manager for Toys, Nursery and Sport, Anne Borrett said: “Lockdown created a unique scenario with many parents and children able to spend more time than ever together and this has brought about a huge ongoing demand for kidult toys – trusted brands that still bring joy to grown-ups as much as their kids.

“Choosing presents for your little ones at Christmas is never an easy task but we hope that this list gives parents a little bit of insight into what’s been popular in the world of toys this year.”

Tesco’s top 10 toy picks for Christmas 2021 (in no particular order)

LEGO Darth Vader Helmet – A toy that is likely to appeal to adults as much as kids. The model comes with a display stand and nameplate. £60.

Paw Patrol Marshall Transforming City Fire Truck – It has a ladder that extends 360 degrees as well as a water cannon launcher that can be activated by pushing a button inside the truck. £60.

Squishmallows – These are collectable cuddly little creatures, that come in a variety of sizes, colours and animal types and are made from super soft material. There are more than 1000 Squishmallows in existence already. £8 each creature.

Kindi Kids Baby Pearl – A doll that giggles and sings as she blows hundreds of sweet scented ice-cream bubbles. Press her to activate the bubbles. £30.

Rainbow High Fashion Closet – A playset that includes a rainbow of fashion dolls, including clothes and accessories, that can be mixed and matched to create more than 400 different looks. £66.

Pictionary Air – The family classic, charades-like game  but with a techy twist. With this version players draw their image in the air, and then can see the result on a tablet or smart phone. £21.

Jiggly Pets – Tan Tan The Orangutan – Tan Tan is a loveable electronic orangutan that can jiggle and shake whilst playing a catchy tune. £25.

LEGO Heartlake City Shopping Mall – Part of the popular LEGO Friends range. The 1032-piece set comes with six characters and five shops to reflect a broad range of interests from music, food, to tech and toys. £90.

Jurassic World Stomp N’ Escape Tyrannosaurus Rex – The dinosaur stomps and roars with exciting dinosaur sounds while searching for its prey. £50.

Instaglam On-The-Go Trolley – A 100-piece beauty set that includes trendy make up colours, nail polishes, applicators, hair accessories and more fashion items. They all clip onto the trolley to create a moveable beauty bar. £80.