Best kids toys 2024: chosen by industry experts
This year's best kids toys have been picked by an independent panel of industry experts - here's what made the list, and where you can buy them
Industry experts have selected the best kids toys 2024, and it's a remarkable list of products that have been (or will be) released this year. Lots of them are out already, while a few are slated for release later in the year.
Seeing your child develop new skills while playing with their toys is one of the best parts of being a parent. But choosing the right toy can be a minefield. Not only are there new toys being released all the time, making it sometimes feels impossible to keep up to date with all the newness. And on top of that, you might be overwhelmed trying to choose between active and passive toys, or getting your head around the types of play that your child needs to support their development. Luckily, that's where we come in.
Best toys collections 2024
At the Toy Fair on 23 January 2024, an independent panel of retailers had sifted through more than 330 upcoming toy releases to find their absolute hero toys of 2024, and the final list did not disappoint. Unveiled by presenter, broadcaster and mum-of-two Anna Williamson, the team at GoodtoKnow was lucky enough to be among the first to see this year's hero toys line up, with new and upcoming releases featuring the likes of Peter Rabbit, Paddington, Harry Potter and more from companies like Orchard Toys, Playmobil and Just Play.
Take a look at the list to get ahead and start generating ideas for upcoming birthday and Christmas presents for the little ones in your life.
OUT NOW
RRP: £35.99 | Available: Out now
Based on Netflix's animated series, Unicorn Academy, Rainbow Light Up Wildstar responds to your touch with magical lights and unicorn sounds.
OUT NOW
RRP: £79.99 | Available: Out now
Got a Paw Patrol fan at home, they'll get a kick of this Rubble & Crew, Barkyard Crane Tower Playset, featuring fan favourite pup Rubble.
OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99 | Available: OUT NOW
With Pati-school, creative kids can make ornate cake-themed decorations and each creation can be used as memo holders, keychains, and even a keepsake container.
OUT NOW
RRP: £79.99 | Available: Out now
This awesome figure literally walks, roars and stomps, and has an innovative feature that gives the illusion of atomic breath.
OUT NOW
RRP: £14.99 | Available: Out Now
If you live with a budding Beckham, they'll love this pocket-sized, Smart Ball Kick Tracker that can count up to 99,999 kicks.
OUT NOW
RRP: £16.99 | Available: Out now
Developed in partnership with the Natural History Museum, Let’s Learn Dinosaurs encourages STEM learning in children ages four and upwards.
OUT NOW
RRP: £25.95 | Available: Out now
This colourful interactive toy, with 12 different songs and sounds with really get your child's imagination flowing.
OUT NOW
RRP: £14.99 | Available: Out now
Create a personalised and soothing sensory experience with this kit. Simply mix the elements in the kit with water to bring the magic to life.
OUT NOW
RRP: £19.99 | Available: Out now
Kids will love this fast-paced alien abduction game, especially when they realise they are the aliens, tasked with abducting cute farm animals.
OUT NOW
RRP: £4.99 each | Available: Out now
The popularity of Harry Potter is still going strong, Potterheads will adore making crystal versions of their favourite characters.
OUT NOW
RRP: £13.99 | Available: Out now
With 120 challenges, from easy to expert, this game will definitely get your child's brain in gear - and parents will love having a go too.
OUT NOW
RRP: £10 | Available: Out now
Teach your little one how to count, with help from Peter Rabbit and friends from the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter.
OUT NOW
RRP: £44.99 | Available: Out now
Perfect for budding fashionistas and fashionistos, this new Playmobil set brings a Paris fashion show catwalk to life.
OUT NOW
RRP: £17.99 | Available: Out now
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, this special collector's edition Retro Cube comes in the original 1980s packaging.
OUT NOW
RRP: £12.99 each | Available: Out now
Decora Girlz are bright and colourful mystery dolls who love to dazzle, delight and decorate themselves with lots of bright accessories.
RRP: £24.99 | Available: August 2024
Soft and cuddly, kids and collectors alike will love this plush Paddington bear that comes in his very own phone box.
RRP: £32.99 | Available: 2024
If you're child loves the Addam's Family, they will love this Wednesday-inspired remote control toy that will see Thing come to life before their eyes.
RRP: £29.99 | Available: August 2024
Squishy surprises, and multiple characters to collect? Count us in. A great toy for any little one discovering the magic of Disney.
RRP: £49.99 | Available: Autumn/Winter 2024
With 100+ sounds, like interactive kitten toy walks, dances and chases after her mouse. Plus it doesn't need to connect to any apps or WiFi.
RRP: £24.99 | Available: 2024
Looking for a party game the whole family can enjoy, then look no further than Surrounded by Idiots - it's fast-paced fun.
RRP: £19.99| Available: Autumn/Winter 2024
Create your own Goo Jit Zu Hero again and again with this creator pack - great value for money with an RRP of less than £20.
Anna Williamson's pick
RRP: £69.99 | Available: July 2024
Packed with content, wildlife fans will love exploring animals and plants from all around the world with these optical 8x binoculars and digital camera.
RRP: £24.99 | Available: August 2024
Give Stitch’s tummy a gentle press and listen to his contagious alien laughter, while he shakes with mirth! Suitable for ages two and up.
RRP: £19.99 | Available: Autumn/Winter 2024
Attach Sammy the Fart Yoga sloth to your waist for Fart Yoga, where you compete against your friends to perform yoga poses with Sammy farting the least amount of times.
RRP: £24.99| Available: Autumn/Winter 2024
It's a pirate ship, shaped like a shark. Really, need we say more? When it's released later in the year, it'll be suitable for kids aged three and over.
RRP: £29.99 | Available: September 2024
Help your little one develop their fine motor skills with this ice cream truck that they can build and then manoeuvre with a remote control.
RRP: £34.99 | Available: August 2024
Watch your child grow in confidence and skill as they transition from the balance bike to peddled trike with this two in one from Mookie Toys.
The Hero Toys line up has something for everyone, including games and puzzles, plush toys and collectibles as well as arts and crafts, outdoor toys and licenced toys too. With many families still feeling the pinch from high living costs, the Hero Toys list also has a focus on affordability and great value for money. Prices start at £4.99, and more than half of the toys are priced under £25.
Parents will also get a kick out of the nostalgic toys on the list, include the 50th anniversary retro Rubix Cube, available now on Amazon, and the Paddington in a Phone Box soft toy.
Presenter Anna Williamson voted the Magic Adventures Binocular Camera, as her top Hero Toy for 2024 saying: “As a mum of two I am always looking for ways to entertain my children for longer periods of time that doesn't just involve a tablet and YouTube! Engaging with my kids during play is so important, and finding a toy that is also subtly educational, lasts more than five minutes, and is interesting for them is a win-win. The 'magic adventures binoculars camera' is the perfect 'Hero Toy' to aid and encourage children’s curiosity of nature and the world we live in, particularly when the environment is such a hot topic in schools now.”
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Reflecting on the exceptional lineup of Hero Toys at this year's Toy Fair, Rebecca Deeming, Communications & Events Manager at the BTHA, says: "Toys that offer multi-generational play have always been popular with families, as they allow for children to bond and learn with their parents and grandparents. At a time when cost is a continuing concern for many households in the UK, toys that can bring a family together for entertainment and offer a cost-effective way to make memories, have fun, and learn together are becoming more popular, and many of this year’s selection of Hero Toys offer this."
In other news, these millennial toys are a huge dose of nostalgia and the nation's favourite children's books have been revealed.
Sarah is GoodtoKnow’s Consumer Writer & Money Editor - which means she writes about everything from this year's top toys and the newest toy releases, to discounts on days out and childcare costs. Sarah is passionate about helping mums save money wherever they can - whether that's spending wisely on the right toys and kidswear or keeping on top of the latest news around child benefit, the motherhood penalty. A writer, journalist and editor with more than 15 years' experience, Sarah is all about the latest toy trends and is always on the look out for toys for her nephew or Goddaughters so that she remains one of their favourite grown ups. When not writing about money or best buys, Sarah can be found hanging out with her rockstar dog Pepsi, getting opinionated about a movie or learning British Sign Language.
-
Evolution of Barbie explained: 6 ways the iconic doll has adapted over the years
We look at how Barbie has changed over the years, as the iconic doll celebrates its 65th birthday
By Sarah Handley Published
-
How do air traffic controllers make sure flights stay safe? An explainer for kids by The Week Junior
Air traffic controllers make sure thousands of planes stay safe
By The Week Junior Published
-
De'longhi Coffee Machine toy review - an impressive replica, but is it worth your money?
I tested the De'longhi coffee machine toy from Casdon with a four year old - here's our verdict on whether it's worth the £25 price tag
By Sarah Handley Published
-
I tested the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit with a couple of kids - here's our verdict
We review the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit to see if it's worth your money
By Sarah Handley Published
-
5 most valuable vintage Lego sets, according to a Lego expert - do you own one?
These vintage Lego sets could be worth serious cash - here's what to do if you have one at home
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Last chance to shop the best Prime Day deals for university students, chosen by a fresher's mum
Students, assemble! Get your digs kitted out without spending all your finance cheque
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
It's not too late! Prime Day ends tonight but these Cricut deals could have you crafting by Christmas
Fancy yourself as a crafting queen? These Cricut deals could make your dreams come true
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
I had hours of fun testing this toy with a six-year-old, and now it's at its lowest ever price for Prime Day
Cookeez Makery is the toy I wish I had when I was a child, and now it's an absolute bargain in the Prime Day sale
By Sarah Handley Published
-
I'm a mum of three and these Amazon subscriptions have eased my mental load
Sick of texting 'cat food' to your other half? This is your sign to set up Subscribe & Save
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
I'm a toy tester and these 35 Amazon Prime Day toy deals are still available, but not for long
These Amazon Prime Day toy deals are still live if you want to grab a last-minute bargain
By Sarah Handley Last updated