The hottest toys for Christmas 2026, according to the experts

The Play Every Way Table

from $425 at Lovevery

Forget activity tables that only do one thing. The Play Every Way Table is designed to grow with your child and keep up with all the ways they love to play.

Think sensory and water play, art, building, storytelling, early writing, STEM activities and even mealtimes. Kids can play flat on the tabletop to help build core strength and hand control, or switch to vertical easel play to encourage bigger arm movements and wrist strength. Sensory play also helps develop skills like problem-solving, memory and language.

Key features

• Five play modes: flat table, sensory table, magnetic chalkboard, water painting and ball run
• Leg extenders so the table can grow with your child
• Accessories for STEM play, art, storytelling and more
• Built-in storage for an easier clean-up
• Mess-friendly design that helps keep sensory play contained
• Sensory Activities Guide with 100+ play ideas
• Dustless Chalk recommended for ages three+

IKEA launches ALPTALL children’s collection

from $3.99 at IKEA

IKEA has gone wild with its latest kids’ collection, and the plushies are seriously cute.

Inspired by the animals and landscapes of the Himalayas, the new ALPTALL collection features nine cuddly creatures, including a red panda, snow leopard, Bengal tiger, Pallas’s cat and Asiatic black bear cub.

The range was developed in collaboration with conservation foundation Nordens Ark and also includes kids’ bedding, a hooded towel, rug, cushions, storage and art supplies.

The ALPTALL soft toys are made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and IKEA will donate $1 to WWF-Australia for every soft toy purchased between October 8 and November 29, 2026.

Yoto Player 4th Gen

from $229.99 at Yoto

The Yoto Player 4th Gen makes screen-free listening fun from morning to bedtime. Kids can pop in a Yoto Card or choose a playlist for stories, music and the free Yoto Daily podcast, then wind down with sleep sounds and a built-in night light. With stereo sound and an okay-to-wake clock, it’s a clever little companion for independent play and bedtime routines.

Available at:

• $229 at Yoto

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Big Family House Playset 

from $89 at Amazon

Bring the world of Peppa Pig to life with this 80cm cm playset. Turn the key to unlock endless adventures across two floors and seven rooms, including Peppa, George, and Baby Evie’s bedrooms, plus a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and even a garage with a lift-up door. With 11 accessories and a sticker sheet for decorating, kids can make the house their own. And for the newest little piggy, Baby Evie, there’s a rocking cradle that turns into a crib, a moving baby bouncer, and a high chair.

Available at:

• $89 at Amazon

Toniebox Lite My Story Set

from $139 at Target

Meet the Toniebox Lite, a smaller, lighter take on the much-loved screen-free audio player for kids aged one and up. It’s easy for little hands to use and perfect for taking favourite stories and songs on the go, with access to more than 1,500 Tonies. Available now online and through authorised retailers across Australia and New Zealand.

Available at:

• $149.95 at Toniebox
• $139 at Target

Little Live Pets – My Baby Monkey

from $59.99 at Amazon

This adorable interactive monkey acts just like a real baby, with over 50 sounds and reactions. Mango’s expressive mouth moves as he sucks his thumb and drinks from his bottle. He loves to be nurtured and reacts to touch – tickle him, and he’ll giggle.

Available at:

• $59.99 at Amazon AU

Mini Digital Camera – White

from $29 at Kmart

This fun, kid-friendly gadget will turn everyday moments into mini photo adventures. Compact enough to fit in little hands (and Christmas stockings!), it measures just 4.24cm long, 2.92cm high and 2.85cm wide, with a 2.43cm display for instant previews. Kids will love snapping holiday selfies, pet pics and silly sibling shots, and it comes with all the essentials: a memory card, lanyard, keychain and charge cable.

Available at:

• $29 at Kmart

LEGO Wicked Welcome to Emerald City 75684

from $169.99 at LEGO

Wicked fans will love this Wicked LEGO set! Kids can recreate an iconic scene with this 3-story tower, featuring mini-dolls of Glinda, Elphaba, The Wizard, Madame Morrible, and Fiyero. Explore Emerald City’s shops, meet The Wizard in the map room, and discover fun film details like the Grimmerie and toffee apple tree.

Available at:

• $169.99 at LEGO

Care Bears Cheekies Sitting Plush – Assorted*

RRP $19 at Target

Meet the newest member of the Care Bears family: Care Bear Cheekies! These irresistibly cute pals are here to bring endless joy and cuddles. With their ultra-soft, huggable fur, they’re perfect for collectors of all ages. Snuggle up with these adorable Cheekies and let a little Care Bears magic brighten your day.

Assortment includes: Grumpy Bear, Togetherness Bear and Cheer Bear Product

Available at:

• $19 at Target

Lovevery The Music Set

from $225 at Lovevery

Introduce little ones to the joy of music with the Lovevery Music Set! Featuring real instruments, a working metronome, a music book, and song cards, this set makes music easy and fun for kids ages 18 months to 4 years.

They can match notes by colour or letter and explore 5-note tunes with the pentatonic scale. The set includes 6 instruments and a Rhythm & Songs Book to inspire their own music-making. A stage-based Play Guide also provides learning steps for every age.

Available at:

• $225 at Lovevery

MAGNA-TILES – Downhill Duo – 40 Piece Set

from $105 at Amazon

These unique, sturdy, and versatile pieces help children discover multiple building options.

Construct a thrilling mega-ramp, create competition with a side-by-side race or simply cruise along  rolling hills.

Included Figures feature magnets in the head, feet and arms, and are fully compatible with classic MAGNA-TILES® Squares, Rectangles and Triangles.

The kid-powered Dashers are specially designed to ride smoothly along the Ramps and Roads for frustration-free play.

Available at:

• $105 at Amazon