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.
If you're looking to get ahead and bag this year's top Christmas toys for the kids in your life while they're still in stock, now's the time to do it. But choosing the right toy can be a minefield. 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.
Revealed 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.
RRP: £69.99 | Available: Out now
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: £29.99 | Available: Out now
Squishy surprises, and multiple characters to collect? Count us in. A great toy for any little one discovering the magic of Disney.
RRP: £19.99 | Available: Out now
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: £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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RRP: £25.95 | Available: Out now
This colourful interactive toy, with 12 different songs and sounds with really get your child's imagination flowing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RRP: £44.99 | Available: Out now
Perfect for budding fashionistas and fashionistos, this new Playmobil set brings a Paris fashion show catwalk to life.
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.
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: £19.99| Available: for pre-order
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.
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: £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: Autumn 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: £24.99 | Available: Summer/Autumn 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: £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.”
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.
