The annual top 20 round up of toys predicted to be on children’s Christmas lists for 2023 have been revealed today.
The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in, the temperatures are dropping by the day, and the festive season is now right around the corner, and that means it’s time for children all across the UK to start thinking about writing those Christmas lists to send off to Santa ahead of the big day day.
But what toys are those lists likely to include? And which presents are predicted to be this year’s ‘must have’ gifts?
Well, for the little Mancs struggling to narrow down their top picks, and for the parents and families keen to get a heads-up on what gifts to buy for their kids this year, the annual top 20 ‘dream toys’ for Christmas 2023 were revealed by the Toy Retailers Association.
The DreamToys list is Selected by a panel of retailers and industry experts, and is widely-considered the UK’s “most authoritative predictive list” of what will be hot this Christmas.
Barbie dolls, a “Beast Lab”, and an interactive digital pet some of the new additions predicted to be among the top-selling toys for 2023, while old favourites like Harry Potter-themed merchandise, Lego Star Wars sets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and L.O.L Surprise! have continued to claim spots on the list this year.
According to industry experts, it’s believed that shoppers could be forking out around £1 billion on the little ones in their lives during this festive season.
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The toys that’ve made the cut on this year’s top 20 list range in prices from a fairly-affordable £8.99 for the Squishmallows plush toys, to a whopping £149.99 for the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds.
Top 20 ‘dream toys’ for Christmas 2023
Barbie Pop Reveal – £26.99
Beast Lab – £89.99
Bitzee Interactive Pet – £32.99
Cookeez Makery Oven Playset – £39.99
Fingerlings Monkey – £17.99
Fluffie Stuffiez Large Plush – £34.99
Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle & Grounds – £149.99
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Hauler – £94.99
L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers – £39.99
Little Live Pets My Puppy’s Home – £64.99
Miniverse – Make It Mini Kitchen – £44.99
MINTiD Dog-E – £89.99
PAW Patrol Mighty Movie – Skye Deluxe Vehicle – £49.99
Pictionary vs AI – £23.99
Pokémon 151 Elite Trainer – £52.99
Squishmallows 7.5″ – £8.99
Star Wars Ahsoka Starship – £64.99
Super Mario Movie 7″ Feature Bowser Figure – £34.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Pizza Fire Van – £39.99
Twister Air – £24.99
The top 20 ‘dream toys’ for 2023’s Christmas lists have been revealed / Credit: Disney | eBay
Paul Reader, who is the Chair of the DreamToys selection committee, expects the top 20 toys to be “highly sought after” this year.
“Christmas is a magical time of the year, particularly for children, and this list provides gift givers an authoritative and independent view on what we believe will be the most requested toys to help make that all important purchasing decision,” Mr Reader commented as the 2023 list was revealed.
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“From the year’s biggest blockbusters, tech inspired crossovers, and toys that promote sensory exploration, through to products that create curiosity and anticipation, this year’s list is a representation of what the UK toy industry has to offer.
“The top 20 will be highly-sought-after, so if families have a particular product in mind, my advice is to shop early to avoid disappointment.
“However, if you are simply looking for inspiration, I’d implore everyone to visit their local toy shop and speak to experts who can help suggest the perfect gift for under the tree.”
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Salford RLFC finally confirm new head and assistant coaches
Danny Jones
Salford RLFC have finally announced their new head and assistant coach picks as the new rugby league season fast approaches.
The Salfordian phoenix club had already confirmed they’d reached provisional pre-contract agreements with a new boss and several players following the news of the consortium bid that kept the sporting institution alive, but now they officially have a new leadership team to get behind.
Following Salford Red Devils’ resurrection by the aforementioned investment group – though it still remains unclear whether this will eventually include a full rebranding – familiar face Mike Grady and his assistant Dave Hewitt are now in place.
They replace ex-boss Paul Rowley, now at St Helens, and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty, who both left in October and September of last year, respectively.
Sharing the news in an official statement on their new Instagram account amid a major overhaul of their online presence, the local side wrote: “We are proud to announce Mike as the new Head Coach of Salford RLFC, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach.
“Mike brings over 12 years of coaching experience across club and international rugby, most recently leading the Salford Women’s team and previously coaching at Widnes.
“His appointment marks another big step forward in our rebuild, combining experience, passion and a deep understanding of what Salford rugby league stands for: hard work, resilience and exciting rugby.
“Joining him, Dave Hewitt, former St Helens and England Academy player, will focus on developing our attacking play and nurturing new talent.”
Hewitt also played for Oldham RLFC across three spells, as well as Rochdale Hornets.
As for the board, they sign off by adding: “Together, Mike and Dave represent the energy and belief driving this new era for Salford RLFC.”
With several ‘key announcements’ soon to be made, we can expect a better idea of what the new and hopefully improved Salford will look like in time for their opener against the Roughyeds in the Championship on Friday, 16 January.
It is worth noting that the club have yet to reveal any actual squad signings.
As for co-owner Caton-Brown, who knows all about the club and the community from his several years playing in the area, we have the pleasure of chatting with him first-hand about the vision for their future.
Emily Sergeant -
8th November 2023 
