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.”
National Pizza Awards looking for one lucky person to join 2026 judging panel
Emily Sergeant
Job adverts don’t come much better than this, as the National Pizza Awards is searching for one lucky person to join the judging panel at this year’s grand final.
The National Pizza Awards invite chefs from across the hospitality industry each year to submit their signature recipes in a bid to claim the coveted title of National Pizza of the Year title, providing a platform for the UK’s ultimate pizza professionals to showcase their recipes on a national scale.
Hosted by Dine Out magazine finalists face off in a live cooking showdown in front of a hand-picked panel of industry judges.
On top of a signature round, competitors take part in a technical challenge that sees them construct the best dish from a selection of ingredients, with the winner being named National Pizza Chef of the Year.
The National Pizza Awards is looking for one lucky person to join its 2026 judging panel / Credit: The Manc Group
And this year, you could play a part in picking the winners.
That’s right – the National Pizza Awards has launched a nationwide search for a new judge, and the only catch (if you can even call it a catch) is that the judge will need to sample 16 of the UK’s best pizzas in a single day as chefs battle it out for the title.
It’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it, and if you want to be that someone, entries are now open for you to enter.
Pizzas are judged on how the they’re made, the flavour profile, how they’re cooked, the aesthetic and presentation, and the texture, quality, and consistency, as well as the choice of ingredients.
To be in with a chance, you’ll simply just need tag your favourite pizza place in the Instagram competition post, and then if that place enters the awards and makes it through to the final cook-off, you’ll be entered into a draw to become that all-important guest judge this November.
The same team behind the annual Alton Towers run is bringing a new race to Flamingo Land
Danny Jones
Following the success of Run Alton Towers, the same team is bringing a brand-new running event to another Northern attraction with the first-ever Flamingo Land race.
Knowing how popular its forerunner is (pardon the pun), this one is already well on course to sell out.
The inaugural Alton Towers run first took place in November 2021, and now half a decade later, RunThroughUK – the biggest and fastest-growing race organiser in the country – is recreating the format over at Flamingo Land.
Landing next month, the beloved UK theme park and zoo will be joining them in holding two different distances, and you can still be part of it.
Hosted within the grounds of the wider Flamingo Land Resort, the unique route takes participants through the zoo, passing plenty of incredible animals, before continuing through the theme park alongside some of its biggest rides and amusements.
Located in Kirby Misperton up in North Yorkshire, they will be holding both 5-kilometre and 10km runs around the venue.
With the promotion and sporting events company having already comfortably proved they can hold a slick and seamless running event throughout the 500-acre plot, there’s set to be even more jam-packed sights to see as you jog zip through the slightly smaller and multi-purpose park.
As always with RunThrough dates, runners of all abilities are welcome; whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a different kind of race route, you’re sure to have a memorable time.
And yes, for those wondering: just like with its Staffordshire counterpart, you do get to stay and enjoy all the rides, wildlife and more as part of your entry fee afterwards.
Even better still, not only will every runner be treated to accurate chip timing, a fully marked course, enthusiastic marshals and support from spectators, but you also get a unique finisher’s medal.
Oh yeah, and you get all of your race pictures for FREE, as is standard with RunThrough events. Belter.
With race day not far away, the final places are filling fast for what promises to be one of the UK’s most unique new running events – not to mention one we fully expect to become another annual addition.
Taking place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, you can secure your bibs for the 5/10k running race HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
8th November 2023 
