Argos has unveiled its children’s toys for Christmas 2026 — and it’s a nostalgia fest

Argos has revealed the toys that’ll be on every child’s Christmas list this year (Picture: Getty Images) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more While it might only be September, Christmas is on the horizon, news that some will find exciting, and others will inevitably roll their eyes at. If you’ve got a little one, though, you might have already tentatively started planning ahead for the big day, even if it is more than three months away. But if you need a little bit of inspiration to get you going, Argos has dropped what it believes will be the most sought-after toys of 2026 – and the 20-strong list certainly doesn’t skip on the nostalgia. Back in the day, many Millennials and Gen Zs alike will remember compiling our lists to Father Christmas purely by settling down with the Argos catalogue and picking out the highlights. In the 1990s and 2000s, we might’ve asked for Barbie Dreamhouses, Furbys, Doodle Bears, LEGO, and Gameboys. And in many ways, the kids of Gen Alpha are dreaming up similar gifts. Argos’ range hopes to encourage creativity through play (Picture: Argos/Hope & Glory) Leading this year’s nostalgic throwback is the Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset, priced at £20. Serving as a mini record player that actually spins, there are 44 mini records to collect. No doubt, this’ll serve as a welcome throwback to the days when our parents would introduce us to their favourite artists not by Spotify, but by popping a record or a CD into the mix. And, if you spent most of your childhood playing video games with your friends, you’ll no doubt jump at the chance to grab a LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set, which retails for £150. One of the top picks is a mini vinyl player (Picture: Argos/Hope & Glory) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Modelled on the classic game, released by Nintendo in 1981, it allows the next generation to celebrate that same spirit, but with building blocks. Of course, Hot Wheels had to have a feature, with the City Ultimate T-Rex Garage (£130), with space to launch up to 50 cars. The memories, hey? Gen Zs in particular will likely remember spending hours playing Guitar Hero on the Xbox, which allowed you to channel your inner Jimi Hendrix and shred it up on a toy guitar, complete with buttons. Now, today’s music fans can try their hand at another toy guitar, with the VTech Kidi 12-In-1 Guitar Superstar (£50). This one has light-up frets, touch-sensitive strings, and Bluetooth music streaming. Anyone else feeling nostalgic yet? (Picture: Argos/Hope & Glory) And, of course, it wouldn’t be a nostalgia fest without Pokémon. This year, the brand is predicting the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle, which lets kids build their own starter Pokémon, will be a fan favourite. Argos’ picks don’t just look back at the toys we enjoyed in the past, either: the brand is looking to the future, too. LEGO features on the list for 2026 (Picture: Argos/Hope & Glory) There are entirely new picks on the block, too, including the Little Live Pets My Magical Dragon Skye (£55), a mythical dragon which moves with sound whenever it’s petted, fed, or played with. The Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy (£55) is another bit of fun, and requires only a small splash of water to hatch a mini prehistoric shark. Chantal Pearce, Head of Toy Buying at Argos, said of this year’s launch: ‘From movie magic and retro nostalgia to screen-free storytellers and hands-on crafting, we’ve curated a range that inspires imagination, supports children’s development and encourages creativity through play. …as does this Hatching Egg Shark Toy (Picture: Argos/Hope & Glory) ‘Toys have been at the heart of Argos for over 50 years, helping families create magical Christmas moments year after year. ‘As a brand, generations of families have trusted our expertise on toys, and we hope to continue inspiring gift-givers this festive season.’ The full list of Argos' top toys for Christmas 2026 Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset (£20) LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade Building Set (£150) Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage (£130) Chad Valley Alfie And Jo Wooden Train Set (£15) Chad Valley Wooden Classic Kitchen (£30) Tonies Lite (£60) LLP My Magical Dragon Skye (£55) Primal Hatch Megalodon Hatching Egg Shark Toy (£55) VTech Kidi 12-In-1 Guitar Superstar (£50) Projector Karaoke Machine (£90) LEGO Pokémon SMART Play: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (£30) Armosaurs Armor-Up Dinosaur T-Rex – Ajax (£45) Giftie Badge Maker (£35) Jupiter Workshops Four Storey Wooden Doll House (£150) Flutter Monster 40 cm Soft Toy (£20) Toy Story 5 Bullseye Jumbo Plush (£50) KPop Demon Hunters Golden Singing Dolls (£35) Paw Patrol The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle (£60) Peppa Pig Ready Pedal Peppa (£30) Minions & Monsters Fart Blaster Pro (£30). 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