Not sure what to get the kids in your life (whether they’re little or big) for Christmas this year? Don’t fret – we’ve got the ultimate list of the top toys to throw into your basket!
Not too long ago, eBay released its list of top toy trends and revealed their predictions for Christmas this year. Based on their trending toy data and curated by a team of toy experts, this year’s list featured all of the hottest items on every kid’s wish list along with a round-up of retro-remakes for the kids-at-heart.
“Every month over 11 million Australians visit eBay for inspiration and of course, to shop,” says Julie Nestor, eBay Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ve used this unparalleled pool of buying and selling data – as well as industry trends – to predict the hottest toys for 2018.
“This year, we’ve seen a shift away from screens with kids being encouraged to play in new ways, often involving the rest of the family, and parents couldn’t be happier. What we really love seeing is the resurgence of some retro favourites – from Polly Pocket and Tamagotchi to Betty Spaghetty – allowing big kids to revisit their childhood.”
So, without further ado, here it is: the ultimate list of trending toys for 2018, featuring our staff picks, eBay’s predictions and a few other toys we’ve come across. Happy shopping!
For the kids:
- Build-a-Bot, $13
Advance your child’s educational journey with S.T.E.M learning and interactive play. Includes: Scatter Ant (RRP: $19.99), Sound Unicorn (RRP: $39.99), Suction Dinosaur/Dragon (RRP: $49.99).
- Monopoly Cheaters, $40
This wildly different Monopoly game will soon be a go-to game for game nights and other fun family get-togethers – follow, bend, or break the rules to win!
- Pomsies, $16
According to eBay, sales of Pomsies have soared 600% over the past three months as Australian shoppers seek to snap up all 50 of these personality-packed pets.
- Ride On Four Wheel Drive, $149
Toys that encourage imagination, creativity or to simply get outdoors round out eBay’s list of trends, which is why they think this one will be so popular this Christmas!
This cool little robot is ready to roll, and get kids moving and learning along with him!
- Chow Crown Game, $40
eBay data reveals Aussies are moving away from screens, with sales of board and traditional games up 147% compared to 2015 – this one in particular is one of their top picks for this year!
- Zactiv Helix, $19
With a unique spin on the traditional bat and ball games, this toy is the future of fun and interactive play. Includes: Zactiv Helix: Sling Stix, Fun and Power Swing
Unlike other plush toys, furReal pets aren’t intended to be merely watched or collected; they’re designed to be played with, lived with, loved and are a great companion
The element of surprise makes any gift great and toys that surprise are no different. From the LOL Surprise! Bigger Surprise! range which has seen 48% growth year-on-year
The new unicorn friend with the magical belly – every time you feed her and sit her on her glitter potty, she creates surprise collectible unicorn poop. Seriously.
The real fun is finding out what’s inside!
- Wooden Cookie Set, $15
With twelve delicious cookies and removable toppings, your kids will love getting creative and baking up a storm.
If it’s big at the movies it’s big under the Christmas tree and, this year, Aussies are gearing up for the latest Transformers movie!
Find out why It’s Nerf or Nothin’ when you experience the excitement, energy, and attitude of the latest Nerf toy!
Tea time is extra sweet with the Laugh & Learn Sweet Manners Tea Set and its magical, light-up teapot. Pinkies up!
- Kids Projects Kits, $19
Nurture and ignite children’s creative flair with these popular kits, which include: Mug Makeovers, Funky Fridge Magnets and Magic Clay Plaster Moulding Kit
The ultimate set for speed and motorized boosted action! This interactive, skill-based set drives problem solving with exciting Hot Wheels action, as kids try to launch their cars without crashing out.
Inspire hours of imaginative play with a littleBits Avengers inventor kit or the latest from the Lego range.
- Fingerlings Unicorn, $15
This cute baby unicorn loves to grab fingers, and responds to you with special unicorn sounds in response to noise, motion & touch. It’s magical friendship at your fingertips with Gigi the Fingerlings Baby Unicorn!
Fantastic Beasts items jumped 1300% during the month of August when filming began.
This sleepy and super-soft green sheep is a perfect toy to cuddle up with at bedtime, naptime, but especially during storytime!
Get your start with this bundle pack, which includes Sylvanian Families Children’s Tree House, Log Cabin and red Family Saloon Car.
No more tears over a lost comforter with the world’s first trackable comforter – Joey! It contains a child-safe trackable device that can be paired with your phone so you will never lose track of your little one’s most treasured companion.
Each of these fantastic tins contains a super-cute Pokémon-GX, with the moves to turn your next Pokémon battle into a quick win – choose between the green wonder Leafeon-GX, the snowy Glaceon-GX, or the fairy-powered Sylveon-GX.
- Magnetic Block Set, $39
Let their imagination run wild with this 128-piece block set! The possibilities are endless…
For the kids at heart:
- Super NES classic, $119
It feels just like the original 90s console, and even comes complete with Super Mario and Donkey Kong.
Awakening and evoking nostalgic feelings from the mid-to-late ’90s, this smaller Tamagotchi device features the familiar egg shape, pixelated LCD charm, and, of course, the recurrent need for tender-loving-care.
- Polly Pocket, $31
First launched in the 1980s, Polly Pocket has been rebooted this year and is sure to feature on plenty of Christmas wish lists.
- Barbie Dream House, $199
Childhood dreams come true with the Barbie Dream House – it’s all waiting for you to move right on in!
- Watch Your Mouth, $29
In this laughter-inducing, competitive card-based game, teams of players, hampered by cheek retractors, attempt to read and interpret/speak out phrases.
- Bop it, $40
Test your reactions while having fun with the family! The device calls out a range of instructions that you need to follow, and you’ll need to try your best to keep up – but beware, as the commands get faster and faster.
The all-new Cabbage Patch Barnyard Cuties are inspired by the sweet and adorable animals running around the barn, they love to suck their thumb and they’re ready for adventure.
- Betty Spaghetty, $45
Nostalgic retro toys like Betty Spaghetty are coming back for a new generation of kids to enjoy with their parents
Made to closely resemble a classic 2015 vehicle, this multi-colour die-cast Hot Wheels model is accurate and detailed in its depiction, making it a great collector’s item or toy for kids.
- Beanie Babies, $19.99
From Unicorns to puppies and cheeky raccoons, there is a Beanie Boo friend for everyone.
- What Do You Meme, $30
The rules are simple. Compete to create the funniest meme by pairing Caption Cards with the Photo Card in play. A rotating judge picks the best combination each round
While you may not use this toy, you’ll surely get a kick out of seeing your little one loving the Wiggles as much as you did as a kid.
- Beyblade Burst, $28
Face off against an opponent with Beyblade Burst tops, which can “burst” into pieces resulting in 2 points for the other player (burst rates vary).
- Razor Scooter Spark, $109
Get the kids their first set of wheels with a new-take on a classic, the Razor Scooter Spark.
- Gumball Machine, $30
Let your childhood fantasies come to life with this gumball machine – you can even have it in your bedroom, without your mum saying ‘no’.
- Yo Yo Diabolo, $23
Adding extravagant flare to every spin, this star-kissed Diabolo balances by spinning while suspended on string cast between two fibreglass sticks.
- Airhogs Supernova, $69
Unleash the Air Hogs Supernova using the power of your hands. Equipped with an intelligent on-board system it has motion sensitive lights and sensors that respond to you. No remote control needed!
The party game that sees players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using words or phrases typically deemed as offensive, risqué or politically incorrect printed on playing cards.
- Funko Pop toys, $39
Spanning movies, TV shows and all things pop culture, these cute figurines make for the perfect collector’s item.
- Mega Magic Show, $19
Were you magic mad as a kid? Rediscover your magical powers with this ultimate magicians kit!
- LEGO VW Beetle, $133
Celebrate the iconic VW Beetle with this awesome LEGO Creator Expert reproduction!
In the park, in the yard, in the pool or at the beach – there’s no place you can’t Aerobie. Rediscover your love for frisbee-ing with the best on the market.
Gift it, or keep it yourself. Let’s be real – you’re probably going to keep it for yourself.
Former crafty kids will love this paper model kit, inspired by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Wahu Triple Slide, $59.99
Turn your backyard into a fully-fledged waterpark with this massive three-person waterslide. Equipped with an inbuilt, continuous water spray system, the Triple- Slide ensures a long, cool, wet trip.
Is it even Christmas holidays without backyard cricket? Let the beach games begin with this Sunnylife Cricket Set – perfect for three or more players!
