Reviews

Best Christmas Toys for Kids 2025: Our Top Picks from Very

By lisa@leeleeloves.com

As a mum, I know that Christmas toy shopping can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's hard to know which toys will actually capture your child's imagination and stand the test of time (or at least make it past Boxing Day!). That's why I'm excited to share some brilliant toy picks from very.co.uk that cater to different ages, interests, and play styles.

Whether you're shopping for a budding gamer, a creative maker, a football fanatic, or a little one who needs help winding down at bedtime, I've found something special for everyone. Let's dive in!

LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus

Age: 10+ Price: £89.99

Lego fortnite

If you've got a Fortnite fan in the house, this one's an absolute winner. The LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus is a stunning 954-piece replica of the iconic hot-air balloon vehicle from the game, complete with rolling wheels, a removable roof, and that unmistakable blue and yellow balloon.

What really sets this set apart is the incredible collection of nine minifigures included—Battalion Brawler, Adventure Peely, Brite Bomber, Cuddle Team Leader, Cube Assassin, Trespasser Elite, Drift, Meowscles, and Raven. It's like having all the fan-favourite characters right there to recreate epic game moments or invent new adventures.

The build itself is detailed enough to keep older kids and even adults engaged (yes, I may have helped with this one!), and the finished model makes a brilliant display piece for any gaming fan's bedroom. Fair warning though - this set has been flying off the shelves, so if it's on your list, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. Last year it sold out and we missed it!

Doctor Squish – Squishy Maker Station Glow It! Shimmer Deluxe Duo Pack

Age: 8+ Price: £24.99

Dr Squish

For the child who loves getting hands-on and creating their own toys, the Doctor Squish Squishy Maker Station is absolutely magical. This kit lets kids make their own glow-in-the-dark squishies from scratch, which is such a satisfying process to watch (and squeeze afterwards!).

The Glow It! Shimmer edition includes everything needed to create eight custom squishies that actually glow in the dark. There's something deeply satisfying about the whole making process - mixing the special powder, pouring it into moulds, and then waiting for your squishy creation to set. It's like a science experiment meets craft project, and kids absolutely love having something they've made themselves.

What I particularly appreciate about this toy is that it encourages creativity and patience. Kids can experiment with different colours and shimmer effects, and the sense of achievement when they squeeze their first homemade squishy is priceless. It's also a great activity for playdates or rainy afternoons when you need something to keep little hands busy.

Plus, let's be honest - squishies are brilliant for fidgety fingers, and knowing these are handmade by your child makes them even more special.

Soccer Bot

Age: 6+ Price £34.99

Soccer Bot

As someone who's constantly trying to find ways to burn off energy indoors (especially during those grey British winter months), the Smart Ball Indoor Soccer Bot is a revelation. This clever little device is designed for indoor football play and genuinely lives up to its promise of endless fun.

The Soccer Bot uses state-of-the-art sensors to track and tackle the ball, creating an interactive football experience right in your living room (or playroom, if you're sensible!). What I love most is the three different speed modes, which mean younger children can start on an easier setting and work their way up as their skills improve.

The built-in LCD screen keeps track of scores and records highest scores, adding a competitive element that my lot absolutely thrive on. The four smart discs help you establish your playing area, so you can make the game as easy or challenging as you like. There's even a switch on the bottom to toggle between standard and boost mode for different surfaces—brilliant for accommodating carpet versus hard floors.

If you're looking for something that gets kids moving, develops coordination, and doesn't require good weather, this is a winner.

Tonies Sleepy Friends – Bedtime Stories with Sleepy Bear

Age: 3+ Price £14.99

Tonies

Bedtime routines can be… challenging, shall we say? That's why I'm such a fan of the Tonies Sleepy Friends audio character featuring Sleepy Bear. If you're not familiar with Tonies, they're clever little audio figures that work with a Toniebox speaker to play stories, songs, and audiobooks when you pop them on top.

This particular Tonie features approximately 39 minutes of bedtime stories and calming music designed specifically to help little ones wind down. The main story follows Sleepy Bear's journey home from Grandma and Grandpa's house, visiting various animal families who are all getting ready for bed. It's gentle, soothing, and creates a lovely calm atmosphere.

With four songs and nine stories included, there's enough variety to keep bedtime interesting without being overstimulating. The hand-painted magnetic figure is adorable too - Sleepy Bear has become a treasured part of our bedtime routine.

One thing to note: you will need a Toniebox and Wi-Fi connection to use this, but if you're already in the Tonies ecosystem (or considering joining it), this is one of the loveliest bedtime companions you could ask for.

Disney Chatty Stitch Deluxe Puppetronic

Age: 6+ Price £43.99

Chatty Stitch

Last but certainly not least, let me introduce you to Chatty Stitch - the animatronic puppet that's genuinely brought movie magic to life in our home. This isn't just a soft toy; it's a proper piece of puppetronics technology that combines puppetry with animatronics to make Stitch feel incredibly lifelike.

Chatty Stitch features over 50 phrases and sound combinations, speaking in his native Tantalog language (if you know, you know!). His mouth moves in perfect sync with his words thanks to advanced lip-sync technology, and his head turns as he responds to your touch. It's remarkably expressive and feels like you're actually interacting with the character from the film.

There are three buttons hidden inside Stitch's head that let you control his moods—from mischievous to grumpy—and trigger his hero sounds where he'll speak favourite sayings associated with Experiment 626. If you've got a Lilo & Stitch fan in the house, this is the ultimate gift.

The level of detail and interactivity is impressive, and it's been a huge hit with my Disney-loving child. Fair warning: you will hear a lot of Tantalog around the house, but seeing their face light up when Stitch "talks" to them makes it absolutely worth it.

Finding More Inspiration

If you're looking for even more toy ideas for Christmas, Very.co.uk has put together a fantastic guide to the best toys for Christmas with loads of options across different age groups and interests. It's really helpful for browsing when you need inspiration or want to compare options side by side.

What I appreciate about shopping at Very is the flexibility—they offer payment plans like pay nothing for up to 12 months, which can make managing Christmas spending a bit easier on the bank balance.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toy shopping doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're looking for something creative, active, comforting, or just downright fun, there's something special about finding that perfect gift that you know will genuinely bring joy on Christmas morning.

These five toys cover such a brilliant range—from building and creating to moving and cuddling—and they're all built to last beyond the initial excitement of unwrapping. That's what I look for in Christmas presents: toys that will be loved, played with, and remembered long after the decorations come down.

Have you got your eye on any of these toys for Christmas? Or have you already tried any of them with your little ones? I'd love to hear what's on your Christmas list this year in the comments below!


Disclosure: I was gifted these toys from Very.co.uk for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products I genuinely believe will bring joy to children and families.