John Lewis predicts these are the 10 must-have toys for Christmas 2023

These are the toys John Lewis expects to see flying off the shelves ahead of Christmas

Two kids playing with John Lewis' top Christmas toys for 2023
(Image credit: John Lewis)

If you're in need of some toy inspiration for Christmas 2023, then look no further than John Lewis' pick of this year's must-have toys.

As families begin to search for top Christmas toys to treat the children in their lives this festive season, there's no doubt that the list from John Lewis will be super helpful. Whether it's toys for two years olds or toys for ten-year-olds that you're after, the much-awaited list includes a wide variety of toys for all ages and interests, with prices ranging from £10 to £160 so there's something to suit everyone's budget, and taste.

Hot off the back of Argos revealing its Christmas toy predictions of 2023, John Lewis' list features familiar favorites such as LEGO, Pokemon, and Barbie, plus picks from popular kids TV shows like Bluey, PAW Patrol, and Gabby's Dollhouse, as well as plush toys, bath toys, and toys to help learning and development. 

If John Lewis says these are the hottest and most-wanted games little ones are wishing for under their tree - we listen. So, 'sleigh' Christmas and make sure you get your hands on these toys in plenty of time for December 25. Happy shopping!

John Lewis must-have Christmas toy list for 2023

Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll

(Image credit: John Lewis)

1. Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll

Specifications

Age: 3+
Batteries needed?: No

Got a fan of Gabby’s Dollhouse? Of course you do! The animated TV series sees Gabby and her preschool pals explore the world around them in a fun, creative and compelling way. So it's no wonder why this 20.3cm tall toy doll has made it onto John Lewis' top Christmas toy list. 

The doll is a replica of the loveable main character Gabby, including her iconic cat-ear headband, brown hair and clothing. It's the ideal present for imaginary play. 


Barbie Convertible Doll Car

(Image credit: John Lewis)

2. Barbie Convertible Doll Car

Specifications

Age: 3+
Batteries needed?: No

Everyone's favorite pink-powered doll needs some form of transport to get around. And, if you ask us, only a bright pink ride will do, just like this super cool convertible. Coming with enough room for two, your little one's Barbie can leave zoom off and leave Malibu behind in this super sweet ride. 

Saw Barbie and loved the movie? You (and your gang) might also be interested in the best Barbiecore buys for all the family


LeMieux Puppy, Cockapoo

(Image credit: John Lewis)

3. LeMieux Puppy, Cockapoo

Specifications

Age: 3 years
Batteries needed: No

Looking for the paw-fect present for those dog-obsessed? Treat them to this loveable cockapoo that's bound to make their doggy dreams come true. The super soft and plush toy is kitted out with its own reversible cardboard kennel that when turned inside out is transformed into a dog park. 

Pretty impressive, right? So pet lovers can enjoy looking after their pooch and playing with their dog day in, day out. After all, a dog isn't just for Christmas!


Melissa & Doug Barber Role Play Set

(Image credit: John Lewis)

4. Melissa & Doug Barber Role Play Set

Specifications

Age: 3+ years
Batteries needed: No

Melissa & Doug fans: assemble! The loveable duo has launched a barber kit that's a cut above the rest thanks to its ability to enable little ones to 'trim', 'shave' and 'style' hair at their own imaginary salon. 

Maybe you're preparing them for their first haircut, or they have an interest in 'perfecting' yours, this set will help them explore the world of hairdressing one strand at a time. 

It comes with pretend razors, brushes, shaving cream, combs and even a fake beard, Plus, you'll be pleased to know that everything stores away safely and tidily in a zipped bag. 


John Lewis Wooden Café Set

(Image credit: John Lewis)

5. John Lewis Wooden Café Set

Specifications

Age: 3+ years
Batteries needed?: No

We'll take a pumpkin-spiced latte to go, please! Who doesn't love playing make-believe? Especially when this beautiful wooden cafe set is on offer. The best wooden toys last (and last) so it makes sense why John Lewis has placed this pretend barista set-up in their best Christmas toy round-up. 

Ideal for sensory development and imagination-fuelled play, this wooden wonder is kitted out with a fake coffee machine, takeaway cup, teabags, a card machine and pastries. Yum! 


Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table

(Image credit: John Lewis)

6. Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table

Specifications

Age: From birth
Batteries needed?: 2 x AA

Is your little learner a fan of music? Can't help but dance? Or just always grooving? 

Well, thanks to this Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table, you can help them deepen their love of song and dance and stimulate their senses as this toy comes in at number 6 on John Lewis' top Christmas toys list. 

Kitted out with 100 songs, sounds and learning phrases, and three different stages they can use, this clever all-singing all-dancing game is bound to be loved and used from December 25th and beyond. 


Little Live Pets Mama Surprise

(Image credit: John Lewis)

7. Little Live Pets Mama Surprise

Specifications

Age: 4-6 years
Batteries needed?: 6 x AAA

Most children are pretty obsessed with pets — and John Lewis knows this, which is why this fun and fur-bulous Little Live Pets Mama Surprise toy has made number 7.

This clever toy also teaches kids the basics of looking after a guinea pig and lets them learn about the care and attention living creatures require. For example, they can pat this toy, feed her and brush her to make her heart 'light up'. Once they have done so, and placed her back into her hutch, this guinea pig magically reveals her three babies. 

With 20 sounds, reactions and pieces to play with, what's not to love?


Hasbro Furby

(Image credit: John Lewis)

8. Hasbro Furby

Specifications

Age: 6 years
Batteries needed: 4 x AA

Furby has made a much-welcomed comeback in 2023 and in a big way. And to say we're happy about it would be an understatement. 

Originally released in 1998, the cute and curious toy has had a 21st-century spin. Furby can now say over 600 phrases, jokes and songs, the little creature has five voice-activated commands including Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let's Chill, Lightshow and Dancy Party. Plus, little hands can even dress Furby up with clip-on beads and brush the gorgeous gremlin's hair. 


LEGO Icons Holiday Main Street

(Image credit: John Lewis)

9. LEGO Icons Holiday Main Street

Specifications

Age: 18 years
Batteries needed?: No

The festive fun never has to end thanks to this 1,514-piece LEGO snowy set, which is the latest addition to the iconic brand's Winter Village Collection. 

This toy encourages play, creativity and the development of fine motor skills as they'll be tasked with building a toyshop, music shop, customers, shopkeepers, their homes and a tram which is there to take everyone home again. 

Not only will it keep them busy, but it's bound to keep you engaged too!


Scalextric John Lewis vs Waitrose Car Racing Set

(Image credit: John Lewis)

10. Scalextric John Lewis vs Waitrose Car Racing Set

Specifications

RRP: £129.99
Age: 5 years
Batteries needed?: No

It wouldn't be a Christmas list without Scalextric making a feature. 

This all-new set puts Team Waitrose and Team John Lewis head to head on its classic winding circuit and will see the super fast cars go side-by-side against each other. Who will win? That's for your little present-opener to decide. 

While you're here, you might also be interested in checking out the top Christmas toys for 2023, the best Christmas hampers, the best toy advent calendars for kids or what could be the most expensive Christmas grotto in the UK

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Heidi Scrimgeour
Deputy Editor

Heidi is a seasoned parenting journalist with over 15 years of experience. She has contributed to numerous UK national newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, and The Telegraph. Her work has also appeared in a variety of print and digital magazines, such as Psychologies and Mother & Baby, where she was Shopping Editor for six years. In this role, she specialised in consumer features, including buying guides and baby gear reviews. Heidi is also a mum of three.

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