Despite how far away it may seem in the summer sun, the Christmas countdown has officially begun, with Saturday marking 200 days until December 25th.
There’s often a frantic rush for parents to get their hands on a sell-out toy, and for ultra-organised types who want to get ahead of the crowds, Argos has unveiled its annual list of predictions for this year’s top toys.
Toys inspired by TV, movie and games, as well as animals, are likely to influence the top products for this Christmas.
For instance, legions of Fortnite fans will be keen to snap up the Fortnite Battle Bus for £40 and recreate their own Battle Royale using the character figurines included.
Argos have unveiled the top toy trends likely to influence Christmas shoppers this year, as many start the countdown to the big day (including this Fortnite Battle Bus, which costs £40)
Meanwhile movie-lovers can grab the iconic LEGO Harry Potter Knight Bus for £35, as featured in the hit film Prisoner of Azkaban, or spend £35 on the animated 7′ Real Walking Buzz, inspired by the imminent summer smash, Toy Story 4.
The small screen plays no small part in the list with the £60 Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Super Paw Jet, brought to life from the much-loved TV show.
Meanwhile younger children may also love Peppa Pig’s Playset, £40, an interactive theatre featuring the globally recognised character.
Toys inspired by nature will continue to inspire younger children this Christmas, with llamas replacing unicorns as the trendiest animal toy to have.
Toys inspired by the big screen are likely to prove popular with children this year, with Harry Potter becoming a classic (LEGO Harry Potter Night Bus for £35.00), and a new Toy Story film due out in the summer (Real Walking Buzz for £35)
Younger children may also appreciate the Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Super Paw Jet (£60) or the Peppa Pig’s Playset (£40)
Animal lovers may be interested to know the Llama will likely be the trendiest creature this Christmas, knocking unicorns off their perch
It’s predicted that Boppi ‘The Booty Shakin’ Llama’, which costs £25, will charm kids and adults with the ability to enthusiastically ‘twerk’ to three pre-set songs and YouTube videos.
Fans of programmes like Our Planet may be keen for their children to snap up animal toys like Owleez, a £50 interactive toy that can be rescued, take care of and even teach to fly.
And animal lovers can also explore over 100 different interactions with the most expensive toy on Argos’ list, the Furreal Cubby Bear, which costs £80.
Interactive animal toys are also likely to be popular this Christmas, such as the Owleez costing £50 (left). The Furreal Cubby Bear costing £80, is the most expensive toy on the list and allows children to explore more than 100 interactions with the talking toy (right)
Argos predict that fun and colourful dolls will also be on Christmas list this year, like the Blume Doll (left) which costs £10, and Kindi Kids Toy Dolls, which cost £25
For those happy to spend a little more on an extra-special toy, this Fisher Price Imaginext Transforming Batmobile costs £100
The LOL Surprise 2-in-1 Glamper is another toy that can transform, this time turning from a camper van into a full play house (£100)
Toyologist Peter Jenkinson said: ‘This year’s top toys list is a great representation of the entire toy market; there’s something that will appeal to every child and of all ages.
From the quirky to the interactive, toys which encourage role-play to those designed for pure excitement and entertainment.’
The top toys will be available to buy at Argos from Saturday 27 July 2019.