JOHN LEWIS has everything we need when it comes to Christmas shopping, especially toys.

Not sure what to buy? Whether you are shopping for your own children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, you have come to the right place as John Lewis has revealed the Top Ten Toys for Christmas, according to kids.

• Shop John Lewis' toys selection – click here

John Lewis has called on young children to get an honest review of the best toys to buy for fellow youngsters their age from the department store.

The young toy testers range in age from five to 10 years old, so you don't have to fret over whether a toy is appropriate for the little ones in your life, as the experts have done the hard work for you.

Take the stress and questioning out of gift buying as after all, trends change constantly and no one wants to seem out of touch with children.

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This year, the toy testers have proved nineties toys are back with a bang – and potentially even more popular than they were three decades ago, as Furby and Barbie are all the craze for 2023.

According to John Lewis, the term "retro" is a popular search term, which has increased by 72% over the last year.

Other hugely popular gifts to give this Yuletide include car-themed gifts also ranking highly with the toy testers, whether it is the iconic Barbie car, Lego or Scalextric car sets.

Of course, most children wish for an IRL pet, typically a puppy, so it comes as no surprise fluffy toy pets are another huge hitter with the panel.

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Christmas is under five months away, and while that may seem like a long time to prepare for December 25 and secure the gifts, John Lewis has found searches for "Christmas gifts" have doubled in comparison to last year.

With that in mind you will want to shop quickly, or at least map out what you want to buy the young kids in your life, so you can secure their favourite items before they sell out.

John Lewis sells hundreds of toys, from outdoor to indoor creations, soft toys, baby toys, sensory objects, and everything in between, as well as books, board games, and other toys for under £20.ristmas gifts for children at John Lewis.

Speaking about their findings, John Lewis' Toys and Books Category Lead, Alan Wright, said: "At John Lewis, we value the importance of imagination and want to ensure our smallest customers have the opportunity to experiment through creative-play.

"The top ten toys offer something for every kid, no matter what they would like to be when they grow up. From a barber shop set and mix and learn DJ table to John Lewis’ very own wooden café set. Our top ten toys will help youngsters develop their nurturing skills, with Mama Surprise and Le Mieux’s Cockapoo showing them how to take care of animals.”

So, what are the top toys to buy this Christmas?

The Top Toys for Christmas 2023 from John Lewis

Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll

A doll is always a great gift idea for children, and whether you are looking for an alternative to the classic Barbie or Baby Born, Gabby's Dollhouse dolls may be the answer.

The Gabby's Dollhouse Girl Doll features realistic details, and the outfits she has worn on the show to bring this character to life in your child's eyes, and is suitable for children of three years old and up.

• Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll, £14.99 (Available end of August) – buy here

Barbie Convertible Doll Car

We don't know a child who hasn't played with Barbies in their youth, and it seems the legacy has continued, even more so following the release of the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

If your little one has her collection of Barbie’s, then it is high time to up the ante and invest in additional accessories such as the Convertible Doll Car.

Let’s go Barbie!

• Barbie Convertible Doll Car, £27.99 – buy here

Le Mieux Puppy, Cockapoo

If your child is desperate to have a pet, this may be the solution – and a more affordable one at that. 

The Le Mieux Puppy is a plush toy any child of any age will appreciate, and whether you have the one Cockapoo or buy a selection of the pets for your child to collect for their own veterinary practice.

• Le Mieux Puppy, Cockapoo, £29.95 (Available end of August) – buy here

Melissa & Doug Barber Role Play Set

Children love objects to help with role play, and this Barber Role Play Set is the answer.

The set comes complete with fake clippers, scissors, razors, shaving brushes, as well as a fake beard, which we can envisage being the brunt of many laughs.

The set is nifty and something entirely different to other toys your little one may be used to, and we know this will go down a storm with children.

Khang, age 5, from the John Lewis Toy Testing panel, said: “This toy is my favourite because I like the funny beard”

• Melissa & Doug Barber Role Play Set, £34.99 (Available end of August) – buy here

John Lewis Wooden Café Set

We've said it before and we will say it again, but children love to get creative, be innovative and use their imagination, which is why role-play situations and toys to make their vision a form of reality, are a big hit.

The John Lewis Wooden Cafe Set will help them to channel their kind, nurturing and creative juices, as well as their inner barista.

After all, what child doesn't pretend to have afternoon tea with their dolls come playtime?

This set is exclusive to John Lewis and retails for under £50, which we think is a huge box ticker for those gifting children on a budget.

• John Lewis Wooden Café Set, £40 (Available end of September) – buy here

Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table

Sensory gifts are always a winning formula for children, no matter their age.

Musical gifts allow the child to play freely, experiment with sound, and be as loud as they want because they have music as their excuse.

This mix-and-learn music table features everything your child could desire, from a keyboard to a DJ mixing deck.

If you want to be down with the kids, this cool gift will score major brownie points.

• Fisher-Price Mix and Learn Music Table, £54.99 (Available beginning of August) – buy here

Little Live Pets Mama Surprise

If your child isn't quite satisfied with their Les Mieux Cockapoo, and wants to expand their pet collection even more, the Little Live Pets Mama Surprise could be the solution without getting the child a real-life furry friend.

This bundle can help the child in your life channel their inner vet, as this kit features an interactive toy, which makes sounds and reacts almost as well as the real deal.

It also features three babies, care packs, a hutch, a hairbrush, food, and more props, so you can pet, brush, feed and play with your miniature four-legged friends.

• Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, £64.99 (Available September) – buy here

Hasbro Furby

Furby's have been hugely popular among children for many decades, and things aren't about to change.

Furby's can interact with children and provide hours of entertainment for little ones.

The furry texture and vibrant colours also make these even more appealing to the eye, so we totally get why children find these toys a must-have.

Kyron, age 10, from the John Lewis Toy Testing panel, said: “I remember my cousin having a Furby when I was younger, I think they’re cool”

• Hasbro Furby, £74.99 (Available end August) – buy here

Lego Holiday Main Street

Lego is a go-to toy and, in our opinion, but it's not just children who have fun playing with this toy.

The Holiday Main Street will help children get into the festive spirit as this set allows them to create their own festive street, or Christmas market even.

The set comes complete with stores to build, as well as a tram-like those made famous in San Francisco, plus a Christmas tree, and snow-capped benches.

Plus the Lego people can be fitted with festive jumpers, hats, and plenty of shopping bags, for a true festive setting.

• Lego Holiday Main Street, exclusive to John Lewis, £89.99 – buy here

Scalextric John Lewis vs Waitrose Car Racing Set

Scalextric is another game which has been around for years and proved to continue to be as popular with children.

The John Lewis Vs Waitrose Car Racing set is exclusive to John Lewis, is super affordable, and is a great purchase to keep children entertained over the festive period and beyond.

For children who like cars, racing and everything motor-related this is the perfect gift.

Leian, age 10, from the John Lewis Toy Testing panel, said: “The Scalextric set is on my Christmas wishlist because I can play it with my brother”

• Scalextric John Lewis vs Waitrose Car Racing Set, £129.99 (Available September) – buy here

Get into the festive spirit by stocking up on the best beauty advent calendars to make the countdown all the more glamorous.

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Maybe you need help in the kitchen come Christmas day, and there are delivery boxes to trial to help conquer the roast dinner.

Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes on hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, adidas and more.

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