Dr Gummer’s Top Christmas Picks
The holidays are fast approaching, and we know how busy it can get. That’s why the team led by Dr Amanda Gummer, has done all the hard work for you.
Our carefully curated list of the top 10 toys for this Christmas is based on independent reviews by experts and play-tested by children, ensuring that each pick is trusted, fun, and educational.
Our reviews focus on three key factors: fun, ease of use, and skills development, so you can be confident that each gift will not only entertain but also help your child grow.
Whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler or an adventurous 8-year-old, Dr. Gummer’s Top 10 has something for everyone.
PLUS our recommendations cut through the noise of endless commercial lists, giving you both honest and reliable guidance for a stress-free shopping experience.
Top picks for every age and stage
For Babies: These toys for babies are designed to engage and provide early experiences critical for sensory play and motor development, supporting milestones in a fun and stimulating way. They are perfect for tiny hands.
Perfect for sensory development, the NogginStik rattle engages babies with its lights, sounds, and textures, helping to build visual tracking, auditory skills, and motor control.
This multi-sensory toy, by SmartNoggin Toys, is designed to support developmental milestones in the earliest stages of life, providing engaging, educational fun for babies and peace of mind for parents.
For little ones (3+): At this age, children are into exploring creative ideas through imaginative play, setting the stage for further learning.
This screen-free, audio-based tool by Yoto sparks creativity and learning.
With a vast library of stories, music, and educational content, it encourages independent exploration, helps build listening skills, and promotes calm, focused play.
Parents love the Yoto Player for its versatility—perfect for road trips, bedtime, or quiet moments at home.
For Preschoolers: At this age, play should be about discovery and exploration. Dr. Gummer has selected these toys to enhance physical coordination and develop emotional understanding, whilst being fun playthings.
Perfect for introducing young children to the excitement of racing, this Scalextric set supports hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and social interaction through competitive play.
The fun superhero theme keeps kids engaged, while the easy-to-use controls make it ideal for smaller hands, ensuring repeated play and enjoyment.
A bike that grows with your child, this innovative model starts as a balance bike and converts into a pedal bike, boosting balance, coordination, and confidence.
The robust yet lightweight design is perfect for active kids, supporting physical development and encouraging outdoor play, making it a gift that will last for years.
This 3 in1 bike from Smartrike allows children to learn to ride a bike by growing with them as they advance both in skill and size.
Mood Bears help children navigate and express their emotions in a fun, comforting way.
Each bear represents a different feeling, allowing kids to explore emotional intelligence while offering a soft, cuddly friend for comfort and reassurance.
They are a great tool for parents to open up conversations about emotions in a playful, non-threatening manner.
Encouraging outdoor activity and physical development, the Mini Micro Scooter is the perfect way to introduce toddlers to balance and coordination.
Its lightweight frame and smooth ride make it easy for little ones to handle, and it promotes independence and confidence as they zip around, building motor skills in a fun, engaging way.
This STEAM-based building set from MAGNA-TILES® encourages creative exploration and spatial awareness.
The space theme captures imaginations, while the magnetic tiles help kids develop problem-solving skills and fine motor abilities as they construct out-of-this-world structures.
It’s perfect for inspiring future astronauts and engineers to create and explore in a hands-on way.
For Early Learners (4+): These options support problem-solving and provide entertainment and education opportunities.
Perfect for stocking fillers, these magazines published by Redan are packed with fun, engaging content that keeps kids entertained while fostering literacy and comprehension skills.
With puzzles, stories, and educational activities involving their favourite characters, these magazines encourage creativity and imagination as well as independent learning.
They represent a gateway to reading for all children but particularly to those children who may be reluctant readers, aligning perfectly with developmental milestones.
For children 5+: Older children love a challenge and toys that encourage independent thinking and promote skills like fine motor control and are great to ensure kids are entertained for hours..
Air Toobz by Fat Brain brings the excitement of STEM learning to life through creative, hands-on experimentation with air-powered structures.
Children will love designing and building pathways for air to flow, boosting problem-solving skills and critical thinking as they play. Its open-ended nature fosters creativity while providing a fun introduction to physics concepts like airflow and pressure.
A fun, easy-to-build model of the iconic London Routemaster bus by Airfix, this kit enhances fine motor skills and spatial awareness while introducing children to the world of construction.
The snap-together design makes it accessible for younger builders, and the detailed model is a great way to introduce kids to British heritage and transport.
Toys you can trust!
Each toy on this list has been carefully selected to meet Dr Gummer’s trusted standards for fun and developmental benefits.
Tested by children and reviewed by our independent expert team of childcare professionals and researchers, these toys have passed the ultimate accreditation for both quality and engagement.
So, whether you’re short on time or unsure what to buy, rest easy knowing these picks are guaranteed to bring some seasonal joy and support your child’s developmental growth.
With the guesswork taken out, you can shop confidently this Christmas!