Gift guide
Sought-after gifts for boys in 2026: a guide by age
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Buying for a child you do not see every day is hard. Tastes change fast, and the popular toys shift every year. This guide lists what is in demand in 2026, grouped by age, so a grandparent, aunt or uncle can match the gift to the child. Each toy below links straight to it on the Hamleys site, and each age heading links to that age group.
One thing worth saying first. Hamleys groups its toys by age and interest rather than by gender, so treat the split between this guide and the girls' guide as a starting point. Plenty of these toys suit any child. If you can, ask the parents what the child is into at the moment.
0 to 12 months
At this age the gift is for the senses. Soft activity toys, stacking cups, a fabric book or a first plush all work well. A Jellycat soft toy is a safe choice that lasts. Check the label for the age guidance before you buy.
1 to 2 years
Toddlers like cause and effect and characters they recognise. Bluey and Peppa Pig figures and playsets are popular at this age. Wooden ride-ons, chunky building blocks and bath toys all suit a one or two year old.
3 to 4 years
This is the start of role play and building. Paw Patrol vehicles, Hot Wheels cars, Duplo and early LEGO sets, dinosaur figures and Play-Doh are all in demand. Pick a set with larger pieces rather than small parts.
5 to 6 years
LEGO Minecraft and LEGO City sets are strong sellers, along with Pokemon cards, Squishmallows plush and Hot Wheels track sets. A junior Nerf blaster suits children who like active play.
7 to 9 years
The crazes take hold here. The LEGO Minecraft Creeper and the LEGO Marvel Spider-Man sets are popular, as are Pokemon trading cards in the brand's thirtieth year. Football toys are selling well around the 2026 World Cup. Toy Story 5 and the Super Mario Galaxy film have renewed interest in those characters. Bitzee, a digital pet you hold in your hand, is another favourite.
10 years and over
Older children and teens lean towards bigger builds, tech and gaming. Larger LEGO sets, including the Technic range, hold their attention, along with Minecraft and Roblox merchandise. Remote-control cars and drones are popular, as are Pokemon trading cards, which carry on selling well past this age. Football collectibles are in demand around the 2026 World Cup.
A few practical points
Check the age guidance on the box. It is there for safety as much as suitability, and small parts are not suitable under three. Blind-box toys are a surprise by design, so the child may end up with a figure they already have. Popular items sell out in the run-up to Christmas and birthdays, so order early. If you are not sure, a Hamleys gift card or a shared Giftwise list lets the child or their parents point you to what they actually want.
Not sure what they've got already? Share a list and let the family fill it in. Start your list — it's free →