Gift guide
Sought-after gifts for girls 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 boys' 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. Peppa Pig and Bluey figures and playsets are popular at this age. Wooden toys, chunky building blocks, a ride-on and a soft toy all suit a one or two year old.
3 to 4 years
This is the start of role play and making things. Sylvanian Families starter sets, dolls, Disney roleplay sets, Play-Doh and simple art and craft kits are all in demand. Pick a set with larger pieces rather than small parts.
5 to 6 years
Sylvanian Families are having a strong year, along with Barbie, LEGO Friends, Squishmallows plush and Orbeez sets. Craft and jewellery-making kits suit children who like to make their own things.
7 to 9 years
The crazes take hold here. Pokemon trading cards are popular in the brand's thirtieth year, and LEGO Friends and the LEGO Botanical building sets sell well. Squishmallows remain in demand, as do art and jewellery kits. Bitzee, a digital pet you hold in your hand, is another favourite.
10 years and over
Older children and teens are into collectibles, and Labubu is the one most will ask for. It is a Pop Mart character, worn as a bag charm and shared all over social media. It comes as a blind box, so you do not choose the figure inside, and counterfeits are common, so buying from a known retailer such as Hamleys is the simplest way to be sure it is genuine. The LEGO Botanical sets, plush bag charms, craft and lifestyle kits and other collectibles also go down well at this age.
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 →