The global brand now trades across 15 countries while its iconic West End store in Regent Street has long been a destination in its own right. 

As the expert it’s declaring Christmas “in-person” is back this year and playing together will be at the heart of every family festive celebration. 

Its Buying team’s guide for Santa includes a range of educational, magical and traditional toys igniting children’s imaginations and desire to explore.

Cleve edu-tech combos figure large. LEGO’s Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course brings responsive LED magic and encourages teaming up for real-life social play, offering endless digital fun, while the exciting and educational Playshifu AR Globe does the travelling for you, and gets interactive around the world. 

For budding witches and wizards, the Moose Magic Mixies promise surprise and delight with magical potion driven playtime. 

Exclusive Hamleys picks include the Ralleyz Warrior 3 in 1 Racing Car, aimed at children age 8+, and Hamleys Huggable Range including furry friends Huggable Avocado and Huggable Unicorn. 

Traditional family board games will always be on the list and this year it’s Hamleys’ Dicii Snakes & Ladders, the ultimate get together game for the festive season.

Mattel’s Barbie Dream House, Playmobil’s City Action Police Special Operations Police Robot and LOL! Movie Magic Dolls are driving the role play opps, giving children the chance to have fun with friends and explore their own play scenarios. 

“Our 2021 top picks for the most wanted toys this Christmas include accessible toys that will really allow children to harness their creativity and imagination,” says Hamleys head of buying Victoria Kay.

“From the innovative and creative to the digital and classic toys on offer, we can see imagination really playing its part this year, bringing in-person ‘together-play’ back for the festive season. 

“Creating Christmas magic feels more important this year than ever, and we think the top 10 toys will have families playing and creating memories together for Christmas and beyond.” 

Among those on the most wanted list are:

Playmobil 70571 City Action Police Special Operations Police Robot (SKU 740803) £20 

Shifu Orboot (Earth): The amazing Educational AR Globe (SKU 823583) £50 lets the earth globe with cool facts and hundreds of highlights do the travelling to inspire imaginations with augmented reality.

Magic Mixies Cauldron (SKU 793604 & 793612) £70, has been crowned 2021’s WOW toy. Complete with all the ingredients you need, including an extra special wand, just mix the potion and create a cute, furry friend. The Mixie appears from real mist and comes with over 50 interactive sounds and reactions.

Mattel – Barbie Dream House (SKU 790238) £310 – measures 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Sure to delight any child that finds this under the Christmas tree, in no time they’ll be moving into 3 stories and 8 rooms of fun, with a working elevator and pool with slide – fill it with water for a real splash.

Others include L.O.L Surprise Movie Magic Doll (SKU 791418) £11, Ralleyz Warrior 3 in 1 RC (SKU 707794) £90, LEGO Super Mario Adventures Luigi Starter Course (SKU 786095) £50, Hasbro – Nerf Elite Flip 2.0 8 (SKU 810697) £25, an exclusive Huggables Range (SKU 707646) £20 and Hamleys Dicii Snakes and Ladders (SKU 708685) £14.

From local Hamleys stores or visit hamleys.com