How 8 lucky UK kids could pick and own the top 15 toys of Christmas 2025

It's the ultimate kids' festive treat as eight lucky 'Mini Toy Testers' are wanted - to judge the best UK toys for Christmas 2025. The DreamToys list is the UK's most authoritative prediction of the most desirable new children's playthings, selected by a panel of independent toy retailers and experts.

The 15 sought-after toys, games and gadgets will end up being the ones kids of all ages are desperate to have either under their Christmas tree or from Santa in their stocking. But for the first time, this year the Toy Retailers Association is adding eight lucky children to the panel to try out the 15 toys set to appear on the 2025 DreamToys list.

Successful applicants will be invited to London on Saturday 8 November to test each of the toys and report back on their findings, giving the list the official child-approved stamp of authority ahead of its release.

As well as getting their hands on an array of exciting new toys, the lucky candidates will also get to keep the 15 toys for themselves - just in time for Christmas.

The must-haves that made the 2024 DreamToys list included a Lego 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Race Car, the Hot Wheels Ultra Shark Car Wash playset, card game Uno, Hatchimals and Unicorn Academy toys.

Applications are open for children aged 3-15 and parents or guardians can apply on their child's behalf via the online form at www.toyretailersassociation.co.uk/mini-toy-testers before midnight on Tuesday 21 October.

Paul Reader, Chairman of the DreamToys Selection Panel at the Toy Retailers Association, said: "The DreamToys list has always been about capturing the magic and excitement of the festive season, as well as guiding gift givers on toys that are certain to spark creativity and imagination.

"This year, we're taking that a step further by inviting children to become Mini Toy Testers for the first time ever, because who better to give the toys the final stamp of approval than those who will actually be playing with them?

"We look forward to welcoming our panel of Mini Toy Testers to London to put the toys through their paces and help us spread the word about the most exciting new products to hit the shelves this Christmas."