Finding the perfect present for children between five and eight years old can feel like navigating a minefield. What's still popular? Will that toy end up forgotten at the bottom of the toy box? To cut through the guesswork, we went straight to the experts – fifteen children aged five to eight – to discover what they genuinely want this year.
Sporty and Active Picks
For energetic children who love movement and competition, sporty gifts topped many wish lists. Zo, age 6, dreams of football cards, proclaiming it would make his "favourite day." Meanwhile, Rocco, 7, is hoping for a specific BJ Moore NFL jersey to complete his collection. For getting around, an electric scooter was a popular choice. Dion, 8, explained his desire for one simply: "Because you can go everywhere with it and it's just amazing, you know?" Other active favourites included remote-controlled boats for water play and new sports posters to decorate bedroom walls.
Cuddly and Creative Choices
The love for cute, collectible, and creative toys remains strong in this age group. Reese, 8, enjoys the imaginative play offered by Calico Critters, while Kenzie, 6, is a fan of classic Hello Kitty toys. The thrill of discovery makes Hatchimals a hit; Chloe, 7, loves the fun of hatching them. Stuffed animals are far from forgotten, with Squishmallows being a particular favourite. Mille, 8, specified a liking for "the Bigfoot squishmallows." From American Girl dolls to Jack Skellington figures, personal character preferences heavily influence these cuddly selections.
Games, Trends and Creative Pursuits
When it comes to entertainment, video games and trending collectables feature prominently. The Nintendo Switch is highly sought after, with Rocco, 7, noting that many of his friends have one. Anime influence is clear, with children like Elliot, 8, asking for Dragon Ball Z figures. Trendy picks also extend beyond traditional toys; Ollie, 6, expressed a desire for more skincare products, calling them "refreshing." The quirky, collectible Labubu figures also have their fans, with Dolores, 8, describing them as "cute and creepy in a cool way." For the artistic child, gifts like a bass guitar for Millie, 8, or anime drawing guides for Elliot, 8, support growing creative passions.
Building and Reading
Constructive play and reading continue to be important. Lego sets are a perennial favourite for budding builders. Theo, 7, who wants to be "some sort of builder and engineer," has his eye on a London LEGO set. Popular culture influences building choices too, with sets based on Harry Potter and Disney's Stitch also appearing on lists. For quiet time, graphic novels like Dog Man are popular with readers such as Cash, 8, while Percy Jackson figurines feed an interest in mythology.
And what ultimate gift would make a child's year? For many, it's a furry friend. Dion, 8, wants a dog because "they're cute, they're cuddly, they do stuff," and Ollie, 6, wishes for another cat so his current pet, Pickles, can have a companion. This guide, straight from the source, ensures you can shop with confidence for the children in your life.
