Toys R Us South Africa has unboxed the most anticipated toy trends and top 21 must-have gifts of the year, a festive line-up that blends speed, imagination, technology, and nostalgia for every age and stage. Tech toys, mini collectibles, and nostalgic throwbacks dominate playtime this year, with kids (and parents) both getting in on the fun.
From Formula 1 fantasy and creative play to collectible cuteness, the 2025 festive lineup celebrates toys that delight both kids and kidults. At the centre of it all is the launch of Geoffrey’s Toy Guide, a 48-page showcase of the biggest deals of the season, filled with great gift ideas, clever stocking fillers, and something for every budget. From great-value lines to exclusive finds, the guide helps shoppers discover the magic of play while standing a chance to win their wish list worth R20 000.
“This year’s toy trends show that South Africans want toys that spark emotion and connection,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us South Africa. “From racing excitement and tech adventures to the thrill of blind box collecting, and moments of creative calm, 2025 is a celebration of every kind of play.”
This Year’s Biggest Toy Trends
Plush and collectible trends continue to dominate, driven by the blind box excitement sweeping the globe. From the quirky Fuggler Fart Face Series 1 and Mini Brands Fill the Fridge to the interactive Pets Alive Mama Turtle Surprise and the lovable Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey and Panda, these toys capture the joy of surprise and discovery that keeps both kids and kidults coming back for more.
“Collectibles are where discovery meets delight,” Jacoby explains. “Every reveal is a surprise and that moment of wonder keeps kids engaged long after the wrapping paper is gone.”
Formula 1 fever has taken over the toy aisles, with everything from die-cast replicas to ride-ons flying off the shelves. The Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Sprint Race Circuit, LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24, and BBurago F1 Pit Pass Sets put kids behind the wheel of their favourite teams, while the McLaren F1 Racing 12V Ride-On brings real-life excitement to the driveway.
“Formula 1 has become a cultural phenomenon, not just a sport,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us South Africa. “From ride-ons to die-cast cars, kids are living out their racing dreams in miniature form.”
This year’s tech-forward toys are elevating play to new heights. The Shadow X 720p Dual Camera Drone and Switch 2 Console and Headset Combo headline a wave of tech innovation, while action-driven toys like the Airstrike Ultimate Power Blaster and Mud Slinger Extreme RC Rock Crawler, the Bitzee Hamster and Jurassic Villian keep excitement grounded in high-energy fun.
“Technology and play are merging in amazing ways,” she says. “From drones to gaming bundles and digital pets, these toys encourage exploration, confidence, and creative thinking, the kind of skills that go beyond playtime.”
Classic role play and hands-on creativity are making a strong comeback. The Home Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen, Caylee Horse and Carriage Set, and Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show are reigniting creative storytelling, while the LEGO Botanicals Mini Orchid brings calm, mindful play to older children and adults alike.
“Parents are rediscovering the power of imagination,” she adds “Toys that inspire creativity, patience, and design have become the antidote to screen fatigue.”
Family playtime is making a big return, with board games and storytelling toys helping families reconnect. The Monopoly Harry Potter edition and Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Dollhouse headline this “together time” revival, bringing a dose of nostalgia and shared laughter to living rooms.
“We’re seeing families rediscover the joy of unplugged play,” says Jacoby. “Games and creative sets are bringing people back around the table, it’s simple, social fun that never goes out of style.”
Toys R Us Top 21 Toys for Christmas 2025
- Mud Slinger Extreme RC Rock Crawler (R399.90 each)
- Jurassic World Feature Villain (R999.90 each)
- Airstrike Ultimate Power Blaster (R499.90 each)
- Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Sprint Race Circuit (R799.90 each)
- Shadow X 720p Dual Camera Drone (R1,499.90 each)
- McLaren F1 Racing 12V Ride-On (R5,999.90 each)
- BBurago Diecast 1:43 F1 Pit Pass Sets (R399.90 each)
- Home Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen with Accessories (R2,499.90 each)
- Caylee Horse and Carriage Set (R499.90 each)
- Pets Alive Mama Turtle Surprise Playset (R399.90 each)
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Dollhouse (R1999.90 each)
- Mini Brands Fill the Fridge Playset & Assorted (R599.90 combo deal or R249 assorted capsules each)
- Barbie Pop Reveal Treat Series Assorted (R599.90 each)
- Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey & Panda S2 (R999.90 each)
- Switch 2 Console and Headset Combo Deal (R12,999.90 each)
- LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 Race 77242 (R399.90 each)
- LEGO Botanicals Mini Orchid 10343 (R499.90 each)
- Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show (R799.90 each)
- Fuggler Fart Face Series 1 Assorted (R299.90 each)
- Monopoly Harry Potter (R799.90 each)
- Bitzee Hamster Ball Interactive Digital Pet (R1,299.90 each)
Shopping Made Easy and Meaningful
With festive shopping about to be in full swing, Toys R Us has expanded its online service at selected stores offering same-day delivery to make gifting faster and easier than ever.
In addition, Jacoby adds, this year we will once again be supporting the Reach For A Dream Foundation, inviting customers to add R5 to their purchase to help fulfill wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses.
“The holidays are about giving and through small acts of kindness, we can help make a big difference,” she says. “Last year the campaign raised over half a million rand.”
Win Your Wishlist
To spread even more festive cheer, Toys R Us is giving shoppers the chance to win their wish list, up to R20 000 worth of toys from Geoffrey’s Toy Guide. Customers can enter by creating their wish list in-store or online at www.toysrus.co.za.
“The magic of play this year blends speed, storytelling, and sentiment,” says Jacoby. “It’s about gifts that go, grow, giggle and give back.”
For more information visit the website or follow @toysrus_za on social.
