Toy firms prepare to tap into booming 'kidult' craze as Christmas 2026 trend predictions released

Toy firms prepare to tap into booming 'kidult' craze as Christmas 2026 trend predictions released Adult collectors and blockbuster movies are predicted to be among the big toy themes this Christmas as the 'kidult' categoy, playthings popular with adults, remains one of the fastest growing Toys for grown-ups are expected to be among the big sellers this Christmas. Chain store Smyths says the “kidult” category - with playthings popular with adults - remains one of its fastest growing. It was among eight toy trends for this Christmas identified by the retailer, as it also published a list of 15 products it predicts will be in big demand. The kidult trend has been spotted for a number of years now, with manufacturers beginning to develop products with adults specifically in mind. Toy giant Lego has been among those to tap into the phenomenon, with its Botanicals range proving a big hit. The Danish firm recently announced record half-year sales, helped by a build-it-yourself World Cup trophy. However, Smyths’ examples of products with adults firmly in mind this year also includes a toy truck for fans of WWF wrestling and the Hot Wheels toy car range. Sinead Byrne, European marketing director at Smyths Toys Superstores, said the trend really emerged during the Covid lockdowns. “It’s people coming into our stores and we were noticing they don’t have any children with them, they are buying for themselves,” she said. “Maybe they were doing that before but it seems to have grown in popularity.” She also said the trend was fuelled by adult collectors and enthusiasts purchasing for themselves, citing Hot Wheels Premium Cars. “It’s a lot of adults collectors,” she said. “They want to come in store because the packaging isn’t broken.” Another trend is the impact of blockbuster movies on what toys are proving popular. While nothing new, it says this year has seen a particular jump in interest. They include tie-ups with Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Toy Story 5, Spiderman Brand New Day, Paw Patrol the Dino Movie, and Kpop Demon Hunter. The other trends inlclude fun family games - from a version of Uno to one called Poo Drop - to football themed products, fuelled by this summer’s World Cup. Top Toys for Christmas 2026 1. Pikachu Real FX Puppetronic 2. Little Live Pets My Baby Kiki the Koala 3. Pets Alive Mommy Elephant & Baby Surprise 4. KPop Demon Hunters Plush Glow in the Dark Leaping Derpy Tiger 5. Ultimate Woody & Buzz 6. PAW Patrol Ultimate Dino Hauler 7. Beyblade BBX Double Extreme Motorized Stadium 8. Remote Control Titan Crawler Truck 9. Drawing Robot Set 10. Gui Gui Salish Deluxe Haul 11. Rump Race Game 12. Uno Show Em No Mercy Extreme 13. Double Dance Mat 14. Kick-About Interactive Training 15. LEGO Mercedes Benz Unimog