Kiwi kids will be designing their own Barbie Dream House, spinning miniature pottery and caring for baby guinea pigs this Christmas, according to Trade Me’s top toy picks.
Trade Me’s Millie Silvester said popular Trade Me searches were combined with national and international trends to predict what toys will be topping the wish list for New Zealand kids this silly season.
Ms Silvester said we can expect kids to get crafty this Christmas. “Almost half of our top picks this year are all about encouraging kids to explore their artsy side – whether it’s designing, building, or moulding. These toys are all about giving kids the chance to add their own touch and show off their individual creativity.”
Barbie has always been a crowd favourite but this year there’s been a 51 per cent annual increase in searches in preparation for Christmas.
“It’s no surprise that Barbie mania has translated into Christmas gifts this year after Greta Gerwig’s box office hit. Barbie’s Dream House was an iconic part of the movie and now kids can bring their own dream home to life with this two storey DIY kit which includes a range of stickers for budding designers to decorate each space to their liking.
“For crafty ‘tweens’, the miniature pottery studio is set to be number one on wishlists for 2023. Inspired by a viral TikTok trend, this kit offers a mess-free way for kids to try to create ten different ceramic pieces using quick-dry clay and with their own spinning wheel.”
Another common theme is animal care and Ms Silvester says there is a range of toys on the list for tamariki who are pet obsessed.
“Last year’s favourite, the Little Live Pets Scruff-A-Luvs Cutie Cuts, was a hit, but this year, the range has been taken up a notch with the ‘Mama’s Surprise’ toy. After giving proper care to mama guinea pig, she reveals three baby guinea pigs – turning one toy into four!
“If that surprise isn’t enough then keen bakers may want to create their own plush toy with the magic Cookeez Oven. Using dough and magic ingredients kids can make their own soft animal by baking the dough in the oven. After 90 seconds, the dough has transformed into a furry friend and it even comes out smelling like fresh baked goods.”
Ms Silvester added that nostalgia from the 90s has helped reboot some older toys like the Tamagotchi which has made a come-back since it was first released over 15 years ago.
Rounding off the list are some festive favourites which make for great stocking fillers and secret santa presents.
“Lego is a timeless favourite, loved by all ages, and Star Wars is a top contender in searches on Trade Me – so it’s a definite crowd-pleaser. Another fantastic choice for the whole whanau is Twister Air, which now has a virtual spin. Forget the slippery mat – in this version, players wear wristbands and swipe at colours using an app on a screen. While it might not challenge balance like the original, it’s still a bit of a workout as players have to race each other to move their arms and feet quickly to match the colours.”
With Christmas time fast approaching, Ms Silvester says it’s never too early to start shopping – especially since toys are usually in high demand.
“There’s nothing worse than leaving shopping to the last minute – especially when you take into account delivery times. I’d highly encourage all gift-givers to get online and start their shopping early to have Christmas purchases all wrapped up and ready for the big day.”
Ms Silvester added that while Christmas gifting may be dialled back due to the cost of living there’s toys across a range of price points.
“There are thousands of new and preloved toys available onsite so you can find the perfect gift this Christmas without breaking the bank.”
Trade Me’s top toy list 2023
Make it real pottery
Make your own Barbie Dreamhouse
Little Live Pets – Mama Surprise
Cookeez makery oven
Build-a-bot
Crawling crab
Harry Potter Tamagotchi
Lego Star Wars Stormtrooper
Twister air
Beetle Squishmallow
Price breakdown:
$1-30
Lego Star Wars Stormtrooper
Beetle Squishmallow
$30-60
Build-a-bot
Crawling crab
$60-90
Twister air
Make your own Barbie Dreamhouse
Cookeez makery oven
Harry Potter Tamagotchi
$90+
Make it real pottery
Little Live Pets – Mama Alive
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