Screen-free toys are set to top Christmas lists this year as parents ditch tablets for traditional play

Traditional toys, craft sets and family games are surging in popularity ahead of Christmas as parents hunt for alternatives to screens and devices. The Entertainer's entire top-ten predicted bestsellers list is screen-free, while Smyths Toys reports strong demand for building sets, creative activities and family games. Aldi has launched a wooden toy range of more than 50 products to meet the trend.

The Entertainer buying director Geoff Sheffield says parents want toys that 'spark creativity' and help children 'enjoy playing on their own for a while'.

Smyths European marketing director Sinead Byrne says hands-on drawing sets, craft kits and 'laugh-out-loud family games' are among 2026's standout sellers.

The shift follows a year of heightened concern about children's screen time, including a social media ban for under-16s that former prime minister Keir Starmer put in place.