Discover the hottest toys for 2025

SANTA'S Christmas stockings may be heavier this year with the McLaren F1 Racing 12V Ride-On, Shadow X 720p Dual Camera Drone, or Home Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen with accessories as these feature on the list of top toys for 2025.

According to the Toys R Us 2025 Toy Trends, this year’s insights highlight F1-inspired toys top wish lists, as well as drones, digital pets, gaming bundles, and family time board games.

Topping the list of toys for 2025 include the Mud Slinger Extreme RC Rock Crawler (R399.90), Jurassic World Feature Villain (R999.90), Airstrike Ultimate Power Blaster (R499.90 each), Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Sprint Race Circuit (R799.90), Switch 2 Console and Headset Combo Deal (R12,999.90), Shadow X 720p Dual Camera Drone (R1,499.90), McLaren F1 Racing 12V Ride-On (R5,999.90), Home Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen with Accessories (R2,499.90) and Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Dollhouse (R1999.90 each).

The toy retailer says South Africans are embracing toys that combine imagination, interactivity, and emotional connection with a mix of tech-savvy fun and throwback favourites that delight kids and kidults alike.

Catherine Jacoby, marketing manager at Toys R Us South Africa, stated that Formula 1 has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, transcending its status as merely a sport.

The Formula 1 range includes the Hot Wheels Racing Formula 1 Sprint Race Circuit, LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24, and BBurago F1 Pit Pass diecast sets.

“From ride-ons to diecast cars, kids are living out their racing dreams at home.

“Unboxing or blindbox toys give children a sense of discovery, every reveal feels like a little win. Collectibles also allow for self-expression and social sharing, which is why both kids and adults love them,” said Jacoby.

She said they were seeing technology becoming part of how kids explore their world, safely, creatively, and with confidence, from drones to gaming.

Drones and gaming bundles are soaring this year. The Shadow X 720p Dual Camera Drone and Switch 2 Console and Headset Combo top the list for older kids and teens.

She said classic role play and DIY creativity are back in a big way as parents look for toys that nurture imagination and mindfulness.

The Home Deluxe Wooden Play Kitchen, Caylee Horse and Carriage, and Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show allows children to build, bake, and design their own world of fun.

Jacoby said they were also seeing the return of family favourites, like the Monopoly Harry Potter edition and Gabby’s Dollhouse Movie Dollhouse.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE