There’s something magical about Christmas morning in UK homes — the quiet excitement before sunrise, the rustle of wrapping paper, the smell of a warm breakfast cooking in the kitchen, and the irresistible sparkle in a child’s eye as they rush to see what Father Christmas has brought. Across the country, families gather around the tree, eager to unwrap gifts that will become treasured memories. But choosing the right toys and games — the ones that make children beam, keep them entertained for hours, and offer real play value — is often the biggest challenge for parents.
This guide explores the top toys and games for Christmas morning in 2024, inspired by UK families, TikTok trends, developmental research, and expert recommendations. Whether you’re shopping for toddlers, tweens, or family games that everyone can enjoy, this list blends storytelling, nostalgia, and practical buying advice to help you recreate the magic of Christmas morning in your home.
1. The Magic of Christmas Morning in the UK
Across the UK — from cosy cottages in the countryside to city flats lit with twinkling fairy lights — Christmas morning follows a familiar rhythm. Kids tiptoe into bedrooms whispering, “Has Santa been yet?” Parents stir awake to excited footsteps, and everyone gathers around the tree with mugs of hot chocolate, Christmas pyjamas, and festive music in the background.
The toys children open on Christmas morning become part of their ritual — the morning race to test their new scooter outside, the hours spent building LEGO on the living-room carpet, or the fun of playing a new board game after Christmas lunch.
Choosing toys that spark imagination, encourage quality playtime, and actually last into the new year is essential. And in 2024, several categories are leading the way.
2. Trending UK Toys for Christmas 2024
Every year, certain toys rise to the top thanks to TikTok, YouTube Kids, and UK retailer trends. This year’s favourites combine entertainment, creativity, and development-friendly features.
a) STEM and Educational Toys
More UK parents are choosing toys that support learning and fun.
This includes:
- Coding robots
- Science experiment kits
- Engineering sets
- Math and puzzle games
- Solar-powered craft sets
These toys build curiosity and confidence through hands-on discovery. Many come in beautifully boxed sets — perfect for Christmas gift-giving.
Why they shine on Christmas morning:
Kids love exploring “big kid” science gear, and parents appreciate toys that keep children engaged after the holidays.
b) Sensory & ASMR-Inspired Toys
Soft, tactile toys remain a huge hit among UK children.
Popular picks include:
- Squishy animals
- Kinetic sand
- Textured fidget balls
- ASMR slime kits
- Pop tubes and tactile sensory boards
These are ideal stocking fillers but also make excellent main gifts when bundled as themed sets.
Why kids love them:
They offer instant gratification and soothing sensory feedback — perfect for the calm, slow pace of Christmas morning.
c) Character Toys & Collectibles
Kids in the UK are still obsessed with characters from:
- Bluey
- Pokémon
- Squishmallows
- Paw Patrol
- Super Mario
- Disney Princess & Encanto
Whether it’s plush toys, playsets, figurines, or interactive talking characters, these become the go-to toys kids carry everywhere for the rest of the holidays.
Christmas tip:
Pair character plush with themed pyjamas for a coordinated Christmas morning surprise.
3. Outdoor Toys for Christmas Day Adventures
After the presents are opened and breakfast is finished, UK kids often head outdoors — even in the cold — to try new outdoor gifts. This is a beloved tradition in many families.
Top outdoor picks for 2024 include:
- 3-wheel scooters for toddlers
- LED light-up scooters for older kids
- Balance bikes
- Football training kits
- Bubble guns
- Outdoor chalk sets
- Remote-controlled cars or drones
These toys encourage movement and make for great post-Christmas dinner fun.
Why they matter:
They help burn energy, get kids outdoors, and create shared memories (like that first wobbly scooter ride on Christmas Day).
4. Family Board Games: A Christmas Essential
In UK households, board games are as much a Christmas tradition as mince pies and paper crowns. After the excitement of unwrapping gifts calms down, families gather around the table for games that ignite laughter, friendly competition, and the occasional dramatic victory.
2024’s top family games include:
- Dobble (fast-paced and easy to learn)
- Articulate! (great for adults and teens)
- Catan Junior (fun for younger kids)
- Throw Throw Burrito (chaotic and hilarious)
- Cluedo Family Edition
- Jenga or Connect 4 for classic fun
Why games make the best Christmas gifts:
They bring families together — a rare treat in busy modern households.
5. Creative Toys for Imaginative Play
Some of the best Christmas gifts are the ones that spark creativity and keep kids busy for hours without screens.
Craft & art sets:
- Jewellery-making kits
- Paint-your-own ornaments
- DIY slime labs
- Sticker creation machines
- Scrapbooking kits
Building toys:
- LEGO sets
- Magnetic tiles
- Wooden block sets
Pretend play sets:
- Mini kitchen sets
- Doctor kits
- Tool sets
- Shopkeeper role-play toys
Why creative toys are ideal for Christmas morning:
They let kids start playing instantly — no long instructions, no complicated setup.
6. Best Stocking Fillers for UK Kids in 2024
Stockings are often opened first on Christmas morning, making them an important part of the tradition.
Perfect stocking fillers under £10 include:
- Mini puzzles
- Keyrings
- Character socks
- Fidget toys
- Bath bombs
- Slime pots
- Mini cars
Under £20, you can add:
- Craft sets
- Cute plush toys
- Interactive books
- Headphones
- Stationery sets
Pro tip:
Pick a theme — “cosy night in”, “art lover”, “little scientist”, etc. — and tailor stocking fillers around it.
7. Choosing Toys That Match Your Home & Lifestyle
Not all toys suit every home. Consider your layout, safety needs, and storage space.
For small UK homes:
- Foldable playsets
- Mini kitchen sets
- Compact LEGO kits
- Tabletop games
For active families:
- Outdoor toys
- Sports kits
- Ball games
For homes with toddlers:
- Soft toys
- Wooden toys
- Large-piece puzzles
For homes with multiple kids:
- Multi-player board games
- Construction sets
- Costume boxes
8. Christmas Morning Rituals That Make Toys Even More Special
Here are ways UK families make toy unwrapping magical:
“Open one early” tradition
Some children open one small toy or game on Christmas Eve.
Matching pyjamas
A cosy family photo tradition.
The breakfast reward
Kids play while parents prepare a festive breakfast.
Setting up the toys together
Great for bonding — assembling a LEGO set or testing a new game.
Post-lunch family game time
Board games help bring everyone together around the dining table.
Takeaways
Christmas morning in the UK is a nostalgic blend of joy, tradition, and family. The toys you choose become part of those memories — the first scooter ride down the pavement, the first board game victory, the giggles over slime kits, and the quiet concentration of building LEGO creations on the living room floor.
By choosing toys that inspire laughter, creativity, movement, and togetherness, you help create a Christmas morning your children will remember long into adulthood.