The successful indie retailer has settled upon what he thinks will be the top toys for Christmas 2023, with the list comprising big brands at a range of price points.

Dave Middleton, the owner of Midco Toymaster, Midco Toy Planet and Freak Treats, has revealed his personal list of top toys for Christmas as suppliers and retailers alike begin turning their attentions in earnest to the festive season.

Bitzee from Spin Master tops Dave’s list, having championed the ‘interactive pet you can touch’ alongside his friend and fellow toy retailer, Rick Derr, since it launched. The Pokémon Trading Card Game 152 Elite Trainer Box from Asmodee also takes a top three spot, along with – perhaps unsurprisingly for those who know Turtles-mega-fan Dave – the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire delivery Van from Character Options.

Other picks include indie exclusives, such as the Slime Party Gift Set Assortment from Slime Party UK, interactive/feature plush from the likes of Moose Toys and Hasbro, and trending collectibles from Zuru and MGA Entertainment.

Dave said: “I thought I’d beat the rest and reveal what I think will be some of the hottest toys this Christmas. Many factors play into my decision making process: I usually choose toys that are both available market wide and exclusive to indies, across a wide range of price points that cater to all pockets and types of consumer, be them parents, grandparents, siblings, schoolfriends or Secret Santa gifters.”

Dave added: “To help shoppers feeling the pinch this year, I’m running a Christmas savings club. Simply pay a 10% deposit on your toys and gifts and clear the rest in instalments in the run-up to Christmas. The festive shopping period is looking strong, but if I can make it a little easier for people then that’s a good thing. Toy shops should spread cheer and happiness.”

Dave’s Top Toys for Christmas 2023 are as follows:

• Bitzee (Spin Master Toys)
• Pokémon Trading Card Game 152 Elite Trainer Box (Asmodee)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire delivery Van (Character Options)
• Barbie Doll with swimsuit – beach themed (Mattel)
• Lego Star Wars 75359 Ashokas Clone Trooper Battle Pack (The Lego Group)
• Squishmallows Monopoly (Winning Moves)
• MGA’s Miniverse Lifestyle series Ball (MGA)
• Snackles Super Sized assortment (Zuru)
• Furby (Hasbro)
• Cookeez Makery Oven assortment (Moose)
• Fingerlings (Character Options)
• Squishmallows 7.5″ plush assortment (Jazwares)
• Aphmau Mystery Meemeows Suprise Figures (Character)
• Slime Party Gift Set assortment (Slime Party Uk)
• Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll assortment (Moose)