From bustling toy shops to living rooms filled with wrapping paper and excitement, this Christmas season revealed one clear thing: Maltese children know exactly what they like – and parents are doing their best to keep up.

After speaking to some toy shops across Malta, a few festive favourites clearly stood out, alongside some trends that appear to be quietly fading back into the background.

Lego sets once again proved to be a Christmas winner. Shop owners tell WhosWho.mt that they were among the most popular gifts this year, largely because they cater to a wide range of ages, interests, and budgets. With themes ranging from animals and vehicles to fantasy worlds and famous landmarks, Lego remains one of those rare gifts that works just as well for boys as it does for girls.

It is also a choice that tends to pay off. I can personally vouch for this – after buying three different Lego sets for three younger cousins, all age-appropriate, they were immediately opened, built, and proudly displayed. No returns required.

Barbie buzz fades, but dolls stay strong

While Barbie enjoyed a huge resurgence following the release of the movie in 2023, toy shops say individual Barbie dolls are now becoming less popular again. That said, dolls as a category are far from disappearing.

Doll houses and baby dolls continue to be firm favourites for girls, especially among younger children. These classic toys remain popular for imaginative play, often joined by accessories and add-ons that keep kids busy long after Christmas Day.

Another growing hit among girls is DIY-style sets – particularly those focused on make-up, perfume-making, and creative beauty concepts. These kits are often seen as a fun middle ground between toys and hobbies, allowing children to experiment, mix, and create while feeling just a little bit grown-up.

For boys, many parents and relatives are still sticking with tried-and-tested favourites. Toy cars and race tracks remain a strong seller, alongside science experiment kits that promise hands-on fun – and the occasional mess.

Educational toys are also being chosen more frequently for both boys and girls, with parents gravitating towards games and kits that blend play with learning.

The gifts children love… and parents fear

Then there are the toys that children adore instantly – but parents may come to regret slightly. Musical toys, including drums, toy guitars, microphones, and full music sets, were popular purchases this Christmas. While they are great for encouraging creativity and confidence, they also tend to come with a generous dose of noise.

As one shop owner jokingly put it, “they’re very popular with the kids… less so with the parents after a few hours.”

Overall, this year’s toy trends show a comforting balance between old-school favourites and newer creative options. From Lego bricks and doll houses to science kits and noisy instruments, Maltese Christmas mornings were filled with imagination, curiosity, and – in some homes – a fair amount of music.