Swindon children could land one of the most unusual jobs going this Christmas – testing some of the toys tipped to be the biggest sellers of 2026.
The Toy Retailers Association is recruiting eight children from across the UK to become its Mini Toy Testers, with applications now open to youngsters aged between three and 12 in Swindon.
The successful children will be invited to Birmingham on Friday 30 October, where they will get the chance to play with 15 toys selected for this year’s DreamToys list.
They will then give their verdicts on the toys, helping the panel of toy retailers and industry experts decide which products deserve a place on the annual list.
And there is a particularly attractive perk attached to the role – the successful Mini Toy Testers will get to take all 15 toys home with them, just in time for Christmas.
The DreamToys list is produced by the Toy Retailers Association and is intended to highlight the toys expected to be among the most sought-after Christmas presents. The 2026 selection will include toys, games and gadgets from some of the industry’s leading brands.
This is the second year that children have been invited to join the experts as part of the selection process.
Paul Reader, Chairman of the DreamToys Selection Panel, said children were particularly well placed to judge whether a toy deserved a place on the list.
“Regardless of their age, children are the ultimate toy experts, they’re honest, imaginative and know exactly what makes a toy fun, exciting and worthy of a place on their Christmas wish list,” he said.
The organisers are now looking for Swindon youngsters who are ready to put the toys through their paces and give their honest opinions.
Parents and guardians can apply on behalf of children aged three to 12 by completing the online application form before midnight on Saturday 17 October.
The successful applicants will then join the other Mini Toy Testers in Birmingham to try out the 15 toys ahead of the DreamToys list being announced.
Applications and further information are available from Toy Retailers Association – Mini Toy Testers. Terms and conditions apply.
