- Retailers report that screen-free toys are set to top Christmas best-seller lists this year as parents seek to limit device use for children.
- The surge in demand follows growing national scrutiny over technology's impact on young people, alongside former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's announcement of a social media ban for under-16s.
- Major toy retailers including The Entertainer and Smyths highlighted strong interest in traditional, creative, and nostalgic products like Lego, board games, and Meccano.
- Online interest has skyrocketed, with Google searches for screen-free toys and advice on reducing screen time both increasing by more than 5,000 per cent over the last year.
- Supermarkets such as Aldi are introducing purchase limits on popular wooden toy ranges to manage anticipated high demand ahead of the festive season.
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