The best children's gifts from the John Lewis Christmas advert 2026

John Lewis has revealed its 2026 Christmas advert, Gloria and Pickles. Dame Kristin Scott Thomas plays a grandmother who swaps cash in a card for something more personal, helped along by Pickles, her childhood toy dog, voiced by Paul Whitehouse. Sam Fender provides the soundtrack with a cover of ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, and the tagline is “Don’t give up on giving”.

The retailer’s ‘Shop our ad’ edit has plenty for children, from the vintage pull-along toy at the centre of the story to the disco lights of Gloria’s ‘Gran Cave’ and a strong line-up of kidswear. These are our picks.

Watch the full John Lewis Christmas advert 2026 on YouTube

The toys

Fisher-Price Classics Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy

£12.99, Shop now

The star of the advert. Pickles is a Little Snoopy pull-along, first introduced in 1968 and reissued in Fisher-Price’s Classics range. Pull the cord and he wobbles along, swings his ears and gives a “yip-yip”. At under £13, it is the easiest way to bring the ad home.

Bon Ton Toys Miffy Corduroy Soft Toy, Green

£19.95, Shop now

Dick Bruna first drew Miffy in 1955, and this 23cm corduroy version has the same nostalgic appeal as the advert. A lovely first gift for a newborn, and the kind of toy that stays on the bed for years.

Fujifilm instax mini 13 Instant Camera

From £77.69, Shop now

For older children, the instax mini 13 has a built-in flash, a selfie mirror and a close-up mode, and prints each photo on the spot. A good way to get them capturing Christmas Day for themselves.

Barbie Roll and Reveal Pop Star Doll

£29.99, Shop now

Roll the case to reveal Barbie and her music-themed accessories, including a headset, microphone and speakers. A fitting pick for an advert soundtracked by Sam Fender.

Rubik’s Cube

£9.99, Shop now

A stocking filler that children and grandparents can enjoy together, which is the whole point of this year’s ad.

John Lewis Santa Stacking Doll

£18, Shop now

A traditional Santa nesting doll set that doubles as a Christmas decoration, and gives little hands something to take apart and put back together.

Build your own Gran Cave

John Lewis Small Disco Ball Decoration

From £15, Shop now

Gloria’s ‘Gran Cave’ is full of disco balls. This small one hangs on the tree in December and works in a bedroom or playroom all year round.

John Lewis Neon Star Light, White

£35, Shop now

An LED neon-style star for the wall, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It gives a playroom or teenager’s bedroom the same glow as the advert’s finale.

John Lewis Kids’ Geo Quilted Blanket

£32, Shop now

A soft quilted blanket with a cotton cover, made for building a reading corner or den on Christmas afternoon.

John Lewis Velvet Initial Christmas Stocking, Red

£20, Shop now

Embroidered with an initial, so there is no debate over whose is whose on Christmas morning. It looks just as good on a bedpost as on the mantelpiece.

The kidswear

Cozmo Brand Kids’ Emil Corduroy Jacket, Navy

£100, Shop now

Wide-wale navy corduroy with a shirt collar, flap pockets and a plush lining. Smart enough for Christmas lunch and practical for the walk afterwards.

Cozmo Brand Kids’ India Tricot Cardigan, Ginger

£69, Shop now

A purl-knit cardigan in a warm ginger, with an intarsia wave across the front. A relaxed alternative to the novelty Christmas jumper.

John Lewis Kids’ Sequin Skirt, Multi

From £22, Shop now

Sequins all over, a glittery lurex waistband and a soft jersey lining. Pair it with a simple knit for the party season.

Sticky Lemon Kids’ Snail Mail Small Backpack

£53, Shop now

Covered in hand-drawn illustrations and finished with an embroidered keychain, a waterproof lining and adjustable straps. A fun gift for school-age children that will see plenty of use after Christmas.

Oafy by Lazy Oaf Kids’ Side Eye Beanie, Natural

£35, Shop now

A fleecy beanie lined in cotton jersey, with a contrast pompom and Oafy’s side-eye design. For children who already have opinions about their presents.