TESTED BY THE BEST: STARLIGHT KIDS PUT AMAZON TOP 100 TOYS FOR 2026 TO THE ULTIMATE TEST

TESTED BY THE BEST: STARLIGHT KIDS PUT AMAZON TOP 100 TOYS FOR 2026 TO THE ULTIMATE TEST

October 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM EDT
TESTED BY THE BEST: STARLIGHT KIDS PUT AMAZON TOP 100 TOYS FOR 2026 TO THE ULTIMATE TEST

Six children from Starlight Children's Foundation become official toy-testers, the Amazon Playmakers, helping Aussies find the perfect gift for little ones this holiday season
Amazon Australia unveils the hottest toys and trends for 2026, set to be big this Christmas
Now in its eighth year, the Amazon Playmakers initiative continues long-standing partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation

Sydney, Australia, Wednesday 13th October 2026: Amazon Australia has today unveiled its annual Top 100 Toy List, with the help of its newest official toy-testers, the Amazon Playmakers, and big kid at heart Playmakers Ambassador, Ash Wicks of Two Doting Dads podcast fame.

Now in its eighth year of partnership, Amazon Australia has worked with Starlight Children's Foundation to appoint children who have been affected by serious illness as Amazon Playmakers. This year, six elite toy-testers were given early access to the Top 100 Toy List to review and rate their favourites, all to help Aussies find the perfect gifts for little ones ahead of the Black Friday sale and festive season.

The toys in this year's Top 100 Toy List have been grouped into six key trends:

Amy Banks, Head of Toys, Amazon Australia, said: "The 2026 Top 100 Toy List celebrates the joy of play in all its forms, with the kids once again becoming the true authorities, putting every toy to the  test and giving them their stamp of approval. This year’s Amazon Playmakers have done an incredible job, ensuring there is something on the list for all kids across Australia. We know every child is different, with their own unique interests, passions and personalities, so we have curated a Top 100 List with something for everyone. With the holiday season and Black Friday just around the corner, there has never been a better time to start ticking off your gift list."

Louise Baxter, Starlight Children's Foundation CEO said, "Childhood should be about being happy and having fun. When a child is seriously ill, it is as though their childhood is taken away and moments of play and laughter matter even more. Amazon Playmakers is such a special program for Starlight children creating fun experiences for them and their siblings by giving them the chance to test the season's most exciting new release toys. Seeing the smiles on the faces of these children, who are suffering unimaginable challenges, is an incredibly powerful reminder of the positive impact of play. We cannot thank Amazon Australia enough for the opportunity this provides Starlight kids every year."

Amazon Playmakers Ambassador, Ash Wicks said: "I had so much fun working with Amazon Australia and the amazing team at Starlight Children’s Foundation. Kids deserve to just be kids. Seeing their faces light up as we tested Amazon’s Top 100 Toys was priceless. I feel so grateful to be part of these special moments and help bring a little extra joy to children and their families during such a challenging time.

As a dad I thought I knew a thing or two about toys, but the Playmakers showed me I had a lot to learn. They did some very serious testing and didn’t hold back with their opinions! Spending the day with these incredible kids from Starlight was a genuine joy, and I can guarantee Aussie families are going to love what's on this year's list."

Kenzie, aged 10 from Sydney, discusses her role as an Amazon Playmaker: “GUI GUI K-pop Demon Hunters Clear Slime is one of my favourites because it’s so fun to squish and stretch, and I love the crunchy sounds! I also love the Play-Doh Barbie Designer Pattern Studio because I can make cool outfits and be really creative. Monopoly Deal No Mercy is super fun too, because you have to think carefully and use the best cards to win!”

More on the 2026 top toys on Amazon.com.au:

Unbox the Magic: Blind Boxes, Viral Trending & Collectibles

Big Screen to Playroom: 2026 Movie & TV Tie-Ins

Game Night Champions: Board Games, Card Games & Brain Teasers

Build, Create, Imagine: LEGO, Construction, STEM & Arts/Crafts

Little Legends: Baby, Toddler & Preschool Must-Haves

Christmas on a Budget: Top Toys Under $30

The full Amazon Australia Top 100 Toy List and 2026 Trends can be viewed at www.amazon.com.au/playmakers2026

ENDS

*Products subject to availability and subject to change.

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About Amazon Australia

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Amazon.com.au has proudly supported the Starlight Children's Foundation for the eight years it has operated in Australia, donating more than $700,000 along with all the toys tested by the Playmakers.

About Starlight Children's Foundation 
Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since 1988, Starlight has grown to become Australia’s broadest-reaching children’s charity and is consistently recognised as one of Australia’s most reputable charities. In 2025, Starlight created 926,887 experiences that transformed the healthcare experience and provided much needed social connection and a sense of belonging for seriously ill children and their families. We also provided 4.5 million online entertainment experiences, and through the Healthier Futures Initiative, Captain Starlight reached 118 remote communities across Australia. Planet Starlight delivered 171,099 online entertainment experiences for hospitalised children and connected kids in 89 hospitals nationwide. Starlight also granted 424 life-changing wishes in 2025 www.starlight.org.au   

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