18 December 2025
- Hug-a-Lumps, YouTuber collectables and blind-box toys top Checkers Sixty60’s toy search trends for November.
- Hyper stores now stock up to 2,000 toys, rivalling specialist retailers.
As festive shopping gains momentum, Checkers Sixty60 has revealed the toy trends shaping South African wish lists in 2025 – and it’s not just about drones and board games anymore.
According to Sixty60 customer search data, global trend Hug-a-Lumps led with a 515% month-on-month increase in search traffic, followed by Moriah Elizabeth collectables (almost 240%), Unspeakable Mystery blind boxes (more than 200% increase) and Fuggler plush toys (195% increase).
These searches are largely driven by YouTuber fandoms, “kidult” collectors, and blind-box culture, a viral trend where buyers discover which toy they’ve bought only after unboxing.
Classic games and toys like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Scrabble and Cluedo remain strong performers, but online searches show growing demand for collectables and quirky plush toys.
“We’re seeing more customers choosing Checkers Sixty60 for their festive toy shopping needs. They want convenience, speed, and the confidence that they’re getting the latest trends at competitive prices.”
- Andy Ridge, General Manager: Digital Commerce at the Shoprite Group
More choice, better value
To meet festive demand, Checkers stores have increased toy stock by 30% compared to 2024. Hyper stores now carry up to 2,000 toy lines, including international brands, local favourites, and LEGO shop-in-shops concepts.
While search trends don’t always reflect sales, they offer a strong indicator of what South African families are exploring, discovering, and adding to cart this festive season.