Dinosaurs and retro trains set to make a comeback for the top gifts this Christmas

As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, and many begin the search for the perfect present, Hillier Garden Centre’s has a selection of gifts for the young, and not so young, alike. With presents for children often being the most challenging to buy, Hillier Garden Centre’s has revealed the top three products predicted to be the best sellers this year. 

Hillier are predicting that plush dinosaurs, retro trains and, believe it or not, stuffed rats will be popular this year!  

Discussing this year’s festive toys, Elizabeth Marshall, Christmas Buyer for Hillier, commented: “We love selecting our gift ranges each year. I visit suppliers in the UK and overseas throughout the year to ensure we have great products which our customers will love. This year, we've chosen dinosaurs and retro train sets as our top gifts because they bring a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement that appeals to all generations. Dinosaurs captivate children's imaginations and encourage a love for nature and exploration, while the retro train sets offer families a way to connect and share a timeless, hands-on experience. Both gifts will allow our customers to create lasting memories together." 

Creature comforts 

RRP: from £3.99  

Soft animals are always a favourite at Christmas, but this year it’s all about the untraditional cuddly creatures!  

Festive plush rats, dinosaurs and even frogs, all brimming with personality and unusual festive cheer. The summer saw one of the least popular creatures, rats, having their moment in the spotlight with various viral TikTok trends, these misunderstood rodents are a big hit among the kids this Christmas.  

A more traditional favourite in the cuddly creature department, is dinosaurs. After a roaring success last year, Hillier has extended its dinosaur offering and introduced new dino characters, expecting further popularity for 2024 and showing that the love for dinosaurs is not going anywhere and they’re still top of the Christmas list!. The range includes hanging tree pendants (£3.99) and a 45cm dino (£12.99), all the way up to a 6ft plush (£129.00)!  

The top tipped item is set to be the Three Kings Sitting Christmas Dinosaur, available in red and green. This 45cm playful dino character adds Christmas cheer whether it’s being gifted to a ‘roar-some’ dinosaur fanatic or added into the festive décor – it’s guaranteed to be a hit! 

Retro locomotives 

RRP: £29.99 

Another showstopper that predicted to be one of the top toys this Christmas is the battery-operated retro train and track, 

With 22 pieces and over four metres of track, this set includes everything you need to create your own train journey at home. The set features a beautifully designed vintage steam engine, a charming carriage and a classic station platform to complete the scene. The train comes to life with working lights and sounds, a delightful treat to transport your train fanatic back in time. 

This Christmas Hillier customers can receive half price offers on the retro train set, as well as exclusive discounts and offers throughout the year. To sign up, for free, to the Hillier Gardening Club, visit www.hillier.co.uk/gardening-club. 

To explore Hillier Garden Centre’s wider gift selection, including tasty treats, gorgeous homewares and gardening goodies, visit your local Hillier centre or shop online at www.hillier.co.uk  

To keep up to date with the latest offers, promotions and festive releases, delivered directly to your inbox, sign up to the Hillier Gardening Club: www.hillier.co.uk/gardening-club/  

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.