Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Christmas Toy

film

The Christmas Toy

1986

It's Christmas Eve and the playroom is alive with excitement for the new toys that will arrive the next day. Balthazar, the old and wise bear, explains to the other toys that they must welcome the newcomers even though each of them may be replaced as one of the children's new favorite toys.

Ages 5+Source checked

Why this age? Suitable for most young children, though the threat of being frozen forever and temporary separation from friends may unsettle sensitive viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age5+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

New toys and favorite-toy competition drive the plot; the film was also sponsored by Kraft Foods, without clear evidence of a sales message.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Christmas is the setting of the film, but there is no explicit religious practice or focus on theology.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Toys may be caught and frozen forever, creating mild suspense and danger, but the musical fantasy tone is reassuring.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild conflict; characters are threatened with being 'frozen' if discovered, which is a conceptual threat rather than physical violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The toys take risks to rescue friends and correct a dangerous situation, with bravery framed as caring action.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Living toys, imaginative playroom rules, puppetry, songs, and an asteroid queen strongly encourage imaginative play.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Features a variety of toy 'types' and personalities, though as a puppet special from the 80s, human diversity is limited.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Highlights basic social concepts like empathy, cooperation, and the value of friendships.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Mew helps Rugby, the toys organize a rescue, and Rugby learns to value and care for his friend.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story strongly promotes friendship, generosity, welcoming newcomers, and recognizing the harm of selfishness.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn from selfish choices and demonstrate loyalty and forgiveness, though some initially behave poorly.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Christmas Toy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Christmas Toy, and what caused that change?
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