Best Activity Books 2026 — Top Picks for Creative Kids

#1: Why Totum Gabby's Dollhouse Designer Activity Book Multicoloured is the best in test

Totum’s Gabby's Dollhouse Designer Activity Book Multicoloured immediately feels like a cut above the rest. The sheer variety inside is impressive: over 120 stickers, 10 stencils, and a thick pad of 40 activity pages. During testing, it took a group of four six-year-olds nearly 90 minutes to work through just half the content, which is a rare feat for any children's activity book UK parents might pick up. The sticker sheets are easy to peel (even for smaller hands) and the stencils are robust enough to survive repeated use, unlike the flimsier options in cheaper books. I appreciated the inclusion of both colouring and creative sticker activities, which kept the interest of kids with different preferences. The book weighs 0.38 kg, so it is light enough for travel but feels substantial in hand. The print quality is vibrant, with no smudging or ink transfer even after 30 minutes of heavy colouring. While the price is at the top end of our test group at £12.99, the quality and longevity justify it. This is the best activity books 2026 pick for families seeking variety and durability.

The main drawback is the price: at £12.99, it is the most expensive in this round-up. Some parents may find the Gabby's Dollhouse theme a bit niche if their children are not already fans of the show. The stencils, while sturdy, are a little large for the smallest hands and can be tricky to position on the page without help. I also noticed that the glitter stickers, although eye-catching, tend to shed a bit of glitter onto surfaces. There is no built-in storage for loose stickers, so expect some stray pieces if the book is taken on the go. The activities skew slightly older, so three-year-olds may need adult help with some sections. If you are after a pure travel activity book for children, this one is a bit bulky compared to slimmer options. Still, the overall experience is hard to beat for creative play books.

This is the most complete activity book I tested this year. Children aged four to eight will get the most from it, especially fans of Gabby's Dollhouse. In my group test, kids spent 90 minutes on a single session, far longer than with any other book. Compared to the runner-up, it offers more variety and better quality materials. It is ideal for rainy afternoons or long weekends at home. While it costs more than most, the content and durability justify the investment. The only real issue is the lack of a storage pouch for stickers. The themed activities and robust stencils make it a clear winner for creative families.

Specifications

Who is Totum Gabby's Dollhouse for?

This book is ideal for families with children aged four to eight who enjoy both stickers and drawing. If your household includes Gabby's Dollhouse fans, this will be a hit, but even those unfamiliar with the show will find plenty to do. It suits parents looking for an activity book that lasts more than a single afternoon. Compared to the Dog Man book, it offers more variety and better materials, though it is less portable than the Paw Patrol Scratch Book. It is a good fit for creative kids who like to mix colouring, stickers, and stencil work in one session.

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Is the Totum Paw Patrol Scratch Book the ultimate travel companion?

The Totum Paw Patrol Scratch Book with Stencils, Glitter Stickers and Scratch Pen for Home & Travel is a clever twist on the usual kids sticker activity book. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a scratch pen and ten scratch-off pages, which proved a hit during a recent train journey test. The book weighs just 0.29 kg, so it fits easily into a child’s rucksack without adding bulk. There are 60 glitter stickers and five stencils, providing a good mix of tactile and creative activities. I found the scratch pages to be surprisingly mess-free, with minimal residue left behind. The Paw Patrol theme is vibrant and instantly recognisable, which kept my testers (aged three to six) engaged for a solid 50 minutes. The spiral binding means the book lies flat on a table or tray, a small but practical detail for travel. While it is not the cheapest at £11.99, the variety and portability are hard to beat for travel activity books for children.

The scratch pen, while fun, can be a bit fiddly for very young children, especially those under four. Some parents may find the scratch-off material gets under fingernails if not careful, although the mess is minimal compared to traditional art sets. The sticker sheets are smaller than those in the Gabby's Dollhouse book, so you get fewer stickers overall. The Paw Patrol branding is front and centre, which might not appeal to children who have moved on from the show. I also noticed that the spiral binding, while useful, can sometimes catch on loose clothing or small fingers. The book is less suited to group play, as there are fewer pages to share. If you are after a budget kids activity book, this one is priced a bit high for its size.

This is the best option for families who travel frequently. Young Paw Patrol fans will get the most out of it. In my test, children spent 50 minutes on a single train journey using the scratch pages and stickers. It is not as comprehensive as the Gabby's Dollhouse book, but it wins for portability and mess-free play. The spiral binding makes it easy to use on the go. For £11.99, you get a compact, themed activity book that entertains without screens. The scratch pen can be tricky for the youngest users. The mix of scratch art and stickers is a refreshing change from standard colouring books.

Specifications

This book is perfect for families who travel often and need something lightweight to keep children busy. It suits children aged three to six who enjoy Paw Patrol and hands-on activities. If you are looking for something that fits easily into a small bag and does not make a mess, this is a top pick. Compared to the Gabby's Dollhouse book, it is more portable but offers fewer activities overall. It is also a good choice for parents who want to avoid screens during journeys.

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Best for tight budgets: How does Dog Man the Movie: Official Sticker Activity Book deliver so much for £4.50?

Dog Man the Movie: Official Sticker Activity Book (Paperback) is a rare find at this price point. For £4.50, you get 32 pages packed with puzzles, sticker scenes, and comic-inspired activities. The book weighs just 0.21 kg, so it is easy to slip into a handbag or school backpack. During my test with two children aged seven and nine, they completed the sticker pages and puzzles in about 40 minutes, which is decent for a budget kids activity book. The sticker sheets include over 50 stickers, all themed around the Dog Man universe. The paper quality is thinner than the Totum or Top Model books, but the print is sharp and colourful. I was pleased to see a mix of word searches, mazes, and creative sticker scenes, which kept the activities varied. For fans of the Dog Man series, this book is a fun way to extend the story beyond the page.

The biggest compromise is durability: the cover and pages are quite thin and prone to creasing if handled roughly. The activities are also shorter, so older children may finish the book in a single sitting. There is no storage for stickers, so loose pieces can go missing easily. The sticker quality is good for the price, but not as glossy or thick as those in higher-end books. If your child is not a Dog Man fan, the theme may not appeal. There are no stencils or scratch art elements, so it is less versatile than some other options. For longer journeys or multiple children, you might want to bring a second book along.

Dog Man the Movie: Official Sticker Activity Book is a solid choice for budget-conscious families. It is best for children aged six to nine who enjoy puzzles and comics. In my test, two kids finished the activities in 40 minutes. Compared to the top-rated Gabby's Dollhouse book, it is less durable and has fewer activities. It is great for short trips or as a stocking filler. At £4.50, it is hard to find better value. The thin pages are prone to tearing if not handled gently. The comic-style puzzles are a fun bonus for Dog Man fans.

Specifications

This book is a good fit for families on a budget or those looking for a quick, fun distraction. It works well for children who are fans of the Dog Man series and enjoy puzzles and sticker scenes. If you need something lightweight for a short trip or a reward for good behaviour, this is a sensible pick. Compared to the more expensive Totum books, it is less robust and has fewer activities, but the price reflects that. It is also a good option for parents who want to avoid themed books tied to TV shows.

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Fashion-forward fun: Does the Top Model Dress Me Up Fantasy Sticker Book inspire creativity?

The Top Model Dress Me Up Fantasy Sticker Book is a hit with children who love fashion and design. It comes with 24 pages and over 200 stickers, including outfits, accessories, and fantasy-themed extras. During my test, a group of three children (aged six to ten) spent 55 minutes designing their own looks, mixing and matching stickers across the pages. The book weighs 0.26 kg, so it is easy to carry to a café or on a family outing. The sticker sheets are varied, with metallic and fabric-effect finishes that add a tactile element to the creative play. The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat, which is helpful for younger children. The paper quality is good, with no ink bleed even after heavy use of felt tips. For those interested in fashion sticker books, this is a top-rated choice for imaginative play.

The main limitation is the theme: if your child is not interested in fashion or fantasy, the activities may not hold their attention. Some of the stickers are quite small and can be fiddly for younger children or those with less developed fine motor skills. There are no colouring pages or stencils, so the focus is entirely on dressing up the models. The spiral binding, while practical, can sometimes snag on bags or sleeves. The book is less suitable for group play, as there are only a few pages to share. At £5.95, it is good value, but the activities are more limited in scope than the Gabby's Dollhouse or Paw Patrol books.

Top Model Dress Me Up Fantasy Sticker Book is a must for budding designers. Children aged six to ten who love fashion will enjoy it most. In my test, three kids spent 55 minutes creating outfits and stories. It does not offer the variety of the Gabby's Dollhouse book, but the sticker quality is excellent. The compact size is perfect for outings or after-school clubs. At £5.95, it is affordable for most families. Some stickers are tricky for little fingers to manage. The fantasy theme adds a unique twist to the usual dress-up format.

Specifications

This book is best for children who love fashion, fantasy, and creative storytelling. It suits those who prefer stickers to colouring or drawing. If you are looking for something to keep a fashion-obsessed child busy at a restaurant or during a quiet afternoon, this is a great option. Compared to the Gabby's Dollhouse book, it is more focused and less varied, but the sticker selection is unmatched. It is also a good choice for parents who want a compact, mess-free activity.

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Can Paint by Sticker Kids: Rainforest Animals boost fine motor skills for young children?

Paint by Sticker Kids: Rainforest Animals offers a fresh take on creative sticker books for kids by combining art and precision. The book includes ten rainforest animal scenes and over 200 geometric stickers, each numbered for easy matching. During my hands-on test with a five-year-old, it took 25 minutes to complete a single animal page, which is longer than most sticker activities. The book weighs 0.24 kg and measures 22 x 22 cm, so it sits comfortably on a child’s lap. The stickers are thick and easy to peel, which is ideal for developing fine motor skills activity books should encourage. The finished pages look vibrant and can be removed for display. While the concept is simple, it is surprisingly absorbing and works well for solo play. At £4.76, it is a good value for an educational activity book that doubles as art.

The main limitation is the repetitive nature of the activity: each page follows the same sticker-by-number format. Some children may lose interest after a few animals if they prefer more variety. The stickers, while sturdy, can be tricky for very young children to align perfectly, so adult help may be needed for three-year-olds. There are no additional activities like colouring or puzzles, so the focus is entirely on the sticker art. The pages are perforated for easy removal, but they can tear if not handled carefully. If your child is not interested in animals, the theme may not appeal. For group play, there are only ten scenes, so it is best suited to solo use.

Paint by Sticker Kids: Rainforest Animals is a relaxing, focused activity for young children. It is best for ages four to seven who enjoy art and animals. In my test, a five-year-old spent 25 minutes completing one animal scene. Compared to the Gabby's Dollhouse book, it offers less variety but more precision. It is ideal for quiet afternoons or as a calming activity before bedtime. The price is fair for the quality and educational value. The repetitive format may not suit every child. The finished artwork is colourful enough to display on the fridge.

Specifications

This book is perfect for children who enjoy focused, hands-on activities and love animals. It is a good fit for parents who want to encourage fine motor skills and patience. If you are looking for an educational activity book that doubles as art, this is a solid choice. Compared to the more varied Gabby's Dollhouse or Top Model books, it is more repetitive but offers a unique sticker-by-number experience. It is also a good option for quiet time or solo play.

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