Christmas excitement has arrived ahead of schedule, with Penneys rolling out its 2026 Late Late Toy Show sleepwear range for families across the country. For readers following entertainment news Ireland, this is one of those seasonal launches that blends TV tradition, affordable style and a feel-good charitable boost in one cosy package.
The retailer’s newest Toy Show collection starts at just €7, making it an accessible pick for households planning their annual Late Late Toy Show night. With matching options for adults and children, the latest drop leans into the growing tradition of family viewing rituals that now sit at the heart of Irish pop culture every festive season.
Penneys taps into a beloved TV tradition
In what will be welcome Irish entertainment news for families, Penneys has confirmed that its 2026 RTÉ The Late Late Toy Show range is now heading to stores nationwide. This marks the 11th year of the retailer’s partnership with RTÉ, underlining just how closely the brand has become linked with one of the biggest nights in TV news Ireland each year.
This year’s “Fam-Jam” print collection includes more than pyjamas. Shoppers can also expect a full cosy-night-in line-up, including:
- matching Toy Show pyjamas for adults and kids
- fluffy socks for extra comfort
- a soft blanket for the sofa setup
- an owl plush toy as part of the seasonal range
For many viewers, the Toy Show has evolved beyond television into a full event night, and Penneys is clearly leaning into that mood with practical, giftable extras designed for family entertainment at home.
A budget-friendly launch with a strong charitable message
While the bargain pricing is likely to grab attention in latest entertainment news Ireland, the charitable side of the launch gives the story extra weight. Penneys said it will donate €150,000 to children’s causes this year, with €100,000 going to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and another €50,000 supporting the Children’s Health Foundation.
That takes the retailer’s total giving linked to the partnership to more than €800,000 since 2014. It’s a notable reminder that some of the biggest entertainment updates Ireland stories are not always about celebrity headlines or streaming releases, but the community impact behind major cultural moments.
The company is also extending the Toy Show spirit to children spending the night in hospital. Special pyjamas will be delivered to young patients in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly, helping ensure they can still feel part of the celebration.
Why the Late Late Toy Show remains an Irish cultural event
Few annual broadcasts command the same anticipation in Irish TV news as the Late Late Toy Show. It remains one of the defining fixtures of the festive calendar, uniting families for a shared live-TV experience in an era dominated by on-demand viewing, streaming platforms Ireland audiences use daily, and endless digital distractions.
Commenting on the launch, Fintan Costello, Head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the retailer understands how important the programme is for households nationwide, adding that the brand is proud its pyjamas have become part of the tradition in so many homes.
That emotional connection is likely to fuel another sell-out season. With stock in stores from Monday, October 5, shoppers hoping to secure sizes early may want to move quickly.
The takeaway
As far as entertainment news Ireland goes, this is a smart mix of nostalgia, affordability and festive goodwill. Penneys’ latest Toy Show collection shows how one iconic TV night still shapes shopping habits, family rituals and seasonal buzz across the country. If you’re planning your annual couch-and-cocoa setup, these PJs may be one of the first Christmas buys worth making.
