Best Wooden Toys
Despite the relentless advance of technology, the wooden toy retains its place at the toy industry’s top table. Synonymous with quality and ‘good old-fashioned values’, wooden toys evoke an image of children playing calmly and contentedly.
Equally important, the best-made products can become heirloom toys, handed down from sibling to sibling and then from parent to child. They don’t always get the headlines, but just holding a well-made wooden toy is enough to trigger a wave of nostalgia in many parents.
In alphabetical order, our pick of the bunch is as follows…
Building Blocks Zoolino Maxi
Haba
This tactile set of building blocks has a simple animal theme that encourages toddlers to create their own menagerie of weird and wonderful animals – or simply stack the blocks as high as they can.
Read our full review here…
Digger Dominoes
Golden Bear
From Golden Bear’s My 1st JCB line-up, this super game helps to teach youngsters about number-, character- and colour-recognition with the beautifully chunky pieces.
The full story…
Junior Workbench
John Crane
What little boy doesn’t enjoy playing with tools? This wooden workbench lets him pretend to be dad, granddad or Bob the Builder without the risk of a nasty accident with a screwdriver.
The full story…
Noah’s Shape Sorter
Le Toy Van
We’re used to thinking of the animals clambering into the Ark by means of some sort of ramp. It turns out it was actually much easier for them to get onboard through the animal-shaped holes in the side. Convenient, yes, but happens when it starts to rain?
The full story…
Pull-a-long Friends
Manhattan Toy
Having an alligator snapping at your heels isn’t many people’s idea of fun, but nobody would mind this cute chap following them along. The range also includes a puppy, a toucan and a shark.
The full story…
Rocking Duck
John Crane
This duck is almost as cute as the one in the Tom and Jerry cartoons, coming in a dazzling yellow finish. Pre-schoolers will love rocking on those water-styled rockers.
The full story…
Shanghai Warrior
Le Toy Van
This dramatically themed pirate ship is an absolute vision in its blue, green and orange colour scheme. Decidedly exotic, it is packed with pirate mischief, including firing missiles, ladders, and a plank for walking.
The full story…
Very Hungry Caterpillar Pull Along
Rainbow Designs
There’s no stopping this caterpillar (as long as a small person is pulling it along, that is) as it sets off in search of its next meal with a delightful swaying motion.
The full story…
