Christmas fast approaching, and if you’re an organised parent, keen budgeter or simply wanting to stay on top of a long list of present buying, it’s never too early to get started on the shopping.
When it comes to babies and toddlers, it can be difficult to know what to buy – they’ll grow out of new clothes in quickly and so many toys on the market are made from plastic.
So why not invest in wooden toys? Retro, long-lasting and environmentally-friendly (say “buh-bye” to plastic), they’re making a comeback for a very good reason.
If there’s a new addition to your family or friendship group, these toys are guaranteed to make them squeal with excitement.Stacking Rings, Kidly, £19This colourful tower of rings to stack is a great to teach a little one’s hand-eye coordination early. Plus, it’s easy to tidy away and keep neat when they’re finished playing.
Later on, you can use it to help the learn about colours.
Buy it now. Plan Toys Sensory Blocks in Pastel, Scandiborn, £15.95There’s many colourful varieties of wooden toys to shop out there an this set of sensory building blocks has caught our eye. Each one has a different sound, look and texture so the lucky baby who gets this will have a whale of a time exploring and developing their senses.
Buy it now. Stacking Jungle Animals, JoJo Maman Bebe, £15A selection of jungle animals mean you can keep them all together or, put one in the nappy bag, one in the car, one at grandma’s and everywhere in between. Money well spent.
Buy it now. Wooden Highchair Toy, Mothercare, £10This will work as a great distraction while you prepare your baby’s meals. It’s also too heavy for them to throw so you won’t have to scoop pieces off the floor, like you might find yourself doing with the mashed banana. Buy it now. Wooden Bell Rattle, Wooden Toyshop, £7.25This rattle will keep the baby in your life suitably occupied as well as exercise their grip, thanks to the openings on the sides. It’s also difficult to lose because of the bell inside.
Buy it now. Hape Stay-Put Rattle Set, Smythstoys, £9.99Or for a selection of noisy toys, this adorable set of sea creatures will do the job just fine. You’ll be pleased to know each one is coated with non-toxic paint so they can slobber all over them.
Buy it now. Pram Garland, Etsy, £20.37Give your pram a stylish upgrade with this garland, which admittedly might be more of a gift for the parents than the child. Not just limited for use on a pram however, it will also attach to a car seat, bassinet or Moses basket.
Buy it now. Plan Toys Sailing Boat, Scandiborn, £10.95Bathtime has never looked so cute. This wooden sailboat with a seal sailor is suited to a baby that’s 12 months and older, but it’s the perfect first bath toy for the to splash about with.
Buy it now.
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