Whether it’s outdoor toys, construction toys, creative toys, or plush toys that you’re after, we’re bringing you the very best playthings on the market, as voted for by fellow mums and their little ones. Keep reading to find out which toys came out on top in each category.
Best Outdoor Toys:
While it’s certainly not summer anymore, these fantastic toys are sure to brighten up playtime and get the family moving outdoors! We are pleased to announce the winners in this category as:
- Gold – Smoby 2-in-1 Reversible Scooter (RRP £49.99) by Simba Smoby Toys UK
About the product: “Designed with mobile development in mind, this three-wheeled piece switches easily from a learning trike to hone steering and balance skills, to a first scooter for a more daring ride. The reversible 2-in-1 Scooter is ideal for kids aged 18-36 months, thanks to its robust chunky, plastic-covered frame and adjustable metal handlebars with large handles and silent wheels.”
What our tester said: “Great concept! We quickly figured out how to transform it and it was very simple and easy to do. Even the kids could transform it! It feels sturdy and well made.”
- Joint Silver – Casdon Flymo Mower (RRP £13) by Casdon Toys Plc
- Joint Silver – Micro MJ Skate (RRP £80) by MICRO
Best Construction Toys:
Bringing the fun back indoors, kids will love getting creative with these brilliant toys! We are pleased to announce the winners of the Best Creative Toy category as:
- Gold – Kid K’nex Dino Dudes Dinosaur Building Set (RRP £34.99) by Basic Fun!
About the product: “Roar! Stomp! Chomp! With the Kid K’NEX Dino Dudes Building Set, kids can make 30 different fun dinosaur buddies! Construct dinosaur buddies complete with eyes, wings, shells, spikes, tails, and more! Children aged 3-5 years can think outside the blocks with this Kid K’Nex fun themed set, which is designed to inspire. The soft, chunky, flexible easy fit and pull apart pieces are perfect for littler hands, honing children’s hand and eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, cognitive functions, and spatial intelligence ensures hours of construction play.”
What our tester said: “This is a great building set! Kids can follow the instructions to create tons of models or they can build whatever comes to mind, so there’s days of fun to be had playing with the Dino Dudes set. Personally, I think this offers a great way for learning cause and effect and basic physics – my kids had a blast trying to balance the design of their dino friend, so he could stand up without toppling over. It’s also a great way for kids to develop their fine motor skills. More generally speaking, we loved the sturdy pieces – this set will last for generations! Plus, compared with other construction brands on the market, K’Nex really does offer great value for money.”
- Silver – Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Rocket (RRP £22.00) by Learning Resources
- Bronze – GraviTrax Pro, Vertical Starter Set (RRP £64.99) by Ravensburger
Best Creative Toys:
It’s time to express yourself! Kids will love letting their creative juices flow with these top picks! The winners of the Best Creative Toy category are as follows:
- Gold – Osmo Pizza Co. Game Set (RRP £49.99) by Osmo
About the product: “A fun and educational game that teaches children how to run a business with their very own pizza shop. Kids can develop nonverbal communication, as they work out how their customers like their pizza from their faces and body language as they lay down toppings. Whilst also building their math skills as they train addition, subtraction and fractions, all the way to fast paced mental math. Suitable for ages 5-12.”
What our tester said: “This game is not just great fun for the kids – it’s also lots of fun for parents too! The interactive element is amazing! Osmo Pizza Co. Game Set will provide any family with hours of fun! I love that it’s educational, but super entertaining at the same time!”
- Silver – Little Brian Giant Paint Stick (RRP £17.99) by Trends UK
- Bronze – playPROMPTS (RRP £12.50) by playHOORAY!
- Highly Commended – Scratch and Shimmer Spirograph Set (£19.99) by Flair GP
Best Plush Toys:
Every child loves a plush pal, and we’ve been testing some of the softest and cutest of companions for this year’s awards. The results are in and we’re delighted to announce the winners of the Best Plush Toy category as:
- Gold – Pound Puppies Classic (RRP £20) by Basic Fun
About the product: “The original Pound Puppies are back! These authentic reproductions of the 1980s hit toys look and feel just like you remember, and they’re ready to be adopted and loved! Each Pound Puppy includes a sticker sheet, name tag and adoption certificate.”
What our tester said: “A super soft toy! It’s good that the box can be converted into the dog’s home, and we like the stickers and the certificate. It’s also great to have a link with the Dogs Trust.”
- Silver – Frozen 2 Shape Shifter Olaf (RRP £29.99) by Flair GP