The best wooden toys and puzzles have soared in popularity over the last few years. And it comes as no surpise.
Wooden toys are up there with the best toys to buy in 2023, as not only do they look great, but they are built to last (and last).
Wooden toys come with a much-welcomed retro touch, and can be better than buying plastic toys. It's no secret plastic finds its way into landfills across the world. So many more of us are opting for much more eco-friendly options, like wooden toys and puzzles, as a clever and stylish alternative.
Often, the best wooden toys and puzzles are more traditional and timeless in their design, meaning they make for great hand-me-down gifts for future generations to come. Plus, many of kids' favourite TV characters also come in wooden form — whether it's Peppa Pig or Doug and Melissa. And, you'll be pleased to know that most top-rated wooden toy options also come with an educational element to them, which is always a win.
So no matter whether you're looking for a gift or just want to treat that special little person in your life, to help you find the perfect wooden match, we've trawled the internet and compiled a list of our faves below. With a range of prices, colours and options available, there really is something for everyone.
Discover the best wooden toys 2023
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Are wooden toys better than plastic?
Wooden toys are the best way to ensure that you're getting high-quality toys, while not having to pay an arm and a leg. There are many brands out there (such as the ones below) that offer a huge range of wooden toys for any budget and they all guarantee quality - without no phthalates, PVC or chemicals which are used in plastic toys.
Research also points to wooden toys being better than plastic ones, offering the chance for unstructured play. This helps young children learn through play, by developing their imagination and creative thinking skills - especially as there's never just one use for a wooden toy. Sensory toys, with bright colours, sounds and pictures, are also great choices for improving baby and toddler development. Water babies, will also love these cheap bathtime toys.
They're also much, much better for the environment.
How sustainable are wooden toys?
Wooden toys are undoubtedly a helpful solution to the current overflow of plastic in our world. They're supremely long-lasting, meaning they're much less likely to break over the years, and as such, can be passed down from generation to generation.
Are wooden toys good for babies?
Being more durable - and less likely to break - also means that your wooden toys are arguably safer too. There aren't any sharp edges or small pieces likely to snap off, so you can rest ever so slightly easier when it comes to playtime for your little ones.
Wooden toys also tend to not be quite as high-tech as plastic toys, meaning they're more likely to naturally spark your child's creativity whilst they're playing. Hand your child a couple of wooden building blocks, or a wooden kitchen set, and see what kind of scene they create for themselves!
Another upside - for all the parents among us - is that wooden toys are inherently more peaceful - and what mum or dad doesn't crave a little more quiet time? Without the beeps and boops, alarms, voices, and all the other noises from your typical electrical toys, you might be able to let your child enjoy play time without an array of sounds exploding from their bedroom - within reason of course, after all, they're still children.
While you're shopping for the best wooden toys and puzzles, you might also be interested in our guide to choosing the best baby bath toys. We've also got guides on choosing the best educational toys and the best toys for 3 year olds.
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