Children's Toys for Kids of All Ages

Focus on open-ended play. Toys without a single 'correct' outcome, building sets, craft kits, classic board games and outdoor games, tend to stay interesting as children develop. A five-year-old and a ten-year-old can both enjoy croquet or skittles, just at different skill levels. Look for guidance on the box, but trust that simpler often means longer-lasting appeal.

Solid wood toys from reputable makers are finished with non-toxic paints and lacquers, have no small parts that snap off unexpectedly, and do not contain the plasticisers found in some cheaper plastic products. They are heavier and harder, so always check age recommendations. A well-made wooden toy meeting current EN71 safety standards is a sound choice for most children.

Wipe wooden toys down with a lightly damp cloth rather than soaking them, and dry them straight away. Keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight, which fades paint and can cause wood to crack. Occasional application of a natural beeswax or food-safe oil to unfinished wood keeps the grain in good condition. Store them somewhere dry, and they can genuinely last decades.

Classic outdoor games such as croquet, boules or quoits work across a broad age span and the whole family can join in. Traditional board games and card games are another safe choice: they suit children roughly seven and upwards and rarely feel 'too young' to an older child. If in doubt, choose something the parents can play alongside the child.

Solid hardwood, non-toxic finishes, hand-finishing and tighter manufacturing tolerances all add to the cost. A cheap plastic toy may cost less today but typically ends up in landfill within a year or two. A well-made wooden toy holds its condition, holds its play value, and can be handed to a younger sibling or the next generation. The cost per year of use is often lower.

Most children are ready for simple turn-taking games from around three or four years old. Games with reading or more complex strategy generally suit ages seven and above, though younger children often manage with a little adult guidance. Many classic Jaques games, chess, draughts and ludo among them, have been enjoyed by children in that broad three-to-twelve range for generations.

Jaques has been making games and toys since 1795, and sets from the Victorian and Edwardian eras do turn up in working condition today. That is not coincidence; it comes from using solid materials and straightforward construction that can be repaired. If you store a well-made wooden toy correctly, there is no structural reason it should not outlast its first owner by many years.