Toy Awards 2025 / 15 September 2025

Best Toy Design 0-2 Years | Junior Design Awards 2025

These award winning toys are ready to fuel the imaginations of babies and young toddlers

Junior Magazine Toy Awards 2025 Best Toy Design 0-2 Years | Junior Design Awards 2025

Winner:GOLD - Best Toy Design 0-2 Years

Who:1Curiosity

What:Toys to spark curiosity

Why:

Inspired by the everyday objects that babies are naturally drawn to such as lids, containers, brushes and bottles and more, this clever play set is perfect for encouraging sensory and open ended play, while helping to develop curiosity, concentration and problem solving through independent discovery. This was a big hit with the JDA judges who could see little ones being instinctively drawn to these toys taht have no ‘correct’ way to play with them.

With no jarring lights or sounds, these toys invite calm and focused play. I can see babies and toddlers being enthralled by these toys. A standout brand in the toy section for me.

Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior

1Curiosity are incredibly well thought out toys that have harnessed long running research to create the perfect interactive toys for one year olds. I haven’t seen anything like this and will definitely recommend to friends.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Toy Design 0-2 Years

Who:Eyas

What:On The Move Sensory Car Toy

Why:

This sensory car toy – the first of its kind –  has been specially designed with paediatricians to support babies’ development and keep them happy during car journeys. The panel loved the versatility and ease of use offered by this toy, which clips onto the headrest opposite your baby’s car seat so that it is directly within their visual field. One side features bold black and white sensory images for newborns (0-3 months), while the reverse side introduces colourful, engaging images for older babies (3-6 months), extending the life of this sensory toy and keeping babies content for longer.

This is such a great idea. Low-tech but effective, channelling great research from experts who know exactly what babies love to look at and what is optimum for their eye development. Brilliant.

Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior

As the mother of babies who hated car travel I would have loved this. This could be a game changer for so many families!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Toy Design 0-2 Years

Who:My First Book

What:The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Why:

Our judges loved this soft sensory interpretation of the much-loved Very Hungry Caterpillar. Packed with pockets and flaps that make the original story even more interactive and fun, the panel agreed that this book would be a great way to encourage kids to feel connected to their reading journey. This is a beautifully made book that comes with a matching backpack to make this feel like a thoughtful and special gift that little kids will love.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a favourite of so many little kids and this beautifully crafted felt book gives them even more ways to interact with this satisfying story of munching and metamorphosis!

Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior

I love this soft and tactile book that little children will love delving into. The matching backpack makes this feel really special and the whole set would make the perfect pre-journey gift. Great for keeping kids absorbed on car, plane and train journeys.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Winner:BRONZE - Best Toy Design 0-2 Years

Who:Ette Tete

What:The CUBITRI climbing play cube

Why:

This simple cube design intrigued our judges with its cool compact design and multiple ways to play. Our panel loved the way this interactive climbing cube grows with your child, with thoughtful add-ons like a blackboard, felt playmat, a ramp and the advantage of being able to link up with other elements from range. This practical and versatile toy impressed with its beautiful build quality and the panel could see it being the focal point of much imaginative and physical play.

For children who like to think outside the box! Quite literally. Not just hours of fun but years of fun here.

Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior

I love the look of this cube, which can be used in so many different ways! Small house, shop, nest, climbing frame, ramp – the options are endless.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior