Winner:PLATINUM - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:Tender Leaf
What:Launderette
Why:
This beautifully detailed laundry playset that invites children to wash, dry, iron, and fold their dolly’s clothes was a huge hit with the JDA judges who loved the charming details and hand painted finish. The set includes a wicker basket, washing machine with pull-out drawer for detergent tablets, sink area for handwashing, wooden and cardboard cleaning products, an ironing board that folds away, and a hanging line with pegs, as well as two cardboard boxes that can be decorated or used however your child wishes. Our judges loved the way this toy offers multiple role-play processes in one: loading the machine, pressing buttons, washing, pegging, folding, and ironing.
Designed for both solo and shared play, it encourages fine motor skills, creativity, and social interaction.
Just stunning! A real centrepiece for the playroom and the perfect way to (hopefully) train your kids to do the laundry one day!
A beautifully made, all-in-one role play set that encourages independence, creativity, and collaborative play. Tender Leaf once again delivers charm, detail, and purpose in a timeless wooden design.
Jonathan Kirkby, Founder of Instinct PR @jonathankirkby
Sweet pegs and hanging area - great for honing fine motor skills!
I love the vintage vibes - great design and colours!
Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:The Zoo Family
What:A collection of instant cameras for children age 4+
Why:
This screen-free instant camera, designed with super cute animal motifs was a scene stealer on the JDA judging days. Featuring a built-in thermal printer, it allows children to instantly print black-and-white photos without ink, while its 3-inch screen, 1500mAh double battery, and excellent print quality makes it feel like a proper grown up piece of kit. Complete with paper rolls, it empowers storytelling, creativity, and independence while offering a refreshing, tactile alternative to digital screens. The panel was excited to learn that each camera sold helps plant a tree, encouraging children to think more deeply about world around them. Bravo!
Engaging and intuitively designed, this brilliant camera offers a really appealing way for children explore and express their creativity.
A joyful and screen-free way for kids to capture memories and explore creativity. With charming design, instant prints, and a planet-positive mission, this camera turns everyday moments into proud keepsakes.
Love the lightweight, playful design. Robust, intuitive to use.
Gorgeous - I love the design!
Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:Great Little Trading Co.
What:Lolly & Scoop Wooden Ice Cream Shop
Why:
It will come as no surprise that this stunning wooden ice cream shop has been a best-selling heirloom toy for over a decade. Wowing our judges with its beautifully painted accessories including cones, wafers, toppings, lollies, and magnetised scoops the panel could see that this set would encourage fine motor skills, communication, and hours of imaginative play, both alone and with friends. Sustainably made with FSC-certified wood and non-toxic paints, it’s designed to last and be passed along for generations. The grown-ups couldn’t resist playing with this toy on the JDA judging days and everyone agreed that little children would love it for many, many years.
I love these ice creams, so creative and they are not plastic - so great :)
A timeless wooden toy full of charm and creative potential. Beautifully made, sustainably minded, and endlessly engaging — this is imaginative play at its sweetest.
Lovely design! A very sweet set.
Winner:SILVER - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:Make Me Iconic
What:Doll Accessories Kit
Why:
Our judges fell in love with this beautifully crafted doll accessories kit designed for nurturing imaginative play. The beautifully crafted miniature bottles, feeding kit and brush set are perfect for little caregivers-in-training, helping children practice empathy, independence, and storytelling while bonding with friends or siblings through role-play. Sustainably made with FSC-certified wood, non-toxic paints, and reduced packaging, this gender-neutral toy is built to last as a keepsake-quality treasure.
These are really special toys that will spark little imaginations and enhance roleplay games. Perfect!
A beautifully made, nostalgic set that encourages nurturing, empathy, and imaginative play. Thoughtfully crafted and full of charm, it’s a heartfelt celebration of childhood that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
Winner:BRONZE - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:The Tea Club
What:Tō Tea Set
Why:
The gorgeous and extremely versatile Tō Tea Set is Inspired by Japanese pagodas was much loved by our JDA panel who felt it would provide children with hours of imaginative play encouraging them stack, pour, serve tea, build wooden crockery towers and much more. The judges could feel the incredibly quality if this toy which is sustainably made in Greece from solid oak and finished with beeswax and olive oil. Just beautiful.
With its high quality craftsmanship this feels timeless and minimal - a beautiful addition to any nursery where form and function are equally valued.
A stunning example of design-led play, the Tea Set is sculptural, sustainable, and beautifully open-ended. It invites calm, imaginative moments and proves that toys can be both purposeful and poetic.
Very stylish tea set - I love the minimal design!
Winner:EDITOR'S CHOICE - Best Toy Design 3-5 Years
Who:Tutti Bambini
What:Scala Montessori 3-in-1 Pikler Climbing Frame with Climbing Wall
Why:
This impressive piece of climbing kit really impressed the JDA panel and was a stand-out piece for Junior’s Editor, Bonita Turner who loved its robust structure, beautiful paint finish and clean lines. Inspired by Montessori principles, the Pikler encourages children to explore, climb, and build strength at their own pace and transforms any play space into an exciting indoor playground. Brilliant!
This is a beautifully designed piece that encourages movement, confidence, and independence through play. A great way to get kids moving and stretching at home when it’s too wet to go out or they just need to let off steam!
Thoughtful, Montessori-inspired, and made to grow with the child, this is purposeful design at its best. “
Love the versatility.
