Winner:GOLD - Best Creative Play (Innovative)
Who:Tonies
What:Toniebox 2
Why:
The JDA panel was SO impressed with the newly launched Toniebox 2, which builds on the incredible legacy of the original Toniebox, now offering screen-free listening from as young as 12mths right up to 9 years+ and lots of great new gadgets and gizmos. With its longer age range in mind, the box itself has been reworked and now features more robust rounded corners, squishy edges, and stronger materials that will outlast years of excitable play. The judges loved the new features, including ToniePlay, that introduces screen-free gaming like fun quizzes for all the family and interactive stories plus a brilliant sunrise alarm and sleep light with timer to help kids get into a good sleeping rhythm. Thank you Tonies!
I was blown away by the innovation and deep understanding of children and parents’ needs all packed into this little red (or blue or pink) box! The inbuilt nightlight and alarm is great for helping kids regulate their sleep.
The perfect combination of technology and old-fashioned story telling with no screens. The cool design and fun collectable aspect of this toy will keep kids invested for years.
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Creative Play (Innovative)
Who:HUE
What:HUE Animation Toolbox
Why:
Our judges with older children were completely smitten with the HUE Animation Toolbox, which is the dream kit for budding filmmakers, packed with everything kids need to create their own stop-motion movies at home. Designed by professional animators, nothing has been overlooked here and the JDA panel was excited to see that as well as the original HUE camera, there were lots of props and tools included too. A good wad of HUE Clay, the same used by none other than Aardman Animations was particularly enjoyed by our judges. With only 3,000 kits available, this is a gift that parents will want to jump on now!
There is so much scope for unbroken creativity with this cleverly assembled toolbox. No going off to find clay or stage sets!
Such a great idea. My son would love this tool box. Having your own clay and modelling tools makes this kit feel really special, blending exciting tech with hands-on creativity.
This is such a fun and creative box! I love the idea - sure to be a hit with kids.
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Creative Play (Innovative)
Who:Digital Detox Kids
What:Design Your Own Skate Park by MindShot
Why:
‘Design Your Own Skate Park’ is the newest serving of pocket-sized fun from MindShot. Our judges loved these clever compact packs that fit into pockets and handbags with ease and particularly liked this new skate park theme that they could see lots of kids being inspired by. Created for children aged 6–9, this pack is bursting with activities, stickers and clever prompts, inviting children to imagine every detail of their very own skate park — from designing ramps and sketching logos to choosing a team and throwing the grand opening. The JDA judges could see that this highly portable pack would be perfect for journeys, restaurants or rainy afternoons and loved the bite size feel of these activities which offer 15–20 minutes of screen-free fun.
The perfect portable game for keeping kids entertained on-the-go without screens. As always, the design and content is superb and perfectly pitched for children aged around 6 and up.
Pocket sized, eco-friendly, screen free entertainment that curious kids will love. I know my nine year old would be a huge fan. I might have to steal one!
A lovely concept and great screen-free activity.
Winner:BRONZE - Best Creative Play (Innovative)
Who:Sniff and Snails
What:Craft + Code Kits
Why:
Craft + Code invites children into a playful world where coding meets creativity. Designed for ages 6–11, each kit blends art, robotics, coding and making, so kids can build gadgets and games they’ll love to play — from disco domes to self-driving robots. Every box includes 3–5 projects that light up, move and make sound, teaching coding through hands-on discovery. With new ideas released monthly (no subscription needed), the fun keeps going long after the first build. Tested with real families, the kits are inclusive, reusable and sustainably made in the UK. Above all, they inspire confidence, curiosity and pride — helping children see themselves as inventors, makers and designers of the future. Our panel thought it was fantastic that everything in the kit can be used again and again, and updated with objects from around the house to make new creations.
Such a great concept!
This is mind bogglingly brilliant and I know curious and creative kids will love getting stuck in!
A brilliant way to get your kids excited about coding and tech without succumbing to yet more screen time. This is the perfect gift for children who take great satisfaction from building projects and problem solving. We have mini coding professor at our house who would LOVE this.
How cool is Sniff & Snails? I think this is such a great idea.
Winner:EDITOR'S CHOICE - Best Creative Play (Innovative)
Who:The Busy Box
What:The Busy Box monthly activity subscription
Why:
This monthly subscription for children aged 1–6, is designed to make play joyful, screen-free and simple. With two versions — Little Explorer ( age 1–3 ) and Curious Creator ( age 3–6 ) — each box includes four themed activities that nurture creativity, motor skills, confidence and independence. Everything needed comes inside, plus Boxy’s Sticker Quest — a magical story where kids collect stickers when they tick off crafts and every day activities. Our judges could see kids really looking forward to each delivery of these well thought-out and absorbing kits, which feature cute graphics and clear instructions. The kits are eco-friendly and UK-made making them a great choice for parents who want to shop more mindfully. The brand also offers bespoke party packs providing a great eco-friendly alternative to the usual goody bags.
I can see kids really looking forward to receiving their packs in the post and then getting stuck in. Lots to do and I love the paper packaging that emphasises that this is a real alternative to screen time.
I love the attention to detail and the huge amount of thought that has gone into creating truly exciting projects for kids. The Tetris style puzzle was a favourite.
Lovely idea - sure to keep kids entertained!
