Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Creative Play
Who:Babai
What:Magnetic Dollhouses - Multicolor set of 3
Why:
These modular wooden dollhouses made waves with our judges this year. The panel agreed that the flexible system would encourage free imaginitive play and loved that it would encourage creativity and storytelling without relying on screens or any noisy toys. Each set is handmade in Ukraine and finished with water-based paints in a beautiful contemporary palette, which the panel thought was really lovely.
"The Babai Dollhouse Set looks fantastic. Magnetic toys are always a favourite, and this dollhouse concept is a brilliant addition to the category. It encourages creativity by building on a play pattern children already know and love, while applying it to a more structured imaginative play experience. It’s a lovely balance between open-ended creativity and guided play."
"This set is so lovely, the fact that they are handmade is really special and the colours are gorgeous. It’s exciting to think of all the stories that kids could create with these colourful little houses, creating their own villages and imaginary neighbours."
"These are so beautiful!! I love that they’re magnetic, kids can let their creativity run wild and experiment with different set-ups and configurations. Every wall and roof a different colour, the exact way a kid would want it."
Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Creative Play
Who:Tonies
What:Toniebox 2
Why:
The Toniebox 2 is the innovative screen-free audio player designed specifically for children’s hands. Judges were impressed by the huge 250+ options of characters, games, quizzes and challenges to choose from, so the collection can grow with your child as their interests change. It’s also designed to encourage healthy sleep habits with its sleep timer and sunrise alarm, resulting in quiet mornings for you and a peaceful start to the day for them too.
"Tonies - you have truly captured our heart and imaginations and the brand just gets better and better. Listening to stories and growing your children's imagination is crucial to their development and I'm really glad to have lived with and experienced Tonies. This new model's key strength is its flexibility across different age groups and stages of development. Little ones enjoy songs and stories, while older kids can access more interactive experiences, including games, quizzes and challenges that encourage participation and decision making. This ability to shift from passive listening to active engagement extends the product’s lifespan and keeps it relevant as children grow - and in a house where there may be multiple age groups - it's wonderful to have a product that lends itself to a varied range."
"We absolutely love our Tonies! It’s become part of our everyday routine, and all of my kids enjoy it, from quiet play to bedtime stories. It’s easy for little hands to use, encourages independent listening, and has helped nurture their love of stories and music. One of those products that genuinely gets used every single day."
Winner:SILVER - Best Creative Play
Who:MODU
What:Dreamer Set
Why:
A racecar? A train? A catapult? The MODU dreamer set is the lifesize building block set that allows kids to create absolutely anything they can imagine. The set comes with lots of different shaped blocks, wheels and pegs so kids can really let their creativity flow. When it comes to upkeep, the pieces are dishwasher safe, or can be taken in the bath – they float! Judges loved the modern, minimalist design and endless possibilities for fun this set would provide.
"I had been very intrigued to see the MODU toys in real life, and they did not disappoint. They are beautifully designed and would integrate seamlessly into almost any home, making them as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. They align perfectly with the concept of open-ended play, offering children endless opportunities to build, create, and use their imagination in different ways."
"This is the building set to replace all building sets! The colours are lovely, the inspiration booklet is great, the possibilities are endless. When kids get tired of one thing, they can just take it apart and make something new, which means way less need to buy new toys that just pile up when they get bored. Genius."
"Such an incredible, versatile product. Love how much freedom there is for kids to create anything they can dream of. The design is beautiful enough that it wouldn’t feel obtrusive in the home too."
“The MODU Dreamer Set really impressed me. It’s beautifully simple, yet incredibly versatile – these lightweight foam pieces can become everything from ride-ons and rockers to play kitchens and slides. I love that children aren’t simply playing with a finished toy; they’re designing and building it themselves. It encourages creativity, problem-solving and active play, with endless possibilities for what they can create.”
Winner:BRONZE - Best Creative Play
Who:Kidywolf
What:Kidydraw-mini
Why:
This portable, paper-free drawing tablet made waves with our judges who praised its portability and simple set up. The Kidydraw-mini acts as a stepping stone towards independent drawing as kids trace over their chosen image, learning to make the shapes and images they want and growing their confidence. The panel loved that the tablet looks like a book and the elastic helps keep everything together like a real notebook.
"The Kidi Draw Mini is an absolute gem. I love it and would be thrilled for my kids to have one. It’s an eco-conscious choice that lets children draw endlessly without using paper, which is a huge plus for both creativity and sustainability. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to developing their talents in a safe and engaging way, without any risks. The design is simple, fun, and encourages them to explore their imagination while building confidence in their drawing skills."
"I absolutely LOVE this product - I'd happily give one of these to both my children who I know would love it."
"What a great product! No paper, no faff, just simple fun that allows kids to grow their confidence with drawing."
