Winner:PLATINUM - Best Toy Brand
Who:Le Toy Van
What:The GT Series Car Collection
Why:
Our judges fell in love with these beautifully-crafted cars from Le Toy Van. Every car is hand-built from FSC-certified wood, (not a hint of plastic anywhere!) and is individually numbered, making them feel extra special. The aesthetic appeal of the cars was highly praised by the panel, who felt that these little toys would retain their value long past their days of being played with, and can be treasured as heirlooms and handed down for years to come.
"I absolutely adore this collection. Le Toy Van is probably my favourite toy brand in the UK, and this range only reinforces why. The attention to detail is incredible—from giving each car a fun, relatable children's name (I couldn't believe two of my kids' names are included!) to the beautiful design and quality of every piece. They're the kind of toys children genuinely want to play with, but they're also so beautifully made that you can't help wanting to collect them all. It's a collection that feels timeless and full of character."
"We are huge fans of Le Toy Van in our house. Their designs are simply gorgeous and will look good on any kids' bedroom shelf! They are beautifully crafted and would make wonderful future heirlooms for families. A collection that perfectly embodies innovation, affordability, sustainability and timeless appeal. These toys are simply wonderful gifts."
"Love these cars and can see how wonderful they’d be as an entire collection. If I had these for my daughter I know she would play with them now but that they would also have a second life when she grows out of them because visually they look amazing together on a shelf or on a windowsill - for me this is a major appeal."
Winner:GOLD - Best Toy Brand
Who:Pea & Biscuit
What:The Pea & Biscuit Collection — Make Believe in Rattan
Why:
Our judges were head over heels for this whimsical rattan collection from Pea & Biscuit – a plastic-free world of imagination, designed by a mother who wanted to create objects that could live harmoniously in the home and feel as beautiful for parents as they do for children. The JDA panel felt these toys were a refreshing alternative to their plastic counterparts and loved that they are made by hand from natural materials, making them feel even more magical.
"I’m very taken by this rattan aesthetic- especially the toy kitchen, it softens what is usually a rather brutal object in the playroom. Has a wonderful, whimsical, Brambley Hedge vibe."
"I'm completely obsessed with Pea & Biscuit. Every single piece is so beautifully designed that I genuinely want the entire collection. Their products strike that perfect balance of being magical for children while still looking incredibly stylish in the home, so they're just as enjoyable for adults to admire as they are for little ones to play with. It's the kind of brand that makes creating a beautiful, imaginative play space feel effortless."
"What a collection! Simply stunning. I loved reading about the reason the owner created the brand; she was looking for beautiful objects that would live in the corners of a family home without apology. So chic, and sustainable. Made using natural rattan which is imperfect by nature. A beautiful new brand!"
Winner:SILVER - Best Toy Brand
Who:tickit®
What:Educational Toys
Why:
The exciting range of tactile and interactive toys presented by Tickit, was highly praised by the JDA team who could see that every item had been carefully designed to intrigue kids, spark imaginations and nurture development. The panel was excited to see toys that are widely used in nurseries, schools and SEND settings, available for home use, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the holistic developmental and sensory benefits that Tickit is so well known for. A fantastic brand that offers beautifully designed toys that children are instinctively drawn to.
"I have to say, these little pieces earned my attention in seconds, I can see how kiddos could spend hours being entertained by them."
"These products are thoughtfully designed to support children's development through exploration and hands-on learning, without ever losing the fun. I particularly appreciate the quality of their materials and how many of their toys can be used in different ways as children grow."
"What I love about this brand is the intention behind each toy. Every resource is designed to support parents or practitioners as much as the kiddies. They create important opportunities for observation, interaction and meaningful extension of learning."
"Am obsessed with the gem cube mirror tray - would LOVE to have these in the dollshouse studio for my daughter to build her own fantasy houses next to mine! There is something so tactile and alluring about the materials of this brand."
"Pleasing to the eye and brilliantly multipurpose, these toys get little minds whirring, bodies moving and fine motor skills motoring."
