Best Toy Design 0-2 yrs | Junior Design Awards 2021
When it comes it those all important first toys for children these are the ones that we recommend for 0-2 year olds - as do our JDA judges!
WINNER OF BEST TOY DESIGN 0-2 YEARS: GOLD
WHO: PomPom
WHAT: Colourful Climbing Triangle and Slide
WHY: This indoor climbing triangle and slide was really well received by our judges who loved the beautiful neutral wood accented with soft muted pastels from eco-friendly paint brand Edward Bulmer. The panel thought the quality of this play equipment was fantastic and everyone felt it would make a great focal point for any play space giving babies, toddlers and young children a whole range of activities from pulling up to full-on whizzing down the slide – all with strong developmental benefits. The eco-friendly materials used, the UK based production and the longevity of this toy all scored highly and the brand’s work with The Marine Conservation Society was another winning factor.
Hours of fun. And also really pretty to have put in your house!
We have a pikler triangle and it is one of our most used rigs! This one is gorgeous and I really like that it has 3 adjustable heights.
WHERE: PomPom
WINNER OF BEST TOY DESIGN 0-2 YEARS: JOINT SILVER
WHO: OOH NOO
WHAT: A minimalist baby walker
WHY: This stunning baby walker really caused a stir amongst our judges who loved this minimalist reinterpretation of the traditional building brick trolley. The panel felt that anyone with a pronounced design aesthetic would absolutely love the clean lines and pared back style of these walkers, which come in white or black with contrasting oversize natural wood wheels. As well as being beautiful to look at these walkers give babies a really steady and sturdy handle to pull themselves up on and the wheels have plenty of resistance so that nobody goes flying off too fast! A beautifully designed product that would make a perfect gift and sit pride of place in any room of the house.
Love the design! So simple yet so beautiful.
Ooh it’s so chic. This is exactly the kind of baby walker I’d like in my house please!
This is absolutely beautiful, where can I get one?? I love that a classic toy has been made perfect for the minimalist’s home.
WHERE: OOH NOO
WINNER OF BEST TOY DESIGN 0-2 YEARS: JOINT SILVER
WHO: Little Omo
WHAT: Inclusive educational flashcards and puzzles
WHY: These gorgeous eco-friendly wooden puzzles and packs of flash cards with a focus on inclusivity and representation were such a breath of fresh air and our judges heaped them with praise. The flash cards, which range from simple alphabet cards to parts of the body, were well designed and easy to read but crucially feature people of all skin tones, giving a true representation of society and placing equal value on everyone. The well made wooden puzzles depict kids with afro hair and darker skin tones giving children who have been overlooked in the traditional, early years toy market a real sense that they are acknowledged and recognised. Fantastic toys for making kids feel included and represented and helping all children recognise that diversity is a wonderful thing.
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Eco-friendly, people friendly and beautifully designed and made.
I loved the puzzles in particular. Really well made products with a much needed emphasis on representation.
We’re big fans of flashcards. These are hands down the most stylish I’ve seen!
WHERE: Little Omo
WINNER OF BEST TOY DESIGN 0-2 YEARS: JOINT BRONZE
WHO: Hape
WHAT: Musical Whale Fountain
WHY: Bath time can be lots of fun but it can also be a big challenge for some children, so anything that makes the bathtub a happy space is always a good idea in our book. Our judges agreed that this gorgeous pod of rainbow whales that play tunes and squirt jets of water would definitely get kids excited about bath time and distract them from the dreadful business of washing! The fountain has two play modes – automatic and play - and with handy suction cups on its base, which ensure it attaches firmly to the bottom of the bath, the whales can be as hands free as you like when you need to keep your little one steady or grab that towel.
So much fun! Adding this to my list for the baby…
I know my kids would really enjoy this one!
WHERE: Hape
WINNER OF BEST TOY DESIGN 0-2 YEARS:JOINT BRONZE
WHO: Micro Scooter
WHAT: Inflatable bouncer/ride on toy
WHY: This multi-tasking ride-on/bouncer really intrigued our judges who loved the way Hopper, the cute inflatable bug was a bouncy toy in its own right and then easily slotted into a lightweight chassis with wheels to become a fun ride on toy. Thoughtful details including 360 degree, non marking wheels that enable plenty of whizzing about and a snag free ergonomic shape that helps develop coordination and balance, also stood out. The panel agreed that the two in one value, the fun quirky design and the serious squish factor would make this a firm favourite with both kids and parents.
A great toy for having lots of fun and improving balance and coordination.
Bold, bright and I’m sure kids would go wild for it. I like the fact that it can go on wheels or just bounce…
WHERE: Micro Scooter