Best Toy Design 0-2yrs | Junior Design Awards 2023

Winners of Best Toy Design 0-2yrs | Junior Design Awards 2023

Best Toy Design 0-2 years: GOLD

WHO: Djeco

WHAT: Pomea Dolls Collection by Djeco

WHY: This doll collection was a huge hit with our judges big and small! The tiny judges inundated this doll display, dressing and undressing the dolls and taking them for rides. By the end of the judging days, most of the dolls and their matching accessories had been taken home by new devoted owners. There was no use arguing! These soft-bodied dolls with closable eyes have a sweet vintage look about them and our judges loved the fact that they come in a wide range of skin-tones making everyone feel represented. The beautifully designed and imaginative range of accessories available, including a clothes rail, carrycot, highchair and of course a whole wardrobe of clothes was raved about and the panel could see that this was a doll collection that could be built on over time, giving little children years of playing pleasure.

Everybody wanted to play with these dolls! Djeco have let their imaginations fly with the accessories which are so thoughtfully and meticulously crafted to give these dolls the best of the best.

My toddler daughter woke up from her nap while we were at the Junior Design awards HQ on judging day, saw the Pomea Dolls and shot up in her pram with a 'wow'. She didn't stop playing with them for the whole day and somehow managed to bring one home (with permission from Head Judge Bonita!). These are the most beautiful dolls with the most beautiful wardrobes and accessories. Soft bodied, they can go in the washing machine (luckily as we also seem to have a love for colouring pens) and are just a delight.

Really beautifully designed clothes for these dolls who, critically, don’t scare me! They're small, lightweight and realistic.

I really loved how these dolls were just the right size - too often my daughter would want to play with baby dolls but she just found them too big and cumbersome to manage and it would end in frustration! These dolls are the perfect size and come with a super stylish range of accessories.

A gorgeous range! Beautiful for babies and parents too. Everything a toy baby needs! Love the high chair and carry cot.

The sweetest baby dolls with the most adorable clothes. A perfect gift for any little one who loves roleplay with the potential for building up a whole miniature nursery of baby equipment and accessories.

WHERE: Djeco

Best Toy Design 0-2 years: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Thumble Baby Care

WHAT: Space Teether Toys

WHY: This range of 6 space-themed, natural rubber baby toys for teething, bath and sensory play really excited our judges who loved these fun, unisex designs that are easy to handle and satisfying to bite down on. The panel was impressed to learn that each toy is handmade with rubber ethically sourced from Hevea trees in Malaysia and painted with natural pigments making them 100% natural and non-toxic! A really fun and reassuringly well made and safely made range of toys to help your baby through teething.

So fun! And beautifully designed. A great gift for a space loving new parent!

I thought this design was excellent! Brilliant packaging, story and the product is a toy as well as a teether.

Fun and unique teethers for future explorers. This really is something completely different in the teethers market and would make great gifts.

I’m sorry but someone has to say it. These teethers are out of this world!

WHERE: Thumble Baby Care

Best Toy Design 0-2 years: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Jolly Designs

WHAT: Quiet Books

WHY: These fabric books with multiple pockets, patches and interactive elements really absorbed our judges who loved the idea of a book that would stimulate kids on multiple levels giving them an easy to hold book that opens up into a world of gentle interactive adventure, piquing kids’ curiosity and nurturing imaginations. Filled with memory games, finger puppets, counting and more , these books were applauded for their mix of fun and educational content designed to capture a child’s attention and imagination.

Such beautifully made books that entertain while they enhance your child's cognitive, motor & social development.

My toddler spent ages looking at these books on judging day! I need one for our next long journey. Such beautiful, well-considered books but with a hefty price tag. They'd make a beautiful gift to give or receive!

Beautifully presented and great quality - full of colour and fun, these books are not just made to hold attention but to last. I can imagine them being handed down within families.

WHERE: Jolly Designs

Best Toy Design 0-2 years: BRONZE

WHO: BIBS

WHAT: Wobbly Tower

WHY: This simple stacking tower in beautiful muted tones was played with non-stop over the judging days. A hit with both tiny babies and toddlers, it seemed to really absorb the children who tested it. Designed with endless possibilities of use, including stacking and play in both sand and water, each layer comes with textured imprints and small holes of varying sizes to create a shower effect where the water flows out at different speeds. A great toy that works on so many levels providing a great tool for sensory play.

Lovely muted tones that keep the toy corner both restful and fun!

A brilliant and beautiful toy to encourage little imaginations. I can see my toddler finding many uses for the bowls!

I borrowed a baby for a few moments (Thank you Sonia) and she loved playing with this toy. I could see her excitement when she reached for the individual pieces and then knocked the tower over!

Fun and multifunctional - this feels like 4 or 5 toys in one and a toy that will grow with your little one as they discover different ways to use it.

Really interactive and easy to play with. Love the way it packs away really neatly and looks chic, too.

WHERE: BIBS