Best Toy Design 3-5yrs | Junior Design Awards 2023
These fundamental years are the ideal time to introduce children to an array of toys that expand their minds for play and beyond... these are the pre-schooler toys that the Junior judges loved
Winners of Best Toy Design 3-5yrs | Junior Design Awards 2023
Best Toy Design 3-5 years: JOINT GOLD
WHO: ToddleRoad
WHAT: Airport + GriPlanes
WHY: This food-grade silicone runway and aeroplane set was loved across the board and everyone could see that kids would really enjoy playing with this toy, revisiting it many times through the years. When the panel discovered that the planes are designed to train little hands to hold their pens correctly before they even attempt to start writing, they were intrigued. Shaped to be intuitively grabbed the way you should grab a pencil, these planes teach kids, not only the correct grip, but also the gentle wrist movements for easy instinctive writing. Genius!
Teaching children to write and fly planes! The concept of learning the correct grip through play is so effective and fun! I really liked the extensive runways and the box turning into a terminal. My 3 year old would adore this.
A fantastic toy that gives kids a great interactive game, with a fun to play on grid for planes and vehicles and the added advantage of training those writing muscles and grip without anyone even mentioning school!
Having struggled to get my kids to hold their pens correctly and seen how tiring it can be for them to develop their writing muscles, this toy set is fascinating to me. Training muscle memory and an instinctive grip from an early age could help so many children have an easier transition into school life.
WHERE: ToddleRoad
Best Toy Design 3-5 years: JOINT GOLD
WHO: Great Little Trading Company
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WHAT: Play & Store Wooden Toy Farm Set
WHY: This adorable farm set scored highly with all our judges who were completely enamoured with the beautifully made wooden animals and their cosy barn and store house. The judges felt this was a toy that would really capture kids’ imaginations, with plenty of space for all the animals to wander about and even a working hay bale lift and market stall for even more opportunity to flex those fine motor skills and enjoy some roleplaying. The panel also liked the way this set transforms into a carry case to pack everything away inside making it easy to tidy away and store.
This farm set reminds me of my favourite toys from my own childhood. Hours of fun learning about animals and imagining running your own farm. Such a beautiful toy.
I just loved the look of this - some really intricate details and features for little ones to explore and let their imagination take over working on the farm. The handy carry feature means it's a great toy to take out and about or on holiday.
Just gorgeous. The perfect gift for little ones who will love the friendly-looking animals and their cosy farm. The kind of toy you want to have on display!
WHERE: Great Little Trading Company
Best Toy Design 3-5 years: SILVER
WHO: Mookie
WHAT: TP UFO Den and Climbing Frame
WHY: This was a stand-out piece at the JDA’s drawing lots of attention from our judges who loved the sturdy climbing structure and integrated hanging den. Everyone could see how much fun kids would have climbing on this arched structure and the UFO shaped suspended den looked like the perfect nest for hanging out in and calling club meetings. The den felt sturdy and was strong enough to take the weight of one plucky JDA adult team member. A great choice for children who want an extra special activity centre with their own special chill out zone.
A climbing frame that will look great in the garden with a cool suspended den that provides kids with that all-important hiding place where they can retreat from the world or hang out with friends.
I know my kids would have absolutely loved this. A really well-designed climbing arch with the irresistible allure of a hanging UFO den. I’m imagining torches and midnight feasts!
A unique UFO design that encourages imaginative and active play. I can imagine children playing on this for hours in the garden before chilling out in the den!
WHERE: Mookie
Best Toy Design 3-5 years: JOINT BRONZE
WHO: Hooga Playroom
WHAT: Hooga Play Kitchen with 7 Utensils - Mint
WHY: This really sweet-looking wooden play kitchen was extremely well received by our judges who loved the soft mint colour that would fit in with most décors and all the lovely attention to detail including a stylish brickwork backsplash, opening oven door with clear window, a clock with moving hands and some beautifully made utensils. Everything a mini chef will need to cook up a storm and have hours of fun imitating the grown-ups.
I love this little kitchen which feels really neat and compact, meaning it won’t take up too much space like other versions on the market, while still including all those essential items and more that make playing chef so much fun.
Stylish, compact and full of lovely details that make it feel a cut above. I particularly love the analogue clock that will help kids learn the time while they’re cooking those eggs!
WHERE: Hooga Playroom
Best Toy Design 3-5 years: JOINT BRONZE
WHO: Mabel & Me
WHAT: Woodland Wonders Tree Stump Shop
WHY: Our judges were really taken with this beautifully designed cardboard play set that comes in a hat box style carrier, that opens up to reveal the interior of a gorgeous tree-stump shop, complete with an old-fashioned counter-top that converts into a bed! The beautiful illustrations, sweet accessories - including cuddly shopkeeper, Betsy Bunny herself - make this a truly magical toy that encourages plenty of roleplay and storytelling. The panel was extremely impressed with the level of thought and detail that had gone into creating this set and were excited to find a truly sustainably made, eco-friendly toy in this category.
Completely enchanting and beautifully made. A wonderful gift for any child who loves to make tiny camps for their toys. Betsy Bunny is absolutely gorgeous!
This took me back to the wonder of being a little girl lost in a miniature world of make-believe. The illustrations are so beautiful and there are so many sweet touches that make this play set feel really magical.
This would make a lovely gift - gorgeous illustrations and such attention to detail make this a rich imaginative play experience.
WHERE: Mabel & Me