Junior Design Awards 2022 / 26 September 2022

Best Activity Toy or Playmat | Junior Design Awards 2022

These award winning activity gym, triangles and mats all caught the judges eyes at the annual Junior Design Awards

Who:Triclimb

What:Triclimb Arben Range - A multifunctional, interconnecting range of climbing toys

Why:

It’s not often that the large scale toys that kids absolutely love, look beautiful in your home, but these impeccably crafted, ethically made climbing frames with a choice of rainbow or natural wood slats really do.

Many of our judges gave these exciting multifunctional structures the maximum score, all agreeing that they would encourage open-ended play, nurture imaginations and help develop fine motor skills and a sense of adventure.

Perfect for keeping out on display in playrooms but the beauty of these frames is that they fold up really compactly for anyone who needs to keep their space flexible. A wonderful long-term investment that can be used as a jungle gym for new babies and then gradually becomes something to play on and in!

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Ethical, sustainable and a joy to look at and play on! I love the fact that you can adapt any frame with a myriad of different add-ons or just your own imagination.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:Play&Go

What:Bloom play mat and lounger

Why:

This super versatile, highly padded play mat that can be turned from flat mat into cocooning nest with the pull of a drawstring really excited our judges who could see just how useful it would be to parents and how reassuring and safe it would feel for babies. In high side mode you can guarantee a small baby will stay put no matter how good they are at rolling while in flat mode they can see all around them and get some great tummy time

For older children it makes a great little den or toy store. The panel also liked the fact that it rolls up compactly for transporting, making it a great way to guarantee you have the perfect spot for an on the go cat nap.

Perfect for creating a little baby base camp when flat and when the sides are up this mat feels like a sweet little den that kids will love from tiny to toddler and beyond. A super versatile product with great longevity.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Beautiful design, love the hues and different ways to use.

Bonnie and Pepper Van Geel, Stylist and Child Model of @pepper.pics

Like a wonderful quilted Lily Pad to rest on and hop in and out of. Who wouldn’t want to curl up for a nap on this?!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:Boori

What:Boori Thetis Activity Mini Gym

Why:

Our judges were impressed with this robust and compact indoor gym that gives kids a wonderful way to let off steam no matter the weather from age 2-8 years old. The clean Scandi style design and the multiple set up options really excited our panel who could see this being a much loved play centre for many years.

A great way to help children develop motor skills balance, strength and agility in the safety of your own home!

Rock climbing, a slide, rigging, a swing… This Mini Gym has it all! A brilliant buy for anyone with active kids who wants to add a new dimension to their play space.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

So much fun and love the idea of so much variety and it doesn't take up too much space.

Bonnie and Pepper Van Geel, Stylist and Child Model of @pepper.pics

This looks like so much fun. Love the multiple configurations and the solid feel of this gym. I can imagine draping a blanket over the top to make a midnight feast den!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:MiniDream

What:MiniDream Organic Leaf Playmat + Wooden Gym Set

Why:

This gorgeous leaf shaped mat really charmed our judges who felt it would not only make a beautiful addition to any home but would give babies a wonderfully soft and toxin free play mat to snuggle into.

The simple wooden baby gym with sweet sensory toys attached, has a lovely minimal feel that echoes the sense of peace and tranquility exuded by the mat and the panel all agreed that this would make the perfect gift for a newborn.

A thoughtfully designed and stunning play mat with gym that will suit any home décor.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

The perfect gift for a new baby that aesthetically discerning parents will thank you for too!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR