Junior Design Awards 2022 / 26 September 2022

Best Toy Brand | Junior Design Awards 2022

The winners of the shortlisted brands for best toy brand in the annual Junior Design Awards are finally revealed...

Who:Micro Scooters

What:Sustainable three and two wheeled scooters for all ages

Why:

Simply the nippiest, most trusted scooters in the land with a model to suit every age and requirement.

Our judges loved reading about the evolution of this brand from their first folding aluminium scooter for adults designed over 20 years ago to the extensive range of children’s scooters we see today.

Micro Scooters have taken the strain off the school run and added a whole new dimension to park trips. I can’t think of another toy that has had such a huge impact on the way children get from A-B with so much fun on the way!

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

I didn’t know that Micro Scooters offer a repair and re-housing service, giving revamped scooters to less privileged kids. Such a fantastic programme.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:HAPE

What:Wooden Toys that encourage learning through play

Why:

This extensive range of high-quality, inventive wooden toys made from renewable materials really impressed our judges who thought this brand took wooden toy making to another level. Hape, pronounced “Hah-pay” (that was a revelation!) believes that the core foundation of children’s learning is through playing and having fun and our panel were completely on board with this message.

The brand’s huge portfolio of exciting products, ranging from newborn to primary school age is super impressive as is their commitment to using sustainable materials including rice, fasal and bamboo. That Hape has even gone as far as growing its own Bamboo forest and renting an additional 50 more, was much applauded.

A hugely impressive company that takes its commitment to sustainability seriously and makes fun exciting toys that kids are always drawn to.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

There are so many toys in the HAPE range that are now classics in their own right. A fabulous brand that makes quality toys that can be passed down through families and friends.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:POGS headphones for kids

What:Headphones specifically designed for kids

Why:

These cool looking headphones in an array of on trend colours are super comfortable and only go up to the recommended 85db, to protect kids’ more sensitive ears. Our judges loved the soft feel, quality finish and the option to accessorise these headphones with quirky looking ‘Doodas’ for a personal touch.

The JDA panel felt that this brand had championed one product and made it exceptionally well and was impressed to hear that 10% of POGS profits go to caring for the planet and that they are committed to planting 500,000 trees by 2025.

This brand has nailed cool comfortable and safe headphones for kids and they’re making an effort to look after the planet and lessen their impact on the environment.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Gorgeous cocooning headphones that kids will love to wear whether they’re listening to terrible music (please no more I’m a Banana) or exciting audiobooks.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR