Everything You Need To Know About Wooden Toys

Wooden toys have long been a family favourite for their simplicity, durability, and nostalgic appeal. In this article, we’ll cover the developmental benefits, longevity, sustainability credentials, and age-suitability of wooden toys, and will share some new and bestselling favourites in our range. 

Discover More About Wooden Toys 

Bigjigs has been specialising in wooden toys for almost 40 years now, so we thought it was about time we answered your questions on these timeless and treasured playthings. 

What are the benefits of wooden toys?

• Durability: Wooden toys are built to last & can withstand years of enthusiastic play. 
• Eco-conscious: Wood is a natural & biodegradable resource that can be recycled.
• Montessori friendly: The simplicity & open-ended nature of wooden toys align with Montessori principles. 
• Sensory stimulation: Wood has a tactile feel, encouraging sensory play & texture exploration.
• Educational: Most wooden toys are designed to motivate learning through play. 
• Traditional & timeless: Wooden toys have a classic, enduring appeal that spans generations.
• Safe & hygienic: Wooden toys are free from harmful chemicals and naturally antimicrobial. 

How long do wooden toys last?

Renowned for their exceptional durability, wooden toys last many years when looked after. Unlike plastic toys, which can crack or wear down, a wooden toy can withstand rough play and frequent use without significant damage. The sturdy construction of wooden toys makes them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for parents. 

Here are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your wooden toys:

1. Dust and wipe them regularly
2. Give them a deep clean every so often using a damp cloth and gentle soap 
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture
4. Keep them away from extreme temperatures to prevent warping
5. Use sandpaper to smooth any splinters
6. Re-apply a non-toxic oil or paint to refresh them when needed 
7. Store them somewhere dry to prevent mould growth 

Are wooden toys good for the environment?

Wooden toys are good for the environment because they are biodegradable and can decompose naturally, unlike plastic. Better yet, sourcing wood from sustainably managed forests is even more environmentally friendly (just look for the FSC® Certified label on the box or product description). The production process for wooden toys also typically has a lower carbon footprint, and many manufacturers prioritise eco-conscious practices, such as using non-toxic paints and finishes, when crafting wooden toys.  

Are wooden toys hygienic?

Wood is naturally antimicrobial, so nasty germs don’t linger on these toys in the same way that they do on plastic alternatives, making them a safe and hygienic choice for babies, toddlers, and children. Generally, they only need to be properly cleaned (with a damp cloth and mild soap) when they’re noticeably grubby, your child has been poorly, or if your baby likes to chew them! 

Read our How To Clean Wooden Toys Guide to find out more.

Should babies have wooden toys?

Yes, wooden toys are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, making them a safe option for babies. Age-appropriate wooden baby toys can also be hugely beneficial to an infant’s development and early learning. The tactile quality and simple designs of these toys stimulate babies’ senses and help to strengthen their grasp, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. What’s more, the durability of wooden toys makes them tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of zealous baby play! 

Wooden Toys For All Ages

Take a look at some of our favourite new and bestselling wooden toys for kids of all ages, from babies to 3+ years. Browse wooden sensory toys, wooden animal toys, wooden educational toys, wooden stacking toys, wooden garden toys, wooden train sets, wooden food toys, wooden Montessori toys, and more. 

Wooden Toys For Babies

• Wooden Number Blocks: Introducing tiny tots to numbers, these lightweight blocks feature a mix of bold shades and vibrant patterns to help make learning fun! For 6+ months.
• Push Along Hedgehog: Take this sweet wooden hedgehog for a spin around the playroom! Features a mini bead frame, felt ears, and four smooth wheels. For 6+ months.
• Black & White Puzzle: This four-piece shape-matching puzzle has been designed with high-contrast monochrome patterns to captivate young minds. Available in animal and pet themes. For 10+ months.
• Farm Feel & Find: Put your guessing skills to the test! Rummage inside the fabric bag to find the right shapes to match each tile. Features eight farm animals, plus a tractor and barn. For 10+ months. 
• Polar Bear Puzzle: These brrr-illiant puzzles feature four jigsaw pieces which slot inside the wooden base to create an Arctic animal picture. Choose from Polar Bear, Penguin, Seal, and Reindeer faces. For 10+ months. 

Wooden Toys For 1 Year Olds

• Mini Vehicles: Take your pick from our range of wooden Mini Vehicles, including construction machinery, tractors, and a recycling truck. For 12+ months.
• Animal Activity Table: Keep little hands busy with the table’s bead frame, spinning cogs, shape sorter, stacking tree, wooden bears, toadstools, and sliding squirrel. For 12+ months. 
• Sensory Board: Explore diverse patterns and textures inside the 10 tubes, which slot into the spaces on the colour-coordinated base. A wooden sensory toy and shape-sorter in one! For 12+ months. 
• Moon Balance Stacker: Go lune-y for this wooden stacking toy, featuring a collection of chunky silicone moons and stars which balance atop the large wooden moon. For 12+ months. 
• Rolling Sensory Sorter: Learn all about shapes, reflections, and movement with this all-in-one sorter, kitted out with bead frames, peekaboo animals, and shape sorter slots. For 12+ months. 

Wooden Toys For 2 Year Olds

• Wooden Baking Set: Make an imaginary batch of cookies with this cute kids baking set, jam-packed with a wooden baking tray, kitchen scales, pastry cutters, a mixing bowl, rolling pin, plus lots of tasty (wooden) ingredients! For 18+ months. 
• Video Camera: Future filmmakers can direct big blockbuster hits with this mini wooden Video Camera, featuring a kaleidoscope lens and clicking film dial. For 18+ months. 
• Rainbow Counting Sticks: Teaching tots how to count, this simple Montessori-style puzzle includes 55 counting rods which slot into the 10 numbered sections on the colour-coordinated board. For 18+ months. 
• Ride On Cow: Our udderly adorable Ride On Cow features sturdy wooden handlebars, four wheels, and a fluffy seat for added comfort. For 18+ months. 
• Weather Board: This one’s not to be ‘mist’! Toddlers can learn all about the seasons, spin the sunshine wheel, slide down the cloud dial, and switch up the temperature with this wooden Weather Board. For 2+ years. 

Wooden Toys For 3 Year Olds & Up

• Fun Fair Train Set: Bursting with carnival festivities, this 54-piece train set features a circus tent, helter skelter, ticket office, fun fair goers, food trucks, amusement games, and more. For 3+ years. 
• Coffee Maker: But first, coffee! This stylish coffee machine comes with an espresso portafilter, two coffee discs, two cups and saucers, a milk jug, sugar pot, and spoon. For 3+ years. 
• Kids Microscope: Role-play fascinating scientific discoveries with this wooden microscope! Includes three lenses and 10 wooden discs featuring bugs and plants for curious kiddies to explore. For 3+ years. 
• Biscuit Box: A Bigjigs bestseller, this beloved wooden Biscuit Box comes packed with an assortment of classic biccies, including custard creams, bourbons, gingerbread men, and more! For 3+ years. 
• Simply Scandi Kitchen: Little chefs can cook up a feast in their own child-size kitchen, featuring an oven, a twin hob, sink, cupboard, wooden pot, saucepan, and cooking utensils. For 3+ years. 

Shop All Wooden Kids Toys

We have loads more to explore in our wooden toys collection, so have a browse to find something your littlen will love.