Caring for wooden toys
A damp cloth, a little oil and no long soaks: how to keep wooden toys good for the next child.
Choosing toys by age: a simple guide
From the first rattle to the first tricycle, what children actually play with at each stage.
Under one, babies explore with their hands and mouths. Choose toys that are easy to grip, too large to swallow and safe to chew: a ring stacker, a rattle or a soft wooden teether. Plain wood or lac finishes are best.
Between one and two, children love to stack, fill and empty. Rainbow arches, nesting cups and simple shape sorters keep them busy and teach size and order. Push-along toys help new walkers.
From two to three, imagination arrives. Trains, small dolls, kitchen sets and animals become characters in stories. This is the age for toys with a few parts that combine in different ways.
From three, children want to move and to build. A tricycle, a set of blocks and simple puzzles are good choices. Avoid toys that do everything themselves; the best toy is one the child has to do something with.
If you are unsure, ask us. We sort the whole shop by age, and our staff are parents.
