Best Wooden Garden Toys
Discover our top picks of the finest wooden garden toys available. These toys are perfect for keeping children entertained while promoting learning and development through play.
TP Toys Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen
This is perfect for kids who love outdoor play and imaginative cooking experiences.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable FSC Certified Pine construction
- Encourages creativity and outdoor play
- Packed with great features to explore
Cons
- Requires wood treatment to avoid rot
- Some assembly challenges reported
- It might need additional sanding on rough parts
We recently got our hands on the TP Toys Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen, and our kids absolutely love it. The sturdy FSC Certified Pine construction makes it a durable choice for outdoor play, and is built to last. The imaginative play possibilities are endless, as it features a pretend stove top, an easy open oven, a working tap, a removable water bowl, and plenty of storage for cooking equipment and toddler outdoor toys. It even includes a blackboard for jotting down favourite recipes.
Our children were immediately drawn to this mud kitchen as it encouraged them to engage in creative, open-ended play. They spend hours making mud pies, playing with sand and water, and even helping with light gardening tasks. Its design and high-quality materials make it a fantastic addition to our garden, and the fact that it comes from ethically and responsibly managed forests is an added bonus.
However, there are a couple of downsides to consider:
- The wood comes untreated, meaning you will have to treat it yourself to avoid wood rot.
- Some parts might have rough edges that must be sanded down to prevent splinters.
- A few reviews mentioned challenges with assembly, such as missing predrilled holes or having to adjust the oven hinges.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the TP Toys Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen is an excellent investment for any family looking to enhance their children’s outdoor play experience. Just be prepared for some hands-on assembly and maintenance. Still, once it’s up and running, your kids will have a blast exploring their creativity while getting a little muddy along the way.
TP Toys Wooden Sand & Water Bench with Parasol
Ideal for families seeking a versatile garden toy for their children, providing fun and functionality.
Pros
- Multi-activity table: sandpit, water play, and picnic table
- Made from FSC-certified wood
- Seats up to 4 children
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 2 years
- Assembly required
- Parasol may not be very durable
After setting up the TP Toys Wooden Sand & Water Bench, we found that it offers an ideal solution for outdoor play. The bench combines three functions – sandpit, water play, and picnic table – making it a perfect addition to our garden. Our little ones spend hours playing with the sand and water trays, fostering their imagination and creativity.
The table is made from FSC-certified wood, so we feel good knowing it is sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly. It is spacious enough to comfortably seat 4 children, making it an excellent spot for playdates and gatherings.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. It is unsuitable for children under 2 years of age, so if you have a younger toddler, they may need to wait a bit before enjoying this bench. The assembly process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it once it’s put together. Also, the parasol is not the sturdiest, so you may need to be cautious during windy days or replace it with a more durable option.
Overall, we believe the TP Toys Wooden Sand & Water Bench is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun and functional garden toy that offers sand and water play and a picnic table for outdoor activities.
Plum Build and Splash Wooden Sand and Water Table
The Plum Build and Splash Wooden Sand and Water Table is an entertaining and versatile toy for children 18 months and up.
Pros
- Made from premium FSC-certified timber
- Multi-purpose with a small footprint
- Wooden table with a liner suitable for sand and water play
Cons
- It can be a bit wobbly
- The cover doesn’t stay on very well
- Assembly may be difficult for some
The Plum Build and Splash Wooden Sand and Water Table has been a fantastic addition to our garden, offering hours of fun for the little ones. Made from premium FSC-certified timber, we found this table eco-friendly and visually appealing. Its small footprint allows it to easily fit into even the tightest of outdoor spaces, and the wooden table with liner is suitable for both sand and water play, which keeps the kids engaged.
However, there have been some minor issues with this table. In our experience, the table can be a bit wobbly, particularly when heavily loaded with sand or water. The cover, while provided, doesn’t stay on very well and has two large holes at the top, which could allow rainwater or other debris into the play area. Additionally, the assembly process may be complicated for some, as we encountered a misaligned drill hole that required extra effort to correct.
Our toddlers have thoroughly enjoyed using the Plum Build and Splash Wooden Sand and Water Table, which remains one of their favourite outdoor toys. Despite its few drawbacks, this table is worth considering for those looking to add a versatile, engaging garden toy for their young children.
ORANGE TREE Peter Rabbit Garden Playset
The ORANGE TREE Peter Rabbit Garden Playset is a delightful, engaging toy perfect for those who love Beatrix Potter characters and creative garden play.
Pros
- High-quality, beautifully crafted wooden playset
- Encourages imaginative play and early development
- Safe and environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 36 months
- Toy packaging might be damaged upon arrival
- Potential for missing or duplicate pieces
We couldn’t help but be charmed by the ORANGE TREE Peter Rabbit Garden Playset. This delightful wooden playset has brought to life the beloved characters from the Beatrix Potter stories, such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. Our children were especially captivated by the detailed garden pieces, including vegetables, cabbage and carrot plants, the planter, the wheelbarrow, and the watering can.
The colourful, non-toxic paint and safety testing for these hand-crafted wooden toys reassure us as parents, mindful of our children’s well-being. Alongside safety, it is fantastic to see the educational value of this playset, supporting early development, motor skills, and social interactions.
However, it is worth noting that the playset might be unsuitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. Additionally, we encountered some issues with the packaging being damaged or previously opened, so it might be worth double-checking when receiving the product. Finally, there is a small chance that you might find duplicate or missing pieces, so pay attention to the characters and items included upon arrival.
Overall, the ORANGE TREE Peter Rabbit Garden Playset is a wonderful addition to any child’s toy collection, especially if they are fans of Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter’s world. The beautifully designed characters and captivating garden sets provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. They would make a lovely gift for your little ones.
SmartToys4U Wooden Balance Board Rainbow
Thanks to its versatile play options and excellent craftsmanship, we highly recommend the SmartToys4U Wooden Balance Board for children and adults alike.
Pros
- Enhances balance and motor skills
- Encourages imaginative play
- Environmentally friendly design
Cons
- Requires enough play space
- It may be slightly slippery on hard floors
- Weight limit might be limiting for larger users
The SmartToys4U Wooden Balance Board is a fantastic open-ended toy that encourages children of all ages to improve their balance, coordination, and creativity. Our first-hand experience with this Montessori-inspired balance board has allowed us to discover many imaginative ways to interact and play with it, making it a versatile piece in one’s play space.
Construction-wise, this wooden balance board boasts a quality material and sturdy design, ensuring it will be a long-lasting addition to any play area. The rounded corners and edges prevent injuries, and the water-based varnish coating makes it safe and easy to clean. It’s also suitable for adults with its weight limit of up to 200 kg, making it a versatile addition to a home workout routine or yoga practice.
One of the most remarkable things about this balance board is its adaptability. Our hands-on experience has demonstrated that it can be transformed into a bridge, a tunnel, a racetrack, or even a reading chair with some imagination. Children will have endless possibilities to play, learn, and grow with this wooden toy, making it an excellent investment.
The only downsides we noticed were that it might require a spacious play area to fully utilise its potential, and its slightly slippery surface may be an issue on hard floors. Additionally, the 200 kg weight limit might be limiting for larger users. However, these are minor concerns when weighed against the countless play opportunities and benefits this balance board provides.
In summary, the SmartToys4U Wooden Balance Board is a fantastic investment for children and adults, offering many play options and excellent craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and imaginative toy that encourages physical and cognitive development, this balance board is an excellent choice.
Jaques of London Wooden Giant Dominoes
This set of giant wooden dominoes is perfect for outdoor fun and learning, offering an engaging and high-quality addition to any garden toy collection.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, FSC-approved wood with water-based paint for safe play
- A versatile game suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Encourages communication, numeracy, and fine motor skills development
Cons
- It may be smaller than expected for a ‘garden’ toy
- Possible errors in the paintwork on some pieces
- Colour variations between tiles might cause confusion
We recently spent time playing with the Jaques of London Wooden Giant Dominoes set, and we enjoyed the hours of family fun it provides. This set is an excellent choice for both children and adults, offering an educational and entertaining spin on the traditional game of dominoes.
These wooden dominoes feel smooth and sturdy, perfect for little hands. The water-based paint not only ensures their safety but also adds a touch of colour to the playtime. Our children loved using these toys in the garden, and it was great to see their listening skills and ability to follow instructions improve as they played.
One minor gripe we had was that the size of the dominoes may not be as ‘giant’ as some might expect. Nevertheless, they were still enjoyable to use and can be used indoors too. While there were some issues with paintwork on a few of the pieces, it didn’t affect our overall experience.
In conclusion, the Jaques of London Wooden Giant Dominoes set is an excellent choice for engaging garden play or even indoor learning sessions. The set’s versatility, safety, and educational benefits make it a valuable addition to any collection of garden toys. Just keep in mind the size and potential paintwork issues before purchasing.
Wonder Toys Wooden Animals Croquet Set
This wooden animal croquet set is a fantastic choice for encouraging outdoor playtime and developing multiple skills in children.
Pros
- Engaging animal design
- Promotes physical and mental development
- Safe and tested materials
Cons
- Limited stability on uneven surfaces
- Parts need extra reinforcement
- It may require adult assembly
Playing with the Wondertoys Wooden Animals Croquet Set, we found it to be a fun way of spending time outdoors, all while helping our children develop their physical and mental abilities. The set comes with two mallets, two balls, and four animal-shaped wickets—a lion, horse, elephant, and frog—which make it an interesting toy to keep our kids engaged.
One thing we noticed is that the animal wickets benefit from improved stability on an even surface. In cases where the ground is slightly uneven, the wickets might pose a challenge to stand up. A few users have also suggested glueing the stands into the tunnels for added strength.
We particularly liked that the wooden animal croquet set puts safety as its top priority. It has cleared ASTM and CPSIA tests, ensuring a lead-free, BPA-Free, and Phthalates-free toy to provide peace of mind for parents.
In conclusion, the Wondertoys Wooden Animals Croquet Set is a fun, educational, and safe toy that promotes outdoor play. Although it might require adult assembly and reinforcement, the pros of this set make it a worthwhile investment for children aged three and up.
TOWO Wooden Skittles for Children
This is a fantastic wooden toy for building your child’s emotional intelligence and coordination skills, with minor caveats.
Pros
- High-quality and sturdy materials
- Encourages emotional development and numeracy
- Versatile and engaging play options
Cons
- Skittles can be somewhat unstable
- Smaller size than expected
- Requires adult supervision
We recently tried out the TOWO Wooden Skittles with our little ones, and we’re quite pleased with the overall experience. The set contains ten colourful pins and two wooden balls with facial expressions, numbers, and emotions on each skittle. This design encourages kids to learn about feelings and helps develop their numeracy and coordination skills.
As an indoor/outdoor bowling game, the TOWO set can be played on various flat surfaces, leading to hours of active play and parent-child bonding time. While our children had great fun rolling the balls and knocking down the pins, we did notice that setting up the skittles took a bit of time due to their smaller size and slightly unstable base. Nevertheless, it didn’t dampen our kids’ enthusiasm for the game.
In terms of safety and environmental impact, we appreciate that the TOWO Wooden Skittle set is made of sustainable wood with non-toxic paints and conforms to the highest safety standards. However, we advise having an adult present to supervise the play, as the small size of the pins and balls could pose a potential hazard if misused.
Overall, this TOWO Wooden Skittle set is an excellent investment in a child’s playtime and emotional development. Despite minor drawbacks, its engaging design and quality materials make it a worthwhile addition to any toy collection.
Plum Toddler Wooden Playcentre
The Plum Toddler Wooden Playcentre is an ideal option for young climbers, providing an engaging and safe outdoor play experience.
Pros
- Colourful beginner’s rock wall
- Soft-feel mini cargo scramble net
- Gentle slide suitable for toddlers
Cons
- Time-consuming assembly
- Potential for wooden parts to crack
- It may have limited appeal for older children
We recently set up the Plum Toddler Wooden Playcentre in our garden, and it immediately captured the attention of our little one. The beginner’s rock wall, with its colour-pop climbing rock grips, is both vibrant and child-friendly, making it attractive for young climbers. Additionally, the soft-feel mini cargo scramble net offers another element of fun, cultivating their sense of adventure.
The gentle 4ft slide was a hit with our toddler, providing just the right amount of thrill without being too overwhelming. We also appreciated the low wooden platform with a built-in ladder, ensuring the play centre is accessible and safe for young children. The fabric den with a Velcro door and netted window served as a cosy hideaway and further piqued our child’s interest.
Overall, the Plum Toddler Wooden Playcentre is a charming addition to any garden as it encourages creative play and physical activity for young children. Although it may require a bit of extra effort during assembly, it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a durable, engaging, and child-friendly outdoor play structure.
My First Allotment by Orange Tree Toys
We highly recommend the My First Allotment for nurturing a child’s interest in nature and providing engaging playtime with a beautifully crafted wooden toy.
Pros
- Encourages interest in nature and imaginative play
- Made of safe, non-toxic materials and meets safety standards
- Multifunctional toy for various play scenarios
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 36 months
- Assembly required for some parts
- It may not be suitable for older children
The My First Allotment by Orange Tree Toys is designed to help children develop their green thumb and learn about planting with a delightful wooden toy set. We found the various wooden pieces colourful and sturdy, making it an enjoyable toy for little ones. The bright non-toxic paint ensures a safe play experience, and we love how the toy adheres to FSC and European safety standards.
As a multifunctional playset, the My First Allotment encourages imaginative play and learning about various flowers and vegetables. The added feature of using the set as kitchen and food toys for pretend play makes it even more engaging. With the set being suitable for toddlers from 36 months, it is an excellent way to expand their knowledge and develop their creativity through play.
Orange Tree Toys, as a trusted manufacturer, has ensured that the product is environmentally friendly and made from sustainable wood with 100% recyclable packaging. This durability adds to its appeal as a long-lasting and eco-conscious toy. As a gift, the presentation box further enhances the product’s appeal for various occasions, such as birthdays or Christmas.
However, the My First Allotment may not be suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts. Additionally, assembly is required for some components, and older children might not find it as engaging as younger ones. Despite these minor drawbacks, we believe it’s an excellent wooden toy for nurturing a child’s interest in nature and providing fun, educational playtime.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best wooden garden toys, there are several factors to consider. This buying guide will help you identify the essential features to make an informed decision.
Safety First
Safety should always be our top priority when choosing garden toys. Ensure that the toys you select meet UK safety standards and conform to CE-marking. Look for rounded edges and smooth surfaces to avoid splinters or injuries. Double-check that the wood is treated and properly sealed to prevent rotting and deterioration when exposed to the weather.
Durability and Quality
Invest in toys made from high-quality, sustainably sourced timber that can endure the elements and last for many seasons. Hardwoods, such as oak or mahogany, tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Ensure the construction is sturdy and can withstand the rigours of outdoor play.
Age-Appropriate Design
Select toys that match the age and developmental abilities of the children using them. Wooden garden toys offer a wide range of options, from simple swings and sandboxes for toddlers to intricate climbing frames and playhouses for older children. Choose toys that will challenge and engage them without being too difficult or frustrating.
Assembly and Maintenance
Consider the ease of assembly and any required maintenance. Many wooden garden toys require at least some assembly, so factor in the time and tools you’ll need to put them together. Check if the manufacturer provides clear instructions and customer support. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the toys looking their best and ensure their longevity.
Space Requirements
Evaluate the space available in your garden and choose toys that will fit comfortably without overwhelming the area. Provide sufficient space around the toys for safe play and movement. Remember to plan for any required safety surfacing, such as rubber matting or bark chippings, to cushion any falls.
Considering these essential features, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best wooden garden toys to bring your family years of enjoyment and outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range are wooden garden toys suitable for?
Wooden garden toys cater to a wide age range, from toddlers to early teens. The specific age range depends on the toy and its features. Some toys, such as sand pits, can be enjoyed by toddlers and older children. Others, like climbing frames, may be designed for specific age groups, so checking the manufacturer’s recommendations when buying such toys for your children is essential.
Are wooden garden toys eco-friendly?
Yes, wooden garden toys are eco-friendly compared to plastic toys. Wood is a natural, sustainable material that can biodegrade over time. Additionally, many wooden toys are made from responsibly sourced timber, which ensures that forests are sustainably managed. However, verifying that the toy you’re buying is sourced from sustainable forests and certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is important.
Which wooden garden toys are best for learning and development?
Wooden garden toys that promote learning and development encompass various skills, such as motor, cognitive, and social skills. Examples include puzzle-solving games, educational balance beams, and play structures that stimulate imaginative play. Montessori-inspired toys, like sorting and stacking toys, are particularly well-suited for encouraging early development.
How to maintain and clean wooden garden toys?
To maintain and clean wooden garden toys, follow these steps:
- Wipe down the toy periodically with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- Keep the toys dry to prevent mould and mildew growth.
- Check for loose or damaged parts regularly and repair them when necessary.
- Apply a non-toxic, water-based wood sealant yearly to protect the wood from weather, insects, and rot.
- Store the toys indoors or under a shelter during harsh weather conditions.
What are some popular wooden garden toy brands?
Some popular wooden garden toy brands include Plum, TP Toys, Little Tikes, and Bigjigs. These brands are known for their high-quality, sustainable products and commitment to safety standards.
What safety measures should be considered for wooden garden toys?
When choosing wooden garden toys, consider the following safety measures:
- Ensure the toy complies with relevant safety standards, such as the European Standard for Toy Safety (EN71).
- Regularly inspect the toy for any cracks, splinters, or loose parts that could cause injuries.
- Verify that the toy is age-appropriate and suitable for your child’s development level.
- Make sure the play area is clear of hazards (e.g., rocks, sharp objects, tree roots) and has adequate safety surfacing, like rubber mulch or soft grass.
- Supervise your children during playtime to ensure they’re using the toys safely.
