Roll out the red carpet, clear the playroom, alert Santa’s Elves these are the toys of 2024. Helping parents far and wide make sure they buy once and not twice.
Just in time for the 2024 Holiday Season, The Project Baby Toy Awards are announced. Our awards are judged by little Rascals themselves after all if it does’t pass the kids it does’t win the awards. Making sure to give parents and gift givers a no-fail holiday shopping list.
Best Toy for preschoolers
GOLD Toniebox Starter Set
Dillion (3) From Hounslow said ” I dropped it down the stairs and it still works, The gruffalo is my favourite”
Take stories wherever you go with the cutest characters, simple controls and no bright screens. Just place a Tonie on the speaker to start your audio adventure. Listen, sing or tell your very own story with their creative Tonies. You can even record a message or story for your little one when you’re away using the app. A gift that will last years.
SILVER CONNETIX 50 Piece Pastel Transport Pack
Quincy & Reggie (6 & 2) – From Brighton Said “We love CONNETIX titles – this transport set we could take our construction to the next step”
This exclusive set features an iconic light grey reversible transport base, two clear motion bases equipped with real rubber wheels, and a variety of magnetic tile shapes in eight beautiful earthy pastel colors. From cars and trucks to trains and planes, the possibilities for creative vehicle designs are endless. The Limit is in your little ones control.
BRONZE Roma Teddy 10 Piece Accessory Set
Daisy (4) – From Battersea Park said “I love looking after my babies with this set”
Everything you need for your little ones to play with their dolls or teddy’s. The Roma 10 Piece Teddy Set accessory pack includes:Baby Walker, Bouncer, Front Carrier, Potty, Feeding Bowl, Knife, Fork, Spoon, Drinking Beaker, Play gym with toys.
Best Toy Baby First Christmas
GOLD – Sophie la Girafe Original Teether
Maggie (6 months) Mum said “These beautiful Giraffe teeters are so cute and Maggie can hold it so easily, beautifully boxed making it a perfect gift”
Sophie the Giraffe is Babys first toy that stimulates each of the five senses.
Made from 100% natural rubber (Phthalate-free) derived from the sap of the Hevea tree, Sophies flexible, renewable, natural materials and non-toxic food grade paint mean she is a safe and natural teething toy for your little one.
SILVER– Play+ 4-in-1 Colour and Shape Sorter Chameleon
Albie (12 month) Mum Said “This is such a great gift that will keep your little one entertained”
This cheerful chameleon will be a cute first friend packed with playful learning fun that grows with your child. This shape-sorter toy features lights and sounds that are activated as little ones play. They will love to hear fun tunes and watch the lights change when they press the small button on the chameleon’s head or one of the shapes on its sides. The six chunky shapes are ideal for shape-sorting play, and the 4 in 1 Colour and Shape Sorter Chameleon features three sorting games that build in challenge as your child grows.
BRONZE – My1stYears Personalised Blue Car Push-Along Activity Walker
Milo (10 Months) Mum Said “Perfect gift to help steady them with those first steps”
This push-along walker is lovingly crafted from wood and painted in bright shades of blue, green and yellow, with a fun car design decorating the sides. Designed to engage curious minds, this walker features oversized wheels, a set of beads to play with as they trundle along and blocks of all shapes and sizes. This interactive toy makes a wonderful addition to any nursery or playroom, helping encourage the development of fine motor skills. Personalise the number plate with a tiny tot’s name for a fun and practical gift!
Best walker, push-along/ rocker
GOLD – Micro Scooter 7-in-1 Tricycle
Frankie’s (16 months) Mum Said “Love how versatile this trike is, built to last”
This tricycle transforms from a baby walker to a tricycle and eventually into a scooter, making it suitable for children from 12 months to 5 years old!
SILVER – My1stYears Personalised Blue Car Push-Along Activity Walker
Bertie Dad said “He loves taking the blocks out and pushing it around the house”
BRONZE– VTech First Steps Baby Walker | Push Along Walker
Cassie’s Mum said “Cassie’s loves the interaction of this walker, so much more than just a walker”
Best baby activity centre
GOLD – My1stYears Personalised Wooden Safari Activity Table
This wonderful activity table features a xylophone, shape sorter, turning cogs, animal sliders and a bead puzzle, encouraging learning through play. What’s more, the removable table top reveals a play space underneath. Personalise the table with a tiny but wild tot’s name to support their development!
SILVER – Tiny Love Stationary Activity Center
The Tiny Love Stationary Activity Center in Black and White gtrows with your child with 5 modes of use. Created with the guidance of pediatric physical therapists, this activity center offers a fascinating world of play and discovery with over 20 activities and six developmental toys. From tummy time and activity center to child table and chair, the 5 modes of use were designed to support little ones on their developmental journey from birth to 36 months.
BRONZE – Tanzania Progressive Activity Table in FSC® Wood
A clever activity table for all ages, ideal to stimulate little ones’ senses. Children start by playing sitting down, but as they grow, they can later play standing up! This adorable table allows children to explore the realm of Tanzania in many fun ways: the xylophone, the sort and fit games, the mirror, the maze, and so on… Lots of adventurous, fun hours await!
Best Bath Toys
GOLD – Splash About Pufferfish Pool & Bath water toy
Pack of 3 Pufferfish pool toys in Orange, Blue and Purple. Babies and young children will love these cute Pufferfish floating pool toys. The sensory design and bright colours are perfect for little swimmers, who can grab, throw and chew these toys whilst in the water. Hand painted with food-grade paint, they are free from harmful chemicals and safe for teething babies to chew on. Designed specifically with no squirt holes, these toys will not fill with mould.
SILVER – Play+ 3-in-1 Stacking Cups: Bird’s Nest
This versatile stacking cup set will be a favourite throughout baby’s early years. Made from extra soft silicone, the four included cups are full of textures for baby to explore and they’re fun to stack, sort or even chew! The little birdie sitting in the top cup is fun to shake and hear the rattle noises, and the birdie’s nest cup features a suction base, perfect for highchair time play as small hands are developing motor skills. Crafted in 100% food-grade silicone, this nesting cup set is practical too; it’s super-easy to wash and suitable for playtime anywhere, even the bath
Best Wooden Toys
GOLD – My1stYears – Personalised Teapot Wooden Shape Sorter
This personalised teapot shape sorter makes a brew-tiful gift for a tiny tot! This toy set is crafted from wood and painted pretty pink, with lots of elements to explore, including a shape sorter on one side and a tea-time playset. Perfect for encouraging hands-on play, this shape sorter can help develop a child’s fine motor, cognitive and problem-solving skills. Personalise the pot-shaped sorter with a cute-tea’s name to keep them entertained all day long.
SILVER – HAPE – Pandas’ Bamboo House
This wonderful family of pandas cares about the natural world and wants to share their experiences! Come play with them in their house made from bamboo and sustainable materials and learn all about separating waste and recycling. The house includes several activities, accessories, and even a pool and a slide!
BRONZE – Great Little Trading Company – First Class Wooden Toy Post Office
This Charming wooden post office play set is the perfect wooden role play toy for encouraging independent and sibling play. Pop stamps on the letters and postcards and post them through the letterbox; weigh the parcels on the working scales and pop them down the functioning parcel drop; and don’t forget your bank card to pay for all the postage.
Best Board Games for under 5’s
GOLD – Orchard Toys My First Snakes & Ladders
To help younger players new to gameplay each player selects a chunky character playing piece and matching character token to remind them of their character whilst playing.
Based on the traditional gameplay players take it in turns to roll the dice and move around the board. Land on a ladder and you will fast-track closer to the finish but land on a snake and you will slide down back towards the start! The winner is the first player to get to the finish.
SILVER – Learning Resources Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace Board Game
This fun educational board game for preschoolers is easy to set up and fun to play in the classroom, in a playgroup or at home. The included dice popper keeps the die securely inside so it’s always ready for play.
BRONZE – Learning Resources The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
Spin the spinner, pick up the matching acorn with your Squirrel Squeezer, and place it in your log, Collect one acorn of each colour first and you win but watch out: you could spin “lose an acorn” or “steal an acorn”, so be strategic, little squirrel!
Best interactive toy
GOLD – Yoto Player
Kit & Esme (5 & 9) “We love our Yoto it does so much, it’s our alarm clock, stories, my grandad can record us stories. Can even tune into the Radio. It’s sooo good”
The Yoto Player 3rd Generation is an innovative, connected, screen-free audio device that little ones can be fully in control of using physical smartcards (sold separately). The Yoto Player boasts an integrated battery, stereo sound, Bluetooth connectivity and three different play modes.
SILVER – Toniebox Starter Set
Rosie & Samual (3 & 7) “WE LOVE YOU TONIES, we want to collect them all. Rosie won’t sleep without it on”
Just pick a Tonie. Pop it on the box. And transform bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens into wondrous new worlds. Best of all, little hands control the action – meaning they’re free to play for as long as they like while you get on with something else. Screen-free magic, for every home. New Tonies appearing every week and FREE content on the app to download daily.
BRONZE – Bitzee Disney Interactive Toy with 30 Characters Inside
Troy (6) “Love finding stitch, so much to unlock”
Play with digital versions of Disney characters like never before with Bitzee. Responds to swipes, tilts and taps with interactions and sounds.
Best Ride On
GOLD – SmarTrike Xtend Scooter
Milo & Izzy (2 & 8)Mum said “The gift that keeps on giving, this scooter works out to be £12.50 a Year if you were to keep for 12 years, Money well spent”
Give your child the gift of cycling confidence with the SmartTrike ride-on. There are 5 stages, so this ride-on grows with your child – from toddler to your child’s pre-teen age. At first, you can use the parental handle to keep your little one for a morning walk while they enjoy their ride. As their confidence grows, you can transform the ride-on into a three-wheeled scooter, one step at a time, while adjusting height of the handlebars and length of the deck.
SILVER – Xtootz BMW Z4 ELECTRIC RIDE-ON CAR
Remy (5) “This is so much fun, my mum even has a remote”
LUXURY BMW Z4 RIDE-ON: This twin-seat electric ride-on is a mini version of the sleek Z4 Roadster, powered by a 12v battery for hours of stylish driving fun for kids aged 3-7
BRONZE – Edxeducation Whizzy Dizzy
Simon (5) “Spinning all day long”
A fun and exciting activity for your child. Our edx education® Whizzy Dizzy promotes healthy active play both indoors and out. A colourful sturdy base with a swivelling platform for your child to sit and control a central rotating steering wheel. They will use their core hand and arm muscles and coordination skills to control the steering and manoeuvre the moving platform, giving them the ability to speed up or slow down as they like. A great way to improve their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills whilst having brilliant fun and giving them a sense of achievement! This is a great spinning toy for all ages and will keep them busy whilst having lots of fun.
Best educational Toy
GOLD – My Gears® Animal Set
SILVER – Tonies Number blocks
BRONZE – Whizzy Dizzy
The gift every child wants
GOLD – WOW REAL FX Stitch
Introducing the playful Real FX Disney Stitch Puppet Interactive Toy, a delightful 45cm animatronic with over 100 action and sound combos, and moving features that bring Stitch’s mischievous antics to life!
With blinking eyes, a moving mouth, touch and movement sensors, and soft, cuddly fur, Stitch responds to your voice and touch, making this captivating little alien the perfect friend for any Stitch fan!
SILVER – Mattle Harry Potter Compact
Bring the Wizarding World to life in micro form with the exclusive Polly Pocket Harry Potter compact! The 3D Hogwarts exterior opens to reveal four iconic scenes from the first movie, the Philosophers Stone.
BRONZE – Yoto Harry Potter Cards
Join Harry Potter for his first three years at Hogwarts and embark on a magical adventure in the wizarding world.
When mysterious letters for Harry Potter start arriving at number four, Privet Drive, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, the giant Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry’s first three years at Hogwarts bring broomsticks, dragons, flying cars, new friendships and great challenges.
