As a mum of three children aged 19, 11 and 1, I’ve bought and been gifted my fair share of toys over the years. Some become instant favourites, while others are forgotten after just a few minutes. That’s why I genuinely love discovering toys that not only keep my toddler entertained but also encourage learning and imaginative play.
Charlie has just turned one and is at that wonderful stage where he wants to explore absolutely everything. He loves figuring out how things work, posting objects into containers, opening and closing lids and emptying every toy box he can find! Because of that, I’m always looking for toys that match his curiosity while helping him develop new skills.
When we first introduced this Jaques of London wooden animal toy, Charlie was immediately interested. The bright colours caught his attention straight away and within seconds he was picking up each animal, turning it over in his hands and trying to work out where it belonged.
One of the things I noticed straight away was how long it held his attention. Like most toddlers, Charlie usually moves quickly from one toy to another, but this one kept him happily playing for much longer than I expected. He loved taking every animal out of the box before carefully posting them back through the correct holes, opening the box again and starting all over. Watching him concentrate was lovely because you could almost see him learning as he played.
As a parent, I really appreciate toys that support development without children even realising they’re learning. Every time Charlie plays with this toy he’s practising his hand-eye coordination, improving his fine motor skills and learning how to solve little problems independently. He’s also beginning to recognise different animals and enjoys me naming each one as we play together.
Although Charlie is only one, I can already see how this toy will continue growing with him over the coming months. As he gets older we’ll be able to use it for naming animals, making animal noises, colour recognition, counting games and imaginative storytelling. I always like buying toys that offer more than one way to play because they last so much longer and continue to feel exciting.
The quality is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Jaques of London. The wooden pieces feel sturdy, smooth and beautifully made, giving me confidence they’ll last for years. As a family, we’re trying to choose more timeless toys that can be passed down instead of lots of plastic toys that quickly break or get forgotten. This definitely feels like one of those keepsake toys that younger siblings or even future grandchildren could enjoy one day.
We’ve mainly been using it at home, especially during those moments when I need to make lunch, put the washing away or enjoy a well-earned cup of tea. Charlie is happy sitting on the living room floor exploring the animals while I can keep an eye on him nearby. Those little pockets of independent play are incredibly valuable as a busy mum.
I also think this would be a brilliant toy for travelling. We love family days out, UK holidays and longer trips, so I’m always thinking about what will actually fit into the car without taking up loads of room. Everything stores neatly inside the wooden box, making it really easy to pack. I can imagine taking it on holiday, to grandparents’ houses, on caravan trips or even out for lunch when we need something quiet to keep Charlie entertained.
Because the pieces are chunky and easy for little hands to hold, Charlie has found them easy to pick up and move around. It’s lovely seeing him become more confident each time he plays. Sometimes he’ll happily play on his own, while other times Amelia, his big sister, joins in and helps him match the animals. Those little sibling moments are some of my favourites.
One thing I particularly appreciate is that this toy encourages screen-free play. In a world where screens are everywhere, I love having simple activities that spark curiosity, creativity and concentration without needing batteries, flashing lights or loud sounds. Sometimes the simplest toys really are the best.
As someone who shares family life online, I only ever recommend products that I genuinely enjoy using. My audience trusts me because they know I share honest experiences, and this is definitely a toy I’d happily recommend to other parents looking for a meaningful gift or a new activity for their toddler.
Whether you’re shopping for a first birthday, a second birthday, Christmas or simply looking to add a quality toy to your child’s collection, I think this is a lovely choice. It’s educational without feeling like learning, beautifully made, encourages independent play and is versatile enough to use both at home and while travelling.
Finding toys that genuinely hold a toddler’s attention isn’t always easy, but this one has definitely earned its place in our playroom. Charlie keeps coming back to it throughout the day, and seeing him so engaged makes it one of those purchases I know we’ll continue reaching for.
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