These Are The Very Best Children’s Toys Of 2023

Children's toys are one of the best things about childhood. Regardless of your age, everyone has a toy that they still remember. Nothing beats the excitement of opening a brand-new toy, and whilst we know that in today’s day, children are spending more and more time with tablets and technology, nothing beats the satisfaction of unboxing and playing with a new Barbie doll, tractor or anything else. The best children’s toys will not only tear your child away from their screens but also help them develop lifelong skills like creativity and managing emotions. Some are even educational, and aesthetically pleasing toys exist too!

Whether it’s a birthday gift, a special occasion or just a well-deserved treat, you cannot go wrong with a good toy. Currently, there are so many toys on the market from so many retailers (even Zara toys are a thing now!), so it can be hard to know what to pick. Whether you are searching for creative, cuddly or more interactive toys, we have got you covered.

Best Children's Toys At A Glance:

Best STEM toy: Connetix Rainbow Creative Pack
Best children's toy for cognitive development: Sesame Street Potty Time Elmo
Best interactive children's toy: The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll

We spoke to a toy expert from Hexbug, Alison Ferguson, who explained: 'Toys aren’t just for playing, from toddlers to teens, children are capable of learning so much, and playtime is a great way to introduce both life skills and cognitive skills – so they’re learning in a way they’ll actually enjoy.'

From critical thinking to decision-making and problem-solving through play, children can learn the skills which will set them up for success, while other toys serve to simply entertain for hours on end. Shop the best children's toys below.

SHOP: Best Children's Toys 2023

FAQs

What's the best way to clean children's toys?

It will depend on the toy and what type of material the toy is made out of. For example, cleaning wooden toys doesn't have to be done as often, as wood naturally has antibacterial properties. However, germs can survive on plastic surfaces for 24 hours and therefore need to be cleaned more regularly — wiping them down with a cloth dipped in hot water and washing up liquid should do the trick (remember, if the toy contains batteries, remove these first).

When it comes to cleaning bath toys, again, these don't need to be done as often as plastic toys and are fine to be rinsed off with some water after bath time. However, give them a deep clean every few months (pop them in the bath with some sterilising tablets) and make sure you allow them to dry properly, to prevent black mould build-up. If you're washing soft toys, the washing machine is usually fine, just make sure to check the toy's label first. Outdoor toys will also need to be cleaned more frequently due to the natural impact of the elements.

Is it safe to buy second-hand toys?

Buying second-hand toys is a great way to save money and is also good for the environment too. Brands that sell second-hand toys include eBay, Preloved, Gumtree, Etsy, Oxfam online and, of course, charity shops. However, there are a few things to consider/look out for when purchasing a second-hand toy, which we outline here in our guide to buying second-hand toys.

Safety Standards: Check if the toy complies with current safety standards. Look for labels indicating that the toy has passed safety tests and meets relevant regulations.
Recall Information: Research if the toy has been recalled. You can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or other relevant authorities in your country for information on recalls.

Cleanliness: Thoroughly clean and sanitize the toy before giving it to a child. Some toys may be washable, while others might need a more careful cleaning process.

Age-Appropriateness: Verify that the toy is suitable for the age of the child who will be playing with it. Check for age recommendations and warnings on the packaging or the toy itself.

Missing Parts: Confirm that all necessary parts and pieces are included. Missing components could affect the safety and functionality of the toy.

Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family.