Christmas Gift Guide: Vintage Toys & Games
Step back in time to discover which vintage toys are making a comeback this Christmas! From wooden train sets to nostalgic tin toys, here is our pick of the best traditional gifts to stash under your tree this festive season.
What Is The History Of Wooden Toys?
Wooden toys for kids hark all the way back to Greek and Roman times, with the rattle being one of the first toys ever created. In the 1700s, German toymakers started manufacturing wooden toys to sell to the public, with things like wooden dolls houses and mini theatres becoming more and more sought after.
By the 19th Century, wooden toys had made it big. Everything from toy soldiers to train sets, puzzles and rocking horses could be found in children’s playrooms. The wooden toy scene saw a dip during World War Two, as plastic was far cheaper to mass-produce, but now we’re seeing a wooden toy revival as families become more environmentally aware.
The Best Wooden Retro Toys
Beyond their sustainable credentials, wooden childrens toys also inspire open-ended play in a way that most plastic toys can’t - and they’re made to last. We have chosen a handful of our favourite wooden toys to inspire your Christmas shopping.
Wooden Train Sets
Choo choo-se from our stunning collection of beautifully crafted wooden train sets. There’s a different theme for every personality. Enchanted elves can enter a magical fairytale world with our Fairy Pink Train Set. We have a roar-some Safari Train for animal-mad kids and a Pirate Train Set for junior Jack Sparrows, or you could deck out your set with our festive Christmas Toy Train.
Wooden Play Food
Wooden play food is trending in toddlers’ playrooms right now. Little sprouts love imaginative play and kids role play activities have so many developmental benefits, from sparking curiosity and imagination to strengthening vocabulary and storytelling skills. Sweet-toothed tots could host an afternoon tea with our best-selling Biscuit Box and flavoured Tea Bags, or you could teach your bambinos about nutrition and kitchen safety with our Cutting Veg Crate.
Wooden Dolls Houses
If you’re looking for an extra-special Christmas gift that your child will cherish for years to come, shop our premium range of wooden dolls houses. Our two-storey Heritage Playset Rose Cottage won the Platinum Best Toy Award from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. It comes with 18 pieces of doll house furniture, so your mini interior designer can get creative in making their house a home. When you’re on the go, our Folding Dolls House Set comes with a helpful carry handle for easy portability.
Wooden Rocking Horse
It’s believed that the first rocking horse was invented over 300 years ago in the early 17th Century. It’s one of the original classic toys and continues to be a childhood favourite. Our Wooden Rocking Horse gives toddlers a fun way to develop their coordination and balancing skills. The retro design will also look adorable in any nursery. For a twist on tradition, your little bunnies can hop aboard our Rabbit Rocking Toy, made from sustainable FSC Certified wood.
Wooden Push & Pull Toys
Put your best foot forward with our baby walking toys! Our Cat Pull Along Toy is purrfect for encouraging tots to take their first steps, or you could treat your toddler to their own marine-themed Wooden Baby Walker, packed full of features to keep tiny toes on the move. Dinosaur fan in the family? You’ll have them raptor ‘round your little finger with our colourful T-Rex Push Along toy.
Our Favourite Old Fashioned Toys
Relive nostalgic childhood memories with some of our favourite retro toys that have stood the test of time. They also make super fun stocking fillers!
Tin Kaleidoscope: The primary colours pop on this kaleidoscope toy from Schylling. It’s a great sensory activity, as kids will love watching the bright mosaic patterns unfurl through the lens.
Kazoo Instrument: Mini musicians can create the soundtrack to your Christmas day with their own classic kazoo, which comes in a retro-style box.
Jester Jack In The Box: Turn the handle of Schylling’s award-winning Jack In The Box and listen to Pop Goes The Weasel as you wait in anticipation for the friendly jester to jump out and surprise your tots! Check out our Unicorn Jack In The Box for a mythical take on this traditional tin toy.
Spinning Tops: Twist the handle and watch them go! Spinning top toys go way back to the 35th Century BC and yet 6,000 years later they still remain a much-loved fidget toy for children all over the world.
Animal Sound Maker: Challenge your toddler to a game of guess the farm animal. Tip the tin toy upside down and watch their face light up as it moos, baas or oinks!