Buyers Guide to the Best Heirloom Gifts for Children

On the search for a truly special gift for a special little someone? Then you’ve stopped by the right place. 

Make any occasion or celebration one to remember with a meaningful gift that rekindles fond memories of happy, bygone days. With childhood toys that become precious items to treasure, built to last, for a lifetime of play. 

We’re talking about heirloom presents of course. With a proud toy making heritage spanning more than 25 years, our master craftspeople are passionate about making imaginative wooden toys that inspire long lasting play for generations to come. 

Take a look at our top picks of wonderful, plastic free pieces. 

House of fun

Nothing says heirloom gift more than a traditional wooden doll house. We are renowned for our dreamy doll houses and these timeless treasures offer a true investment in play. They simply don’t age. Rather, they get better over time. Plus these showstoppers look just as good on display in the nursery or playroom as they do during playtime adventures.  

Another great thing about them is that they can be added to over the years as they build up their collection, room by room. Made entirely of sustainable wood,  they make a perfect planet friendly option too. You’ll be spoilt for choice with our full range of handcrafted wonders, from palaces, cottages, traditional to modern.  And, it goes without saying that we have the most amazing miniature furniture, accessories, figurines and play mats to really bring the magic of your little make believe universe to life. Take a look. 

Children will get lost in these magical toys for hours on end of imaginative play. Making for good old fashioned fun that will last right up to adolescence.  

Saddle Up for Adventure

Nothing says ‘heirloom gift’ better than this smart London bus. A multi award winner,  this vintage inspired beauty is truly one of a kind, crafted from solid repurposed wood and painted in bold traditional red hues. It’s sure to delight as little ones take it on imaginary adventures. As an added bonus, it happily houses our range of soft toy figurines (or other mini friends of around 10cm), ready to hop aboard on a sightseeing tour of the city! Beep beep. 

Tool Time Fun

Budding builders are going to jump for joy with this wonderful wooden tool bench. A real eye catcher, it makes a truly special gift, destined for day after day immersive play as mini makers discover the many realistic features on offer. It’s interactive roleplay heaven all rolled into one magical toy from the circular saw to the vice and measuring gauge. If that wasn’t enough, it also comes complete with 12 chunky wooden tools and accessories. We think we’ve really nailed it with this one (pardon the pun). 

Off the Rails

Train sets make the perfect investment piece to enjoy for many years of inspired, day after day play. If a present is going to stir up excitement, then this one is surely a winner. 

The Royal Express Railway Set is a firm favourite for guaranteed long lasting fun. With no less than 180 wooden play pieces, it’s crafted from solid rubberwood and features smooth, child-safe edges, all perfectly sized for small hands to grasp. It’s a great educational aid too, helping to develop those essential social interaction skills, speech development and dexterity too. 

Ride on time

For some wheelie good fun you can’t go wrong with a traditional ride on. This retro favourite is as robust as it is handsome and one keepsake that’s destined to be loved and passed on throughout the years. 

With an appealing gender neutral design, this is a great toy for getting in their daily dose of exercise whilst helping to develop strength, balance and coordination. We especially love the anti-slip rubber wheels and sturdy structure, built to withstand their daily escapades. And the clever little secret storage compartment is just the ticket for carrying around keepsakes and treasures

Tidy Up

When is a toy box not a toy box? When it also doubles up as a handy seat of course. This storage box makes a stylish and indispensable addition to any child’s bedroom or playroom.  

Featuring an elegant, neutral aesthetic that will fit seamlessly into any room, the lid cleverly transforms into the ideal spot to read or just relax after a hard day's play. With well thought out details, including soft close hinges to prevent trapped fingers, turned wooden feet and embossed lettering, we don’t think you’ll find a more charming option anywhere. 

 

Serve up a treat 

There’s toy kitchens and then there’s the Oxford Toy Kitchen. With its classic design, it will never go out of style. Painted in a striking royal blue colourway, it’s certainly an eye-catching number, brimming with beautiful details and high quality craftsmanship to withstand the test of time.  Packed with delightful features, there’s an opening oven door, hob with realistic turning knobs, sink, microwave and even a sweet little window and clock with movable hands. If that wasn’t enough, this stunner comes complete with a host of cooking utensils too. Mini master chefs and budding little bakers will certainly relish getting busy, conjuring up a host of tasty treats for all to enjoy. A wonderful choice for immersive role play fun. If only it came in adult size. 

This one is another goodie for adding to over the years and goes great with our tempting range of pretend play food sets. Yummy. 

For even more ideas, you can shop our full range of gorgeous timeless wooden treasures online. If you need further inspiration, why not get in touch with us and we’ll happily help you on your quest. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram too @letoyvantoys

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