In our August issue, Toy World speaks to a number of leading suppliers to find out all about their latest launches and examines the undeniable link between wooden toys and sustainability.

The staunchly traditional Wooden Toy category continues to be a winner with parents and grandparents alike, offering a raft of options for gifting, numerous play patterns and a good-news story to tell at retail.

Toy and game distributor A.B.Gee says it has seen sales of its wooden Tooky Toy range increase by more than +220% since it took over exclusive UK distribution of the line in 2018. The company says its passion for the brand has translated into a versatile toy range with designs suitable for kids of various ages, solo play, cooperative play and educational play. Additionally, new packaging for 2023 means it now benefits from an even stronger shelf presence and desirability.

Toynamics UK & Ireland is also encouraging kids to get to grips with growing their own with Hape’s new Green Planet Explorers Organic Greenhouse. New for this year, the set is an addition to the existing Green Planet Explorers range, a line that promotes care for the natural world and an understanding of topics such as green energy, composting and the importance of bees.

Looking at other themes within wooden toys, music remains a top choice. Creative Kids has launched its new Little Tikes Wood Music Table, a giraffe shaped table complete with mini xylophone and mallets, egg shakers and a mini drum, while Abrams & Chronicle’s Petit Collage brand has welcomed the Wooden 5-in-1 Elephant Music Toy.

Melissa and Doug, Basic Fun! and Hape also feature in this analysis of the category this year, looking into what sells, why it sells and how these companies keep customers inspired. To read the full article, click here.