The annual MadeForMums Toy Awards reveals this year’s selected toys for every age and budget, as tested by parents and children at home.
A selection of the MadeForMums 2023 Toy Awards Editors Choice winners – clockwise from left, Cats & Boxes (Smart Games), Furby (Hasbro), Pyxel (Learning Resources), Barbie Dreamhouse (Mattel), Mood Bears Happy Bear (Mood Bears), Dreamzzz Nightmare Shark (Lego), Connetix Pastel Magnetic Tiles (Connetix)
With the help of almost 500 children and families, hundreds of toys have been tested and rated, and MadeForMums has announced the winners of the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023. The list reflects the priorities and trends influencing parents’ choices in the peak toy-buying season leading up to Christmas.
Cherished character-themed toys as well as timeless family board games are among the hundreds of toys across 30 categories, evaluated by the MadeForMums panel of expert judges and families at home, to determine the best children’s toys at every age and stage from newborn to teens.
With value for money a priority for many households, and tight budgets leading up to Christmas, the most sought-after toys by parents and families were those that provide value for money, whilst still delivering wow factor and excitement. Stand out toys designed to be played with in multiple ways appealed to parents for their long-term play potential. The My 1st Years Peter Rabbit Sorter House, can be played with as a shape sorter as well as a puzzle, while the Lego Dreamzzz Nightmare Shark Ship can be built in ship mode or tank mode, doubling the playtime, and Connetix magnetic tiles offer endless creative opportunities.
This year’s massive cinema successes see nostalgic toys returning to the spotlight such as the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse Playset, as well as other much-loved characters from books and screen, such as Transformers and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Christy McGhee, head of Consumer Content for MadeForMums, commented: “The MadeForMums Toy Awards continues to honour excellence in the toy industry, and this year’s entries have showcased an impressive range, with a notable emphasis on toys built to endure, which are better for family budgets and the environment. Cherished, nostalgic characters have also captured the hearts of our testers.”
The winning toys are chosen by a panel of judges and almost 500 children aged from eight weeks to 14 years and their parents and carers, who tested the toys and gave their honest verdicts. Special Editor’s Choice Awards were given to 15 stand-out toys that impressed both the judges and the family testers.
The MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023, Editor’s Choice awards have been given to:
- Barbie Dreamhouse Playset, Mattel
- Peter Rabbit Sorter House, My 1st Years
- The Mood Bears, Mood Bears
- Sylvanian Families Baby Mermaid Castle, Epoch
- Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Busy Chef’s Restaurant Playset, Hasbro
- Lego Dreamzzz Nightmare Shark Ship, Lego
- Transformers RC Converting Optimus Prime, Simba Smoby
- Furby, Hasbro
- Gabby’s Dollhouse Cat Friend Ship, Spin Master
- Pyxel: A Coder’s Best Friend, Learning Resources
- The History Of Life on Earth Kit, Clementoni
- Cats & Boxes Game, SmartGames
- Scrunchems Squishy Neon Scented Bears, One for Fun
- Smart Ball Soccer Bot, Golden Bear
- Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack, Connetix Tiles
For the full list of the remaining MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023 winners, in categories including Best Baby Toy, Best Board Game, Best Science Toy, Best Stocking Filler, Best Doll, Best Construction Toy and Best First Bike, visit the website here.
