Wooden Toys vs Plastic Toys: Common Questions We’re Asked

Parents are constantly bombarded with information about what their children should—and shouldn’t—have when it comes to toys (and just about everything else involved in raising a child, but we’ll save that for another day!). All that advice can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re simply trying to choose toys that help your little ones learn, grow, and play happily.

To make that decision a little easier—and give you some peace of mind—we’ve put together a selection of reasons why we believe wooden toys are such a fantastic choice.

As wooden toy specialists, we genuinely see wooden toys as the future. But we’re often asked why.

• Why are wooden toys better than plastic toys?
• Do children actually prefer plastic toys?
• Are wooden toys just about aesthetics for parents?

Here’s what we’ve learned through research, experience, and carefully curating our toy collection.

Safety: The Number One Priority

Wooden toy manufacturers are incredibly clued-up when it comes to safety, with many meeting—and exceeding—the highest safety testing standards. High-quality wooden toys are made from natural materials and finished with non-toxic, natural-based paints. This is why we often recommend cleaning wooden toys with warm water rather than harsh chemicals like bleach, which can degrade the paint over time.

Wooden toys also tend to be sturdier and more robust—a big plus if you have boisterous toddlers! Plastic toys, on the other hand, can snap or shatter when dropped, potentially creating sharp edges.

There’s also growing concern around microplastics and the chemicals commonly found in plastic toys. On the rare occasions we consider stocking toys containing plastic, our biggest concern is exposure to substances such as BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Unfortunately, many plastic toys—particularly those manufactured abroad—aren’t produced with the same level of care or regulation.

The simplest way to avoid these risks? Reduce plastic toys entering the home altogether.

Durability & Longevity

We love it when customers come into the shop reminiscing about toys from their own childhood—especially when those memories are sparked by toys we still stock today. There’s a reason so many classic wooden toys have stood the test of time.

Wooden toys are built to last. They can withstand years of play, being dropped, thrown, and passed down through generations. Plastic toys, however, don’t always survive the fall from a high chair onto a tiled floor quite so gracefully.

Environmental Impact & Responsibility

We’re incredibly fortunate to work with eco-conscious and environmentally responsible wooden toy brands. For many of these companies, environmental responsibility goes hand-in-hand with toy safety.

When responsibly sourced and produced, wooden toys have a significantly smaller environmental footprint and help support a greener planet for future generations. Plastic toys are not biodegradable, and once broken, many end up in landfill—contributing to long-term pollution of our land and waterways.

If you think in terms of environmental cost per play, wooden toys are clear winners.

Educational & Developmental Value

Without flashing lights, loud noises, or batteries, wooden toys encourage children to engage more deeply and creatively with their play. From first puzzles and stacking toys to sorting and role play, wooden toys support:

• Imagination and creativity
• Fine motor skills
  
• Dexterity and coordination
• Independent thinking and problem-solving
  

Plastic toys are often designed to be overstimulating, which is why children are naturally drawn to them. Bright colours, lights, and sounds can be exciting—but they often dictate how a child should play, rather than letting imagination take the lead.

Many wooden toys intentionally include gentler colour palettes and “visual breaks”, helping to create a sense of calm and support healthy attention spans during those crucial early years.

Sensory & Aesthetic Experience

We’ll admit it—as adults, we love the look of wooden toys. Their timeless design, natural textures, and soft colours make them easy to live with. But the benefits go far beyond aesthetics.

For young children, wooden toys offer a warm, natural sensory experience that feels grounding and calming. Plastic toys often feel lightweight and less substantial—and when they start to pile up, they can quickly become overwhelming for both children and parents (especially when they take over the living room!).

The Final Verdict: Wooden Toys vs Plastic Toys

We know we’re biased—but with good reason.

If you’re looking for toys that:

• Prioritise safety
• Are kinder to the planet
• Support learning through play
• Encourage creativity and calm
• Reduce overstimulation for children and parents
  
  

…then wooden toys are the clear winner.

Plastic toys certainly have their place and can’t always be avoided. But making conscious, informed choices helps support responsible toy makers—and helps your local toy shop continue to thrive on the high street.