Now more than ever, kids need toys that will ignite their imaginations and encourage fun-filled afternoons while they’re hanging out at home. Did you know there are Irish toy pioneers who aim to inspire and empower kids all over the world – all from their home office right here in Ireland?
We’ve put together a list of some of our personal favorites!
ARCKIT is a freeform architectural modelling system that allows you to physically explore designs and bring your ideas to life with speed and precision. Perfect for STEAM learning, architects, hobbyists, students and children.
Endless opportunities for The Field include farming, football, picnics, tea parties, car parking to name a few.It is suitable for indoors and outdoors!
Children can exchange notes and leave drawings by the fairy door to interact with the fairies. This is a great way to prompt creative thinking and to stimulate children's imaginations.
Every product aims to deliver learning and discovery as well as buckets of fun. The company is built on a deep love for Ireland, drawing from the beautiful natural landscapes, the rich cultural heritage in our myths and legends, and the attractions that are visited by millions every year.
It’s their goal to build a world of ‘On and Offline’ educational experiences in a fun story environment while still celebrating traditional toys with our soft robots.
A Rocking Horse today as throughout history, can be considered a child’s favoured possession. They sometimes become not only thought of a plaything when young, but eventually a treasured item synonymous with an individuals’ personal history and heritage, and become a cherished heirloom passed from generation to generation.
Built to the highest standards, to ensure their wagons were officially approved as safe for and to carry children, and once approved, Toby Wagons was born.
Brought up to love and respect animals, Christina tries to capture the spirit of the creatures she recreates, taking into account the colours and fabrics of Ireland.
Ro Óg specialises in Irish designed high quality handcrafted timber toys that can be passed from generation to generation. The toys are sturdy, safe and easy to use enhancing the effortless development of a variety of skills
Thinking Toys, with the hope of increasing the awareness of a range of products that can bring specific benefit to children with special needs or learning difficulties.
Wooden Heart is a family run business on Quay Street, in the heart of Galway’s Latin quarter that has been supplying ethical, safe and high quality wooden toys and unique gifts for over thirty years.
They're on a mission to make 'sustainable' the new normal for toys. Jiminy have over 300 toys, books, and craft materials that are plastic-free and locally-made from natural or recycled materials.
Toys and Games have taken time to carefully select educational toys and wooden toys and games that you will enjoy playing with your children and adds to their selection regularly.
In 2012, Lottie Dolls founder Ian Harkin sold his home in London to turn his doll-making dreams into a reality. He brought his business to Donegal, at a time when unemployment affected 24% of the working population. Today, this multi award-winning toy company provides their innovative and unique dolls to kids all over the world.
Thoughtfully designed with a kid-focused approach, the Irish-based Lottie Dolls models their dolls after real-life kids. Each doll and accessory is based on what kids need most from a toy: diversity, inclusion, positive body image, and the empowerment to be themselves.
Inspired by Kids
The company’s motto, “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be YOU,” puts kids in the driver’s seat of production. Young aspiring doll makers from all over the world can enter one of the regular design competitions on social media, and submit their ideas for consideration.
From Stargazing to Fossil Hunting, Lottie is a girl in STEM – another fundamental cornerstone of the Lottie dolls universe. She’s even been to space, accompanying British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station.
Each Lottie doll is designed with the life-like proportions of a 9-year-old child. This makes them easy and fun for kids to play with – and the dolls can proudly stand up on their own two feet.
To join Ireland’s efforts in creating a more sustainable world, many of the Lottie Doll accessories (such as the treehouse and horse stable) are solidly constructed from wood, rather than plastic. Dolls are designed and tested right here in Ireland, and then distributed to independent Irish toy shops.
You can purchase Lottie dolls from Irish retailers, or order them right to your door from www.lottie.com from the comfort and security of your own home. With the festive season upon us, consider shopping from your local Irish toy companies – you won’t be disappointed.
