Best European toy brands from different countries
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European toy characteristics may vary depending on country and culture, but here are some general characteristics often associated with European toys:
- Sustainability and Quality: European toys are often known for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. It is often seen as more durable and longer lasting than cheaply produced toys.
- Educational: Many European toys focus on educational values. It can help children develop cognitive skills, creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Traditional Design: European toys often have a traditional design and are inspired by historical or classical themes. For example, wooden toys with simple designs are popular.
- Environmentally friendly: There is a growing trend towards eco-friendly toys in Europe, with an emphasis on the use of sustainable and non-toxic materials.
- Local Production: Some European countries emphasize locally produced toys to support the local economy and reduce the environmental footprint.
- Safety: European toy standards are often strict, meaning a lot of attention is paid to toy safety and reducing potential health risks.
- Imagination and Creativity: European toys often encourage imagination and creativity, with less emphasis on electronic gadgets and more on open-ended play.
- Dolls and Figures: European countries often have a strong tradition of making dolls and figures, which can be used for role-playing and storytelling.
Here are the best European toy brands from different countries.
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Best toy brands from Germany
Typical German toys are known for their craftsmanship, quality and traditional designs. Germany is known for its high-quality wooden toys, such as wooden puzzles, blocks, trains and dollhouses. These toys are often made by hand and have a timeless design.
Below are the 3 best German toy brands.
Grimm's
Grimm's from Germany deliberately design their toys simply.
Children have the space with this toy to develop their imagination to the maximum according to Waldorf method.
Because the wood is only stained, it retains its soft, natural texture.
Most colorful wooden toys
Grimm's from Germany deliberately design their toys simply. Children have the space with this toy to develop their imagination to the maximum according to Waldorf method.
The stain that Grimm's uses is biodegradable and the natural scent of the wood is retained after processing.
The wood grain and structure are also preserved as much as possible. This wood is suitable for 'tasting' and for biting. The woods used - from European forests - also have antibacterial properties.
All Grimm's toys are carefully sanded by hand into soft shapes. The paint or stain is water based and the items are hand painted and then put in the vegetable oil.
It couldn't be more natural, that's why it's not a problem if your little one wants to suckle on these toys.
Playmobil
Playmobil is a play system from the German company Brandstätter. The company's headquarters are located in Zirndorf, Germany. Playmobil was founded in 1974 as a subsidiary of Brandstätter. The brand is now so popular that it has its own page on the free encyclopedia Wikipedia.
The toy figures from Playmobil have a size of approximately 7,5 centimeters. At the time, products such as buckets and hoolahoops were especially popular, but Hans Beck, the developer of Playmobil, based his invention on tin toy figures.
He studied children's behavior during play and came up with toy figures with moving parts and a posture that approximated children's drawings.
The figures have smiling faces and are provided with various properties, such as a firefighter's uniform or knight's clothing.
Initially the figures only consisted of male characters, but later female characters were also introduced.
Bruder
Bruder toys are a popular miniature brand of utility vehicles and trucks, based on real truck brands such as Mack, MAN and JCB. The strong design guarantees hours of fun for the smallest from 4 years. The toys are realistic and functional, allowing children to learn about the world around them through play.
The Bruder toys are divided into different play themes, such as Bruder farm toys, Bruder forestry toys and Bruder transport toys. This allows children to create their own world and let their imagination run wild.
The Bruder toy range not only includes trucks and work vehicles, but also playsets with, for example, play figures that perfectly match the play theme. For example, there are Bruder equestrian articles and Bruder winter sports articles.
Bruder has also developed the Roadmax line for the youngest builders. This series is specially designed for children from 2 years and has a color scheme that is tailored to the youngest target group. The products are extra robust and easy to handle for small hands.
What distinguishes Scandinavian toys from other European toy traditions is the in-depth attention to simplicity, sustainability and the use of unprocessed, natural materials. These features form the core of the Scandinavian design philosophy and have a profound effect on the region's toy creations. Scandinavian toys are not just for entertainment; it is an extension of culture and embraces the values and aesthetics of the northern landscape and heritage.
LEGO
Lego, as a leading Danish toy brand, has achieved worldwide recognition and is known for its iconic building blocks. The company was founded in 1932 and has since captured the imagination of generations of children and adults with its versatile and creative toys.
Lego's signature plastic building blocks offer endless possibilities for building structures, vehicles, and even imaginative worlds. They promote not only fine motor and problem-solving skills, but also the freedom to create and tell stories.
What makes Lego extra special is the emphasis on modularity. The different Lego sets can be combined and customized, giving children the freedom to create their own unique designs. This stimulates their creativity and imagination.
Furthermore, Lego has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. They are committed to reducing their environmental impact and using sustainable materials in their products.
With its Danish roots and global influence, Lego is an excellent example of distinctive Danish toy design that promotes both fun and learning, while also embracing sustainability and timelessness.
Double
As a well-known Danish toy brand, Duplo has made its mark as a favorite among young children around the world. Founded in 1969 by the Danish company LEGO, Duplo is a toy line designed with little ones in mind.
What makes Duplo unique is the use of larger, easy-to-handle building blocks that are perfectly tailored to the small hands of toddlers and preschoolers. Designed for safe play, these bricks encourage young children's fine motor skills and creative expression.
Duplo inspires children to build, stack and create stories. It not only promotes their cognitive development, but also their social skills as they play together with friends or family.
Additionally, Duplo has managed to integrate beloved characters and themes from popular children's movies and TV shows into their playsets, allowing kids to recreate their favorite stories and create new adventures.
With its simple, yet captivating design, Duplo has established itself as an iconic Danish toy brand that has helped generations of children enjoy learning and playing in a fun and stimulating way.
Best toy brands from France
In general, French toys are characterized by quality, craftsmanship and innovative design, which is in line with the broader European toy tradition. It is often made with attention to sustainability and safety, with a focus on inspiring children's imagination and creativity.
Particular French toy brands, like Djeco, are distinguished by their unique artistic designs and attention to detail, in keeping with the European design and craft tradition.
Janod
The French brand Janod is known for its stylish, sustainable wooden toys, including trendy vintage children's bicycles, all with an FSC quality mark. Their collection includes a wide range of toys, from wooden animals to kitchens and doll prams, and is appreciated for its educational value and quality.
Janod has received international recognition for their beautiful wooden toys.
Falk
Originally founded in France in 1947, Falk is a leading toy brand praised for its attractive products for children. Falk competes with the German Rolly Toys, best known for their pedal tractors. Falk is known for its emphasis on safety in the design of their cars.
Over the years, Falk has gained popularity and the brand has dominated the toy market. Falk transforms children into racing drivers and princesses with their various cars, and unnoticed stimulates the development of motor skills and thinking skills. They focus on playful education, so parents do not have to constantly supervise.
Best toy brands from the Netherlands
Dutch design is praised for its minimalist and functional aesthetic, which fits seamlessly with the broader European design style. Within the European toy market, which has a rich history of quality, craftsmanship and innovative designs Dutch toy design a unique mix of creativity and education.
The focus of Dutch designers on creating toys that are not only visually appealing, but also stimulates children's development, fits well with the European approach to toys as a tool for learning and fun. In addition, Dutch designers pay attention to sustainability and safety, which is a central value within the European toy market with its strict standards for child protection.
Dick Bruna
Dick Bruna (1927 – 2017) was a world-famous Dutch artist who is loved by both young and old, especially for his creation Miffy. During his career, Bruna created countless picture books and was the spiritual father of characters such as Eegje Egel, Gobe, Betje Big, Boris and Barbara, in addition to Miffy.
His work was characterized by a simple and direct drawing style, and he published no fewer than 120 picture books. We cherish the legacy of Dick Bruna.
Biobuddies
The eco-friendly family business Biobuddi promotes sustainable toys with their slogan 'Build a Better Tomorrow'. They offer safe and environmentally friendly products, such as the BiOBUDDi Miss Roos Three Little Fish set, which develops motor and social skills.
The blocks are biologically responsible and made from sugar cane residues, and they also have the BiOBUDDi Learn to Know Letters set, which promotes reading and arithmetic in a playful way. All Biobuddi products are 100% environmentally friendly and made from natural materials, including sugar cane.
Little Dutch
Rinke van der Helm and her sister started making lampshades from an attic room in the Netherlands. Two years later, Rinke launched her own brand, Little Dutch. Since 2008, Little Dutch has developed into a well-known brand, both nationally and internationally, that produces modern accessories and colorful toys for babies and children.
Little Dutch products are not only safe, but also of high quality, and they support the different development phases of children with contemporary toys. The brand introduces a new theme and a new textile collection every year, making it a brand to remember!
Best toy brands from Italy
Italian toy brands distinguish themselves by their emphasis on design, quality, craftsmanship and educational value. They are known for their wooden toy products and strive for sustainability and aesthetics in their designs.
Italian toys is known for its emphasis on design, style, and creativity, in line with the traditional Italian design principles of elegance and craftsmanship. Many manufacturers in Italy strive to create toys that are not only enjoyable, but also visually appealing.
Bontempi
Bontempi, an Italian toy brand that has been around for more than 50 years, is best known for its piano toys and focuses on children from 0 to 8 years old. They offer a wide range of musical instruments, educational and interactive toys.
Bontempi's toys, such as the Bontempi Baby Saxophone, are specially designed for the little ones and help children develop their creativity and musical skills. The brand strives for safety and quality, with instruments made from child-friendly materials.
Bontempi is a great choice for teaching children the basics of music and makes a great gift for a variety of occasions.
Does Europe have major brands in the global toy market?
Europe indeed has some major and influential toy brands in the global toy market. The most prominent European toy brand is LEGO, which is known worldwide for its building blocks and construction sets. LEGO has a significant market position and strong brand value.
Although LEGO is the most notable European toy brand, there are also other brands that have significant influence in Europe and beyond. Another European brand is Playmobil, which is known for its detailed figures and play sets. Ravensburger is a German company specializing in puzzles and board games, and it has a strong presence in the European market. Based in Italy, Clementoni is also a well-known manufacturer of educational toys and puzzles.
Although the United States and Japan have some major toy brands such as Hasbro, Mattel and Bandai, Europe remains a major player in the global toy industry thanks to brands such as LEGO, Playmobil and others. These brands have gained worldwide recognition and contribute to diversity and innovation in the toy market.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.