Choose the kind of play first

Kids Toys & Play

Different toys invite different activities: moving outdoors, building a story, solving a puzzle or sharing a game. Start with the child’s interests and stage, then consider the space, setup and storage that make that activity easy to return to.

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Outdoor Sand Box Set, Wooden Sand Pit, Natural Wood

Find their next kind of play

Keezi Kids Pretend Kitchen Sink and Water Playset Fishing Game Toys Play food

Cubby Houses & Pretend Play

Outdoor Sand Box Set, Wooden Sand Pit, Natural Wood

Sandpits & Outdoor Play Equipment

Pink Children's Mini Safe Piggy Bank with Fingerprint and Password Lock

Games & Novelty Toys

Kids Ride On Patrol Police Car Rigo Range Rover-Inspired Remote - Black

Kids Ride-On Cars & Wheeled Toys

Trampoline 16FT Round with Basketball Hoop Kids Present Gift Enclosure Safety Net Pad - Multi-Coloured

Trampolines & Accessories

Piggy Bank

Piggy Banks & Money Boxes

Make room for active and quiet play

Ride-on vehicles and outdoor equipment need a suitable area and adult supervision. Tabletop games need a surface where pieces can stay together. Pretend-play furniture needs room around doors and accessories. Choosing an activity makes it easier to judge what will fit at home.

Choose manageable complexity

A toy that needs constant adult setup may be frustrating for independent play. For shared activities, consider how long a turn lasts and how many people can participate. Simple open-ended props and more structured games can serve different moods rather than competing as one better type of toy.

Keep the intended user clear

Follow the age grading and product warnings, and keep toys with small parts away from younger children. Novelty items, decorations and pet toys are not automatically suitable children’s playthings. Check what is included so a replacement accessory is not mistaken for a complete toy.

Compare the effort around the activity

ActivityPlan for
Tabletop gamesA clear surface and storage for small pieces
Ride-on playA suitable route, supervision and charging where relevant
Sand playPosition, cover arrangements and cleaning
Pretend playRoom around the setting and storage for props

Further reading: ACCC: choosing toys for children

Further reading: ACCC — Button batteries guide

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Related reading

Useful answers

Questions about choosing kids toys

How do I choose between a toy for independent play and a family game?

Think about how the activity starts and how long someone needs to stay involved. A family game needs the stated number of players and shared understanding of the rules. A play setting or simple prop may be revisited more freely, but can still need adult setup and supervision. Match that routine to when the toy will actually be used.

What should I consider when children of different ages share a playroom?

Plan separate storage for older children’s small game pieces and accessories, away from a younger child’s reach. Keep a clear area for quiet floor play rather than crossing it with ride-on routes. Choose each toy for its intended user and age guidance; sharing the room does not make every toy suitable for everyone in it.

What is useful to know before buying a toy with lights or sound?

Check the battery type, whether it is supplied, and how the compartment is secured. For homes with young children, consider alternatives to button batteries where possible. Also think about volume control and replacement batteries: a sound feature that cannot be switched off or maintained may be less useful than the main activity suggests.