Gifts for Girls

Most Jaques games and toys cover a broad span, typically from age three upward, with many products suited to six to twelve year olds and beyond. Each product page lists a recommended age. A good number of the games work across generations, so an eight year old and her grandmother can genuinely play together without either being bored.

Wood is heavier, smoother to touch and far more durable than plastic. It does not crack, warp or shed microplastics with normal use. Wooden games also tend to be designed around open-ended play rather than a single gimmick, which means they stay interesting for years. Many families find a Jaques wooden game gets played more often, not less, as children grow older.

Jaques uses child-safe, non-toxic finishes across its wooden range. Every product carries the appropriate CE or UKCA safety marking and lists a minimum recommended age. Items with small parts are clearly marked as unsuitable for under-threes. If you are buying for a child under five, check the individual product page and the age guidance before purchasing.

Think about where the girl spends most of her time and what she enjoys doing. Games like chess or draughts suit children who like sitting and thinking with someone. Outdoor toys such as croquet or skittles suit children who have garden space and energy to burn. Puzzles and craft sets work well for quieter, independent play. When in doubt, a classic board game tends to suit the widest range of personalities.

Jaques has been making games since 1795, and many of the designs have changed very little in over a century. The products are made with solid wood, proper hinges and hand-finished details rather than injection-moulded plastic and cardboard. When a child opens a Jaques gift it feels noticeably different from a mass-market toy, and that quality is obvious before anyone has even started playing.

Selected Jaques products can be engraved or personalised, turning a good gift into something that will genuinely be kept. Look for the personalisation option on individual product pages. An engraved game with a girl's name and the year makes it feel like an heirloom from the moment it is unwrapped, and personalised items are far less likely to be passed on or forgotten in a cupboard.

Wipe wooden surfaces with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, leaving pieces outdoors overnight or storing in damp conditions. Occasional application of natural wood oil keeps surfaces smooth and prevents drying out. Store the game in its box when not in use to protect pieces. Treated sensibly, a Jaques wooden game can last thirty or forty years and still look presentable.