Kids Garden Play

Most garden play items in this collection suit children from around three years old upward, though many games, croquet sets and outdoor classics work well from five onwards when children can follow simple rules. Each product page lists a recommended age, so check there first if you are buying for a specific child.

Wood is heavier, which means it stays put in a breeze and feels satisfying to handle. It does not crack or fade the way plastic does after a few summers. Wooden toys also tend to be repaired rather than replaced, making them better value over time and considerably kinder to the environment.

Bring wooden toys under cover or into a shed when not in use, particularly over winter. A light sand and a coat of teak oil or similar natural wood oil once a year keeps them in good shape. Avoid leaving them sitting in pooled water, and dry them off after heavy rain if you can.

Jaques uses FSC-certified wood and non-toxic finishes across the range. All products meet current UK and EU toy safety standards. If you have a specific concern about a finish or material, the product description lists what has been used, and our customer team can answer detailed questions directly.

Think about how much space you have and how many children will typically be playing. Croquet and boules work well for mixed ages and suit larger lawns. Skittles, ring toss and similar sets are compact and brilliant from age three upward. If play is mostly solo, look for sand and water sets or a classic swing ball.

They make very well-received gifts because they arrive in proper packaging, look handsome, and are not something parents always buy for themselves. A croquet set or a boules set is a genuine family gift rather than something aimed at one child alone. For birthdays, many customers add a handwritten note describing how to play.

That is genuinely the aim. Jaques has been making outdoor games since 1795, and quite a few customers contact us with Jaques sets that belonged to grandparents. Solid wood, metal fixings and replaceable parts mean a well-kept set can last decades rather than seasons, which is exactly the point of buying quality in the first place.