Magnetic Toys

Most magnetic wooden toys are suitable from age three upwards, once a child is past the stage of putting small pieces in their mouth. Always check the specific age guidance on each product. Simpler magnetic matching games suit younger children, while more complex building sets work well from five or six onwards and hold attention for years.

In well-made wooden magnetic toys, magnets are recessed and firmly embedded in solid wood, making them very difficult to pull free during normal play. Jaques of London uses securely set magnets and finishes pieces with child-safe, non-toxic paints and lacquers. Always inspect pieces periodically and retire any that show signs of damage to the magnet housing.

Solid wood is heavier, more satisfying to handle, and far more durable than plastic. It does not crack or splinter the way cheap plastic does after a few months of play. Wooden pieces also take paint and finish beautifully, so colours stay true for years. A good wooden magnetic toy can genuinely pass from one child to the next without falling apart.

Keep wooden magnetic toys dry. Wipe pieces down with a lightly damp cloth if needed, then dry them straight away. Do not submerge them in water or leave them in damp conditions, as wood can warp and magnets can corrode. Store pieces together in their original box or a fabric bag to prevent loss and protect the finish between uses.

Think about the child's age first, then their interests. Magnetic fishing games and simple shape-matching sets work brilliantly for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Older children enjoy magnetic construction sets or travel games they can use independently. For a gift that feels considered rather than generic, look for sets with enough pieces to offer real variety without being overwhelming.

Many magnetic toys are excellent for travel precisely because the pieces stay put. Magnetic boards and travel game sets are designed so that pieces do not slide around or scatter the moment the box tips. They pack flat, require no batteries, and keep children engaged quietly on long journeys. Always check the set comes with a lidded or contained board rather than an open tray.

Heirloom quality comes down to materials, construction and finish. Solid hardwood rather than MDF or plywood, deeply embedded magnets, and hand-finished surfaces all contribute. Jaques of London has been making games and toys since 1795, and the standard has always been that a toy should survive being handed down. If a toy is well made, a child should be able to give it to their own children one day.