Remember when playtime meant building forts with couch cushions, pretending to be astronauts with cardboard boxes, or spending whole afternoons buried in puzzles? That kind of screen-free play still exists. And it lives right here at The Walnut Wood.
We’re more than a toy shop. We’re a growing movement of parents, educators, and creators who believe that learning starts with play – real, unplugged, imagination-first play. Our toys don’t beep, flash, or distract. They invite your child to think, build, explore, and grow.
The Problem with Screen Time (and What to Do About It)
Did you know, accordingly to AIFS, 85% of Australian children aged 0–4 exceed the recommended daily screen time.
Let’s face it. Screens are everywhere. From toddler YouTube videos to “educational” apps, it’s easy to let devices become the babysitter. But here’s what the research shows: kids under five should have less than an hour of screen time per day. Most get far more than that. Studies link excess screen time to delays in language, social skills, and focus. Even for babies under 12 months, screen exposure can impact sleep, eye development, and the formation of core motor skills.
When a baby is glued to a screen, they’re not exploring the real world. They’re not crawling, grasping, or looking into a parent’s eyes. That’s how growth happens – through real-world, tactile experience.
Excessive screen use in early childhood is linked to reduced attention span, language delay, and emotional regulation issues.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends zero screen time for children under two and a maximum of 1 hour for children 2–4 years old.
Why Wooden Toys & Board Games Support Real Growth
Wooden toys offer something screens can’t. They’re quiet but powerful. They invite children to touch, move, imagine, and solve. There’s no script, no set outcome. Just endless possibilities.
Board games and hands-on games, like those in our Puzzle Games and Educational Games collections, offer more than fun. They help with turn-taking, patience, counting, language development, and problem-solving – all key milestones for childhood success.
Let’s explore how these tools of play can grow with your child through every age and stage.
Newborn Baby (0–12 Months)
There’s nothing more heart-melting than a baby’s first grasp or gummy smile. In these tender months, every sound, shape, and texture shapes how they understand the world. You’re their safe place—and what they touch matters. That’s why choosing the right toys isn’t just about play, it’s about trust. Let’s start with gentle, purposeful play built for tiny hands.
In the earliest stage of life, babies learn by using their senses. Everything is explored through touch and taste. It’s completely normal for them to chew on anything they can hold. That’s why choosing the right toys matters.
Plastic toys with bright dyes or rough edges aren’t safe for delicate gums. Our Newborn Collection offers natural, safe alternatives. Our Wooden Sensory Teething Rings, Perforated Puzzle Blocks, and Soft Wooden Rattles are built with smooth textures, calming colours, and easy-to-grasp shapes.
They stimulate without overstimulation – perfect for early focus, grasping, and gum relief.
1 to 2 Years Old: The Active Explorer
They’ve taken their first steps and now they’re unstoppable. Every cupboard opened, every tower knocked down is part of their big adventure. These years are loud, messy, curious, and absolutely magical. Your little explorer is learning how the world works—one push, pull, and wobble at a time. Give them toys that match their energy and match their joy.
Toddlers are discovering cause and effect. They want to push, pull, stack, and mimic. Their physical coordination is growing fast – and so is their curiosity.
Our 1 to 2 Years Collection features toys that match that energy. The Montessori Walker is ideal for balance and confidence. The Wooden Beads encourage fine motor control, while the Cartoon Animal puzzle game builds early language.
And because toddlers still mouth everything, our toys are finished with non-toxic paints and safe materials.
3 to 4 Years Old: The Pretend-Play Stage
Suddenly, your dining room is a spaceship, a market, or a jungle. At this age, imagination blooms wildly—kids try on roles, feelings, and dreams. Every story they tell is a window into how they see the world. And the right toys become tools for building confidence and emotional depth. Let them pretend big, with toys that bring their stories to life.
Preschoolers live in imagination. They copy what they see, invent stories, and try out emotions through pretend play. This age is perfect for introducing tools and sets that support creative thinking and independence.
Our 3 to 4 Years Collection includes favourites like the Wooden Tool Table and the Wooden Appliances, letting kids “cook,” fix, and explore their world. Art also takes off at this age, and our Art & Craft Kits let their creativity shine.
5 to 7 Years Old: School Readiness
The school years are just beginning, and with them come big feelings and even bigger questions. Kids are learning how to focus, follow rules, and solve problems—without losing their sense of fun. This is the age where play quietly becomes preparation. You want toys that make them think, laugh, and grow all at once. That’s exactly what our collection is built for.
As kids head into school, they need toys that build patience, focus, and academic skills in playful ways. That’s where our Educational Games shine.
The Math Guru Counting Board, Wooden Abacus, and 5-in-1 Number Game turn maths into something kids want to explore.
Meanwhile, puzzles like the Magnetic Tetris Puzzle and Mushroom Peg Puzzle build memory and sequencing skills.
Find these in the 5 to 7 Years Collection.
8 to 10 Years Old: Independent Thinkers
They’re not just kids anymore—they're problem solvers, builders, and budding thinkers. This age is full of “I can do it myself” moments, where pride meets progress. But even independent minds still crave creative, hands-on ways to engage. Let their curiosity roam with toys that challenge without pressure. Because learning never has to feel like work.
Kids at this age want challenge and freedom. Our 8 to 10 Years Collection includes toys that stimulate STEM learning, strategic thinking, and solo play.
Standouts include the Rotating Magic Bean Puzzle and our Tangram Jigsaw Puzzle. These toys help strengthen focus, logic, and emotional regulation in a fun, approachable way.
The Categories That Support Their Growth
No two children grow the same way, but one thing they all share is the need for meaningful, playful experiences. Whether it’s building logic, expressing creativity, or simply burning off energy, the right toy can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve grouped our collections not just by theme, but by purpose — so every kind of learner, dreamer, and explorer finds something that helps them thrive.
Educational Games
Learning isn’t just for classrooms. In fact, most early development happens during play. That’s why our Educational Games are designed to teach through doing. No pressure, no boredom, just counting, sequencing, memory-building, and logic packed into colourful, hands-on fun.
Toys like the Math Guru Counting Board make numbers visual and tactile. The 5-in-1 Number Game offers hours of maths exploration, and the Wooden Abacus introduces children to early calculations in a natural way. Even younger kids can benefit from games like the Smart Egg Puzzle, which teaches shape recognition and colour matching.
These games aren’t about getting ahead — they’re about enjoying the process of learning.
Electric Games
Sometimes, a little movement and light is exactly what a child needs to stay engaged, especially those who respond well to sensory feedback. Our Electric Games collection includes gentle, soft-tech toys that entertain without overwhelming.
The Electric Crab Toy crawls and scuttles, encouraging babies and toddlers to chase and giggle. The Flying Induction Ball uses light and air to float mid-air, helping with hand-eye coordination. And don’t miss the Electric Spray Elephant Bath Toy, which makes bath time something they’ll look forward to every night.
These toys keep play dynamic, engaging, and motion-filled — without a screen in sight.
Puzzle Games
There’s a quiet joy in watching your child finish a puzzle — that “I did it” moment is more than just fun. It’s confidence, patience, logic, and memory working in harmony. Our Puzzle Games are loved by families looking for toys that truly grow with their child.
The Jigsaw Puzzle supports creative thinking with endless configurations. The Rotating Magic Bean is great for fidgeters who need focus. And if you're after something classic, the 3D Wooden Animal Puzzle and Magnetic Map Puzzle combine challenge with charm.
These puzzles help kids strengthen memory, develop sequencing skills, and learn that focus pays off, one piece at a time.
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are timeless for a reason. They don’t guide the story — they let kids write it. Our Wooden Toys collection features handcrafted pieces that support open-ended play across every age.
Whether it’s a Wooden Camera Toy inspiring a preschooler’s pretend photo shoot or the Montessori Tool Set giving little builders their first “workbench,” these toys meet kids where they are. Even our Wooden Magnetic Building Blocks add a layer of creativity and construction that grows with your child.
They’re not just fun — they’re foundational for independent play, creativity, and problem-solving.
Art & Craft
Creative kids need space to express themselves, and there’s nothing better than tactile, screen-free materials. Our Art & Craft collection is where imagination meets movement. It’s not just about making pretty things, it’s about developing coordination, planning, and emotional expression.
From colouring tools to DIY silicone kits, our crafts give children the freedom to explore their ideas. Art isn’t just for future painters, it’s for every child learning how to express thoughts that don’t always have words yet.
Let them create. Let them get messy. Let them grow.
Outdoor Games
We know kids don’t get outside as much as they used to. That’s why our Outdoor Games are designed to tempt them back to nature. These toys turn backyards, parks, and driveways into playgrounds filled with movement, laughter, and fresh air.
Our favourites include the Flying Foam Disc, the Foam Airplane Launcher, and the Basketball Hoop with Suction Base, which even sticks to tiles for rainy-day play.
Movement is more than energy burn — it supports brain development, emotional regulation, and even sleep. So let's make outdoor time something they ask for.
Bonding Through Play
Family time is where memories are made. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a midweek board game night, play can be a way to connect, not just keep kids busy. That’s why we’ve curated a handful of products designed for shared experiences.
Try the Tabletop Football Game for a bit of friendly competition, or the Children’s Tennis Racket Set for a day at the park. Then wind down the evening in matching Family Pyjamas, lit softly by the glow of our Shark Night Light.
It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing it together.
How to Choose the Right Toys with The Walnut Wood
Buying the right toy isn’t just about what looks fun — it’s about what fits your child’s age, interests, and stage of development. At The Walnut Wood, we’ve made it easier by organising toys by age and category so you can find something your child will love, and that will also support their growth.
1. Start with Age
Each stage of childhood comes with its own set of needs. For newborns, it’s all about sensory play and safe chewing. For toddlers, it's pushing, pulling, and learning cause and effect. As children grow older, they crave independence, challenge, and creativity. That’s why selecting toys based on age helps ensure that what you're offering is safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate.
For example, if you’re shopping for a baby under 12 months, you want safe, chewable, textured toys — not flashing screens. A perfect fit could be something like the Infant Rainbow Revolving Tower, which encourages visual tracking and motor coordination in a safe, non-toxic format.
A toddler between 1 and 2 might benefit from a toy that supports movement and fine motor skills. The Kids Walking Dog Iron Toy is interactive, durable, and encourages walking and imitation — two things toddlers love.
By the time a child reaches 3 to 4 years, pretend play and problem-solving take over. Something like the Magnetic Stick Building Blocks Game would engage their hands and minds while letting them build and rebuild their own world.
2. Choose the Right Category Based on Their Stage
Once you know the age, the next step is selecting a category that suits your child’s play style. Some children love structure and repetition, while others are imaginative and love open-ended play.
If your child enjoys matching shapes, solving puzzles, or finding patterns, a toy like the French Puzzle Toy from our puzzle collection is ideal. It supports cognitive thinking and fine motor development without relying on batteries or screens.
For kids who are drawn to storytelling or role-play, toys that mimic everyday activities are great. The Wooden Assembly Toy lets them feel involved in the adult world, building confidence and hand coordination in the process.
Some kids love action and energy. If that sounds familiar, a toy like the Childrens Bathroom Sucker Basketball Hoop turns bath time into game time, encouraging gross motor development, aim, and routine.
3. Let Your Child’s Interests Guide You
No two kids are the same. Some are fascinated by lights, some love the stars, and others just want to throw a ball or colour a page. Pay attention to what catches their eye — and use it to make your pick.
-
If your child constantly reaches for books or tries to mimic reading, something like The Reader could become their favourite companion. It introduces letters, storytelling, and attention-building — perfect for quiet moments.
-
If they’re always moving things around the house or love a challenge, the DIY Silicone Early Education Puzzle keeps little hands busy for hours, building problem-solving skills and focus.
-
Children drawn to colour and light will enjoy the Cute Shark Silicone Light, especially as part of their bedtime routine. It’s not just comforting — it’s calming and confidence-boosting.
And if your child is curious about space or science? Help them explore the universe with the Wooden Magnetic Map Puzzle Toy, a screen-free way to understand geography, logic, and design thinking.
7 Reasons to Choose The Walnut Wood for Your Child’s Growth
If you’ve made it this far, you already understand how powerful the right toys can be. But here’s a final reminder of why so many parents in Australia are turning to The Walnut Wood:
-
Safe, Non-Toxic Materials
Every product we stock is hand-checked for child safety — from smooth edges to food-grade paints. No harmful plastics or cheap materials here. -
Designed for Growth, Not Gimmicks
Our toys evolve with your child. They're not just for one stage — they adapt, challenge, and inspire as your little one grows. -
Screen-Free Play That Works
We help you cut screen time without a fight. These toys are actually fun, and that’s why kids keep going back to them. -
Created by Real Parents & Educators
Our products are chosen by people who understand child development, not by trend-chasers. -
Support for Every Age and Stage
From newborn teething rings to tween logic puzzles, our store covers the full journey, and we make it easy to shop by age. -
Strengthens Family Bonds
Whether it’s game night or bedtime stories, our collections include toys and tools that bring parents, siblings, and grandparents closer together. -
You’re Supporting a Passionate Small Business
Every order supports our small team, our values, and our mission to raise kids who grow through real, meaningful play.
The Walnut Wood: Our Story, and Yours Too
The Walnut Wood started with one toy.
It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t make noise. But it was solid in your hands. It smelled faintly of polished wood. And the child who played with it — our child — didn’t want to put it down.
That one toy sparked an idea: that modern parenting could be simpler, quieter, and more connected. That we didn’t have to settle for screens and plastic. That somewhere in between nature and nostalgia, we could build something lasting.
Now, The Walnut Wood is more than just a store. It’s a reminder — that the best kind of play happens on the floor, with your hands, your imagination, and the people you love.
Thank you for being here. Whether you're shopping for your child, a friend’s baby, or simply rediscovering the joy of wooden toys, we invite you to learn more about us and our journey on the About Us page.
Visit The Walnut Wood to raise a generation of creators, not consumers. Shop for awesome, safe toys RIGHT NOW.