Remember when Britain was known for its iconic toy manufacturers? Many people will have fond memories of brands such as Kiddicraft, Meccano or Tri-ang and who can forget Hornby model trains?
Sadly, times have changed and toy manufacturing is no longer the British domain; many companies have moved overseas to places like China, where production costs are cheaper.
However, all is not lost. There are many British companies making high quality, unique toys that will stand the test of times and defy the latest fashions and trends. So why not make this Christmas a truly British Christmas, and celebrate by buying from some of the best independent, British toy manufactures around.
Here’s a list of the top ten must-have British made products this Christmas.
2013 Top 10 British Made Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids(alphabetically)
1. BOX4BLOX – this award winning invention that sorts and stores kids Lego bricks makes great gift for Lego lovers. Made in Port Talbot, Wales BOX4BLOX is sold exclusively online, throughwww.box4blox.com andwww.amazon.co.uk
2. Button Bag - manufacturers of lovely craft kits containing everything you need from: from sewing kits , needles, stuffing etc. to finish each individual item. Go towww.buttonbag.co.uk to purchase on line or find a retailer near you
3. Crafty Ponies Craft KitsBased in Yorkshire, this family run business designs and produces award winning craft kits to make a gorgeous and realistic soft toy ponies and all their tack and equipment. Go to the Crafty Ponies web site at www.craftyponies.co.ukto purchase online
4. Dice Maestro – manufacturers of specialty dice and card games, including their award winning Jurassic Wars board game. For more info go to www.dicemaestro.co.uk
5. Doodlewiz Lunch Box – Exeter based manufacturers of the Doodlewiz Lunch Box. This sustainable and versatile product is designed to inspire creativity through the art of doodling. Click here to visit their web site www.doodlewiz.co.uk
6. Just4kidz – specialty children’s furnitureThis Cheshire based specialty furniture company manufactures one the finest range of children's furniture available today. For further information please visit thewww.just4kidz.co.nz website, where you can order your custom furniture online
7. MerryThought – one of our most traditional toy manufacturers, located in Shropshire, Merrythought is a family business that has been making handmade traditional teddy bears since 1930. Visit their web site here for more informationwww.merrythought.co.uk
8. Orchard Toys – manufacturers of educational games and puzzles, Norfolk based company that is likely the largest remaining UK based toy manufacturer in Britain. To order, please visit their web site at www.orchardtoys.com to purchase online or find a store near you.
9. Suffolk Playworks – award winner in the “The Good Toy Guide”, Suffolk Playworks are the based in Ipswich and are manufacturers of some of the best wooden play equipment in the UK. To view their great range of products and to order direct please visit their web site atwww.playworks.co.uk
10. WEAMO Furniture - this UK based furniture manufacturer specialise in designing a range of extremely high quality contemporary children's furniture. For further information regarding Weamo Furniture please visit their web site atwww.weamofurniture.co.uk
