Many studies today claim that children create knowledge when they play. If you ask children what they like to do the best, there is only one single answer that one can get i.e.: to PLAY. Various researchers have explored the concept of play from different perspectives. researcher like Mason and Barton describe the meaning of the play as "Play is what children do with toys that engage their attention and interest, regardless of whatever else is going on and whoever else is present.” Whereas Zimmerman and Calovini define a toy as a learning material, which simulates children to discover relationships.

A research done by Dau in 1999, emphasizes the role of play in early childhood development and how play helps in developing certain skills like problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction. Toys can be used in various situations, which would impact the nature and content of play. At the same time, different styles of play can also impact the use of toys as a resource. There are around 6 types of play, namely; unoccupied play, Onlooker play, Solidarity play, parallel play, Associative play, and cooperative play. According to research done by Loy Chee Luen, the type of toys children interact with can significantly influence their cognitive and emotional growth across various domains of intelligence.

When a toy is designed keeping in mind certain developmental milestones that the child need to achieve at certain age; it’s called as an “Educational toy”. They are not meant just for entertainment but must promote certain learning through play. Following are certain key aspects which makes a toy educational one which are;

• Educational toys target certain specific developmental areas like; language skills and communication, fine or gross motor skill development, social skills, cognitive skill etc.

• Educational toys are mostly open ended toys which means these toys can be used in multiple ways by the children and there not “a method” of playing with them. For example Montessori bowl and spoons or lacing beads and threading shapes by Toy Trunk.

• Educational toys are mostly age appropriate offering right level of challenge to help them develop.

• Educational toys encourages children to ask questions, experiment and discover various relationships like cause and effect. Like the ring stacker by toy trunk which allows the child to discover the correct sequence of stacking the rings in correct order unlike other plastic stackers where rings can be inserted in specific order only.

In short educational toys are the ones which combines fun with learning and developing curiosity, confidence and various core skills required in future life.

Toy Trunk a company founded by Architects and mothers, Priyanka and Minu, where they focus on getting truly educational toys for your child (www.thetoytrunk.in). Their toys are built upon studies in child development, sensory learning and ergonomics. Toys—like ring stackers, different types of rattles, push pull toys and flashcards—are made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials and intentionally crafted to encourage active, open-ended play during early childhood period. Rooted in traditional Indian craftsmanship, each toy also supports local artisans, blending cultural heritage with modern child development principles to offer meaningful, safe, and skill-building play experiences.

Toy Trunk toys are also best option for birthday gifting ideas as they are specifically designed and curated keeping child’s age and developmental stage in mind. Each toy is designed to nurture essential skills like motor skill development, social skills, sensory skills and various other skills which are developed in first 8 years after birth. Their beautiful, eco-friendly wooden designs add a premium, handcrafted touch, perfect for special occasion birthdays, baby shower or naming ceremony gifting options. With combinations like stacking toys and flashcards in themed gift sets, they offer a perfect blend of play and purpose. As gifting Toy Trunk toys means giving a child not just a toy, but a lasting developmental experience as the company firmly believe in that “Playing is learning”.

Priyanka Mangaonkar Vaiude

Architect | M.Arch. (Crafts & Technology) | Ph.D. Scholar (Design)

Co-Founder, Toy Trunk Pvt Ltd.

(Priyanka Mangaonkar Vaiude is a qualified Architect with a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design with specialization in Crafts and Technology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Design, with a focus on child development and role of toys in early childhood period, toy design sustainable design, etc. She is also co-founder of Toy Trunk Private limited.)

Educational Toys for Toddlers in 2025: Nurturing Young Minds with Purposeful Play

In a world that’s rapidly evolving, the early years of a child’s life remain the most crucial for brain development. As we step into 2025, the emphasis on quality early childhood experiences has never been more pronounced. One of the most effective ways to foster holistic growth in toddlers is through educational toys. These aren’t just playthings; they are essential tools that support cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Among the frontrunners in this space is Toy Trunk Private Limited, a company redefining the landscape of educational toys for toddlers in India.

Why Educational Toys Matter in 2025

Today’s parents are more informed and intentional about the choices they make for their children. With the growing awareness of brain development in the first five to eight years, educational toys for toddlers are becoming an essential in every conscious household. These toys help toddlers explore the world, understand cause and effect, enhance problem-solving skills, and even boost language development.

In 2025, educational toys have evolved to be more sustainable, sensory-rich, and culturally rooted. They are designed to align with the developmental milestones recommended by paediatricians and early childhood educators. The best toddler toys in 2025 are those that blend play with purpose, fun with function.

Introducing Toy Trunk: Purposeful Play, Handcrafted with Love

One company making waves in the domain of learning toys is Toy Trunk Private Limited. Rooted in Indian craftsmanship and early childhood education principles, Toy Trunk specializes in handmade wooden toys crafted by local artisans. Their offerings are not only non-toxic and safe but also deeply mindful of the environment and developmental needs of toddlers.

Unlike mass-produced plastic toys, Toy Trunk toys are made using traditional toy-making methods, non-toxic colors, and sustainably sourced wood. Each toy is designed to support a particular aspect of child development, whether it's motor coordination, sensory exploration, or imaginative play.

Best Toddler Toys 2025: Top Picks from Toy Trunk

Let’s explore some standout products from Toy Trunk that are setting benchmarks in the educational toy segment in 2025:

1. Ring Stacker (Montessori Inspired)

A classic Montessori toy, the Ring Stacker helps toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of size differentiation. Toy Trunk’s version is made from natural wood, painted with non-toxic colors, and features a soft pastel palette that's pleasing to the eye.

2. Rolling Rattle

This simple yet engaging toy encourages crawling, gross motor movement, and auditory exploration. As toddlers chase the rolling rattle, they learn about movement and sound, while also enhancing their muscle coordination.

3. Interlocking Discs

A favorite in Montessori classrooms, interlocking discs promote bilateral coordination, wrist rotation, and early grasp reflexes. Toy Trunk's hand-polished discs are safe for teething and perfect for curious little hands.

4. Flashcards - Fruits and Vegetables

Introducing toddlers to the world around them is easy with visually rich flashcards. Toy Trunk’s fruit and vegetable flashcards are vibrant, durable, and designed to encourage early language development and recognition skills.

5. Dumbbell and Maracca Rattles

Sound, grip, and rhythm all come into play with these tactile rattles. They are ideal for auditory stimulation and early music exposure, both of which are linked to improved memory and pattern recognition.

The Montessori Advantage

Montessori toys have gained immense popularity among modern parents, and for good reason. They are simple, focused, and designed to nurture independence. Toy Trunk’s collection is strongly influenced by Montessori principles, ensuring that toddlers engage in meaningful, self-directed play.

In 2025, Montessori toys continue to dominate the learning toys category because they encourage children to explore at their own pace. These toys are less about flashing lights and loud sounds, and more about hands-on learning and concentration.

Sustainability Meets Learning

Another growing trend in 2025 is the demand for eco-conscious products. Parents are actively seeking toys that are not only educational but also environmentally responsible. Toy Trunk is leading this shift by producing wooden toys that are plastic-free, biodegradable, and made using traditional methods passed down through generations.

This focus on sustainability teaches children from a young age about mindful consumption and respect for nature—an important lesson in today's climate-conscious world.

Choosing the Right Educational Toys for Toddlers

When selecting learning toys, parents should consider the following:

Age Appropriateness: Choose toys designed specifically for your child’s developmental stage.

Skill Development: Look for toys that enhance fine motor, cognitive, sensory, and language skills.

Material Safety: Prioritize toys made from non-toxic, child-safe materials.

Open-Ended Design: The best toddler toys are those that can be used in multiple ways, encouraging creativity and exploration.

Toy Trunk excels in all these areas, making it a trusted choice among discerning parents.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Play is Purposeful

Educational toys for toddlers in 2025 are more than just tools for entertainment. They are a gateway to creativity, curiosity, and cognitive development. Companies like Toy Trunk are not only preserving India’s rich toy-making heritage but also reimagining it for the modern child.

By choosing purposeful, sustainable, and developmentally appropriate toys, parents can ensure that their child’s early years are filled with joy, learning, and love.

So if you’re on the lookout for the best toddler toys in 2025, or if you simply want to give your child a beautiful beginning, explore the world of Toy Trunk. Because every child deserves a trunk full of treasures that help them grow, learn, and play with purpose.

To know more or shop the collection, visit www.thetoytrunk.in