Christmas shoppers in search of traditional gifts for children that have good longevity, can look to the Slow Toy Award 2013 winners, recently unveiled at Harrods department store.
The Slow Toy Movement, which has been gaining steady momentum for the past couple of years, is the brainchild of Thierry Bourret, who began his campaign on behalf of tradition in 2011 when he noticed a decline in quality, hand crafted wooden toys.
Disillusioned by predictable, technology and brand-driven annual ‘Christmas wish lists’ featuring battery operated plastic toys and short-lived gimmicks, Thierry decided to pledge support for the kind of real toys your grandparents love to buy.
The Slow Toy Awards now garner great attention worldwide and this year’s winners even include entries from America and Germany. This year’s final Slow Seven are a true reflection of the Slow Toy message, including:
The traditional Moover Dolls Pram, the beautifully crafted East Coast Activity Cube, the classic GALT Tiny Trike, the imaginative HABA My First Play World Fire Brigade, the inspiring Meccano Multi Models Set, the innovative TWIG by Fat Brain Toy Co and the educational Bigjigs Around the World Train Set!
Not only was there an unprecedented amount of entries for this year’s awards, but with Harrods hosting the event and a panel of judges including life and style editor of the Guardian, Kate Carter and much loved children’s TV presenter, Angellica Bell, this year’s awards are sure to make their mark once again.
Thierry Bourret said: “I was blown away by the success of the 2012 awards and I wasn’t sure we would be able to entice the same interest again, but how wrong was I? The Slow Toy Movement and it’s awards seemed to have taken on a life of their own, not only has it engaged industry experts but our campaign has been mentioned in articles not only nationally but internationally too! It was my dream to have this level of appreciation for good quality, well-made toys that encourage traditional play and stimulate a child’s imagination and I am just overwhelmed that this is now a reality.
“Not only has the 2013 awards uncovered seven wonderful products, we have also managed to team up with one of the world’s most prestigious department stores to help spread the word! I can only hope that the Slow Toy Awards has established its place firmly in the industry, so we can continue to bring the world’s best toys to the toy boxes of children in the UK!”
