Let’s be honest – plastic toys are everywhere. Cheap, bright, often noisy (sometimes painfully so), they flood the shelves of every supermarket and toy shop. But more and more parents are turning to natural, non-toxic alternatives – especially after discovering clean, mindful brands like https://mademoisellenature.com, which offer gorgeous, eco-conscious products for the whole family. So, what should you really choose in 2025? Let’s break it down.

Durability : Which One Lasts Longer ?

Here’s the kicker : good wooden toys last for years – decades even. My niece still plays with a wooden train set I got in a tiny shop in Copenhagen eight years ago. It’s scratched, sure, but still solid. Plastic toys ? They tend to crack, break, or mysteriously lose wheels and limbs after a few weeks of toddler warfare. There are exceptions, but overall, wood wins on durability.

Safety : What’s Going in Their Mouth ?

Let’s face it : babies chew everything. Like, everything. That’s where wooden toys often feel safer. They’re usually painted with natural, non-toxic finishes. Plastic toys ? Some are perfectly safe, but others can contain questionable materials – phthalates, BPA, weird dyes… and figuring that out often means digging into tiny labels or obscure brand websites.

Eco-Friendliness : Wood for the Win ?

Okay, no surprise here – wooden toys are generally much better for the planet. They’re biodegradable, recyclable, and if sourced responsibly, they’re a great alternative to all that petroleum-based plastic. In 2025, with sustainability becoming a real concern (finally !), this matters. Some plastic toys are now made with recycled materials, and that’s a cool step. But the overall footprint ? Still heavier than wood.

Design & Play Value : Which Ones Do Kids Actually Love ?

Now here’s where it gets tricky. Kids love plastic toys. Why ? Buttons. Lights. Dinosaur roars. And that’s totally valid – imaginative play comes in many forms. But here’s something I’ve noticed : wooden toys encourage kids to invent more. No batteries, no instructions. Just open-ended play. My son will build a “market stand” or a “fire station” out of his wooden blocks, and honestly, it’s magic to watch.

Price : Is Wood Always More Expensive ?

Let’s not sugarcoat it – wooden toys often cost more. Sometimes a lot more. But you do get what you pay for. They’re sturdier, often handmade, and built to be passed down. Plastic toys might be cheaper short-term, but when you have to replace them every few months… well, you do the math.

So… Which Should You Choose ?

Honestly ? It depends. If you’re gifting for a toddler who’s obsessed with flashing lights and fire engines, plastic might be the hit. If you’re buying for a Montessori-style household, or you care deeply about sustainability, wooden is the clear winner.

Personally, I go for a mix. One or two high-quality plastic toys that truly bring joy, and a solid base of timeless wooden pieces. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being thoughtful. And in 2025, with all the choices out there, that feels like the smartest way to shop.

What about you ? Are you team wood, team plastic, or team “whatever keeps them busy for 30 minutes so I can drink my coffee in peace”?

By the way, if you’re also on the hunt for personalised gift ideas that don’t scream “last-minute panic”, take a look at https://www.mon-beau-cadeau.fr – they’ve got some gems that work great as birthday or Christmas add-ons with the games below.

1. Dixit Odyssey – Still Pure Magic, Even in 2025

It’s been around for a while, yes. But Dixit Odyssey is still unbeatable when it comes to sparking creativity and weird family discussions. If you’ve never played : it’s all about storytelling using surreal illustrations. Each player tries to guess which image matches the storyteller’s clue. But the twist ? The clue has to be vague enough to confuse *some*, but not *everyone*. It sounds simple, but it’s *genius*. The 2025 version has some updated card packs – more inclusive, more diverse, and frankly, more beautiful. Perfect for families with older kids (say 8+) and for those who love a bit of imagination over competition.

2. Cascadia – Peaceful, Strategic, and Addictive

If your household loves puzzles and nature, Cascadia is your go-to. It’s one of those games where everyone starts calmly… and ends up quietly obsessed. You build up ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest by placing tiles and animal tokens in smart combinations. It’s calm, yes, but don’t let that fool you – there’s real strategy involved. You’ll catch yourself plotting moves in your head while brushing your teeth. It plays well with 2 to 4 players and is ideal for age 10 and up. A great Sunday-afternoon game with tea and biscuits.

3. That’s Not a Hat – The Game of “Wait… What Just Happened ?”

This one’s pure chaos. Fast, loud, and surprisingly mind-bending. That’s Not a Hat is basically a memory bluffing game where you’re passing gift cards around, trying to remember what’s where – while tricking others into believing you know exactly what you’re giving them. Except… you almost never do. The fun ? Watching your uncle insist “this is definitely the rubber duck” and seeing your niece burst into laughter when it’s actually a cactus. It’s small, cheap, and works in any group. Total party hit.

4. The Fuzzies – For Families Who Love a Bit of Tension

Think Jenga, but fuzzier. Literally. The Fuzzies has you pulling little sticky balls from a tower and sticking them elsewhere – without making the whole thing collapse. Sounds childish ? Maybe. But it turns grown adults into nervous wrecks. The pieces are colourful, the rules are easy, and even toddlers can get involved (with supervision). It’s tactile, ridiculous, and strangely satisfying. Not the deepest game on the list, but one of the most laugh-out-loud fun.

5. Ticket to Ride : San Francisco – Short, Sweet, and Still Strategic

If you love Ticket to Ride but don’t have 90 minutes to commit, the San Francisco edition is a winner. It keeps the core mechanics – collecting cards to claim routes – but trims everything down to a fast-paced 15-30 minute experience. And yes, you still get that “YES!” moment when you block someone’s perfect route at the last second. The map’s compact, the gameplay’s tight, and the little cable car tokens are a lovely touch. Great for school nights or casual family game time when nobody wants a brain-burner.

6. The Crew : Mission Deep Sea – For Families Who Like a Challenge

Warning : this one’s not for the easily frustrated. The Crew : Mission Deep Sea is a cooperative trick-taking game where communication is limited, tension is high, and each round gets harder. Sounds stressful ? It is. But also incredibly satisfying when your team pulls off a near-impossible win. It’s best with older kids or teens (12+) who can handle a bit of pressure and love working as a team. Feels more like a mission than a game – in the best way possible.

So, Which One Should You Pick ?

Honestly, it depends on your family vibe. Want laughs and chaos ? Go for That’s Not a Hat. More into calm strategy ? Cascadia is your thing. Need something to fill 20 minutes before dinner ? Ticket to Ride : San Francisco. These aren’t just “fun family games”. They’re games that actually *work* in real-life family settings – short attention spans, different ages, unexpected tantrums included.

Got a favourite we missed ? Let us know – we’re always up for testing one more (strictly for research, of course).

So how do you make sure you’re getting something that’s actually useful for your child – something they’ll love, learn from, and not toss aside after five minutes ? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. And hey, if you’re hunting for something a little more unique, you might want to check out https://www.mon-cadeau-original.fr – they’ve got some pretty cool ideas you don’t see everywhere.

Start with the golden rule : age matters (a lot)

I know, it sounds obvious. But trust me, it’s where most of us go wrong. A toy that’s too advanced ? Your kid gets frustrated. Too simple ? Bored in two seconds. It’s all about hitting that sweet spot – and every age has its own needs.

0 to 12 months : it’s all about the senses

At this age, your baby doesn’t care if a toy is educational or award-winning. They want color, texture, sound – things they can grab, squish, chew on (yes, everything goes in the mouth). Soft rattles, fabric books, teething rings that go in the freezer – these are gold. I still remember this crinkly fabric elephant we had – it made the weirdest sound, but our daughter was obsessed.

1 to 2 years : time to explore

This is the age of little scientists. They want to push, pull, drop, repeat. Toys that respond to their actions – like cause-and-effect toys, stacking cups, shape sorters – these aren’t just fun, they’re mini brain-boosters. Oh, and don’t forget ride-on toys. I swear ours was the most-used item in our house for about 8 months straight.

2 to 4 years : imagination kicks in

Here’s where things get interesting. Toddlers start diving into pretend play. They’re cooking invisible spaghetti, calling grandma on a banana phone, putting their teddy in time-out. Toy kitchens, tool sets, dolls with accessories – these are golden. And yeah, it’s also the golden age of Duplo. We’ve stepped on enough blocks to confirm their popularity.

4 to 6 years : curious minds, busy hands

Kids this age are little sponges. They’re asking questions non-stop (seriously, how do volcanoes work at 7 AM?). This is the time for educational toys disguised as fun. Think science kits, magnetic tiles, puzzles with actual challenges. Also, arts and crafts. Not all kids love glitter and glue, but the ones who do ? Give them a good activity set and you might just get 30 minutes of silence. Bliss.

6 to 9 years : building, collecting, creating

At this stage, kids are more independent – and picky. They’ve got opinions. And favorite YouTubers. And maybe an obsession with Pokémon, LEGO sets, or slime (that one surprised me). Choose toys that let them build, invent, collect, or even play with friends. Board games work great too – especially the ones that don’t make parents want to cry after 10 minutes.

9+ years : follow their passions

This is where “toys” start to look a lot more like “gear.” A kid who loves art ? Get them real sketchbooks and proper pencils. Into coding ? Try a beginner-friendly robot or app-based learning tool. Basically : listen to what they talk about, what they’re curious about. If they’re into space, maybe a telescope. If it’s baking, get them their own set of kid-friendly utensils. The goal here is to support, not steer.

Quick tips to avoid buying a dud

• Skip the hype. Just because it’s a best-seller doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your child.
• Check the replay value. Will they still play with it after day three ?
• Watch out for one-trick ponies. Toys that do everything for the child usually get old fast.
• Less is more. One good toy they adore is worth more than ten they ignore.

Final thought : useful ≠ boring

Useful doesn’t mean it has to be beige or serious. The best toys – the really great ones – are fun, engaging, and sneakily educational. They make your kid light up, and maybe (just maybe) they let you finish your coffee while it’s still hot.

So next time you’re shopping, think less about the label and more about the moment. The moment they open the box, the hours (hopefully) they spend playing, the little spark of curiosity that makes it all worth it. Because in the end, that’s what really matters.

And if you’re thinking, “Yeah, but where do I even start ?”, you’re not alone. That’s why I’ve dug into what actually works for girls that age, based on experience, a few gift fails (been there), and a lot of browsing. One good place to look for inspiration ? This site : https://www.bijoux-sur-mesure.com – they specialize in custom-made jewelry and honestly, it’s full of gift-worthy gems that don’t scream “trying too hard.”

Keep It Personal (Without Going Full Sentimental)

At 13, everything is identity. So a necklace with her initial ? Yes. A dainty bracelet with her birthstone ? Definitely. Think subtle touches that say “this is about you” without going full-on tearjerker. The goal is to give her something that feels grown-up *enough*, but not like she’s borrowing mom’s jewelry box.

Honestly, charm bracelets are making a comeback. But not the chunky kind from the early 2000s-more like sleek silver chains where she can add charms over time. It’s like gifting her a story she can build herself.

Avoid These Common Traps

Biggest mistake ? Going for bling just to impress. A rhinestone-covered anything might seem cool in theory, but in reality… it ends up in a drawer. Also, steer clear of anything too “babyish”-cartoon shapes, bright plastic, or overly girly stuff can feel a bit off once she’s in middle school.

Another tip : skip rings unless you know her size perfectly. Nothing more awkward than a ring that doesn’t fit and can’t be resized. Stick to necklaces, earrings, or adjustable bracelets-way safer.

How Much Should You Spend ?

Good question. You don’t need to drop £100 to make her happy. Most girls this age aren’t expecting fine jewelry. Around £20–£50 is a sweet spot : enough to get something quality and thoughtful, without going overboard.

If you want to go a little higher for a special birthday or celebration, investing in something personalized (like an engraved necklace) can totally be worth it.

Top Jewelry Gift Ideas for a 13-Year-Old

• Initial necklace : Simple, timeless, and easy to wear every day.
• Birthstone bracelet : Adds a personal touch without being too flashy.
• Minimalist studs : If she has pierced ears, tiny hearts or stars are a safe bet.
• Custom name necklace : Big trend right now, especially in cursive or lowercase fonts.
• Charm bracelet : A classic that grows with her-literally.

The Bottom Line

Buying jewelry for a 13-year-old girl doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Stick to pieces that are light, meaningful, and age-appropriate. Think more “personal treasure” than “fashion statement.” And above all, choose something that’ll make her smile when she opens the box-that’s really what it’s all about, right ?

1. A light-up unicorn plush she can’t stop hugging

Soft ? Check. Magical ? Check. Glows in the dark ? Double check. There’s something about a plush unicorn with built-in LED lights that instantly turns bedtime into a cozy dreamland. We tested one that cycles through soft colors and stays cool to the touch – perfect for winding down without being overstimulating. Plus, batteries are often included (finally !).

2. DIY unicorn slime kit (yes, it’s as messy as it sounds – and worth it)

Okay, it’s not the tidiest gift out there, but kids love it. These kits usually come with glitter, pastel slime bases, and cute charms like mini stars or clouds. It’s creative, it’s squishy, and she’ll be proudly showing off her “galaxy swirl” creation in no time. Just… maybe gift it along with a tablecloth you don’t care too much about.

3. Unicorn onesie : the costume she’ll live in

Forget dress-up boxes – some kids basically become unicorns once they put on that hooded onesie. The ones with tails and little gold horns on top ? They’re a hit. Soft fleece models are great for winter evenings, and some even come with wings (yes, wings !). Bonus : they double as pyjamas and carnival outfit.

4. A magic drawing tablet (with unicorn stencils, obviously)

If she loves to draw – or just doodle endlessly – a reusable LCD writing tablet is a brilliant pick. We found one that came with unicorn stencils and rainbow-color pens that pop on the screen. No mess, no paper waste, and she can draw during car rides without you worrying about melting crayons in the back seat (true story).

5. Personalised unicorn storybook

This one’s more on the sentimental side. Imagine her face when she opens a book where she is the main character – flying through clouds, talking to unicorns, saving magical forests. It’s a keepsake kind of gift, and honestly ? It might even spark a love for reading if that’s been tricky so far.

6. Unicorn bath bombs that fizz, foam, and surprise

Turn bath time into an event. Unicorn-themed bath bombs often come in rainbow colors and reveal little surprises inside (tiny toys, glitter, charms…). Some smell like bubblegum or strawberry cupcakes – and let’s be real, you’ll probably want to try one yourself.

7. A unicorn jewellery-making set

Beads, charms, string – and total focus for a good hour or two. Jewellery kits with a unicorn theme usually include sparkly pieces, pastel tones, and sometimes even glow-in-the-dark beads. It’s the kind of quiet creative activity that feels like play but builds patience and fine motor skills on the sly.

8. A unicorn-themed night light (that isn’t tacky)

Let’s be honest – some unicorn lamps look like they’ve barely survived the 90s. But there are gems out there : soft silicone models that change color when tapped, or wooden ones with cut-out designs that project little stars on the wall. They’re practical, pretty, and way less likely to end up forgotten on a shelf.

Need a quick win ? Here’s what we’d grab last-minute

Still unsure ? Here’s the short version : go for the light-up plush if you want something safe and adorable. The slime kit if you want her jumping up and down with excitement. Or the personalised book for that “wow, this is actually about me !” moment. Whatever you pick, aim for something that feels a bit magical – because that’s the whole point, right ?

Quick tip : Check the age recommendations on the box. Some unicorn toys look perfect but are made for toddlers or tweens, not the sweet spot of 6–10. It makes a difference.

So – ready to spark some unicorn joy ?