Words Helen Baron

In Japanese, “ki” means “wood” and “ko” means child, which gives you a good idea of the kind of product Japanese toy brand Kiko+ specialises in.

Inspired by art and play, the brand crafts beautiful, unique toys and objects that engage children’s senses and inspire their imaginations. Already well known for its city playsets, which pair quirky wooden vehicles and magnetic chalkboard surfaces with world-famous monuments (think the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Tower Bridge), Kiko+ also does a fine line in toy sushi sets, gumball machines and even a wooden take on the classic Etch-a-Sketch.

The brand’s eco credentials mean you can buy their goodies without trepidation: all the wood comes from sustainable forests and every toy exceeds global safety standards. The firm’s logo is restyled for each design as a way of symbolising all races and cultures around the world, while the “+” in the brand’s name is a shout out to the people who helped grow the company.

Beautiful design that wears its (happy, humane) heart on its sleeve, Kiko+ makes the kinds of toys your kids will remember – and probably pass on to their own children – when they’re grown up. It doesn’t get better than that.

For more information, visit the Kiko+ website.