Every parent wants the best for their child, but sometimes they wonder: Is it worth overpaying for a well-known brand? This is an eternal dilemma.
On the one hand, stores offer many products at different price points. The price difference can be significant, and you can often find a cheaper alternative.
On the other hand, it is not only about entertainment for children. When choosing toys and clothes, safety matters because low-quality materials can harm health and even lead to tragedy.
Let’s look at the 20 best children’s goods brands that have stood the test of time. They are divided into two categories and presented in random order.
Kids Toys Brands
World-renowned manufacturers of children’s products strive to outdo each other to impress children and their parents. Creating colorful dolls, bears, robots, construction sets, cars, and puzzles, they try to elicit an enthusiastic “I want!” cry, convincing adults to buy another toy, even if there is nowhere to store it.
In ancient times, toys were made from a variety of improvised materials. In the 3rd century BC, Egyptians carved miniature statuettes of cows, tigers, dogs, and cats from wood. Sometimes they even showed ingenuity by creating figures with moving parts. Ancient Romans and Greeks entertained their children with rattles and noisemakers. It was believed that these objects protected them from evil forces.
Archaeologists found many toys in the Far North, such as rhinos, tigers, and mammoths. Similar artifacts made of tusks and stone were found in Eastern Europe, dating back tens of thousands of years BC. As for dolls, the first were discovered during excavations of ancient Egyptian settlements. They are more than 4,000 years old.
The word “toy” appeared in France during the Renaissance. Then mothers began making homemade soft toys from fabric and straw. In the 19th century, the Steiff factory opened in Germany and began to produce everyone’s favorite teddy bears. In honor of Theodore Roosevelt, they named the bear Teddy.
Modern toys amaze with their “talents”: they can dance, sing, walk, talk, and imitate various sounds. Some even imitate pets. Simpler options attract children with bright colors and unusual shapes.
Of course, a child in the store wants everything at once. However, adults are responsible for making the right choice because not all toys are equally useful. So, what should we pay attention to?
- Objects with which children interact should be useful. For example, at an early age, children should develop hand motor skills using rattles, blocks, rings for folding, construction sets, and an abacus. Puzzles, mazes, and board games can help develop logical thinking. The choice of toys should be made with consideration of psychological and physiological factors.
- Since children are at their most vulnerable age, they should not come into contact with objects that can harm their health. All items should be high-quality and made of certified materials. Small parts are not allowed because a child can inhale them or swallow them.
- To avoid throwing away a doll with a fallen-off head, a car with a loose wheel, or a broken construction set, you must choose durable toys. Here is a universal rule: the more expensive it is, the longer it will last. If, of course, it is made by a reputable company.
We have compiled a list of the coolest children’s toy brands imaginable.
Disney
Disney is more than just family theme parks and colorful animation. One of the largest media conglomerates produces toys featuring fairy-tale princesses, superheroes, aliens, animals, villains, and other characters from animated films.
Bright images of Aladdin, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Hercules, Hulk, Mulan, and Rapunzel are embodied in soft toys and plastic figures. This is a real find not only for children but also for adult Disney fans. It is worth noting that high-quality standards are applied to the products and that they are often produced in cooperation with other brands, such as LEGO and Hasbro.
LEGO
LEGO deserves a special place on the list. It has become famous for its themed constructions dedicated to different professions, places, movies, cartoons, computer games, cars, robots, people, and animals. Each set contains colorful rectangular parts and minifigures.
The Danish company Lego Group, founded in 1932 by carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, owns the brand. At first, the company produced primitive wooden toys. The company began producing plastic construction toys only 15 years later, when a fire in the woodworking shop forced it to buy a plastic molding machine.
Ole Kirk set high standards and always adhered to them. His successors also followed these rules, so LEGO has a strong reputation. The uniqueness of the constructor lies in the fact that each part is universal. All bricks are interchangeable and compatible.
Playmobil
Playmobil is a trademark of the legendary German company Brandstätter Group, founded in 1876. Its constructors attract collectors’ attention, as some are produced in limited series. The assortment is based on figures measuring 7.5 cm tall. They are sold separately and in sets, including animals, cars, buildings, and accessories. The assortment also includes characters measuring 5.5 cm and 3.5 cm. Many toys have movable elements, but Hasbro also makes solid versions for the youngest.
Hasbro
In the 1920s, Hasbro, then known as the Hassenfeld Brothers, produced colored pencils and modeling clay. In 1952, they began producing Mr. Potato Head, a plastic figure with a large oval head to which ears, eyes, mouth, and hat could be attached. In 1964, the product line expanded to include G.I. Joe figures for boys.
The corporation was founded in 1985, three years after the release of the famous My Little Pony figure line. Around the same time, a line of Transformers toys was launched, featuring robot figures that could transform into various vehicles.
Hasbro now owns many entertainment television channels and video game development studios. However, the company remains the largest manufacturer of children’s toys across different demographics.
Nerf
Nerf is one of Hasbro’s brands. It produces baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and boffers, soft sticks that simulate hand-to-hand combat. Children like toy blasters, foam ammunition, and electronic targets to test their marksmanship. Suction cup darts attach to smooth surfaces, and Velcro darts attach to special vests.
The manufacturer offers different types of blasters:
- Rebelle turquoise, purple, and pink for girls;
- Zombie Strike in the style of a zombie apocalypse;
- Nerf Ultra with the longest-range darts;
- Super Soaker shoots water.
- Laser Tag with iPod Touch and iPhone connectivity.
Playskool
Hasbro owns the Playskool brand, as it did previously. But it was not always that way from 1928 to 1938; the company was called The Playskool Institute and was part of the John Schroeder Lumber Company. Its main products were educational aids for schoolchildren.
After several ownership changes, Hasbro acquired Playskool. The new owner began selling all its preschool educational toys under this brand. These included wobblers (Weebles), trucks (Tonka), and the funny figure Mr. Potato Head. In addition, there were series devoted to the heroes of children’s TV programs.
Mattel
The company now sells Barbie Dreamhouse furniture made from wooden scraps from picture frames. Toy manufacturing wasn’t Mattel’s core business. But then things changed: in 1947, a small ukulele for children was released, which launched a new business: the production of musical toys.
Over time, the company introduced the doll lines: the fashionable Barbie, her friend Ken, and the “talking” Chatty Cathy. In 1968, a new toy car brand debuted: Hot Wheels. Created for children, it became very popular among collectors because of its high level of detail.
Mattel also owns the Magic 8 Ball, a round plastic ball that answers any question. It was created by Albert C. Carter, who was inspired by his psychic mother’s work. The company bought the exclusive rights to this toy and, a few decades later, acquired another famous brand, UNO.
Barbie
Barbie dolls revolutionized the toy industry and became the dream of many little girls. However, critics accused the brand of promoting a glamorous lifestyle and unattainable beauty ideals. Despite some adults’ discontent, the dolls endured and even became the basis for a huge multimedia franchise.
Barbie’s era began in 1959. However, it wouldn’t have existed if Ruth Handler hadn’t stumbled upon the German Bild Lilli doll. She and her husband worked for Mattel, so they bought the eye-catching brand and slightly changed the toy’s look, mainly by updating the materials, hairstyle, and accessories.
Fisher Price
Wooden toys with strings are long gone. Fisher-Price today produces safe, soft toys, plastic dolls, cars, and construction sets. The well-known Little People series includes separate figures of people and animals, as well as complete sets you can use to build cities.
Fisher-Price’s product range is focused on preschoolers, so all toys are useful and educational. For example, the Rescue Heroes series familiarizes children with the professions of rescuers, firefighters, and police officers. The Imaginext worlds provide endless scope for imagination.
Nintendo
Nintendo, the famous Japanese manufacturer of video games and consoles, earns additional income from souvenir figurines resembling gamers’ favorite characters. Characters from Splatoon, Animal Crossing, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda have become collector’s items for kids and adults alike. Nintendo produces themed plush toys, PVC figurines, and plastic models.
Kids’ Clothing of Famous Brands
Any clothing, especially children’s clothes, should meet quality standards. Therefore, when choosing clothes, it is necessary to pay attention to the following factors:
- Durability: the higher the quality, the longer it will last.
- Comfort and convenience: rough details and seams that rub the skin are undesirable.
- Practical things should be designed to support the child’s mobility.
- The priority is given to hypoallergenic, breathable fabrics.
However, safe fit and comfortable, anatomically correct cuts are only one side of the coin. Many parents want their children’s clothes to be bright, unusual, and fashionable. Yes, fashion pushes manufacturers to experiment. Fashion determines which brand reaches the pinnacle of fame and which doesn’t even make the list of the best.
Global manufacturers strive to stay on trend while meeting a wide range of requirements for children’s clothing. Let’s find out who manages it best.
GAP
The American company GAP doesn’t limit itself to adult clothing. Its division, GapKids, produces and sells children’s items, from summer sandals and swimsuits to winter sweaters and down jackets. Its wide selection of outdoor and home clothing lets you build a closet for any season.
And, of course, where are jeans? GAP popularized them, turning them from workwear into a fashion staple. Denim shorts, skinny jeans, and classic-cut pants are just a small part of what the manufacturer offers.
Old Navy
Old Navy is one of GAP’s many brands. It produces relatively affordable clothing for both children and adults. Although the brand falls within the mass-market category, its high-quality products align with modern fashion trends.
Mango
Spanish company Mango is known for its restrained style, but it makes an exception for children. The children’s line features bright colors and unusual prints that appeal to younger shoppers. The assortment is divided into several categories depending on gender and age:
- for newborns;
- for boys and girls up to 6 years old;
- for children ages 6-14.
This is a complete set of clothes, including pajamas, skirts, joggers, jeans, T-shirts, shirts, jackets, and coats; in short, everything, right down to underwear and socks.
United Colors of Benetton
United Colors of Benetton is another clothing manufacturer that has not forgotten about children. Every season, they release new collections that adapt to current trends. In summer, their clothing is bright, knitted, and lightweight, and in winter, they offer cozy, soft sweaters and comfortable jackets.
In addition, this brand is very progressive. Among its products, you can find items made from organic cotton grown without pesticides and eco-viscose, a high-tech material. In other words, Benetton produces clothing that is not only fashionable but also safe.
H&M
The Swedish company H&M also offers children’s products, including a wide range of clothing and accessories for the whole family, without limiting itself to any specific target audience. Its products remain popular despite repeated scandals over poor working conditions and negative environmental impacts.
Europe’s largest streetwear and casual-wear retailer is especially popular among teenagers because its clothes are stylish. Modern cuts, unusual prints, and bright colors allow everyone to show their individuality.
Carter’s
Carter’s was founded in 1865 and is named after its founder, William Carter. The company specializes in products for newborns and children, produced under several brands in the United States and abroad.
Statistics show that about 90% of American millennial parents made at least one purchase at Carter’s retail stores in 2018. This manufacturer is highly trusted and offers a full range of high-quality children’s clothing and shoes.
OshKosh B’Gosh
Carter’s has owned OshKosh B’Gosh since 2005, and it specializes exclusively in children’s products. As a result, they know better than anyone what babies and teens of different ages need. The company became famous in the early 20th century for its wide range of overalls and dungarees. Parents liked to dress their babies the same way they dressed adults. Now, OshKosh B’Gosh produces overalls, T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, shirts, pants, and accessories.
Reima
The Scandinavian brand Reima focuses on keeping kids warm. As a result, its range includes the warmest, most comfortable, and most fashionable clothing and footwear. Waterproof jackets are designed for children who love playing in the snow or walking in the rain. Reimatec winter overalls can withstand even 20-degree frost thanks to modern technology.
When the company first appeared (in 1944), it sought to convert military uniforms into durable, reliable children’s clothing. Now, there is no reminder of this: cheerful prints and bright colors are filled with optimism and are associated only with fun.
NEXT
The NEXT retail chain is a real find for those who want to dress their child stylishly and beautifully. British manufacturers develop clothes not only for adults but also for children. These clothes are characterized by cheerful prints and a loose cut that does not interfere with active games.
Several hundred NEXT outlets offer school, work, and sports clothes for all occasions. Boys and girls feel comfortable in these clothes year-round.
Zara
The Spanish brand Zara, part of the Inditex group, also offers a children’s line called Zara Kids. It includes overalls, dresses, shorts, jeans, windbreakers, jackets, sweatshirts, and other styles. Both school uniforms and casual clothes are made of ultramodern materials. These fabrics are known for wear resistance, durability, and bright colors.