Machi by Kiko. Images courtesy of Kiko-Kids.

When TulpKids founder Wendy Coombes started casting about for ways to increase their range of beautifully designed, sustainable products for kids, it was only a matter of time before Japanese outfit Kiko caught her eye.

“I’m forever on the lookout for something that is quirky or unique,” she says.

Kiko definitely fits the bill. Their incredibly simple yet endlessly playful toys make them a firm favourite with children and they’ve been collecting a fair few fans in Europe over the past year. Each piece is finely crafted and made with sustainable timber and child-safe vegetable dies. They make brilliant stocking stuffers – a far cry from the run-of-the-mill toy offerings.

Here are our picks:

Dongri – The name means “acorn” in Japanese and this sweet necklace also doubles as a cool spinning toy. Perfect for instant entertainment when you’re out and about.

Kuruma – It’s hard to find a kid who won’t be captivated by these candy-coloured jalopies. They come in five colours plus the natural beech.

Machi – Meaning “town” in Japanese, this set comes with two magnetized chalkboards, chalk, plus a car, trees, hills and houses so kids can draw their own landscapes and then immerse themselves in a customised 3D world.

Tanabata – the name is a nod to the Wish Upon a Star festival in Japan. The set contains 100 stars in seven colours and natural beech ones with numbers. Great for them teaching colours and counting, they’re also heaps of fun as a novel domino set.

Check these out (and the rest of TulpKids’ range) at TulpKids