From our founder
I created Haliburtons & Co. after observing what held our children's attention. Often, not the loudest or brightest toys, but the ones with depth and possibility. The wooden building blocks used in countless ways. The books returned to again and again. The pens that became daily companions.
These observations shaped what matters to me: fewer, better things. Design with purpose. Choices that respect children's intelligence and spark their imagination.
I wanted to create a place to share these discoveries—championing brands making innovative and inspiring products that I would be proud to have in my own home. Gifts that bring joy today and will still matter tomorrow.
Design that sparks imagination
We seek out products where every detail has been considered – from the way a wooden block fits perfectly in small hands to the satisfying click of puzzle pieces finding their place.
Good design isn't just about how something looks; it's about how it feels to use, how it invites exploration, and how it stands up to the enthusiastic play of childhood.
When form and function work together beautifully, the result are gifts that children return to again and again.
Learning and play are siblings
We believe the most joyful learning happens through play. We choose toys where discovery feels natural – geography puzzles that spark curiosity about our world, art supplies that invite creative expression, building sets that bring ideas to life.
These aren't just educational tools – they're designed for the simple joy of learning through doing.
Thoughtfully chosen, responsibly made
Every choice we make considers the world our children will inherit. We only champion brands who use responsibly sourced materials, avoid harmful chemicals, and package thoughtfully without waste – whether it's a handcrafted wooden toy, beautifully illustrated book or everyday art supplies.
Latest posts
Best Gifts for 5 Year Olds | Toys, Books and Creative Kits
From a forest trail kit and a Parisian dance puzzle to a panda coding robot and 366 animal poems — a guide to some of our favourite gifts for children at five, when play gets purposeful.
Best Gifts for 4 Year Olds | Toys, Books and Play Ideas
From a royal blue kitchen and a 74cm wooden crane to a planetarium projector and an alphabet game — a guide to some of our favourite gifts for children at four, when play gets genuinely complex.
First Birthday Gifts and Toys for 1 Year Olds
From activity tables to stacking toys and first books — a guide to some of our favourite gifts for children at one, when every moving part is a small revelation.
Gifts for 3 Year Olds | Toys, Books and Play Ideas
From a kitchen that earns its place in the playroom to a pirate ship that transforms an afternoon — a guide to some of our favourite gifts for children at three, when imaginative play really takes hold.
Best Gifts for 2 Year Olds | Toys, Books and Play Ideas
From first walkers and racing ramps to beautifully made building blocks and books that beg to be pressed and tapped — a guide to some of our favourite gifts for children at two.
Gifts Under £50 for Every Age | Our Favourites
Twenty-four of our favourite children's gifts under £50, organised by age — from first stacking blocks for one year olds to a build-your-own film camera for teenagers. Wooden toys, beautiful books, and creative kits from the makers we trust most.
