It's no secret that children learn through play. From helping them to develop their fine motor skills, communication, and expanding their imaginations, toys have a huge role to play in your child's development. On top of that, certain toys can provide your child with a sense of security and even encourage empathetic behaviour. While, as a grown-up, you might see them as things to occasionally trip over, your child sees them in a very different light.

Buying the right toys for your child depends on which stage of development they're at and which ones they are drawn to. However, studies have found that to promote the best kind of play, it's a case of quality over quantity. While it might seem counterintuitive, having too many toys can negatively affect the length and value of your child's playtime. At Crate and Barrel, we offer a range of outstanding toys created by up-and-coming and established designers.

• Inspire as early as possible. If your little one is just starting to explore the world, check out our range of Teethers and Rattles. Teethers, such as the Sophie la Girafe So Pure Teething Ring incorporate bright colours and a friendly design to stimulate your child's brain.

• When it comes to cuddly toys, they don’t get much cuddlier than the ones offered by Crate and Barrel. Our Childhome Standing Elephant is sure to be the centrepiece of any child’s bedroom or playroom. Perfect for introducing your young Attenborough to the world of animals, it offers a reassuring presence and tactile experience.

• Games and puzzles are the perfect way to encourage lateral and tangential thinking, alongside fine motor skills. The Sassi Dragons in the Forest Book and Giant Puzzle adds a narrative to the concept of problem-solving, while the Vilac Farm Shape Sorter puts the ideas of shapes into a practical context.

• As your child gets older, why not introduce them to the idea of transport? Our range of Wooden Toys includes products such as the Mamatoyz Cute Monster Ride On, which will help to give your youngster some exercise and have some fun at the same time.