Best Sellers

Jaques of London toys and games are designed in Britain. Manufacturing uses a combination of specialist workshops, with materials and production methods selected to meet the quality standards the brand has maintained since 1795. Full details for specific products are listed on each individual product page, so you can check before you buy.

Value really depends on the piece. Vintage and antique Jaques items, particularly croquet sets, chess sets and Staunton chessmen, can fetch significant sums at auction because of the brand's 1795 heritage and documented craftsmanship. Current production pieces hold their value well compared with plastic alternatives, and many families still own and use Jaques sets bought generations ago.

The best sellers span a wide range, from simple wooden toys for toddlers through to strategy games adults play seriously. Each product page lists a recommended minimum age. A good rule of thumb: if a game involves small parts or complex rules, check the age guide before buying for younger children.

Wood is durable, repairable and does not crack or fade the way plastic does over time. Wooden toys tend to feel more satisfying to handle, which keeps children engaged longer. They also pass between siblings, cousins and eventually the next generation without falling apart, which makes them genuinely better value over a lifetime than cheaper alternatives.

Keep wooden pieces away from prolonged damp and direct heat, both of which can cause warping or cracking. Wipe clean with a barely damp cloth rather than soaking. Occasionally treating bare wood with a little food-safe beeswax or linseed oil will keep it from drying out. Store boards flat where possible to prevent bowing over time.

It depends on the recipient. A classic wooden skittles or croquet set suits active families with outdoor space. Chess or draughts works well for children from around age six upwards who enjoy a challenge. For something tactile and open-ended, traditional wooden building toys or ring-toss games appeal across a very wide age range and need no batteries or instructions.

The toys and games that reach best-seller status at Jaques tend to be the ones that have been in the catalogue for many years precisely because they hold up. Look for solid wood construction, metal fittings rather than plastic clips, and clear finishing on any painted surfaces. Reading customer reviews on the product page will also give you a realistic picture of how pieces perform with daily family use.