Bigjigs Toys began in the garden shed of two teachers, Liz and Peter Ireland in Kent, England 1985. Their hand-crafted wooden jigsaws were sold at craft fairs all over the UK direct to the consumer. Today, the business supplies UK and EU toy and gift retail trade. Along with their two sons, the business continues to be family owned and run. A group of skilled and talented individuals make up the dedicated team of staff that assist in operating the business. Grandchildren Arthur and Edith along with the children of our staff play an important role in toy testing, design input and photography.
Bigjigs Toys have continued to hold child development and education at the heart of everything they do. The mission statement; To deliver quality, safe and affordable products which are responsibly sourced and complement childhood development through fun, exploration and learning. This is core to everything we do.
Bigjigs Toys are continually working towards improving their environmental credentials. From the generation of our own power derived from the 216 solar panels on the roof, down to recycling the waste milk bottles from the kitchen, we limit our environmental impact wherever we can within our operation. Customer invoices and statements are sent by email and what documents are printed are printed onto paper from a recycled source. However,it is our product that speaks volumes about our awareness of the need to protect what we have for future generations. Much of the wood we use in production is from a sustainable source. Rubberwood, a by-product from latex production, is used extensively, and now, FSC accreditation allows the ply, birch and beech used in Bigjigs Toys production to be sourced from a traceable and sustainable source. We don’t stop there! The vast majority of Bigjigs packaging is printed onto 90% recycled board using soy ink and using the information on the back of each box, each box can be recycled for future use.
The introduction of FSC certified products to the Bigjigs Toys range includes an eclectic collection of appealing items which are suitable for Nursery and Preschool ages across both toy and gift sectors. The collection comprises an Activity Centre with huge play value , a delightful Noah’s Ark, a Teepee, bowling Skittles, Number Blocks, a push along Musical Roller as well as a pull along Train and baby Rattles . All materials employed in this production are FSC certified and both the colour packaging and internal packaging components are made from 90% recycled cardboard, printed with soy inks. Both product, packaging and any component parts employed with this the production are plastic free.
Bigjigs Toys produce all of their toys using wood because it’s durable, hard wearing and a wonderful resource to be shared with future generations. It is our trusted material of choice. Manufacturing from wood allows us to pass tradition into young hands along with an opportunity for the user to pass a cherished Bigjigs Toys product down through family members and friends for years to come.
The introduction of this range has been very well received by our loyal customer base throughout the UK and EU. Good quantities have already shipped into trading accounts and feedback regarding sales is very positive. Our impressions from the initial introduction at early 2020 fairs was pleasingly positive and design work commenced on range additions immediately. These additional FSC items will be introduced in early 2021.
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