About Us

We got fed up with branded plastic toys that only last five minutes and frustrated with shallow and dull board games...

So we decided to do something about it. Thinking Toys is about the toys and games we believe every child will be happy with, toys that every child will be enriched by, toys and games that parents will want to play with - even after the kids have gone to bed!

Our focus is on the four plus age range because it is at four that children begin to appreciate the rules and social interaction necessary to play thinking games. If you aren't sure if your child is ready for thinking games, play some tic tac toe with them or perhaps Nim if they like beads or counters. Some of the best thinking games are free!

Thinking fun – for your kids and for you
Thinking smart – exercise for the brain
Thinking environment – toys and games made from sustainably sourced timber

Playing with games and toys is not just fun, its essential exercise for the mind. Without such exercise our minds become unimaginative and slow.

There is nothing on this site that we haven't played extensively. If its not fun, good mental exercise and environmentally sound we won't recommend it.

Another principle that we've found increasingly important and surprisingly easy to fulfil is that we try to ensure that our games are fun whatever age you are. That way the whole family gets something out of it... which is just as well really because, if you buy something from us, its going to last a long time!

Our Ethos

We only supply toys and games that are environmentally friendly and safe (for age 3+). Most of our toys are made from plantation rubberwood (Hevea brasilensis) which is harvested at the end of its life and is now used for toys and furniture instead of being burned. It has very low shrinkage and warping qualities so it is ideal for use in toys, especially in the Australian climate.

Some of our games come from manufacturers that have a great tree planting policy and for every tree used, two are planted.

Not only are our toys environmentally friendly, the way we do business is too!

We endeavour to run our business as sustainably as possible and are always looking to improve on our efforts.

All packaging is reused or recycled. Our stationary is made from 100% post consumer recycled paper and elemental chorine free.

We also buy carbon credits to offset the carbon produced to run the Thinking Toys website. Click on the 'Tick Green' logo to the left to view our certificate.

We never buy plastic for packaging, so if you happen to receive some it has been reused from packaging we received.

We believe that our toys will last generations and this also contributes to a more sustainable way of life. Toys can be passed on, not passed into landfill.

You can shop here safe in the knowledge that you are not harming the earth or your health.

We have over 14 years experience in the development and publication of games and over eight years experience as parents!

And as this page is about us, here we are...

Jane Whipp

Purchasing Manager

I'm very concerned about the environment and the damage people are doing to it. I seek out products that are eco-friendly and that have been ethically produced.

I'm trying to do my bit regarding the lack of imagination and educational benefits we see in many of today's toys and games and therefore spend a long time assessing the educational benefits of products. I enlist the help of qualified teachers to do this.

I have a BSc (hons) in Biological sciences which includes environmental science and experience working in the child care industry.

Feel free to email me with any product requests.

Haydon Whipp

Senior Product Analyst

Its my job to see if Lucas and I have fun with the toys and games.

Sometimes we have lots of fun but Mum and Dad still wont sell them though.

They say that they have to be good for us too but I hate things that are good for me, especially vegetables.

Feel free to email me with any cool ideas for games or toys.

Lucas Whipp

QA Manager

I like my job. Dad doesn't mind if I drop the toys or play with them in the sand pit.

Sometimes I throw them at my brother to make sure they don't break or hurt him...

much.

Feel free to email me with anything because I can't read yet so Dad has to answer them.

Paul Whipp

Business Development Manager

I get to have fun making up flash titles and playing the games.

I suppose I should warn you that I've got degrees and I'm not afraid to use them. I started with Psychology from Oxford and then took computing from Aberystwyth (yes thats spelled right!). I've worked in programming, consultancy, training and in games development. Now I'm a partially reformed workaholic because I love spending time with my kids.

In addition to developing our business in terms of suppliers, advertising, etc. I source (and write) a lot of the website material.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for our business, suppliers, affiliate deals or issues with the website (I'm the webmaster too!)