The toys that accompany children as they grow are no longer chosen solely for their striking colors or shapes; they are valued for what they contribute, for how they develop skills or foster children’s values.
At Atienza & Climent, as manufacturers of educational toys in Spain, we have been working for years on the development and manufacturing of products that not only entertain, but also educate. We know that behind every project lies a deeper educational intention, and that’s why we are responsible for validating every phase, from the initial idea to the finished product.
To do this, we’ll tell you what makes a toy truly educational, why it’s so prevalent in schools and homes, and how we help our customers take their ideas to the next level.
What are educational toys and why are they a market trend?
The way we learn has changed, and with it, so have the objects that accompany children throughout their childhood. What used to be simply a way to pass the time is now more than that; they are part of the learning process. That’s why educational toys are increasingly popular in homes, because they combine play with an educational purpose that goes beyond simple play.
These products are designed for more than just entertainment. They allow children to discover the world, experiment, solve problems, and improve their cognitive, emotional, and social development. They develop skills ranging from motor skills to logical thinking, teamwork, and empathy. This is why they are increasingly present in schools, medical offices, and therapy centers.
Keys to the design of educational toys: from idea to prototype
There’s much more to each of them than meets the eye. Designing them requires understanding what children need at each stage and how they learn at each stage.
The first thing is to define its educational function. Once chosen, it must be transformed into a toy that is both safe and fun. This is where materials, size, ease of use, and, above all, the child’s actual experience interacting with the object come into play.
During these phases, it’s necessary to work with an educational toy manufacturer to fine-tune the technical design and ensure that the result is a truly useful, coherent, and perfect product for teaching through play.
The importance of materials: sustainability and safety
When it comes to educational toys for babies, special attention must be paid to their materials. Everything involved in their design must meet the highest safety standards, as these products are intended for daily use, often in direct contact with the mouth, hands, or skin.
Certified wood, recyclable plastics, and toxic-free paints are becoming essential in manufacturing; they are much more than a trend.
In addition to thinking about the child, we must also think about the planet. Sustainability must be incorporated into every stage, from component selection to toy disposal. Manufacturing responsibly is also part of the company’s commitment.
STEM Toys. Promoting Science and Technology
It’s becoming increasingly common to see families integrating STEM toys into their daily lives. In an environment where technology advances so rapidly, it makes sense that scientific thinking and problem-solving are taught from a young age, almost like a new language.
These types of proposals spark an interest in understanding how things work. They encourage logic, observation, and creativity, and foster critical thinking, not through theory, but through play. Whether with robotics kits or age-appropriate programming activities, children explore freely, learn to fail without fear, and discover for themselves how to construct solutions.
The interesting thing is that it’s not just about learning science or technology, but about acquiring tools that will help them navigate an increasingly digital world.
Atienza and Climent, a strategic partner as a manufacturer of educational toys
At Atienza & Climent, we understand the importance of creating an educational toy; it goes beyond simply molding pieces. It involves transforming a pedagogical intention into something functional, safe, and engaging for little ones.
We’ve been collaborating with brands, distributors, and designers for over two decades to turn ideas into real products. We’re present at every stage, from concept validation to industrial design.
We are also a member of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association and work with clients who distribute both in Spain and the rest of Europe.
Our manufacturing process: quality and precision guaranteed
Whether we manufacture educational toys or any other product we work with, we are committed to quality and precision throughout the entire process.
We implement strict controls at every stage, from design to final production. We use certified materials and technologies that ensure product durability and safety.
Furthermore, we comply with all regulations, both national and European, ensuring that each piece is safe and suitable for use by children.
What exactly is an educational toy and what differentiates it from a conventional toy?
An educational toy is designed to develop specific abilities. This can include language, math, coordination, or social skills. Some, such as co-educational toys, also incorporate principles of equality and respect.
It’s not just about hanging out and having fun; it goes much further. It seeks to enhance children’s development while they play, awakening their curiosity and strengthening skills that will be useful as they grow.
What safety regulations must an educational toy comply with in Spain and Europe?
Manufacturing is regulated by Directive 2009/48/EC. This standard includes mechanical, physical, and chemical testing, which is particularly stringent for products for children under three years of age.
What is the process for making a custom educational toy from scratch?
Everything starts with a pedagogical objective. A design is developed, a prototype is created, tested, and improved until the final version is achieved. At Atienza & Climent, we support you throughout the entire process, ensuring quality and efficiency at every stage.
What materials are most recommended for making educational toys?
It depends on the user’s age and the type of activity. Wood, certain certified plastics, organic textiles, and biopolymers are frequently used.
At Atienza&Climent, as a factory of educational toys, we ensure that each piece meets the technical and safety requirements required for product design for children.
What is a STEM toy and why is it important?
These types of toys introduce scientific or technological ideas through play. They stimulate critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving. Some educational board games also achieve this if well designed.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre cómo elegir el mejor fabricante de juguetes educativos
Deben cumplir la Directiva 2009/48/CE y superar pruebas mecánicas, físicas y químicas, especialmente estrictas para menores de 3 años.
Según la edad y el uso: maderas certificadas, plásticos reciclables, textiles orgánicos y pinturas libres de tóxicos.
Introduce ciencia y tecnología mediante juego; fomenta pensamiento crítico, curiosidad y resolución de problemas desde edades tempranas.
Definir la función pedagógica, seleccionar materiales y dimensiones seguras, y testear la experiencia real del niño con el objeto.
Partimos del objetivo pedagógico, diseñamos, prototipamos, probamos y refinamos hasta la versión final, acompañando cada fase para asegurar calidad y eficiencia.
Aplicamos controles estrictos en cada fase, materiales certificados y tecnologías que aseguran resistencia y seguridad del producto final.
