- British Toy & Hobby Association
The British Toy & Hobby Association was established in 1944 to represent British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the toy industry. Today it represents 90% of the UK toy market.
The BTHA considers the promotion of best practice and excellence in all aspects of product design, toy safety, ethical manufacturing, environmental issues and marketing to children its most important objectives as well as promoting the value of play for all children.
Research shows that play helps children to develop the skills they will need for later life. Play allows a child to learn about the world around them, test boundaries and develop the physical and mental skills they will need throughout their lives. Toys have been shown to keep children interested in playing at a particular task for longer period and which can lengthen the time children spend acquiring specific skills. The BTHA website has lots of toy and play information, click here to visit the BTHA for more information.
The BTHA has a badge of membership - the Lion Mark
The Lion Mark indicates the toy had been made by a member of the British Toy & Hobby Association and shows the member's commitment to adhere to the BTHA Code of Practice which includes rules covering ethical and safe manufacture of toys, a ban on any counterfeit goods, an assurance to market responsibly, a commitment to improving sustainability and a desire to promote the value of all play. It means that consumers can be assured that a toy which bears the Lion Mark has been made by a member who believes in making good quality toys. For a full list of members visit the BTHA website.
Children have such fantastic imaginations that all they need to play is time and space join us in Making Time to Play.
