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9 Best Animal Toys for Kids

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Are you looking for animal toys for kids but having a hard time trying to choose between all of the different options available? If so, you’ll want to check out the following reviews that include some of the top toy animal sets that are sure to fuel your child’s imagination for hours on end.

Discovering the right type of set can also be an excellent way to help kids learn more about various animals and be able to distinguish the differences between types of species from an early age. They’re also able to improve their creative thinking skills by using the toys to play in more imaginative ways.

Our List of the Best Toy Animals


The section below includes a list that features a wide variety of set types that vary from jungle animal figurines to shark sets. Therefore, you can be sure to find the toy that you think your child would enjoy playing with the most.

A buyers guide can also be found at the end that includes more details surrounding these toys so that you can feel more confident when it comes to picking out a set for your child.

1

8-Pack Shark Animal Toys

Summary

There’s a total of 8 toy sharks in this set that include a hammerhead, great white, whale shark, and more. We were impressed with how these toys have been made with realistic details.

As a result, kids are able to learn more about the various types of sharks and the differences between them. Children can also implement the toys in their pretend play games to be more creative.

This animal set is the perfect toy for toddler boys.

Pros
  • Non toxic materials
  • Durable design
Cons
  • Fins are pointier than some would prefer
What age is this recommended for?

3 years and over

2

Plush Talking Farm Animal

Summary

This cute farm set comes with 4 small talking animals: a horse, sheep, cow and rooster and a barn to store the animals in when playtime is over. Each of these tiny animals make realistic animal sounds.

Pros
Cons
What Age Is This Recommended For?

Children 12 months and up

3

Safari Animals Playset

Summary

The 12 toys included with this set provides children with plenty to play with. We liked how there’s a variety of animals that include zebras, tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes.

They’ve designed the toys with realistic designs which is great for enabling kids to improve their knowledge on animals while having fun playing with them. Your kids can also use these toys in creative games for hours of fun.

Any older toddler girl would love this Sarari playset as a gift for her 3rd birthday.

Pros
  • Encourages creative play
  • Durable plastic materials
Cons
  • Some notice pieces are missing upon delivery
What age is this recommended for?

3 yrs old and over

4

Zoo Animals Set By BOLZRA

Summary

BOLZRA’s playset features 12 toys that have been made with great attention to detail. This makes the set more exciting for kids to play with as it can encourage them to play more imaginatively.

In addition to this, children are given a fantastic chance to learn more about the various types of animals by distinguishing the different features. We were also impressed with how the toys can be submerged in water to make bath times more fun.

Pros
  • Durable plastic materials
  • Free from toxins
Cons
  • Some weren’t fans of how the toys come with male genitalia features
What age is this recommended for?

3 year olds and up

5

Yeonha Toys Animal Figure Playset

Summary

There are 12 toys available in this set that include tigers, lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and more. So, you can be sure that your little one can keep themselves engaged in playing with the toys for a while.

We liked how the set has been made with bright colors. This makes the toys more exciting to play with and inspires kids to play with more imagination, which is great for their creative thinking skills.

Pros
  • Non toxic paint
  • Durable plastic construction
Cons
  • Design of the faces on the toys can be scary for some
What age is this recommended for?

3 years and over

6

Zoo Animals Toy Set

Summary

We liked how various textures have been used to make these toys as it provides children with a great opportunity to develop their tactile abilities. Furthermore, the design of the animals is realistic.

As a result, kids can use the set to have fun playing while also being able to tell the differences between various animals. You can also expect your kids to use the set to play in super creative ways for hours of fun.

Pros
  • Develops coordination & motor skills
  • Durable design
Cons
  • Vicious face designs can be scary for some hcildren
What age is this recommended for?

3 to 9 years old

7

Amarko Zoo Set

Summary

With 14 pieces, you can be sure that your little one can keep themselves entertained for hours of play. This is especially since there’s a good selection of animals available that include lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs.

Children are encouraged to use their creative thinking skills while playing with this set as they’re able to come up with exciting pretend play scenarios.

Pros
  • Realistic design
  • Non toxic paint
Cons
  • Some notice there’s an odor when first opening the toys
What age is this recommended for?

3 yrs and over

8

28 Pack Plush Set

Summary

The 28 plush toys included with this set will keep your child occupied with playing for a long time. We liked how there’s a wide selection of animals for kids to play with for hours on end.

With so many options to choose from, children can feel encouraged to use the set to play in more imaginative ways. The bright colors used to design the plush toys also makes them more appealing to play with.

Pros
  • Toys can be hung up by using the chain available on each of them
  • Small design makes the set easily portable
Cons
  • Some were disappointed with how there are no tails available on the toys
What age is this recommended for?

3 years and over

9

Melissa & Doug’s Magnet Animal Set

Summary

There are 20 magnet pieces included with this set that enables children to keep themselves busy for a while. We liked how colorful designs have been used to design the magnet pieces.

This makes the set more fun for kids to play with. The designs of the animals and dinosaurs used on the magnet pieces encourages children to want to learn more about animals too.

Pros
  • Wooden storage box included
  • Inspires imaginative thinking
Cons
  • Could be more durable
What age is this recommended for?

3 to 6 years old

Buyers Guide to the Choosing the Best Animal Toys

Now that you’ve had the chance to read through our review of what the top toy animals for kids have to offer, you can be sure to pick a set that you think your child would enjoy playing with the most.

Check out the sections below to learn more about these toys so that you can have an easier time when it comes to making a final decision.

What Are the Different Types of Animal Toys?

While doing research of your own and reading through our review, you will have seen that there’s a wide variety of types in regards to animal figure sets for toddlers and kids available. Some of these types include stuff animals and plastic/rubber animal figures. If you were struggling on which style of toys to pick for your little one, the sections below could be useful.

Plush Stuffed Animals

Plush stuffed animals can be fantastic for toddlers as they’re made with soft materials on the inside and outside that ensures your child can remain safe while playing with them. Furthermore, the soft plush materials enable toddlers to cuddle up with the toys.

Plastic Animal Figurines

Plastic figures are among the most popular types due to how they’re able to be made with more realistic designs and they are typically very small. As a result, children are provide with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the various animals and what makes them different.

In addition to this, plastic figures are usually pretty durable and can withstand some wear and tear to enable kids to play with their toys both indoors and outdoors.

Rubber Figures

Rubber figures have a slightly softer design compared to plastic toys but they aren’t quite as soft as plush sets. These toys may be best for toddlers who can remain safe with rubber materials while also still being able to play with sets that have realistic designs.

What are the Most Popular Themes of Toy Animal Sets?

There are several these of animal figures available and it can be confusing trying to distinguish the differences between them. The themes of these sets include dinosaur figures, zoo animals, farm animals, jungle animals, forest animals and safari. The sections below take you through the various types of toys so that you can have an easier time picking the kind that’s best for your child.

Dinosaur Figures

Dinosaur figures can be a lot of fun for children to play with while also being able to learn more about prehistoric times. There are many dinosaur sets available, many of which have been made with realistic designs for better education purposes for kids.

Zoo Animals

Zoo sets include animals that you can commonly find at the zoo. They often include zebras, lions, elephants, giraffes, and monkeys.

Jungle Animal Figurines

Jungle playsets tend to include a wider variety of animals that include gorillas, bears, leopards, jaguars, monkeys, and elephants.

Forest Animals

Sets that feature forest animals tend to come with foxes, deer, jaguar, monkeys, anteaters, and elephants.

Safari Animals

Safari animals are among some of the most sought out sets as they come with animals that children love to play with. They include lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and zebras.

Final Thoughts

After reading through our review and buyers guide, you’ll be left with a better idea as to which playset to choose for your little one. Finding the right set can keep kids entertained for hours while playing creatively.

They’re also able to strengthen their knowledge on different types of animals which is a fantastic bonus! Be sure to consider the main features, pros, cons, and age recommendations of each set.

Hopefully, you can use the details found throughout our review to feel more assured about the kind of toys for your child to play with and learn from.

About Sheryl Jackson

Sheryl is a wife, mother and grandmother who has 3 adult children, many grandchildren and a large family with many nieces and nephews. Over the decades Sheryl has purchased countless toys and gifts for her children, grandchildren, foster children, nieces and nephews. Sheryl has an M.A. in communications and creative writing and loves using her experience as a parent and grandparent to share her picks of the best toys and gift ideas for children, teenagers and young adults.

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