This year, Nuts & Bolts proudly received the Good Toy Award from Japan. At first glance, it may look like a simple toy — so what makes it stand out as a Good Toy?

The award is judged by Toy Consultants across Japan, experts in childcare, education, public health, and social work. Their evaluation is based on 3 key policies and 6 essential points:

3 Key Policies

• Safe Toys: Safety always comes first.
• Long-Selling Toys: Toys that go beyond short-lived trends, designed for long-term value and enjoyment.
• Universal Play: Toys accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

6 Essential Points

• Beautiful colors and shapes
• Variety of movements
• Reasonable size and weight
• Pleasant, soothing sounds
• Good tactile feel
• Durability and resistance to breakage

Meeting all these criteria, Nuts & Bolts reflects our holistic approach to toy design at PlanToys. We don’t just focus on fun; we create toys that inspire purposeful play.

Designed with Child Development in Mind

For Nuts & Bolts, we specifically considered the developmental needs of 2-year-olds. At this age, fine motor skill development is crucial — children are eager to grasp, twist, and explore objects around them.

Each bolt shape serves a purpose:

• Round and oval bolts: Can be twisted using the whole hand or all five fingers.
• Four-prong bolts: Require finger dexterity for precise twisting.
• Wind-up shaped bolts: Encourage the use of two to three fingers for movement.

These varied grips help strengthen every part of the hand, building coordination for future daily tasks like opening doors, turning faucets, opening bottle caps, and even holding a pencil.

Sustainability at the Core

Beyond child development, we are deeply committed to sustainability. We use rubberwood from trees that no longer produce latex — wood that farmers usually cut down to plant new trees. Instead of letting it go to waste, we give it new life.

Even the sawdust from production is repurposed, combined with non-toxic glue and organic pigments, to create PlanWood —a unique material that allows us to form diverse shapes while practicing zero-waste production. For Nuts & Bolts, PlanWood made it possible to design multiple bolt shapes — maximizing both material efficiency and play value.

A Legacy of Good Toys

Nuts & Bolts joins a long list of PlanToys creations recognized by the Good Toy Award since 2002 — a total of 18 toys so far:

This recognition affirms our dedication to creating Good Toys that enrich children’s lives around the world.

Our Promise to Parents

Every family has its own checklist when choosing toys for their children. At PlanToys, we promise one thing:

Whenever you walk into a PlanToys store, you can trust that you’re bringing home a Good Toy — one designed with safety, sustainability, and child development at heart.