Want to customise some cute wooden toys to gift to the children in your life? When it comes to decorating them, you've got plenty of options to consider. You could add names, paint their favourite colour or pattern or create outlines for them to get involved with the process themselves. Mix and match the ideas below to decorate each toy in a way that's unique to the child you plan to gift it to.

1. Add a name or nickname to the toy

There's nothing more exciting for kids than seeing their own name on a toy. You could use a stencil to paint the name, a wood-burning tool to engrave it, or permanent vinyl letters to stick it on. The first two options will be more durable, which is ideal if you're creating a toy you want to last for many years. If the child has a nickname, using this idea is a great way to add an extra personal touch.

2. Decorate to a theme, like space or pirates

Does the child in your life love a specific theme or topic, like dinosaurs or princesses? Decorating a toy based on something they love can be a lot of fun. For example, you could paint a yo-yo to look like a ladybug, decorate a toy train to look like a space rocket or paint a peg doll to look like a fairy. Don't be afraid to get creative and include plenty of colours.

3. Offer custom colours and patterns

Some kids have a strong sense of the colours and patterns they like, so take some time to chat with them and ask about their favourite designs. One child might love rainbow stripes, while another might be a big fan of black and white polka dots. Decorating a toy to match their favourite outfit or fancy dress costume can be a lot of fun.

4. Add a custom message like 'Happy Birthday'

Giving the toy for a special occasion? Make it into a memory item by adding text like, 'My 6th Birthday', or 'My First Trip to Disneyland 2021'. Adding messages like this is an excellent way to ensure that the toy will be treasured for years to come.

5. Create outlines for the child to fill in with paint

Want the child to be able to get involved in the decorating project? Sand down the wood to prepare it for painting, then paint on the outline of words, shapes, or characters. Gift it to the child along with some paint and let them get to work!

Customising wooden toys yourself is a great way to show the kids in your life how much you care. Get started with the creative ideas above. Contact a wholesale wooden toys supplier near you to learn more.