Action figures for children can be enjoyed on their own, given as gifts or used to expand existing play worlds. However, parents, grandparents and other relatives are often faced with an overwhelming choice. PLAYMOBIL figures, animal figures, collectable figures and well-known TV characters can vary considerably in their recommended age range, accessories and scope for play.
A figure set for children with lots of accessories can look impressive at first glance. What matters is whether the pieces suit the role-play scenarios and whether they’re easy to store. A set with 83 pieces, such as PLAYMOBIL 71533 My Figures: Pirates, offers plenty of ways to mix and match, but also requires more tidying up and supervision for younger children.
Small accessories, weapons, hats and animal figures can pose a choking risk. Playsets for ages 3+ aren’t automatically suitable for every three-year-old. Take the age recommendation seriously for sets for ages 4+, especially if your child still often puts objects in their mouth or needs help while playing.
Collectable figures from popular series can appeal to children. Whether they’ll be played with over the long term depends on whether there are suitable stories, accessories or other playsets to go with them. A small set featuring familiar characters may be a better fit than a large adventure toy with no connection to your child’s current interests.
Before you buy, check:
Several of the products featured here are intended for children aged 4 and over. These include the PLAYMOBIL Puppy House Puppy Toy Child Animal Figure Set Toy 71743, the PLAYMOBIL Princess Magic Royal Kitchen 71848 and the PLAYMOBIL Large Fire Station 72191. According to the product details, the PAW Patrol figure set and Peppa Pig family set are suitable for children aged 3 and over.
It’s not just the number of accessories that matters, but what they can do. A role-play toy with movable figures, vehicles or a play setting usually allows for a range of different scenarios. PLAYMOBIL 71533 includes four pirates, a crab, a treasure chest, a treasure map, a cannon and other accessories. The figures can be combined with different hats and pieces of equipment.
Sets based on specific care or everyday-life scenarios may be a better choice for animal lovers. According to the product details, Puppy House 71743 includes 17 pieces and is designed to expand other PLAYMOBIL play worlds.
The figures mentioned here are mostly made of plastic. Look for:
None of the selected figure sets requires batteries. This means less maintenance and play that doesn’t depend on having a socket or spare batteries to hand. Don’t continue using damaged parts.
Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, this compact set is intended for children aged 3 and over. It includes two dog figures, a jungle animal and accessories for acting out short rescue stories.
The stated contents are manageable, making it easier to check that all the pieces are there and that the set is suitable for your child’s age.
Four stated figures and accessories, no batteries required and compact packaging.
Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, this set is intended for children aged 4 and over. It includes four pirates that can be customised and combined for changing role-play scenarios.
The product description lists 83 pieces, so you can plan for the contents before buying and make sure you have somewhere to store them.
Four figures, a crab and a wide range of pirate accessories; imaginative play with no batteries required.
Why this product suits this profile: For children who enjoy elaborate scenarios and repeated group play, the fire station offers a permanent play setting with several different areas.
The product details list 201 pieces, the dimensions and two included firefighter figures. This helps you work out how much space you’ll need before buying.
The product description lists a command centre, garage, helicopter landing pad, fire pole and water cannon; the set is designed to be expanded.
Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, this set is intended for children aged 4 and over. It centres on caring for and playing with puppies.
The stated 17 pieces are easy to keep track of. The product description also says it can be cleaned with water, without chemical cleaning products.
17 pieces, two puppies and a scenario centred on animal care; compatible with other PLAYMOBIL play worlds.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Look for products with an appropriate age recommendation from the manufacturer and clear safety information. According to the available product details, the Peppa Pig Family Figure Pack and the PAW Patrol Jungle Set are intended for children aged 3 and over. Small accessories should still only be used under supervision.
Sort accessories by playset and use lidded boxes with separate compartments. The packaging dimensions and number of pieces can help you choose a suitable place to store them. Discard any damaged or broken pieces.
None of the products mentioned requires batteries. This makes them easy to get out and play with at a moment’s notice, and avoids the ongoing cost of batteries. Before buying, it’s still worth checking whether assembly is required and whether you have enough space for it.