I have a special little soft spot for the Budkins characters from Le Toy Van. Perhaps it was the hours spent getting to know each one of the little wooden dolls house characters, huddled around me expectantly so I could accurately describe them for the website that did it……Whatever it was, I can happily say that they are not difficult to become enchanted with. Budkins dolls are a perfect handfull size of 10 cm, large enough for the fantastic individual detailing that they are renown for, but small enough for adventurous dolls house play.
Wooden Toy Police Van Set
The range of characters is enormous, to call them ‘dolls house characters’ seems unfairly restrictive, from farmer, farmers wife and stable hand to historical Budkins like the great Henry VIII. Far from being limited to a pretty classic dolls house, these characters all have Le Toy Van buildings or vehicles and even playmats that would complement their theme. Abdul the pirate Budkin , for example, is most happy when plotting the course of his ship, the Barborossa and Josh, the patient would struggle to get to the hospital if an ambulance wasn’t there in his hour of need.
Budkins Dolls Gwen the Witch
All the Budkins characters are made from sustainable wood with fair trading at every stage. The arms and legs are bendable for posing the characters and are strong enough to stand. Their hair is woollen and their fabric clothing has wonderful detailing. The Budkins fairies or princesses have the most wonderful dresses and headdresses with layers of silk and chiffon looking fabric and sparkling sequins hidden in the layers. Archibald the Archer and the knight characters even have realistic looking armour and chain mail.
Budkins Dolls House People - School Girl
The wonderful quality of the Budkins characters is their flexibility in play. Pair Amy the schoolgirl with the teacher Mrs Davis, or help her board the wonderful red double decker bus to take her home from school. She may pass a construction site on her way and wave to one of the workers, Charlie. Billy the Cowboy on the other hand would be happier in Rattlesnake Wooden fort after an disagreement with Indian Chief Bearclaw at the Cherokee Tepee. Whatever era of history or fantasy ignites the imagination of your little storyteller, be it Medieval, Viking, Roman or Hammer Horror you can be sure that there will be a cluster of friendly little Budkins ready to help act out a tale.
Le Toy Van - Three Wishes Castle
Through September, all Le Toy Van has a fantastic 10% off at Play Merrily, including the Budkins characters. Take advantage of this great discount to add to an existing collection or start planning for Christmas gifts that are sure incite delight and creativity.
Finally we are delighted to now be stocking the Toys of Yesterday range, including their wonderful natural wood toy cooker which includes all the pictured accessories, plus 2 amazing rocking horses and a wicker dolls pram.
