Funova Toys

Funova stepping stones and balance boards are designed for children aged 1 to 6 years, covering both the toddler (1–3 years) and preschool (3–6 years) developmental stages. All Funova products are tested and certified to AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards, which include strict guidelines for small parts and material safety. The stepping stones feature octagon-shaped bases with grippy micro-textured surfaces that provide stability for early walkers, while the lightweight balance boards weigh just 220g each, making them easy for small hands to position independently. For children under 3, adult supervision is always recommended during active balance play. Parents frequently note that toddlers as young as 18 months enjoy sitting and stacking the stones, while children aged 3–6 progress to more complex obstacle courses and balance challenges. The modular balance beam set adds further difficulty for older preschoolers ready for advanced coordination activities.

Stepping stones help toddlers develop balance, gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness through active, screen-free play. Each step requires children to shift their body weight, engage core stabiliser muscles, and plan their next movement, building proprioceptive awareness that supports overall physical development. The Funova stepping stone set includes six rainbow-coloured octagon stones in red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, and purple, which also encourage colour recognition and cognitive learning during play. Occupational therapists often recommend stepping stone activities for sensory integration, as the micro-textured surfaces provide tactile feedback that supports sensory processing. Beyond physical benefits, stepping stones promote problem-solving and confidence as children navigate self-created obstacle courses. Parents in our store highlight how stepping stones keep toddlers aged 1–3 engaged for extended periods, with families combining all 6 stones with balance beams to create increasingly challenging indoor and outdoor play setups.

Funova stepping stones, stacking stones, and balance boards are made from 100% recyclable, child-safe EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam that is BPA-free and completely free from harmful additives. EPP is a closed-cell foam that is lightweight, waterproof, saliva-proof, and bite-proof, making it exceptionally durable for everyday play by young children. All Funova EPP products are tested and certified to AS/NZS ISO 8124 Australian and New Zealand safety standards. The Funova kids bow and arrow set uses a different material, crafted from 100% natural wood with smooth sanded edges and soft felt ball arrowheads instead of pointed tips for safe play. Every Funova product features non-toxic finishes and materials throughout. The EPP foam balance boards and stepping stones are also environmentally responsible, as EPP is fully recyclable at end of life, making Funova a practical choice for eco-conscious Australian families.

Balance boards strengthen core stability, coordination, and proprioception in children by requiring them to continuously adjust their body position while standing, sitting, or rocking on an unstable surface. This engages stabiliser muscles that are not activated during regular standing or walking, supporting overall physical development from as early as 12 months of age. The Funova balance boards feature a unique flower-shaped silhouette with coarse textured surfaces that provide natural grip, encouraging children to explore different body positions safely. At just 220g each with a maximum load capacity exceeding 100kg, they are light enough for toddlers to carry yet strong enough for adult-assisted play. Beyond physical development, balance board play promotes focus and concentration, as children must maintain attention to stay balanced. Research in paediatric occupational therapy suggests that regular balance activities can support vestibular processing, which benefits attention span and spatial awareness in early childhood.

Funova balance boards have a maximum load capacity exceeding 100kg, and the EPP stepping stones are similarly robust despite their lightweight construction. This means the balance boards and stepping stones can safely support not only children but also adults, making them suitable for parent-child play activities and even adult balance exercises. Each Funova balance board weighs just 220g, yet the closed-cell EPP foam structure distributes weight evenly across the surface, preventing cracking or permanent deformation under heavy loads. The stepping stones are equally durable, with the EPP material being virtually unbreakable under normal use conditions. This high strength-to-weight ratio comes from EPP's engineering-grade foam properties, the same material family used in automotive safety components. For the wooden balance beam, the natural birch plywood construction supports multiple children during group play, and all weight-bearing Funova products are certified to AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards for structural integrity.

Yes, the Funova kids bow and arrow set is specifically designed for safe play by young children aged 3 and above. Instead of pointed tips, the three included arrows feature soft felt ball arrowheads that absorb impact on contact, eliminating the risk of injury during indoor or outdoor archery games. The bow and quiver are crafted from 100% natural wood with smooth, carefully sanded edges and non-toxic, BPA-free finishes to protect small hands. The set also includes three standalone targets, giving children a focused activity that builds hand-eye coordination and concentration without requiring a large play space. Parents in our store consistently praise the quality of the natural wood construction, describing it as sturdy yet appropriately sized for children aged 3 to 6 years. Several reviewers specifically note feeling confident letting siblings of different ages play together, as the soft felt tips provide peace of mind during imaginative outdoor adventures.

Funova stacking stones and stepping stones are both made from child-safe EPP foam, but they serve different play purposes and target different developmental skills. Stepping stones are larger, octagon-shaped pieces designed to be placed on the ground for children to step, hop, and balance across, primarily developing gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. The rainbow set includes six stones in graduated sizes. Stacking stones are smaller, organic-shaped pieces with flowing contours designed to be stacked on top of each other, primarily developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience, and spatial reasoning. Available in Cool (blues and greens) and Warm (pinks and oranges) colour palettes, they challenge children to find balance points and create increasingly tall structures. Both product types can be combined for creative open-ended play, and both meet AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards. Stepping stones suit more active, physical play, while stacking stones encourage quieter, focused concentration activities.