About Zanypig
How my online toy shop story began…
After years of juggling my career, child care, and home life and then progressing on to the school run. Life had become a bit like “Ground Hog Day”, dropping my daughter off at school, grabbing a quick coffee in the mornings and then dashing off to my first meetings or calls. I worked hard, trying to keep everybody at home happy and have a better work-life balance. However, the reality was very different. I knew I wanted to do something for myself and make more time for my daughter Isobel but still have a career where I had a better work-life balance.
Zanypig was born over several months of talking about wanting a life reset and a change in direction. Over a curry and a couple of glasses of wine with friends, I decided to take the leap of faith and start my own business selling children’s toys and gifts. My vision was to do something different to what was on offer at the more prominent online toy shops.
The Heart Behind ZanyPig
Our Story
ZanyPig began with a simple belief: children deserve toys that spark imagination, encourage learning, and last long enough to be loved by more than one child. As a small independent business, we carefully curate every product with purpose — choosing items that are safe, educational, beautifully made, and kind to the planet.
We’re not a big-box retailer. We’re a family-run shop that cares deeply about the toys we choose and the families we serve. Every order is packed with care, and every product is selected because we genuinely believe in it.
Our Work With Hospices
Supporting children and families is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Rainbows Hospice — a charity that provides vital care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Through our partnership, a portion of selected sales helps support the incredible work they do. You can read more about our partnership and how your purchases make a difference below.
Community & Giving Back
We believe in supporting the communities around us. Our school fundraising programme helps schools raise money through fun, family-friendly initiatives that bring people together.
Whether it’s supporting local events or helping schools reach their goals, we’re committed to giving back wherever we can.
Sustainability & Responsibility
We’re passionate about choosing toys that are better for children and better for the planet. Many of our products are made from sustainable wood, recycled materials, or durable components designed to last for years.
We work with brands who share our values — those who prioritise ethical production, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful design.
Our Commitment to Safety
Every product we stock is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets UK and EU safety standards. We prioritise toys that are age-appropriate, well-made, and designed to support healthy development.
From materials to manufacturing, we only choose items we’d be happy to give to our own children.
Why Shop With Us
As a small independent business, every order means the world to us. When you shop with ZanyPig, you’re supporting:
- A family-run company that genuinely cares
- Ethical, educational, and sustainable toys
- Partnerships that give back to children and communities
- Carefully curated products chosen with love
- Friendly, personal customer service
Thank you for choosing to shop small — it truly makes a difference.
Let toys be toys
At ZanyPig, we believe children should enjoy toys that inspire creativity and learning, without gender labels or limitations. I wanted to remove what I saw as a barrier to buying toys for children. Let toys be toys, not just boys’ or girls’ toys. Allowing children the freedom to play with a wide range of toys is a vital part of a child’s development and can help shape long-term attitudes and ambitions.
So, at ZanyPig, there is no pink or blue divide!
After several years of buying birthday and Christmas presents for my daughter, her friends and my friends’ children, I felt I had plenty of experience with the good, the bad and the ugly of gift buying. Knowing what kids want and what makes their parents happy is at the heart of ZanyPig.
I have brought together a collection of children’s toys and gifts that encourage children to make more time to play and reduce the amount of screen time they have. We have craft activities, bath toys, wooden toys, jigsaw puzzles and games.
I wanted to do my part in being environmentally friendly, too. I’ve chosen a range of products to reflect this, including toys made from sustainable wood, recycled paper, reusable or recyclable packaging, and durable materials that can last for years and be passed on to a sibling or friend.
I hope you enjoy browsing through my online toy shop. We’d love to hear from you if you have any feedback or suggestions, just drop us an email at [email protected].
Vikki Youll
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FAQ
What makes ZanyPig different from other toy shops?
We focus on ethical, educational, sustainable toys chosen by a real parent with years of experience.
Do you offer toys for all ages?
Yes — we curate toys that encourage creativity, learning, and imaginative play for children of all ages.
Are your toys environmentally friendly?
Many of our products are made from sustainable wood, recycled materials, or durable components designed to last.
