Myriad Natural Toys & Crafts

is a family run mail order business specialising in hand-crafted organically shaped natural wooden toys, plant dye art materials, craft supplies, books and musical instruments. Our range is produced with reverence for the environment and the child, encouraging meaningful and creative play.

The materials we supply are ideally suited to those following the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner or involved with Steiner Waldorf Schools (click here for more on Steiner Waldorf education). Further background information is available from the Rudolf Steiner electronic archive. For practical information on the approach to art, crafts and play see our books section.

At Myriad Natural Toys we believe the child's environment is most important for his/her development. Young children need to play, and they need toys that are simple and unsophisticated so as to awaken their creative impulse. The degree of creativity children bring to their play will directly affect the degree of creativity they bring to their work and thinking later in life.

We apply the following criteria when selecting products for our catalogue:

play value

We only choose toys that encourage meaningful play - creative play that aids the child in their emotional, intellectual and physical development. Toys that rely on the child's imagination - instead of giving the child set answers. Toys that allow the child to explore what it means to be human. Toys that allow the child to imitate that which the child experiences in their life and the lives of those around them. Toys that are flexible and grow with the child.

quality

Our toys are finely crafted and made to last. The makers of these toys pride themselves in their work. We select products made from natural materials, and they must be safe and non-toxic. It is also important that the toys are beautiful and a pleasure to touch. All the senses need to be stimulated in a positive way.

environmental impact

The advantage of wood in preference to plastic and metal are many fold. Petroleum based products such as plastic take a huge toll on our environment. There are also growing concerns of the safety of such products, in particular with young babies and children. The wood used in our products comes from European forest plantations, the wood is indigenous, and the by-products are either recycled or used for heating. The colours used are water-based and the finish is natural oil blends or shellac (for more about the advantages of using wood for children's toys click here).

ethical concerns

With the exception of a range of dolls from a single mothers' cooperative in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the products in our catalogue are made in Western Europe by people paid a fair wage for their skills, working in clean and safe environments. Many of the companies' work stems from Rudolf Steiner's educational impulse, placing children and their development at the centre of their work - in particular, the wooden Ostheimer figures and sets

Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance Joseph Chiltern Pearce

For a free catalogue of our complete range of natural toys, natural art & craft materials and pentatonic musical instruments click here, or to email Myriad Natural Toys & Crafts -