where green living, parenthood, and interiors intersect

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Etsy Love: Manzanita Kids

I always love a good story, and David's and Adrienne's is just that. With a newborn and a layoff on their hands simultaneously, the couple behind Manzanita Kids searched their souls and creative talents for a way to make a living from home, and thus their toy company was born. Lines of Montessori and Waldorf-inspired developmental puzzles and blocks, as well as wonderfully imaginative modular building sets, were lovingly conceived to "nurture creative play." Offerings are all hand-cut in natural materials and many feature their own homemade beeswax/organic safflower oil finish, for a toy line that is as eco-friendly as it is pure fun.


Surely inspired by the iconic Robert Indiana sculpture, the Love Puzzle spreads a positive message to the littlest hearts.


From their baby line, these Moon Rattles are finished with their homemade beeswax/organic safflower oil, safe for teething mouths and tiny hands.


Several different Animal Puzzle creature combinations are available, including this adorable Bear, Shark & Parrot trio.


The Elephant Seesaw is a simple yet engaging way to sharpen a toddler's understanding of balance and motion.


One of several Modular Building Sets handmade by Manzanita Kids, affording hours of versatile, imaginative play.