Canadian Made Children’s Toys and Gift Ideas
Minimalist wooden toys, ‘open ended’ for children of various ages. They create play pallets, stackable rainbows, colour sorting and counting ball sets, peg dolls, eggs and cups, and wooden blocks (to name a few) in many different colours and themes. Hand painted and non-toxic. Select from a colour pallet online, or ask about a custom order.
How to Buy: Direct message through Instagram or Facebook, or email createandplayco@gmail.com.
Handmade wooden items with a focus on Montessori children’s items and toys, custom furniture and kitchen cabinetry. From smaller rainbow stackers to toys like folded triangles and arch climbers they can climb on. They also have short shelves and cube chairs for your little ones. Items are made to order.
How to Buy: Find items at Puddles and Play in Ottawa, or order online through their catalog.
Name and number puzzles, heart stackers and tracing boards made in Ottawa. They specialize in custom puzzles to create a personalized toy with your child’s name. Maple Moose occasionally drops specialty items such as the Bunny plate during Easter, and numbered birthday plates are coming soon!
How to Buy: Purchase through Etsy. Items are made to order.
Handmade rag doll companions in various styles and designs, made in Ottawa. These cozy buddies are made in small batches, featuring animals such as foxes, bunnies and cats. Each doll is made entirely by hand, including detailed outfits, often from vintage linens and beautiful pieces of fabric. Made to last and be carried around on all their adventures.
How to Buy: They have a few Canadian stockists including Pure Colour Baby in Kingston. You can also shop online via Etsy.
Sustainable and non-toxic wooden toys, made for active play. From smaller toys like push n’ pull animals and ABC blocks to larger items like bikes and walkers, you’re sure to find something fun to help fuel your child’s imagination. Collections are intentionally designed to support physical and cognitive development, as well as inspire adventures.
How to Buy: Items can be ordered online or found in stores across Canada such as Fab Baby Gear in Ottawa.
Montessori and hygge-inspired gifts and subscription boxes. This Ottawa based company locally sources items, with a focus on environmentally conscious items and gender-neutral gifts. Shop categories online such as toys & learning or baby wellness. Different developmental subscription boxes are available geared to specific ages.
How to Buy: Order online for Canada wide shipping, with free shipping in Ottawa.
Silicone and wooden teething toys, and baby accessories made in Ottawa. Choose from various teethers made with silicone beads, wooden rings, crochet animals and more. Love Teefies also has some fully silicone items, muslin swaddle blankets and a curated box of colour coordinated accessories.
How to Buy: Order through their website, or via Instagram direct message for custom orders.
Simply Play Creations makes toy fruits and veggies, handmade with felt. The felt is a wool blend so it is durable and made to last. There are many bright colours and options, with new designs on their way. Currently offered within the Ottawa Region. Check on Instagram for pre-order and launch dates.
How to Buy: Message via Instagram, and add yourself to their email list of updates.
Minimalistic home essentials for kids. With a Nordic inspired look, La Maison Baby Boutique creates gender neutral goods such as silicone nesting bowls, straw cups, baby bibs, suction plates, pacifiers and teethers. They also carry some crochet items and muslin swaddle blankets.
How to Buy: Order online directly through Etsy. You may also find them at some Toronto Region markets.
An Ottawa mom that creates wooden play structures for kids. She builds piklers and learning towers, with orders being custom made. She’s also created baby gyms, gates and slides!
How to Buy: Message via Instagram or email boardmomottawa@gmail.com.
Play and sensory materials made by an Ottawa mom. The feature ‘Flamingdoh’ item is handmade playdoh that is smooth and easy to mold, without any harsh chemicals. You can purchase a single colour or a themed, colour coordinated set. She also sells dyed rice and activity mats.
How to Buy: Order online through the linked website. Ottawa region pick up is available; find out more on Instagram.
Little Hikers Club Adventure Kit
Hiking resources and merchandise to encourage your little one to get outside and wander. Local Ottawa hiking guide Girl Gone Good, has created an adventure kit full of activities and gear for the young adventurer. Each kit includes an activity book, trail diary, nature ID sheets, stickers, a youth baseball hat, and more!
How to Buy: Order online here for pickup or delivery in the Capital Region.
Add some personalized décor to your child’s bedroom by adding a custom wooden sign. The Little Evergreen creates handcrafted wooden signs, including names and images. Choose your base, whether it’s a round sign, farmhouse sign, cut-out letters or growth chart. Then you’ll select the name, colours, wood stain, and any add icons.
How to Buy: Order via Instagram messages.
Little Rae Goods toy store offers a selection of handmade, wooden toys geared towards educational play. They sell items such as math boards, nesting bowls, puzzles, baking sets and building blocks. They distribute items from like-minded makers from across the globe, including 5 Little Bears and Stuka Puka. The store is located in East Gwillimbury, Ontario.
How to Buy: Shop online, directly from their website. Shipping across Canada.
Handmade customized stools and piggy banks that will last a lifetime. Their name footstools are their featured item, and they have made over 50,000 stools since their opening in 1991. You select the stool size and colour scheme, and provide your child’s name for the stool! Each letter is an individual puzzle piece. They also make wooden coat racks and door signs, also customized.
How to Buy: Order online for pickup in Elora, Ontario, or shipping across North America.
(Note: The first 14 photos were taken from the individual Instagram pages of each business)
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