The Value of Natural Toys

When selecting toys for our children, we are all aware that what they see, interact with, and learn in their early years will shape them for a lifetime. We want to provide safe, mind-stimulating, fun toys to our little ones, toys that will help them to grow into their fullest potential.

A child is so open to everything, a curious sponge ready to soak up information, which she will learn a great deal by what we adults fail to notice.

First of all, as parents and caretakers, one of our first duties is to keep our children safe. When selecting toys made in the USA, especially by work at home parents, we are taking a giant step in being sure that the materials used are of the highest quality and the safest.When American mamas and papas are working with their little ones underfoot, be it in the wood shop working on a Play Kitchen, or in the sewing room crafting a sweet Teething Doll, you know that they are taking the care to select safe materials to work with, as their own precious family is going to be around the materials as well.Unlike sweatshop counterparts, these work-at-home parents are able to hand select the material they are working with.While they still want to make a profit, being that they themselves have a family, they are not going to sell out and allow toxins such as lead paint to slip through just to lower productions costs by a few cents per item.Choosing to buy from people, who care, is always going to be a reliable way to ensure the safety in our children's playthings.

Second to safety, developing those little minds is something that we at Down To Earth Toys are concerned about too.That's why we choose natural and simple toys.Sound like a contradiction?Large toy manufacturers may have you think that you need toys that light up, talk, and buzz, and walk to be educational but we have found that nature itself really nurtures and educates the child in a way that man can only imitate.With an electronic toy, the child is initially drawn to it, but after playing with it for a few minutes he has figured it all out and is ready for something else, bigger and more exciting, with more lights, more AA batteries, and more plastic. At Down To Earth Toys, our toys are battery free.The simple nature of them unlocks the child's imagination, and encourages them to learn more about the simple nature of their surroundings. Our Hard Maple Building Blocks, for example, retain the properties of nature; the warm wood color, the just-right texture and weight, the satisfying sound when they are knocked together.A child will notice the wood grain, and may decide it also looks like the ripples in a pond for his or her small toy truck.The building blocks are multi-purpose, a child can use them as cars to scoot along the lines in the rug, as tug-boats on his blue playsilk 'river', or they can actually use them to build.In building they can become a castle, a corral for the horses, a barn for the cows, or a house like the one where they live.

Simple toys with natural characteristics provide hours and hours of mind-building play for children.They appeal to a wide age range, and are heirlooms to be saved for future generations. Safety and education aside, of course we do want our children to have fun when playing with their toys! By choosing toys that unlock the child's own imagination, you are opening up a whole new fun world for him. Don't be fooled by the immediate gratification and quick surface amusement that comes with more complicated battery-operated toys.Natural USA-made playthings for your child will provide hours of tireless entertainment. Every time a child sees someone outdoors mowing the lawn, or indoors vacuuming, they will rush to get their own Mower Toy. When Daddy changes the baby's diaper, a child can go retrieve their own doll, and change its diaper. When outdoors, swinging becomes a cherished childhood memory, and what better than to have a swing in their own backyard?

We encourage you to try simplifying your child's playroom (and if you already have, and are just looking to learn more, good for you!) and watch their imagination unfold.Watch your child's attention span lengthen.Take pride as they notice every little detail. Observe how they relish in imitating you, for a child this is what fun playtime is all about. All the toys here at Down To Earth provide hours of safe fun play for your child.

We look forward to providing you with natural toys to nourish your child in all aspects.

Back to Articles