Best Waldorf Toys
What is Waldorf?
We aren’t talking about the hotel in New York City or its namesake tasty salad! Our Waldorf Toys Buying Guide is all about playthings that are based on the Waldorf education method. If you’ve heard of it but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, we’re here to break it down for you.
Fun Facts:
✔️ The first Waldorf school was founded in 1919 in Germany because the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory needed a school for the children of his workers.
✔️ Rudolf Steiner was brought in as the director and applied his principles of child development, which is why this form of teaching is also called Steiner education.
✔️ Today, there are over 1,300 schools and 2,000 early childhood education centers in over 60 countries.
The easiest way to understand the Waldorf learning process is:
🙎🏻♂️ Head (Thinking)
❤️ Heart (Feeling)
🖐🏽 Hand (Doing).
It’s a balanced approach that engages a child academically, emotionally and physically.
The Toy Story
So, what’s the difference? You’ll know it’s a Waldorf toy by its beautiful simplicity handmade from quality, natural materials like wood or fibers such as cotton, linen or wool. Wood toys are left natural or dyed with eco-friendly paints in vibrant colors. The shapes are intentionally basic, feel good to the touch and are conducive to stacking. Waldorf dolls are distinctive by their minimal or lack of facial features. This follows the Steiner principle of allowing children to visualize their own expressions and emotions. The most important clue to a Waldorf toy? No instructions! They are designed to allow for your child’s imagination to take flight.
Natural Baby Company is proud to carry Waldorf Toys from artisan companies who set a high bar on design, craftsmanship, sustainability and the child’s experience. Our toy collection is eco-friendly, non-toxic and will last for years to come.
What’s more magical and full of hope than a brilliant rainbow? Grimm’s signature symbol is resplendent in this Large Rainbow stacking set. Each colorful piece is made from smooth lime wood and feels great in your child’s hand. What begins as a toddler’s building toy grows into an element of fantasy play for older kids. The rainbow arches can be used as tunnels, doll cradles, fences and much more!
Grapat is a small, family-owned company in the countryside of Spain. Made from alder, lime, beech and maple, each piece is painted by hand with water-based, non-toxic dyes in colors inspired by nature. Grapat toys are designed to let a child’s own imagination run wild.
Three dozen wooden eggs in graduated shades of purple will delight your preschooler with rule-free play. Line them up, arrange them in a mandala or circular formation -- whatever their heart desires! They can be added to other mandala sets for even more possibilities.