Conscious Kids Guide
Play Meets Purpose:
Our Guide to Long-Lasting Kids' Products
With the holiday season just around the corner, this time of year can feel overwhelming—especially with kids. To ease the stress, we’ve put together a Conscious Kids Guide: a curated selection of brands that focus on sustainability, thoughtful design, and timeless quality. Featuring innovative names like ecoBirdy, Stapelstein, Kumi Mood, and Wooden Story, these picks are not only great for play but are also long-lasting and eco-friendly choices you can feel good about. Enjoy!
EcoBirdy
EcoBirdy transforms plastic waste into vibrant, kid-friendly furniture, making sustainability a playful and stylish part of childhood. Their signature material, ecothylene®, is crafted from discarded plastic toys using advanced recycling methods, resulting in colorful and durable pieces without the need for added pigments or new plastics. Each item—like the ergonomic Charlie Chair—is unique, with a speckled design that highlights its recycled origins.
Not just functional, ecoBirdy’s products double as conversation starters, introducing children to the importance of circular design and environmental stewardship. Designed and ethically made in Belgium, their furniture is easy to clean, non-toxic, and seamlessly integrates into modern, design-conscious homes.
Sustainability and creativity unite beautifully in ecoBirdy, redefining eco-friendly design for kids. Learn more at ecobirdy.com.​
KUMI MOOD
Meet Kumi Mood, a brand where art, design, and craftsmanship converge to create enchanting design objects for kids and homes. Founded by graphic designers Cäcilia and Benno, Kumi Mood began as a creative dream fueled by their shared love for imaginative and characterful design. "Together, we merge art, design, and craftsmanship into characterful design objects for an imaginative home," Cäcilia shared, describing their signature blend of organic, sketch-like forms and bold, harmonious color palettes.
Their journey started with a mobile made for Cäcilia’s niece, evolving into a collection of thoughtfully designed wooden toys and decor pieces. Benno explains, "Early exposure to well-designed objects stimulates the mind and lays the foundation for an interest in art and culture. This is important to us, and that’s why we started to build the little universe of Kumi Mood."
Sustainability is at the core of Kumi Mood. Their products are crafted in Germany from sustainable wood, eco-certified fabrics, and recyclable, plastic-free packaging. For the founders, playing means “freedom, inspiration, and learning,” and their designs reflect this ethos.
The feedback speaks for itself: "People really like our style, our shapes, and our color combinations," says Benno. With every piece, Kumi Mood invites you to bring creativity and mindful design into your child's world—and your home.
Learn more at kumi-mood.de.​
Present Stories
Present Stories reimagines play with their versatile, soft foam blocks that are as much a design statement as they are a functional toy. These geometric play pieces inspire creativity in children while seamlessly integrating into modern home decor, doubling as seating, tables, or even sideboards. "We design products that spark joy, foster connection, and adapt to the dynamic needs of modern families," the founders shared.
Born from a personal quest for a Christmas gift for a two-year-old, Present Stories emerged as the brainchild of siblings Silvia and her brother. “Silvia envisioned large, soft blocks that were fun yet aesthetically pleasing,” they explained. From this simple idea grew a concept of play furniture that brings together practicality, beauty, and endless possibilities.
Design is at the heart of everything Present Stories creates. "Play naturally extends beyond the playroom," they noted, emphasizing that their furniture is made to look beautiful in any space while offering durability and functionality for family life. Sustainability is equally vital: the products are made in Europe with long-lasting materials and child-friendly, high-quality furniture fabrics, ensuring they remain part of the family for years to come.
For Present Stories, “Playing is living,” and their blocks reflect this ethos. They’re intuitive, adaptable, and designed to meet the needs of both children and adults, fostering freedom and creativity in everyday life.
Learn more at presentstories.com.​
Wooden Story
Wooden Story is a Polish brand with a rich heritage in woodworking and a commitment to sustainability. Founded in the Beskid Mountains, the company is inspired by a deep respect for nature and the joy of creating. Their journey began three generations ago with a love for handcrafting wooden objects, evolving into a business dedicated to producing high-quality, natural wooden toys.
The brand is celebrated for its attention to detail, handcrafted approach, and use of FSC-certified wood, natural oils, and eco-friendly paints. Each toy not only sparks creativity and imagination in children but also promotes environmental consciousness. Their packaging is equally sustainable, crafted from recycled materials and designed to be reused or biodegraded.
A notable milestone for Wooden Story is their collaboration with Saint Laurent. This partnership produced an exclusive line of wooden building blocks adorned with brass accents, showcasing the brand's ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with high-end design. This unique collaboration highlights Wooden Story's appeal to both luxury and eco-conscious markets.
Wooden Story toys embody the philosophy of combining artistry, sustainability, and playfulness. They create timeless pieces that are loved by children and appreciated by adults, making them a meaningful addition to any home. With every toy, the brand continues to uphold its values of nurturing creativity, caring for the planet, and celebrating the joy of handcrafted design.
Explore their range for an enchanting blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Learn more at woodenstory.com.​
TRYBIKE
Trybike is a standout in the world of balance bikes, designed by the Dutch company Co&Co. Its 2-in-1 functionality allows the bike to grow with your child, starting as a tricycle for toddlers and converting into a balance bike for older children. Made with high-quality, sustainable materials like marine-grade plywood and steel, Trybike bikes are built to last while encouraging physical development and confidence. The brand’s designs prioritize adaptability and durability, making them a favorite for eco-conscious families.
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Where to Buy: Kleine Flitzer’s Thoughtfully Curated Selection
Trybike is available at Kleine Flitzer, a boutique shop that specializes in beautifully crafted toys and bikes for children. Located in Germany, Kleine Flitzer was founded by Noelle, mother of four kids, with a passion for sustainable and quality products. Their story began with a desire to provide curated, thoughtful items for children, blending practicality with joy. Beyond offering Trybike, Kleine Flitzer provides personalized advice to help families choose the best options for their kids, ensuring every purchase supports growth and imagination. Visit their store or explore online for a carefully selected range of timeless, eco-friendly products.
Learn more at kleine-flitzer.com.​
Grimm's
Grimm's has become a beloved name in the world of wooden toys, celebrated for its high-quality, open-ended play materials. Rooted in the principles of fostering imagination and supporting child development, Grimm’s toys are thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and independent play. Their iconic rainbow stackers, colorful building blocks, and tactile puzzles invite children of all ages to explore freely, unlocking endless possibilities for imaginative play. Handcrafted in Germany, each piece is made with sustainably sourced wood, treated with natural dyes, and finished with non-toxic oils, ensuring they are as safe as they are beautiful.
Introducing Grimm’s Furniture Collection: Inspired by Simplicity and Growth
Building on their expertise in toys, Grimm's has expanded into creating timeless children’s furniture that complements their philosophy of open-ended play. The new furniture line is inspired by minimalist Japanese design and warm Scandinavian aesthetics, offering versatile pieces that grow with your child. Each piece is made from untreated birch plywood, handmade in Germany, and designed with Montessori principles in mind to promote independence and creativity. The simplicity of the furniture balances beautifully with Grimm’s colorful play materials, creating calm yet inspiring spaces for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at grimms.eu.​
Stapelstein
Stapelstein® was founded in 2016 by Stephan Schenk and Hannah König, with the aim of inspiring creativity, play, and movement in children. As Schenk, a product designer, shares: "I come from a family of educators, and the lack of physical movement in children was always a conversation in our home. This gap in children’s development was something we wanted to address." Together, Schenk and König sought to create a product that would encourage physical activity while fostering imagination and open-ended play. Their vision was clear: "Stapelstein is not just a toy; it is an invitation to movement, creativity, and learning," explains Schenk.
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The product design is based on a simple yet versatile concept: colorful stacking elements that can be used in numerous ways, from creating obstacle courses to building towers or balancing. "The most magical part of Stapelstein is that there is no right or wrong way to use them," says König. "Every interaction is valid, and it always inspires us to see how creatively children and adults alike play with these elements."
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Sustainability is at the core of Stapelstein’s ethos. "We approach sustainability holistically—thinking, living, and working responsibly," Schenk notes. All Stapelstein products are made from EPP foam, a material that is fully recyclable, lightweight, and durable. The production takes place in Germany, ensuring that the company can maintain high quality standards while minimizing its carbon footprint. "We make products with longevity in mind," says Schenk. "Our goal is to create something that lasts and can be used in many different ways, over and over again."
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The Stapelstein brand is not only focused on creating products that enhance physical development, but also those that nurture creativity and curiosity. "Creativity is the foundation of everything we do," says König. "We believe that play and movement are deeply connected to creativity, and that this interplay is fundamental in the way we approach design and business." The duo's commitment to creativity and sustainability has earned Stapelstein multiple accolades, including the spiel gut award, which honors products that promote developmental benefits for children.
With their commitment to high-quality, sustainable products, Stapelstein has built a brand that resonates with parents, educators, and child development specialists alike. As Schenk puts it: "Our goal is to provide a product that doesn’t just serve as a toy, but as a tool for children’s health, learning, and growth." Learn more at stapelstein.de.​
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Dr. Barbara Sturm, renowned for her luxury skincare, has extended her expertise into the realm of children's products with her Dr. Barbara Sturm Kids line. Specially formulated for the delicate skin of babies and children, these products are designed with the same high-quality, clean ingredients that are the hallmark of the adult skincare line. The range includes products like the Baby & Kids Body Cream, which is a nourishing, gentle formula that calms and hydrates sensitive skin. It’s free from harsh chemicals, making it ideal for young skin that requires extra care and attention. Dr. Sturm's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the gentle, eco-conscious approach to both the ingredients and packaging of the Kids collection. This ensures that children receive top-tier skincare, while parents can feel assured of the products' safety and environmental responsibility​
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The Dr. Barbara Sturm Kids products are available through their official website, where you can shop for sets and individual items that cater to the needs of babies and children. These products align with Dr. Sturm’s dedication to high-end skincare, providing a gentle yet effective solution for nurturing the sensitive skin of the youngest members of the family.
Learn more at drsturm.com.​
EO
EO is a high-end children’s furniture brand founded by Danish couple Nicole and Tor Vitner Servé in 2013. Known for blending sophistication with playful charm, EO designs furniture and lighting that appeals to both children and their parents. Their creations, such as the Elephant Lamp, combine high-quality craftsmanship with aesthetically pleasing forms. Designed by Marc Venot and handmade in France, the Elephant Lamp is crafted from thick leather and features a light source from LedVance GmbH. EO's designs aim to foster creativity and joy, creating a connection between playful design and timeless elegance. As Tor says, "We are in the business of making well-calibrated, desirable, and optimistic products."
Sustainability plays a central role in EO's production process, as they use natural materials and work with European manufacturers to create long-lasting, eco-conscious products. Their furniture is made to grow with the child, providing both functionality and beauty. "We make products that last in both design and craftsmanship," explains Tor. EO's commitment to high-quality, sustainable design is complemented by the emotional connection their products create, as evidenced by heartfelt feedback from renowned fashion brand Saint Laurent. This combination of luxury, design, and sustainability makes EO’s pieces perfect for families seeking both aesthetics and durability in their children’s spaces.
Learn more at eo.dk.​
Maileg
Maileg, the Danish brand known for its charming, whimsical stuffed animals and accessories, has gained a reputation for creating beautifully crafted toys with a focus on quality and design. Among their beloved collection, the Lion and Panda from the Safari Friends line stand out, embodying the brand's signature style. These two animals, soft and huggable with endearing facial expressions, are the epitome of Maileg’s approach to design: simple, sweet, and made with care.
The Lion, with its golden mane and soft body, brings a touch of royalty and adventure to any playroom, inviting children to imagine wild jungles and heroic quests. The Panda, equally lovable, with its striking black and white pattern, captures the playful yet peaceful nature of this iconic animal. Both creatures are designed to spark creativity and imaginative play, encouraging children to invent their own stories while providing comfort and companionship. As Maileg puts it, "We believe in the magic of imagination, where every toy tells a story and every playtime is a new adventure."
Crafted from soft cotton fabric, these toys are built to last, designed for both snuggles and play. Each piece in the Safari Friends collection is carefully created to be a long-lasting, treasured companion for children. With their timeless designs and attention to detail, Maileg toys like the Lion and Panda offer a blend of high-quality craftsmanship and imaginative appeal that stands the test of time. Learn more at maileg.com.​
KAPLA
KAPLA® is a distinctive construction game made from uniform wooden planks that allow children to build a limitless range of structures. Crafted from 100% pine wood sourced from the sustainably managed Landes forest in southwest France, KAPLA® encourages children to explore their creativity and develop essential skills such as focus, patience, and spatial awareness. The beauty of KAPLA® lies in its simplicity—its planks can be stacked in various configurations, transforming into everything from intricate towers to expansive cities. As the KAPLA® team emphasizes, the true value lies in the hours of imaginative fun and the positive skills children develop through play.
Sustainability is at the heart of KAPLA®'s production process. The wooden planks are made from sustainably sourced pine, and all production is done by hand to ensure the highest quality and safety. The company also uses eco-friendly practices in packaging, with recycled cardboard or wood, and repurposes wood dust for other uses. "We aim to ensure that every aspect of KAPLA® reflects our commitment to sustainability," they note. By combining educational play with eco-conscious practices, KAPLA® offers both a creative and environmentally responsible play experience. Learn more at kapla.com.​
Tonies
TONIES® is a German brand that has revolutionized children’s storytelling with its minimalist, sustainable design. At the heart of TONIES® is the Toniebox, a screen-free, eco-friendly audio player that allows children to enjoy stories, songs, and educational content through small, hand-painted figurines called Tonies. This innovative toy is designed to grow with your child, offering an engaging and interactive experience for young children while being durable enough to last through their formative years. With its timeless design, the Toniebox is a great addition to any home, blending seamlessly into living spaces while offering hours of creative play.
Founded by a group of German entrepreneurs in 2016, TONIES® emerged with the goal of creating a product that combines entertainment with education in a way that is accessible, sustainable, and meaningful. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials they use, including recyclable plastics for the Toniebox and figurines. Moreover, their products are manufactured to ensure longevity, with the Toniebox designed to withstand rough play and the Tonies themselves built to be durable and long-lasting. "We wanted to create a toy that would not only engage children but also align with the values of sustainability, quality, and thoughtful design," says one of the founders. The result is a product that not only entertains but also supports a child’s development in a positive, sustainable way. Learn more at tonies.com.​