Earthentree toys are stunning, natural, exquisitely beautiful toys with a colorful backstory. Earthentree is based in Kirkland, Washington, however, each toy is handmade by an artisan in a community in South India. Deepti Shanker, the owner of Earthentree, was raised in this same artisan community of Channapatna, India, to which she now maintains close ties via her business. Earthentree toy-making techniques are over two centuries old, and oftentimes artisans have learned and inherited their skills as they were passed down by previous generations of family toy-makers.
Earthentree wooden toys are made from sustainable Hale and Rubber wood trees. They are stained with natural and vegetable based dyes, and a complete list of color sources may be referenced here. Materials used to create each toy are sustainable, lead-free, and non-toxic. A traditional lacquer technique, also safe and non-toxic, is applied to each toy. The toys are beyond cute, and their gorgeous finish sets them apart with a shiny glow. Toys in the line include classic pull-toys and rattles, music makers, games, and stackers.
Earthentree toys are available online at their website at this time, and will soon be available in retail shops. Check their website for updates. The price of these beauties is far more reasonable than you might think: prices range from $5.00-$40.00.
These are really beautiful toys and I love the nature based dye finishes, great prices & sustainable which I love, but I was kind of stunned at how many toys were on their recall page – there were 14 of them. All for reasons that would concern a parent of a small child. That many recalls is why I don\’t buy from many of the mainstream brands anymore, so to see that there was disheartening. It looks like it was from 11/07 to 5/08, so hopefully they’ve figured out how to avoid the same issues going forward, but it does make me leery.
I understand your concerns about the number of recalls. I did read the company’s website and noticed that many of the toys that were recalled were redesigned. Also, their are clear explanations for the recalls. I do appreciate the transparency of the company. But, I do agree with you that it is difficult to find top-notch, eco-conscious toys and troubling to read about these recalls when you do.
These are so beautiful. I love the turtles above. The recall issue from the past….that does make me think twice