Little Sapling Toys creates natural, organic wooden toys ranging from teethers and rattles to building blocks and developmental toys. We have widely covered the Little Sapling Toys handmade collection on Inhabitots, reveling in their simplicity, sustainability and heirloom quality character. We were delighted to have the opportunity to ask our five favorite questions to Little Sapling Toys’ founders and toymakers Nick and Kimber Christensen. Read on to get a unique glimpse into the spirit behind this family owned and run business which produces remarkable toys designed to be cherished for generations.

1. Where did you come up with the idea to start Little Sapling Toys?

Nick made a beautiful rattle for our son Rex as a birth gift. By the time Rex turned one, we had a small line of toys and a vague direction.

2. What does ‘green’ mean to you?

Green is to take care of the earth by conserving natural resources. We believe that every dollar you spend is a vote for how you want the world to be run. Rex likes to remind us, “Green means go.” He’s right too. Developing a green lifestyle and business takes action. It takes effort to “reduce, reuse and recycle” or “use it up, wear it out, make do or do without” and living these ideals is a foundation for a conservative lifestyle.

3. What (toy / possession / thing) did you most cherish when you were a kid?

Nick: My Legos were by far my favorite toy. I would build and play with them for hours on end. My parents didn’t have many wood toys around. When I learned to wood work I was very excited that I could make awesome toys for my children.

Kimber: My parents had a quilt with squares of mismatched fabric in a variety of textures and colors. I loved to lay on it trying to detect some sort of pattern or memorize where my favorite squares were. When I moved out I sneakily took it with me and carried the guilt wherever I took the quilt. I finally told my mom last year and she told me that the quilt was given to her and my dad for their wedding and she has always disliked it because it is too loud.