New Children's Toy Store Puts Focus on Local, 'Green'

Ozaukee County has a treasure trove of artists, and every media such a claim represents. We appreciate it, tourists know it and even the unaware wanderer discovers it quickly through cultural osmosis.

But I felt a thrill of warm fuzzies when I stumbled into the recently opened Cedarburg Toy Company and discovered that they sell safe, environmentally responsible toys — half of which are from local artists.  

Owner Natasha was a veteran nanny of 15 years before opening up this shop and recognized the need for locally-available, safe toys (demonstrated by the lack of choking hazard warnings).  Although comparable in cost, the quality of construction and supplies is undeniable.

All products are made in America, but Ozaukee owners Zach and Natasha Loos remembered their roots and sent out a request to the Cedarburg Artists Guild. The overwhelming enthusiasm from artists resulted in local, sustainable toys that are safe for our children and are really, really cool.

Now, to preface, I don't have children and am pretty ignorant of the toy scene, but I couldn't help be inspired by the handmade wooden toys, wooden blocks in different languages and eco-friendly playing dough.  

My girl favs: whale animals created by Ozaukee artist "Eulein" that come with their own story poem and Granola brand fabric bags (not just for kids). Boy toys: Who wouldn’t love a wooden sword or wooden boat?

For those well versed in the children toys, Cedarburg Toy Company also carries "Tutus for Utoo, Hugg-APlanet, Roots wraps and Melissa&Doug.

The countdown has begun for my dear friend to have her first baby and for me to find a baby toy. For those who have already visited the store please let me know what would be your "parent-choice" toy so I can stop bringing the dud gift.

Cedarburg Toy Company
W62N590 Washington Ave. Cedarburg (Located in the Washington Ave. Shoppes)
(262) 377-7224
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.