Health & Fitness
New Children's Toy Store Puts Focus on Local, 'Green'
Ozaukee resident owned Cedarburg Toy Company features environmentally conscious children's toys, with many created locally.
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.
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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.
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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.