Best Ostheimer Toys for Kids: Top Picks in 2023

The quest for the best Ostheimer toys leads us into a world where meticulous craftsmanship and the spirit of imagination reign supreme. Ostheimer’s range of handcrafted figures and play sets are more than mere toys; they are heirlooms that spark creativity and bring stories to life.

In this article, we’ll explore the enchanting collection of Ostheimer toys, from the majestic animals of the forest to the whimsical figures of fairy tales. We’ll highlight the top picks that have captured the hearts of children and collectors alike, discuss the sustainable practices behind their creation, and reveal which Ostheimer toy stands out as the best in fostering imaginative play.

Whether for educational purposes or the sheer joy of collecting, discover the Ostheimer piece that will become a treasured addition to any playroom.

Best Ostheimer Toys

This lovely hand-sanded fairy tale character can be used for children to retell and explore their favorite stories. Use it as an individual piece or add to a cottage or barn to create a beautiful scene for your child. Little Red Riding Hood measures 3.6 inches tall and is made of alder and maple, colored with non-toxic, plant-based watercolors.

The handcrafted quality of this toy is evident in the fine details and smooth finish. While the higher price point may be a deterrent for some, the natural materials and non-toxic coloring make it a great investment for parents who value quality and safety in their children’s toys.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • This fairy tale character is hand-sanded and made from Alder and Maple, showcasing Ostheimer’s attention to detail.
• Safety 5/5
  • Crafted with non-toxic materials and designed for safe play.
• Play Value 5/5
  • Being a character from a popular fairy tale, it offers immense potential for imaginative play and storytelling.

This Ostheimer toy is made of organic wood, making it a great option for parents looking for eco-friendly toys. The peacock design is unique and encourages imaginative play.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • The peacock toy exudes Ostheimer’s renowned craftsmanship, made of organic wood and painted with non-toxic, plant-based watercolors.
• Safety 5/5
  • Designed with child safety in mind, using non-toxic materials.
• Play Value 4/5
  • While beautifully detailed, its static design might limit some play scenarios.

This train set is made of high-quality organic wood, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for parents. It is also suitable for young children, making it a great toy for toddlers who are just starting to explore and play. The bright and colorful design of the train is eye-catching and engaging, which can help keep children entertained for hours.

However, the Ostheimer Kinderkram Train Multicoloured is more expensive compared to other wooden train sets on the market. There are limited accessories and add-ons available for this train set, which may limit its long-term play value.

• Craftsmanship 4/5
  • Ostheimer’s renowned craftsmanship is evident, though specific details about the product’s material and finish are missing.
• Safety 4/5
  • Ostheimer’s reputation suggests a high standard of safety, but the exact age range and safety features are not mentioned.
• Play Value 4/5
  • A colorful train that can be a centerpiece in any play setup, though additional interactive elements could enhance its play value.

This castle set is made of organic wood, ensuring that it is safe for your child to play with. The rainbow colors are bright and eye-catching, making it a fun addition to any playroom. With a variety of pieces included, your child can use their imagination to create their own stories and adventures.

While this castle set is of high quality, it may be too expensive for some parents. Additionally, it is smaller than some other castle sets on the market, which may be a consideration for parents with multiple children who want to play together.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • Made of organic wood with intricate detailing, showcasing Ostheimer’s signature handcrafted touch.
• Safety 5/5
  • Suitable for children from 1 year of age, ensuring no small parts that could pose a choking hazard. The use of organic wood and non-toxic finishes adds to its safety quotient.
• Play Value 4/5
  • A versatile castle set that sparks imagination, though it might benefit from additional interactive elements.

This set is perfect for children who love farm animals and want to engage in imaginative play. The set includes a wooden rainbow rider, a horse, and a cow, all made from organic wood. The pieces are well-constructed and will last for years to come.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • Crafted from organic wood with detailed designs, epitomizing Ostheimer’s dedication to quality and artistry.
• Safety 5/5
  • Perfectly safe for children from 1 year of age, with no small parts and made from non-toxic materials.
• Play Value 4/5
  • A comprehensive farm set that offers a myriad of play scenarios, stimulating creativity and storytelling.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality and visually appealing toy for your child, then Ostheimer Frog King is a great option. It’s made of organic wood, making it eco-friendly and safe for your child, and it’s beautifully crafted and designed.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • This wooden representation of the Frog King showcases Ostheimer’s signature handcrafted touch, with detailed features and a smooth finish.
• Safety 5/5
  • Designed for children above 3 years, ensuring no small parts that could be a choking hazard. Made with non-toxic finishes, ensuring child safety.
• Play Value 4/5
  • The Frog King, a classic character, offers a lot in terms of storytelling. However, it might benefit from being part of a larger set or story.

This wishing well is a great addition to any child’s toy collection. The organic wood used to make it ensures that it is safe for children to play with, and the unique design can inspire imaginative play. The high-quality craftsmanship also ensures that it will last for years to come.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • Made of organic wood and standing at 23 cm, this wishing well showcases the meticulous craftsmanship Ostheimer is known for.
• Safety 5/5
  • Suitable for children above 3 years due to small parts, ensuring child safety. The use of organic wood and non-toxic finishes further adds to its safety quotient.
• Play Value 4.5/5
  • A beautifully crafted wishing well that can be a centerpiece in any play setup, offering various imaginative scenarios.

This beautifully crafted wooden toy is made by Ostheimer, a German company known for their high-quality wooden toys. The Goose Head High is made of organic wood, making it safe for your child to play with. The craftsmanship is excellent, with attention to detail that is sure to delight both children and adults.

One of the best things about the Ostheimer Goose Head High is its size. It’s just the right size for little hands, making it easy for young children to grasp and play with. The simple design also encourages imaginative play, allowing children to create their own stories and adventures with the toy.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • Standing at 8 cm and made of organic wood, this goose showcases Ostheimer’s attention to detail and craftsmanship with its lifelike posture.
• Safety 5/5
  • Suitable for children above 3 years, ensuring no small parts that could be a choking hazard. Crafted with non-toxic finishes for added safety.
• Play Value 4.5/5
  • This lifelike goose can be a great addition to farm stories or nature-themed play, offering a lot in terms of imaginative play.

This Ostheimer toy is made of organic wood, making it a great choice for parents who want to avoid plastic toys. The duck design is cute and appealing to young children. It’s also safe for children over 3 years old, which is a plus.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • This toy showcases Ostheimer’s signature handcrafted touch, made predominantly of organic wood with a smooth finish.
• Safety 5/5
  • The toy is made of non-toxic materials and is designed to be safe for children to play with.
• Play Value 4/5
  • While it’s a beautifully crafted piece, its static nature might limit prolonged imaginative play.

Ostheimer Frog Jumping is a beautifully crafted toy made of organic wood, making it a safe and eco-friendly option for parents who are conscious of the environment. Its cute and colorful design will definitely catch the attention of children and spark their imagination, encouraging them to engage in creative play.

• Craftsmanship 5/5
  • A testament to Ostheimer’s dedication to quality, this frog toy is handcrafted from organic wood and finished to perfection.
• Safety 5/5
  • Made with child-safe materials and designed to be free from choking hazards.
• Play Value 4/5
  • Its detailed design can inspire imaginative play, though its static nature might be a limitation.

Buying Guide to Ostheimer wooden toys

When purchasing Ostheimer wooden toys, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right items for your child’s needs and interests. Here’s a buying guide to assist you:

Age Appropriateness:

• Check the age recommendation for each toy to ensure it’s suitable for your child’s age group.
• Consider the size and complexity of the toy in relation to the child’s ability to handle and play with it safely.

Interests and Developmental Benefits:

• Select toys that align with your child’s interests, whether it’s animals, fairy tales, or scenery.
• Look for toys that offer developmental benefits, such as fine motor skill improvement, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

Quality and Craftsmanship:

• Ostheimer toys are known for their quality. Look for the smooth finish, grain of the wood, and the non-toxic water-based stains that are safe for children.
• Each piece is handcrafted, so look for the unique qualities in each toy that showcase its artisanal nature.

Educational Value:

• Consider how the toy can contribute to your child’s learning and education, such as teaching about animals, nature, or social stories through play.
• Choose toys that encourage storytelling and role-playing, which are central to the Montessori and Waldorf educational approaches that Ostheimer toys often complement.

Collection and Sets:

• If you are starting a collection or adding to one, consider how the new toys will fit with existing pieces.
• Some Ostheimer toys come in sets, which can be more cost-effective and provide a more complete play experience.

Price and Budget:

• Ostheimer toys are premium items, so set a budget before you start shopping.
• Consider the long-term value, as these toys are durable and can become heirlooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ostheimer

What are some popular Ostheimer toy collections for toddlers?

At Ostheimer, we offer a wide range of toy collections that are perfect for toddlers. Some of our most popular collections include the Forest Animals, Farm Animals, and Fairytale Characters. Each collection features beautifully crafted wooden toys that are designed to spark your child’s imagination and promote creative play.

Where can I find Ostheimer toys for sale?

You can find Ostheimer toys for sale at a variety of retailers, including specialty toy stores and online retailers. We recommend checking with your local toy store first to see if they carry our products. If not, you can easily find our toys for sale online through our website or through other online retailers.

What is the difference between Ostheimer and Holztiger?

Ostheimer and Holztiger are both well-known brands of wooden toys, but there are some key differences between the two. While both brands are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, Ostheimer toys tend to have a more realistic and detailed design, while Holztiger toys have a simpler, more stylized design. Additionally, Ostheimer toys are made in Germany, while Holztiger toys are made in Romania.

Are Holztiger animals worth the investment?

Holztiger animals are definitely worth the investment for parents who are looking for high-quality, durable wooden toys that will last for years. While they may be more expensive than some other brands of wooden toys, Holztiger animals are made from sustainably sourced wood and are carefully crafted to ensure that they can withstand the wear and tear of everyday play.

What type of wood does Ostheimer use for their toys?

At Ostheimer, we use only the highest quality, sustainably sourced hardwoods for our toys. Our toys are made from a variety of woods, including maple, ash, and alder. Each type of wood has its own unique properties and characteristics, which allows us to create toys that are both beautiful and durable.

Do Ostheimer toys come with any additional accessories or pieces?

Many of our Ostheimer toy collections come with additional accessories and pieces that can be used to create a complete playset. For example, our Farm Animals collection includes a barn and fencing, while our Fairytale Characters collection includes castles and other magical accessories. However, each collection is sold separately, so be sure to check the product description before making a purchase.