When you buy eco-friendly handmade toys made by Australian artisans, you get the double gift of supporting local craftspeople as well as a unique sustainable toy that will delight and entertain.
Toys from local artisans
In a world filled with mass-produced toys, there is something special about the charm of unique handmade toys. These wonderful objects bring joy to children while supporting local artisans and small businesses.
When you choose handmade toys, you are not just purchasing a toy; you are investing in the creativity and skill of talented makers. Each eco-friendly toy is carefully crafted with love and attention to detail, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece. From wooden puzzles to crocheted animals and handmade dolls, these toys offer a level of artistry and quality that is impossible to find in factory produced products.
Seeking out these hard-to-find play things has a positive impact on your community by supporting local artisans and small businesses. Artisans rely on the sale of their handmade products to justify the time spent learning a craft, allowing them to pursue their passion and continue creating beautiful and toys that are fun. Plus, buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and supports a more sustainable economy.
If you're looking to add a touch of magic and support skilled artisans, consider exploring the world of handmade toys. Not only will you find treasures that are sure to delight, but you'll also be making a difference in the lives of talented artists and small businesses.
Toys and the local community
Supporting local artisans and small businesses comes with a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to contribute directly to the local economy. When you purchase a handmade toy, your money goes directly to the artisan or small business owner. This financial support enables them to continue creating unique and high-quality toys that bring joy to children and adults alike.
Furthermore, supporting local artisans promotes cultural diversity and creativity. Handmade and eco-friendly toys often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region they are crafted in. They showcase traditional techniques, materials, and designs, preserving and celebrating the unique artistic traditions of different communities. By purchasing these toys, you are not only adding to your collection but also becoming a part of a larger cultural narrative.
Another benefit of supporting local artisans is the opportunity to create personal connections. When you buy from a local artisan, you have the chance to meet the person behind the creation. You can learn about their inspiration, techniques, and the story behind each toy. These personal connections add value to the toy itself and create a sense of community that is often lacking in mass-produced products.
Toys and the environment
Mass-produced toys have become ubiquitous in today's consumer culture, but they come with a significant environmental cost. The long and complex supply chains involved in the production and distribution of these toys contribute to carbon emissions, deforestation, and pollution.
Most mass-produced toys are generally made from plastic, a material derived from fossil fuels. The extraction, refining, and manufacturing processes involved in producing plastic toys release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the disposal of these toys often leads to them ending up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Furthermore, many mass-produced toys are packaged in single-use plastic, resulting in excessive waste. The use of unsustainable materials and packaging practices associated with these toys further deplete natural resources and contribute to environmental degradation.
By choosing eco-friendly, handmade toys, you can minimize your environmental impact. Handmade toys are often made from natural and sustainable materials such as wood, organic fabrics, and non-toxic dyes. These materials are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. Additionally, the production process of handmade toys typically involves less energy consumption and pollution compared to mass production methods.
Where to find handmade toys
Right here at O Gosh Shop: We have adorable soft toys made in Sydney by Kaz Crafts, like this incredibly round Round Rabbit or this wonderfully wise and soft Brown Owl. We also have a range of wooden toys to stimulate children's motor skills and imaginations, like this Enchanted Activity Pack.
Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces such as Made It, Global Sisters and Spotz offer a vast array of handmade toys from artisans locally (and around the world). These platforms provide a convenient way to browse and purchase handmade toys from the comfort of your own home, though be careful to check the credentials of sellers on larger platforms because you're likely to encounter people peddling deceptive or disingenuous products.
Local Artisan Markets: All Australian cities host regular markets where local artisans showcase and sell their handmade goods. These markets are a great place to discover unique and one-of-a-kind toys while directly supporting the people who them.
- In Melbourne try Rose Street Market, St Kilda Esplanade and Art Centre Sunday Market.
- In Sydney check out Sydney Made or Paddington Markets.
- In Hobart, Salamanca Market is one of the best in the country.
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When you shop at O Gosh, you can be assured that everything is made in Australia. We'll send your purchase out quickly, and make sure it looks super special. We offer next day dispatch with shipping within Australia at a flat rate of $10.00. We accept Paypal and credit and debit cards: Mastercard, Visa, and American Express, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. Payments are securely processed by Shopify and we're here to help if there are any problems.
Finding ethical and local products is easy at O Gosh. Take a look now.
