The Playful World - Bellingham, WA

The Playful World’s mission is to provide today’s children with unique, custom designed toys that are handcrafted by artisans in less developed areas of the world and purchased under fair trade agreements. They offer unique toys that not only engage and delight children, but also make a small contribution to a better world.

Featured Objects

Wool Felt Blocks

Materials:100% wool outer shell, synthetic foam fill. Bell inside each block
Dimensions: Large block - 5" per side; small block 2.5" per side
Price: Single large block, $16.00; set of 6 small blocks - $30.00

Wool felt blocks are handmade by an artisan workshop based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The workshop’s mission is to reunite homeless families by providing vocational skills training and income opportunities that help parents earn needed income in order to care for their children. Suitable for 6 months and up.

Bowling Buddies

Materials:100% wool felted outer shell, synthetic foam fill

Dimensions:Pins are 8" tall; ball is 3" in diameter

Price: Set of 3 Buddies + ball - $65.00.

Choose from dog or people design

Bowling Buddies are handmade in Kyrgyzstan in a workshop that is dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of felt making. Providing vocational training to unemployed women, the toys are made from locally sourced 100% natural mountain sheep wool.Suitable for 18 months and up.

Animal Pals

Materials: 100% alpaca fiber outer, synthetic fill

Dimensions: approximately 17" tall

Price: $40.00 each; Lion, cow, elephant, monkey, or giraffe

Animal Pals are handmade in Peru of pure alpaca wool. Traditionally, many impoverished families living in the Andes of Peru have used wool from local alpaca herds to knit garments and goods. Women from these communities are now forming artist cooperatives to export hand-knit products, earning much needed income for their families. Suitable for ages 1 and up.