Below is the list of my favorite online sources for natural toys (and Waldorf supplies), which I share whenever anyone asks for such recommendations. As many other homeschoolers and folks in the Waldorf and Montessori worlds attest to, the best toys are made from natural materials and are open ended. I used to think such toys were ridiculously/prohibitively expensive, but you have to consider that they will be around for the long haul and factor that into their cost. Yes, a Grimm's wooden puzzle might cost you about $140, but if you get it for a three year old and they are still playing with it at age 12 (and they very likely will be based on our experience), then that toy cost you less than $16/year. When choosing how to spend your toy budget, it really comes down to a matter of quantity vs. quality. You could buy many more, inexpensive toys with that $140 dollars, but chances are they will only keep your child's attention for a much shorter time and may not last very long anyhow. Another factor to consider is that natural, well-made toys can bring an added aesthtic benefit to your home - you won't mind looking at them. When it comes to beeswax crayons, there is a lot of debate about how "natural" different brands are. Whether you're shopping for crayons or other things, you just have to choose the best materials you can get within your budget. Keep in mind that you can always shop for used versions of more expensive toys on ebay or etsy. I hope you find lots of inspiration in these links!
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