About
Let's nurture the future, together.
Hi, I’m Anna, founder of The Nurturing Nook and a passionate mom. When I became a parent, I quickly realized just how many toys and products kids go through—most of them plastic, short-lived, and harmful to our planet. I began asking myself: What kind of future are we leaving for our little ones?
During my first pregnancy, I discovered the Montessori method, and it was a game changer for me. The principles of simplicity, sustainability, and fostering independence deeply resonated with my parenting values. I even joined the American Montessori Society to learn more. While I don’t claim to be a perfect Montessori mom, I strive to make conscious decisions when choosing toys that promote learning and creativity.
At The Nurturing Nook, we believe that Montessori isn't exclusive or outdated—it's a timeless approach to helping children explore and grow. That’s why we offer a curated collection of Montessori-inspired toys and furniture that are both enriching and fun for children. Our products are durable and affordable, encouraging open-ended play and nurturing your child's imagination without overwhelming them.
Why choose The Nurturing Nook?
- Timeless & Durable: Our toys are designed to last for generations, made from natural materials that can stand up to hours of play. Say goodbye to flimsy plastic toys and hello to well-crafted, sustainable alternatives.
- Eco-Friendly: We prioritize working with trusted brands and suppliers who are committed to using environmentally conscious materials like wood, avoiding plastics whenever possible.
- Montessori Principles: Our products are aligned with Montessori education, focusing on promoting independence, creativity, and real-life learning. We avoid items that restrict movement or stifle natural curiosity.
Every product you’ll find at The Nurturing Nook is intentionally selected to support your child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Our collection is designed to help children develop focus, build confidence, and engage in hands-on learning, without relying on electronic devices.
In addition to quality, we care about your experience:
- Simple Shipping Policy: Enjoy flat-rate shipping at $9.99 for orders under $75 and free shipping on orders over $75—especially valuable for our sturdy wooden toys.
- Community & Rewards: Share your play journey with us on Instagram by tagging @_the.nurturing.nook_, and we’ll reward you with a 20% discount on your next purchase.
Thank you for joining us in nurturing a brighter, more sustainable future for our children. Your support means everything.
Warm regards,
Anna
QTOYS AUSTRALIA
First up, meet QToys Australia. QToys is part of the Quins Group, an Australian-owned company that has been at it since 2005 in sunny St Kilda, Melbourne.
For over 15 years, Quins Group has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing eco-friendly products, from educational toys to teaching equipment and children's furniture. Their commitment to sustainability has made their products a hit both nationally and internationally, reaching countries like the USA, the UK, Singapore, Taiwan, Israel, and the Philippines.
Designed in Australia and ethically manufactured in Vietnam under a Fair Trade scheme, their toys adhere to Australian, American, and European safety standards, ensuring a secure playtime experience.
CUBOS, CANADA
CUBOS is a Montessori-friendly brand that makes heirloom quality toys with a modern, timeless design aesthetic. All toys are made with natural materials only and are made in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
"CUBOS stands as a testament to our belief that we can do things differently – no more reliance on plastic, no more sourcing from overseas, and definitely no harmful chemicals in sight. Instead, CUBOS relies on the beauty of raw materials and smart design. It's crafted from stunning woods, showcasing their natural grains and colors without any artificial stains. A touch of glue holds it all together, while an all-natural beeswax finish gives the toy its irresistible shine. That's the CUBOS magic – simplicity at its finest, with nothing more needed".
PHOTO: Anson Wong, Owner and Creator
HEIR+LOOM Kids, USA
Heir+Loom Kids offer American-made, heirloom-quality toys with a distinct focus on child development, drawing inspiration from the Montessori philosophy.
Their toys are thoughtfully designed as tools to nurture a child's innate abilities, avoiding flashy distractions. These products aim to isolate specific skills to aid concentration, ensuring they meet your child's needs without overwhelming your home with an excess of toys.
Committed to providing developmentally appropriate and safe materials, they prioritize non-toxicity, ensuring their products are suitable even for teething babies, giving parents peace of mind.
MOUSE LOVES PIG, USA
Mouse Loves Pig is a heartwarming venture producing organic toys in the USA, driven by moms seeking flexible employment opportunities.
Inspired by the magical song "The Farmer in the Dell," they've woven their own imaginative version of the story, where the farmer and the mouse become best friends.
Their toys embody the spirit of creativity, connection between generations, and the joy of making up your own endings.
These open-ended, screen-free creations are crafted with care under fair labor conditions, promoting creativity over conformity, and emphasizing the importance of imaginative play. Mouse Loves Pig encourages children to explore their imaginations, offering a delightful alternative to battery-powered toys, and ensuring safety with organic materials.
GLADFOLK, USA
Gladfolk, founded by the husband-and-wife design team Emily and Brad, offers a range of luxurious apparel and lifestyle products meticulously hand-lettered and hand-printed in their Northeastern Ohio workshop, nestled on a serene 15-acre homestead.
Drawing inspiration from their own children, they craft contemporary and meaningful designs for families and homes. Gladfolk's commitment to supporting local makers and American factories underscores their dedication to responsible sourcing and community engagement.
photo: Emily, Brad, & Kids
CHELSEA AND MARBLES,USA
Chelsea and Marbles is a mama-owned and designed shop, offering cute things for little humans.
Founded by Katie, the shop offers a thoughtfully designed collection of handmade gifts tailored to modern mothers and their little ones. With a background in childrenswear design in NYC and a mom of a toddler and baby herself, Katie knows that top-notch baby products must strike a balance between safety, aesthetics, value, quality, and practicality.
Leveraging her decade-long experience in the fashion industry and her passion for crafting unique gifts, she has created a line of baby goods that not only exudes cuteness but also prioritizes safety for babies, functionality for moms, and affordability.
Kidodido
Kidodido's wooden climbing sets are crafted from natural materials to promote exploration and learning in children. Their activity gym pieces provide a healthy play environment while enriching children's sensory experiences and promoting gross motor skills development.
2MamaBees
2MamaBees, run by two childhood friends and proud moms of eight, began in their backyards handcrafting playhouses for their families. They design each product with a dedication to every aspect of play, ensuring parents can comfortably join in the fun with playhouses almost 6 feet tall.
Their commitment to quality craftsmanship sets them apart. Made in America by skilled Amish artisans, each piece is meticulously crafted to be heirloom quality. They emphasize sensory play, motor development, and environmental consciousness with features like clickable stove handles, turnable faucet knobs, cuttable play food, and plantable window boxes.
One Little Pine
One Little Pine is a family business dedicated to producing top-quality Montessori furniture from natural wood. Their products are known for their quality, originality, naturalness, and functionality.
Andrius, the developer and manufacturer, designs and crafts each piece, enjoying the meditative process of working with wood. Jurgita, the visionary behind the idea, handles orders, communication, and advertising, loving the chance to work with her family and learn new things.
Their children, Kamilė and Dovydas, serve as the models and product testers, ensuring everything they create is safe and comfortable. Kamilė enjoys reading and coloring, preferring their products in pink or rainbow colors, while Dovydas loves cooking and playing with cars, always eager to help pack parcels and assemble products.
RAD Children’s Furniture
RAD Children’s Furniture empowers parents and caregivers to support children's natural growth through imaginative play and movement. They create high-quality children's furniture and play structures that honor children as complete individuals from birth.
Founded in a garage and now based in Inglewood, California, RAD is a leader in gross motor development furniture for young children. In 2021, they became the first certified Pikler® furniture maker in the Western Hemisphere.
Customer satisfaction is a top priority for RAD. They build personal relationships through open communication, ensuring each child gets the most suitable furniture. Made in-house at their Los Angeles facility with materials from small American businesses, RAD supports local economies and reduces their carbon footprint. Their commitment to quality and healthy child development makes them a preferred brand for gross motor development furniture.