Sawdust on the Floor

Wooden toys 

A friend of ours came up with a wonderful gift for his son for Christmas. When his son was one, he decided that for Christmas each year he would make and give him a hand built train car. Each year the boy gets another car and when he is finally old enough to understand the gift, both father and son will have a special gift to share. I think it was a wonderful idea.

I can’t think of a better way for a parent or grandparent to pass on their love to their kids than to make them a special gift from their shop. Now I know nothing I can make can be compared to the electronic toys of today, but it shouldn’t be. Hand made gifts are in a different category and hopefully, will out last the batteries in the new toys!

If you are considering making a toy for that special kid in your life, I have found that finding just the right pieces to go with it can often be as much of a challenge as making the gift. Also, sometimes my ideas just don’t translate well to a kid, so for inspiration, I turned to this book.

Making Heirloom Toys Over 20 innovative projects will keep you amused in the shop and the kids happy in the playroom… Making Heirloom Toys

After you make your gift, be sure to make it kid friendly. Since little kids seem to want to put everything they get into their mouth, you should consider using a kid friendly paint, if your toy is going to be painted. Mythic Paint is a source for non toxic paint safe for kids, pets and the environment.

Or, if you’d rather use a more natual finish, you can use a good salad bowl finish product like General Salad Bowl Finish

If you find you are in need of wheels or wooden parts for that toy, I found a neat web based store that carries a wide variety of those parts, Cherry Tree Toys..

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