Maple Landmark | Brand Spotlight | My Maple Landmark Top Toys!
Who is Maple Landmark?:
“A world of American made wood products”
Maple Landmark has been making eco-friendly, educational wooden toys, games, and gifts since 1979 at their shop here in Middlebury, Vermont. They pride themselves in being a local company that supports other local companies that operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. They employ about 40 local folks year around. As a result of these practices they produce products that are safe and of superior quality.
Why “Made in the USA” is important?
Maple Landmark is proud to offer you high-quality, American-made, woodwork. Contrary to the attitude of many mass-market manufacturers and distributors, the origin is important. Preservation of domestic jobs is important, especially to those working those jobs. However, there are even deeper issues to consider.
When products are made in this country, you can be far more certain that employees are not being unfairly exploited and that they work in safe and protected facilities. You can also take comfort in the fact that companies are guided by strict environmental rules.
Safety and environmental protection are far less certain in cheap-labor countries. Importers and trade industry groups set up inspection programs to assure that all local laws are being followed. That is fine until one understands that in many regions, local laws are no more protective of labor and the environment than those of the United States at the turn of the last century.
It is ironic that our society, which works to outlaw exploitative activity within, is perfectly fine purchasing products made in conditions that were deemed improper here generations ago. All for the reason that products are cheaper.
“There is a price for everything and someone is always paying that price.”
It is never a win/win when a price is too good to be true. If the product is “cheaper” or “a better value,” that price is passed on to the toy corporation or the toy manufacturer which is ultimately passed on to the environment, the product integrity and/or material, or the workers. To learn more about unsavory and unethical work practices, see my “Are Made in China” Toys Safe?”
Those inclined to import products will say that foreign production is more efficient, less wasteful. Maple Landmark begs to differ. For the most part, foreign factories don’t operate with less labor, less material waste, or less pollution. It can be argued that there is more true waste in these places because things are so cheap, there is less incentive to conserve and be careful.
Their products are guaranteed for life! They stand behind their products 100%
- Maple Landmark will be happy to repair/replace broken parts or parts that aren’t functioning as intended. They do not supply “fix-it-yourself” parts, the item must be returned to us.
- Replacements for lost loose parts can be purchased from us.
What is Maple Landmark’s History?
Their geographic area has a long history in the wood products industry. From the mills built by the early settlers to the furniture and novelty factories of the 1900s. It is only fitting that they combine history and local resources to continue the tradition. Currently, Maple Landmark sells products to a couple of thousand gift shops and toy stores throughout the country and abroad. Their products are readily available in our shop! They have become the pre-eminent wooden toy manufacturer in the United States. They were never only about toys and that holds true today. The fastest-growing portion of their business is custom work.
What is Maple Landmark Code of Conduct?
They take their dual roles as an American manufacturer and as a manufacturer of wooden toys and gifts seriously. Maple Landmark is proud of the part they play in their industry and their community and will always endeavor to the higher expectations they, and others, place on them. They desire to operate in a world where all are alert to, and responsible for, their actions.
Product Safety. To design and market products that meet or exceed American safety standards. Beyond that, strive to meet the elevated expectations of their customers.
Ethical Manufacturing. To comply with American standards of business practice in their treatment of their people. That means an open and participatory relationship with their workforce where employees have an opportunity to understand, and give input to, the operations of the company.
Environmental Protection. To practice good stewardship of the environment by working to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and products through continuous improvements in waste reduction at the source, reuse, and recycling. Suppliers of their raw materials should meet the same standard that they set for themselves.
Non-Discrimination. To treat their employees, suppliers, customers, and business associates with fairness, respect, and dignity and without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
What are Maple Landmark’s Product Values?
Product Safety and Quality
The majority of their products are toys and they take toy safety seriously. As required, they follow the US Consumer Product Safety Commission rules, including the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Their most recent third-party tests (within the last few years since they are on a two-year testing cycle) have re-confirmed all previous tests with respect to lead and heavy metals.
Their materials are below the detectible lead level of 10 ppm. The current federal standard is 90 ppm. “While we never add lead to our products we will never claim our products to be “lead-free.” Lead is a trace background element and cannot be 100% eliminated. Do not believe any claims of products being lead-free, it cannot be guaranteed.” It is unnecessary to test for phthalates in their wood products.
Their efforts do not stop there. This means going beyond minimum guidelines. Everyone has experienced the toy that broke the day after Christmas. That probably isn’t a lack of following official guidelines but it is from a lack of concern for overall quality. For example, a softwood block is safe, a hard maple block is superior.
Sustainable Mindset
Natural Resources
The wood Maple Landmark uses is from native species. They use rock/hard maple primarily, as well as some pine, cherry, and oak. These are some of the best materials for wooden toys and gifts, and they are fortunate to have them locally available.
There are virtually no old-growth forests left in Vermont; the region was heavily logged in the 1800s. Damaging floods in the late 1800s and early 1900’s not only knocked out the water-powered mills that processed the timber, but they also taught a lesson in not laying entire mountainsides bare to runoff and erosion.
In the early 1900s, Vermont was 20% forested. As dairy farms consolidated and abandoned marginal hillside property, the wilderness once again began to take over. Now, Vermont is 78% forested. There is a fair balance between forest growth and the rate of harvest.
The majority of wood that grows tends to be lower grade material. Since they make small items, they are able to use downgraded lumber by simply cutting around the defects. This strategy saves on the demand for the rarer, more premium grades. They also make use of small dimension material that is cast off from other plants.
For the entire history of their company, they have purchased the majority of their lumber from local mills. These mills are typically family-owned, multi-generational businesses that steward their own woodlands and work with responsible loggers for timber harvested elsewhere.
What do they do with their wood waste?
They have a couple of local farmers who take away their sawdust for cattle bedding. Their wood scraps are put out for locals to use for kindling, wood heat being very common in Vermont in the winter months.
“To us, it all seems like the best combination of the right materials, the right people, the right products, all in the right place, that we should be able to produce and market wooden toys for you.”
Does Maple Landmark use sustainable materials?:
Finishes
There is great concern about the components of finishes. While lead grabs all of the headlines, they find many people with concerns well beyond the federally regulated toxins.
Given their very broad product line, they use a great variety of finishes. They even have products with no finish (see their Schoolhouse Naturals line). It is their policy to make it very clear to you what finish they use on what product so you can make your own decisions. The coatings used are:
- Dye Stains: These are water/alcohol-based stains, specially made for dip finishing, which is the least wasteful application process. These are in a variety of colors and are primarily used on their NameTrain line. They typically overcoat with urethane to prevent bleeding when wet.
- Lacquer: Nitrocellulose lacquer is an age-old spray finish that provides a hard, shiny, paint-like coating. It can be clear or opaque bright colors. Historically used for Montgomery Schoolhouse products, though some are being shifted to other coating types. Lacquer is a petroleum-based finish.
- Nothing at all: Yes, no finish at all, as seen on their Schoolhouse Naturals line. With an enormous number of queries about all their finishes, they thought they would try a line that has had all of the finish concerns removed. So far, they’ve seen great interest.
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Natural Oil: An FDA-approved plant oil-based finish, often used on kitchenwares. No allergenic nuts are used. This is a true oil finish and does not shine nor set really hard. It does, however, leave a rich amber appearance on their wood.
- Teak Oil: Like natural oil, teak is used on salad bowls and other wooden housewares. Unlike natural oil however, teak is very quick drying and it sets hard.
- Urethane: Another dip finish, more specifically called oil-modified urethane varnish, not a polyurethane. It is a clear finish, using a mineral spirit solvent. This finish takes a little extra time to cure and products may retain an odor until unwrapped—especially during the busy season.
- Whey: Utilizing a by-product of the cheese-making process, whey was developed by the University of Vermont and is now produced by Vermont Natural Coatings of Hardwick, VT.
As with their other materials, their finishes are purchased as locally as possible. Nearly all are produced in Vermont, by people they know and have worked with for many years. If you would like more information about the finish on specific products, feel free to contact us.
What is the environmental impact of manufacturing?
Lumber and Forest Health
80%/20%
Vermont’s forests are far from endangered. Originally Vermont was primarily forested, the natural condition. In the 1800’s the landscape was over 80% cleared for charcoal, potash, lumber, and open land for agriculture. However, much of the terrain in Vermont is not conducive to modern agriculture so in the 1900’s the less productive land was left to “grow up.” As soon as you do not keep open land cut or pastured, underbrush will take over, and eventually, their common northern hardwoods (maple, beech, birch, ash, oak, etc.) will dominate. Today the state is once again 80% forested.
Do they Replant?
Some wood products companies claim to replant trees to make up for the trees they use. Any company in their part of the country is pandering to incorrect perceptions by saying this. Trees take root by themselves and often sprout too thick for their own long-term health. Overtime trees are thinned, allowing the healthiest ones to grow. The type of forestry that happens around here is selective harvesting and culling. Tree stands are thinned, providing logs and opportunity for nearby trees to thrive.
Diversity
While removing any trees has an impact on the forest and a fully mature forest might be the goal of some but it isn’t necessarily optimum in every respect. A more varied forest (young trees, older trees, gaps in the canopy) is more bio-diverse. New growth in the understory attracts wildlife that would not be found otherwise. I have heard that there is more wildlife now in Vermont than in colonial times.
Better Ways?
Forest management practices constantly improve and they all welcome ideas that make logical and scientific sense. Armchair conservators often don’t understand forests and trees. It is not harmful to cut a tree, they are a completely renewable resource. I recently was asked about using tree prunings and downed limbs for making their toys. The idea was that healthy trees would continue to grow and wouldn’t have to be cut. As my sister says, trees are not starfish. Downed trees and limbs are often that way because they are weak (rotten) and thus unsuitable for lumber. Any idea of cutting healthy branches from healthy trees as a way of avoiding cutting whole trees is unhealthy, unsafe, and completely impractical.
Efficient Use
The best strategy in managing valuable resources is to make sure they aren’t squandered. There is a hierarchy in the use of forest material. The better the wood, the less there is available since most tree growth does not lead to perfect boards. The best logs go to veneer mills and the next best is sawlogs to make lumber. Lumber is graded and the best can be used for furniture (dining room tables) and the middle grades can be used for small parts (toys) where they can cut around the defects. Lower grades are used for industrial purposes like pallets. Other forest materials, like chipped branches, can be sold for biomass for heating. They cut their lumber for the highest and best use. Larger cuts are taken first and progressively smaller items are made from what is left.
Carbon Sequestration
The latest buzz about forests is carbon sequestration. Substantial portions of wood are simply carbon, which is kept out of the atmosphere as long as the wood isn’t burned or decomposed. This leads to a misinformed sense that trees should not be cut. Mature forests are stagnant forests, they do not grow new material. However, by selective harvests and making products, that carbon remains locked away and the forests regenerate and absorb even more carbon.
Age Grading
Just as they have an obligation to produce safe products, it is always important to remember that appropriate use goes hand-in-hand with safe design and construction. They are required to mark, the majority of, our products with the intended age of the child who may be using them. Age grading is based on physical as well as cognitive developmental stages. So giving a more advanced product to a younger child, no matter how “advanced” you perceive that child to be, can be a hazard.
A marking of age 3+ is typically an indication of small parts hazards—which can pose a problem for younger children who may still be putting things in their mouths. Always monitor younger children when they are playing around older friends and siblings. What is okay for one child may not be okay for the next.
Recycling and Conservation
They have actively recycled materials from the very start. For us, it is good old-fashioned Yankee frugality combined with modern-day concern over the use of limited natural resources. In their business, there are opportunities to either reuse materials or conserve them right from the start.
Wood scraps and sawdust—
Naturally, they maximize their lumber use, yet invariably some scrap is generated. Instead of sending it to the landfill, they advertise free kindling wood. Local folks stop by on a regular basis and help themselves. They feel good that the by-products of their products do not go to waste and can help to keep families warm at night.
Their wood shavings are collected by a large dust filtration system, which drops the waste into a hopper outside. Local farmers take chips and dust to their farms to use for cattle bedding. The farmers are happy to get the bedding needed for free and the cows are happy to have a clean bed. They have “Happy Cows” in Vermont too!
Merchandising—
Over-packaging of products is a major waste issue, on top of being costly. For us, less packaging is not a loss of merchandising power, their nice wooden products just aren’t best presented behind layers of indestructible plastic. They can better sell themselves by being fully seen and touched, revealing their own beauty and quality.
Recycling has become a way of life here at Maple Landmark and is vital to the sustainability of their natural resources. It has almost become contagious among their staff and gives them a sense of great pride to work for a company that is mindful of the environment in this world of business waste and consumption.
Maple Landmark Toy Lines:
Their world-famous NameTrains Wooden Railway System! Letters, accessories, track, bridges, decor, sets, and so much more – create your own unique train!
Montgomery Schoolhouse was founded in the fall of 1971, the name and trademark were taken from the old and long-vacant Montgomery (Vermont) schoolhouse, the first plant and offices. The company was well on its way to becoming America’s leading producer of craft-quality wooden toys when, on the night of July 20, 1973, the schoolhouse burned to the ground. Before long things were back up and running in a rented barn and then in a new woodworking plant.
The hallmark of Montgomery Schoolhouse was always the design, production, and marketing of wooden toys of good old-fashioned quality. Eastern white pine and rock maple are the base materials used, both found in abundance in the region.
Initially, the toys had a clear finish applied to their simple and classic designs. In the 1980s, consumer tastes changed and a more colorful, decorated product line was developed. Today bright, primary colors can be found on nearly all products with most having fun details printed on them.
In 2001, Montgomery Schoolhouse became a part of Maple Landmark Woodcraft. We plan to carry on the tradition of these great toys with a special emphasis on continued production right here in our special state of Vermont.
No finish. Period. You can’t get much more natural than Schoolhouse Naturals. If you’re looking to reduce children’s exposure to chemicals, these are the way to go.
Maple Landmark Pros & Cons
What I love about Maple Landmark Toys:
- Made in the USA.
- Heirloom quality that is hard to beat.
- Most of their toys are made from beautiful and durable hard maple wood that is precision-crafted.
- Classic styled toys that are timeless.
- Maple Landmark makes toys and games for every age and stage of life from newborn on up.
- Many of their toys come with a wooden storage tray or canvas bag for parts.
- Train set line is so expansive that it appeals from children to adults.
- The train line has simple train sets for kids plus an extensive line of add-on components such as bridges and scenery for the adult collector.
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“Maple Landmark’s train track is by far the highest quality on the market.”
- Their trains, tracks, and components are of better quality than BRIO.
- Their “See The World” line of realistic destination bridges is unique.
- All of their toys are plastic-free and do not require batteries making them totally kid-powered.
- Maple Landmark’s extensive line of games is impressive. Classic game night!
- Many of their toys are open-ended and can be played with together in various ways.
- They offer unique religious toys for Jewish and Christian holidays.
- The medium-sized unit block sets are of superb quality and made with many unique shapes to create various architectural designs.
- Puzzles are made beautifully with precision cut and coloring and many come with a canvas bag for storage of pieces.
- Maple Landmark’s games are of better quality than any other type of board game out there.
- Maple Landmark’s toys and games are built to last for the next generation or to be handed down.
- Customer service is outstanding and they treat you like family.
- Price/value ratio is superb as their quality far exceeds the price point of their toys and games.
What I would like to see change about Maple Landmark Toys?
- I would love to see Maple Landmark make more baby items, such as a play gym, toddler push cart style walker with blocks, a wagon, or a small ride-on toy.
- A child-size furniture line such including a small rocking chair, or a children’s table with chairs or a desk.
- Perhaps add more musical instruments for toddlers such as a small drum, xylophone, or rain stick.
- A play food line for toddlers and a small simple play kitchen would be nice to see.
- Due to their amazing craftsmanship, it seems a high-quality shelf-styled dollhouse would be an exquisite addition.
- Maple Landmark is a sustainable company however, I’d like to see them use more paper wrapping instead of bubble or plastic wrap in the packaging.
- It would also be nice if they included more product photos, especially with kids playing for reference with the toys.
- They fly under the radar. I am not sure if this is by choice but I would love for them to have a larger social media presence on Instagram to promote their wonderful products. They do a wonderful job of highlighting the manufacturing process unlike any other company but they need to incorporate children playing with their toys/products. Nothing sells toys and builds brand recognition better than engagement with their customers. Many other toy companies will have their customers (parents or businesses) send them pics to highlight their play on social media.
My Top Maple Landmark Toys are below:
Listed below are Maple Landmark Toy Bestsellers and some of The Baby Penguin’s personal favorites:
1. Wooden Train Town Set – Made in the USA | NameTrains by Maple Landmark
- All NameTrain pieces and tracks are compatible with themselves and other wooden track systems.
- NameTrain vehicles are about 2″ high. Set made in the USA.
- Featured as our #1 Train in our Top Wooden Trains Guide.
- Our largest wooden train town set contains 56 pieces. Includes: 31 pieces of track (8 curved, 4 small curved, 4-piece bridge set, adapter pair, 2 pairs of switches, 2 puddle jumpers, 3 eight-inch straight pieces, 4 four-inch straight pieces) creating a layout that measures 24″ X 38″. Vehicles included: school bus, bullet train engine, caboose, fire truck, tow truck, police car, taxi cab, rescue car, train engine, passenger cars (2), caboose, airplane, racer, tractor, tugboat. Buildings included: store, house, train station, school, fire station, and 4 trees. Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 3 inches. Weight: 6.9 lbs
2. Safari Animal Train Set | Made in the USA | NameTrains Railroad
- Compatible with other wooden trains/track systems
- Made in Middlebury, VT from hardwood maple
- Finished with non-toxic clear lacquer and ink.
- Featured as our in Train in our Top Wooden Trains Guide.
- Create your own wild Safari. Our medium-size NameTrain Safari Animal Train Set has 27 pieces.
- Includes figure-8 track (12 curved pieces, 4 six-inch straight pieces, 1 crossover) measuring 17″ X 39″, tiger train engine, giraffe, gorilla, lion, elephant, zebra, panda, leopard caboose, and 2 trees.
- Ages 3+
3. Master Builder Wooden Blocks Set (104 Pieces) | USA
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested maple hardwood, the Master Builder Wooden Block Set of Montgomery Schoolhouse building blocks contains 104 pieces in 21 different shapes.
- See all my favorite Top Wooden Block Sets HERE.
- The base block unit is 1″ and each dimension of all blocks is a multiple of 1″ so blocks can be stacked cleanly and uniformly. This is a medium-sized block.
- Each set comes in a sturdy box for storage.
- We also offer the My First Blocks (21 pcs), Junior Builder (41 pcs), and Advanced Builder (78 pcs).
- Ages: 1 year and up
4. Basic Wooden Checkers Set | Made in the USA | Games
- Our basic version of a classic game. This Basic Wooden Checkers Set board measures 1/2″ thick, 15″ square, and has a clear finish. The checkers are blank on one side and engraved with a crown on the other. Start with the blank side up and when you are “kinged” flip the piece over to show the crown. When not playing the game the included pouch makes for handy storage.
- Made in Vermont, USA
- Crafted from pine and baltic birch plywood.
- Checkers are finished with a non-toxic color dye stain and urethane sealant
- Board is printed with non-toxic inks and finished with a durable clear lacquer finish
- Made in Middlebury, VT from hardwood maple
- Finished with non-toxic clear lacquer and ink.
- Comes with a pouch for piece storage.
- Ages 3+
5. Natural Wooden Shape Stacker | Made in the USA
- The Natural Wooden Shape Stacker introduces 4 basic educational concepts.
- Shapes – the shapes are a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, and circle.
- Shape Names – each of the shapes have the name of the shape engraved on the side.
- Numbers – each of the sides of the shape has a number engraved on the top; triangle has 1-2-3, square 1-2-3-4, and so on.
- Patterning – smallest to the largest size.
- Featured in our Top Wooden Baby Stacking Toys!
- The dowel to hold the pieces is a hefty 1″ thick.
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Ages: 18m+ and up
6. Classic Mancala | Made in the USA | Wooden Board Games
- Our version of the popular African stone game, Classic Mancala, is crafted out of locally sourced, sustainably harvested pine and comes with 50 colorful stones. Each game is shrink-wrapped with instructions and a pouch for stone storage. The board measures approximately 16.6″ long by 4.7″ wide by 0.9″ thick.
- Made in Middlebury, VT from hardwood maple
- Finished with non-toxic clear lacquer and ink.
- Comes with a pouch for piece storage.
- Also available in the Deluxe Mancala Darker Wood
- Ages 6+
7. My First Wooden Train – Made in the USA | Sustainable
- This train is really kid-powered!
- The four cars in this train connect easily with a ball and socket hitching system, perfect for little hands.
- Have your engine pull the train or push it.
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested solid maple with engraved detailing.
- All cars connected, the train measures 24″ long. Each car is about 4.5″ high.
- Crafted in Vermont from sustainably harvested rock maple. Non-toxic finishes and inks.
- Compatible with other wooden track systems. Pieces are only available as a set.
- Ages 1+
8. Engraved ABC Wooden Blocks | Made in the USA
- This set of sixteen elaborately Engraved ABC Natural Blocks is indeed an heirloom set.
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested maple hardwood, each block is a 1.75″ cube with simple clean letter designs against densely detailed backgrounds.
- Blocks are completely natural with no finish.
- The wooden storage tray measures approximately 8.6″ square by 1.75″ deep.
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Ages: 1 year and up
9. Wooden Shape Sorter Bench | Made in the USA
- Twelve blocks in four primary shapes match their corresponding holes: circle, square, rectangle, and triangle, in our Natural Shape Sorter Bench.
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested maple hardwood with engraved details, the wooden Shape Sorter Bench measures approximately 4″ high by 4″ wide by 6.7″ long.
- The bench and blocks are unfinished and the set includes a pouch for storage of the pieces.
- Blocks are completely natural with no finish
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Ages: 2 years and up
10. Will’e Wobble Car | Made in the USA | Sustainable
- A push Will’e Wobble Car toy for pre-toddlers. The wheels are off-center to create a wobbling motion as it rolls. The string can to added to make a pull toy. Made of hardwood maple and decorated with a non-toxic ink print. Measures approx. 11.5″ long.
- Ages 6M+
11. Public Service Scoot Set – Made in the USA | Cars
- Scoots are simple, durable wooden vehicles great for toddlers and sized perfectly for playmats.
- Crafted from locally sourced, responsibly harvested pine with hardwood wheels, each Scoot measures approximately 2.25″ tall by 4″ long by 1.9″ thick.
- Public Service Scoot Set includes six favorite vehicles: Fire Truck, Police, Ambulance, School Bus, Waste & Recycle Truck, and Taxi.
- Crafted in Vermont from sustainably harvested rock maple.
- Non-toxic finishes and inks.
- Compatible with other wooden track systems.
- Pieces are only available as a set.
- Ages 2+
12. Cherry Chinese Checkers | Made in the USA | Wooden Board Games
- Perhaps the most beautiful wooden Cherry Chinese Checkers game made in the USA. Crafted from solid cherry with a durable clear lacquer finish. This conventional round board measures approximately 11.75″ in diameter by 0.75″ thick and comes with 60 marbles, 10 each of 6 different colors. Play with up to 6 players. Chinese Checkers game instructions are engraved on the board back and comes shrink wrapped with a pouch for marble storage.
- Made in Middlebury, VT from hardwood maple
- Finished with non-toxic clear lacquer and ink.
- Comes with a pouch for piece storage.
- Ages 8+
13. Unfinished Oval Bead Rattle | Natural | Made in the USA
- Our Unfinished Natural Oval Bead Rattle has ends that are made from locally sourced, responsibly harvested maple hardwood and have no finish whatsoever.
- Hardwood construction with solid wood for the 3/4″ thick ends crafted from responsibly harvested wood.
- The rattle is 2-1/2″ long and the oval ends measure 1-1/2″ by 2-1/2″.
- Featured in our Top 17 Wooden Baby Rattles!
- Beads float freely on six pegs for maximum sound and movement. Each rattle is individually wrapped for shipping.
- Our natural oval rattles are perfect for the baby in size and also perfect for the “green” conscious family. This solid rattle is made from only solid wood. No finishes or paints to be concerned about.
- Schoolhouse Naturals Collection
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Infant+
14. Space Wooden Block Set “Mission 1” | USA Made
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested maple hardwood, this set is perfect for a play day in space.
- Open-ended and explorational play with this Space Wooden Block Set!
- There are 20 pieces, including 2 astronauts, a rocket ship and a 4 sided “countdown” block, 2 landscape blocks, 4 space modules, connect tubes, and of course a rolling rover.
- Each piece is 1″ wide for stability and easy play for small hands.
- The colorful non-toxic graphics are kid-friendly and are printed on one side of each block.
- Each set comes in a reusable box for storage.
- Ages: 18 months and up.
15. My Activity Clock | Sustainable Toy | USA Made
- My Activity Clock is a fully interactive educational toy for toddlers. Made in Middlebury, Vermont, the clock is cut from hardwood plywood measuring 10.3″ wide and 13.25″ tall with a slot stand for easy play. The clock has 12 removable activity disks that are blank on the back so children and caregivers can add their own activities. The moveable hands are securely fastened and the dials for weather and days of the week turn easily.
- On the very basic level, My Activity Clock teaches numbers, time, weather, and days of the week. It also helps little ones develop gross motor skills – putting the activity disks in and out of the clock face, and fine motor skills by setting the hands and turning the dials for days of the week and weather.
- More advanced educational opportunities come in word recognition, spelling, and creativity as children can make their own activity disks for things they like to do.
- The clock can help children develop a sense of self-control, scheduling, and routine as certain things happen at the same time every day – bedtime, naptime, etc… Studies have shown that early development of a routine helps children transition into formal educational settings.
- *2014 Dr. Toy – Top 10 Best Educational Toy
16. Letter Picture Natural Blocks w/Tray | USA Made
- A different version of a 28 pc. set of ABC Letter Picture Natural blocks with Tray.
- These feature one letter per block with upper case, lower case, cursive, and three related pictures.
- The last two blocks have extra letters to help spell more words.
- These hard maple 1.75″ blocks are colorfully printed and have no finish.
- The tray has unfinished maple sides and a plywood bottom.
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Ages: 2 years and up
17. Lift & Learn Birds Puzzle | Sustainable Toy | USA Made
- This brightly colored 8-piece Life & Learn Birds Puzzle measures 11″ X 15″. Eight beautifully illustrated birds are featured in this puzzle. “Lift & Learn” – under each bird, engraved on the puzzle, is an interesting fact about that bird. The printed images won’t scrape or wear off. Crafted from 0.1″ thick, high-quality birch plywood with laser-cut pieces for a precision fit. A perfect beginner puzzle for your favorite birder.
18. Owl Shaped Baby Teether | Natural | Made in the USA
- This Owl Shaped Baby Teether is all-natural and Made in the USA. Our natural teethers are the perfect answer to concerns over toxic chemicals and finishes. This maple teether measure about 3-1/2″ in diameter by 3/4″ thick and are only available unfinished. It is rounded and sanded smooth to the touch and to the mouth and gums. Large enough for babies to get their hands and arms around and small enough to be comfortable in the mouth.
- See All my favorite wooden teethers HERE.
- No finishes or chemical coatings – a totally organic teether.
19. Train Engine Jigsaw Puzzle | Sustainable Toy | USA Made
- Our train engine jigsaw puzzle has 15 large interlocking pieces cut from 0.1″ hardwood plywood. Each puzzle measures approx. 13.75″ wide x 8″ tall. The brightly colored and detailed design is printed right on the wood so the image doesn’t scratch off with extensive play. Each puzzle comes to shrink wrapped with a drawstring pouch for easy storage.
20. Classic Train Car Set – Made in the USA | NameTrain
- This 5 pieces classic train car set comes with an Engine, tender, passenger and boxcars, and a caboose.
- The set is wrapped on a 15″ piece of wooden track. The colors of the passenger and boxcar MAY vary.
- All NameTrain pieces and tracks are compatible with themselves and other wooden track systems.
- NameTrain vehicles are about 2″ high. Connections are made with strong, safe, and simple magnets.
- NameTrain track is crafted from NE maple. Curved pieces and switches are grooved on both sides.
- Vehicles are made from New England maple and finished with non-toxic paints and finishes.
- All pieces are also sold separately. Set made in the USA.
- Crafted in Vermont from sustainably harvested rock maple.
21. Wooden Mites Cars (6-Pack) – Made in the USA | Vehicles
- Our Wooden Mites Cars are sturdy little vehicles perfectly sized for toddlers.
- They make great toys for car trips and are small enough for mom to tuck into her purse for those inevitable “toy emergencies.”
- This set of colorful vehicles includes one each of our six Mite designs: Coupe, T-Mite, 4WD, Sedan, Sports Car, and Utility Truck.
- Crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested pine with hardwood components, each Mite measures approximately 2″ high by 3″ long by 1-7/8″ wide.
- Ages 2+
22. Wooden Baby Teether Pair | Natural | Made in the USA
- Our natural teethers are the perfect answer to concerns over toxic chemicals and finishes. There Wooden Baby Teether Pair are all-natural and Made in the USA. Sold as a pair, these maple teethers measure about 3-1/2″ in diameter by 3/4″ thick and are only available unfinished. Each is rounded and sanded smooth to the touch and to the mouth and gums. Large enough for babies to get their hands and arms around and small enough to be comfortable in the mouth.
- No finishes or chemical coatings – a totally organic teether. Sold in a pair.
- Schoolhouse Naturals Collection
- See All my favorite wooden teethers HERE.
- Before there were plastic teethers, there was wood. Durable and attractive, wooden baby teether pairs are great for the baby.
- Made in Vermont, USA.
- Ages: Infant+
23. NameTrains Track, Bow Bridge | Made in the USA
- Just 1,000 feet from the bustle of the New York City streets, the Bow Bridge rests peacefully in the refuge of Central Park.
- Maple Landmark markets nearly 20 different bridges based on real bridges!
- Standing out from its surroundings, this romantic cast-iron bridge provides a pedestrian crossing over The Lake. Take a ride across the Bow Bridge with your NameTrains cars!
- NameTrains Track Bow Bridge measures 12.7″ long (12″ piece of track), 2″ thick, and 1.8″ tall. Bridge graphics are printed directly on the wood; train tracks are engraved.
- NOTE: No risers or supports are needed for this bridge; it sits flat with the rest of the track. The gap under the bridge is approx. 0.7″.
- Ages 3+
24. Basic Wooden Chess Set
- Our Basic Chess Set is complete with 14.75″ square by 0.4″ thick hardwood board and 32 chessmen. Each playing piece has its corresponding move pattern engraved its bottom. Maple “light” and cherry “dark” pieces measure approximately 1″ square at the base and range from 1.25″ to 2.25″ tall.
- Made in Vermont, USA
- Crafted from pine and baltic birch plywood.
- Pieces are finished with a non-toxic color dye stain and urethane sealant
- Board is printed with non-toxic inks and finished with a durable clear lacquer finish
- Made in Middlebury, VT from hardwood maple
- Finished with non-toxic clear lacquer and ink.
- Comes with a pouch for piece storage.
- Ages 3+
25. Duck Pond Puzzle | Sustainable Toy | USA Made
- This brightly colored Duck Pond Puzzle has 20-pieces and sits in a 15″ wide by 11″ high frame. Printed images won’t scrape off with general wear.
- Crafted from 0.1″ thick, high-quality birch plywood with laser-cut pieces for a precision fit. A perfect beginner puzzle for your young one.
Conclusion:
In summary, Maple Landmark is a top-notch company that cares about making beautifully crafted products while being sustainable and having a carbon-neutral effect on the environment. Each Maple Landmark toy that they design and manufacture shows how much craftmanship, development, and thoughtfulness goes into each product. Maple Landmark is a widely unknown company that makes amazing toys. Their ability to maintain a family-run business in a busy world is a testament to the impact they have on their community, customers, and especially the children. I love the small-town feel in a big toy world! They are at the top of my favorite sustainable companies for all these reasons. I truly love their variety of heirloom wooden toys which will last for generations. I can’t wait to share my children’s toys with their children!
Bonus:
How did Maple Landmark finish in my Top Sustainable Toy Companies? Learn more about other wonderful sustainable companies, check out my complete list of Top Sustainable Companies HERE. If you are interested in having your “Sustainable Toy Brand” highlighted in our Brand Spotlight, or your toy highlighted in our in-depth Baby Penguin Toy Review, please email me at [email protected]. Please include your website, social media link, and products. Thank you again for your time, and please consider subscribing to my newsletter below and my Facebook group on sustainable toys HERE. Together, we can educate and bring awareness to parents and children everywhere about the importance of sustainable toys.
