Sherwood Brand Spotlight and Toy Review
Welcome to my Sherwood Brand Spotlight, where I am thrilled to introduce you to a new and exciting toy company that brings a unique and fun concept to the world of play. In this spotlight, we’ll delve into the captivating world of Sherwood Toys and uncover the inspiration behind their imaginative creations. Prepare to embark on a journey as I explore their range of toys, reviewing each in detail and sharing my thoughts in a comprehensive toy review. Join me as we uncover the magic and wonder that Sherwood Play Toys offers!
Who is Sherwood Toy Company?
Caleb and Reagan, two passionate adventurers, grew disillusioned in a world where toys had become inundated with digital distractions and mindless entertainment. They witnessed children absorbed in screens and lacking the imaginative play that once defined their childhoods. Frustrated with the state of toys that seemed to erode rather than foster creativity, they resolved to embark on a global quest. Their mission was clear: to seek toys to rekindle wonder and adventure, reigniting the spark of imagination. They set out to empower children with toys that inspire, engage, and captivate. Their commitment to Adventure, Beauty, and Curiosity shines through every creation.
They believe that the joy of childhood should be nurtured, cherished, and woven into the fabric of life’s grand tapestry. Collaborating closely with local artisans, they designed toys that epitomized adventure, beauty, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They created wooden storytelling toys called SagaSets. Saga Sets are handmade toys that unfold narratives through the art of play and storytelling with unique story cards. These special cards tell tales of characters and places in the fictitious realm of Sherwood Forest. Sherwood’s toys are plastic-free and made from sustainable wood, cotton, and canvas. Each toy comes beautifully packaged in a sustainable box. Sherwood’s toy is heirloom quality and beautifully handcrafted, and it shows.
Sherwood holds fast to 3 simple convictions:
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The world is wide. It demands exploration.
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Curious kids deserve delightful toys.
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Playtime should be invested in, not consumed.
What is unique about their toys?
- The creative storytelling cards introduce characters, worlds, creatures, and so forth to get a child started with play.
- Each set can be combined to play together for more story play and creativity.
- The blocks are made from unique mango and acacia wood from India.
- Sherwood’s most extensive set has a special thick canvas play mat to recreate lands and promote story play with wooden elements.
- Sherwood releases new stories and ongoing sagas online for continuous play story ideas.
- Skilled artisans handcraft each wooden piece.
What kind of toys does Sherwood make?
Sherwood makes five different adventure sets that can be combined for creative play. Each set complements one other, and all the cards, playmats, maps, and blocks create one big fantasy world. Each set can also be played as a stand-alone set as well. India’s blocks, figures, and animals are beautifully crafted from mango and acacia wood. The paints and lacquers used are children-safe and CSPC-certified.
Sherwood’s playmat is robust and made from canvas, and their play fantasy maps are made of cotton fabric. Sets come with well-made canvas drawstring bags for storage. Unique to Sherwood is their story or Saga cards, as they call them. These cards help get your child’s imagination going, and the cards also inspire your child to play out the story or description started.
Sherwood’s Five Playsets Include:
1. Hammerholt Stronghold
This is Sherwood’s most extensive set, which includes 50 blocks and many accessories. This large set is perfect for a family with multiple children or an older child with a big imagination, as there are many components to be creative with! This is my favorite set in terms of play value, as there are a lot of pieces to build and be creative with.
This set also includes many people and a large creature. It has some unique-shaped pieces for added play value, and this set gets kids’ imaginations going. The Hammerholt Stronghold set is one that I would highly recommend for a Waldorf, Montessori, or homeschool classroom. This set is large enough for many kids to interact together for cooperative play in the classroom setting.
Build the adventure with the Gontlet, the Hammerholt stronghold! The Blue Kingdom of Hammerholt stands as a strong fortress at the edge of the Realm of Light, protecting the whole realm from the darkness beyond. Explore the stronghold with Holden, the young future hero. Meet King Reyner and his mighty Hyrax. Dream about a world where strong walls and mighty hammers hold back evil! Play on top of a gorgeous 18-inch canvas playmat depicting the entire Hammerholt region. Hammerholt is the starting point and foundation for the Lights Realm Saga.
Includes:
- 50 acacia blocks
- Two hand-carved mango figures
- One hand-carved acacia creature
- 5 lathe-turned-acacia figures
- 11 SagaCards
- One cotton map of the realm
- 1 incredible canvas play mat(1.5×1.5 ft.)
- One cotton bag
- All paints and lacquers are children-safe and CSPC-certified.
2. Prisma Puzzle
This is Sherwood’s second largest set that acts like a 2-1 toy because it is an open-ended puzzle and block set combined. I love how the pieces can be configured in many ways and fit perfectly in the beautifully crafted sturdy tray. This set is perfect for the minimalist family who loves to display their toys in their living space, as it is perfect for a coffee table. The Prisma Puzzle magically transforms into any realm, castle, world, or structure your child can dream up! Plus, the added map and figures included providing added creative play value.
Unlock the secrets of the Realm with this magical puzzle! The solid acacia tray holds 34 handmade blocks, perfect for building anything you can imagine. Go deeper into the lore of the four kingdoms in the Lights Realm Saga with the included illustrated SagaCards. Found exclusively in the puzzle set: Barnabas Bumbershoot, the wise but wonky wizard who wanders the whole realm with his goofy donkey, and the storyteller Chadwick, who travels the realm narrating grand tales and singing epic ballads.
Includes:
- 34 acacia blocks
- Two hand-carved figures
- One acacia tray
- 7 SagaCards
- One kingdom illustration
- One cotton map of the realm
- One cotton bag
- All paints and lacquers are child safe and are CSPC-certified.
3. Hammerholt Block City
This set is so unique with its large house-style blocks. This set is perfect for a child that wants to set up quickly and jump into fantasy pretend play. The Hammerholt Block City has large blocks to build a city quickly, which is excellent for younger children. The large blocks make structures more stable and are easily stackable. I love how there are three people figures and one creature included.
Your kids dream about building entire worlds in their rooms. Let them start with the Hammerholt Block City! The haughty horses of Hammerholt race through the block city streets as fast as they are proud! Hammerholt citizens walk the streets and play on the roofs of these big Hammerholt homes, often built into the mountainsides. Along with the figures, these massive, chunky house blocks and hand-carved stairs are a must-have addition to your growing Sherwood collection.
Includes:
- 16 acacia blocks
- One hand-carved horse
- Three lathe-turned-acacia figures
- 5 SagaCards
- One cotton map of the realm
- One cotton bag
- All paints and lacquers are child safe and are CSPC-certified
4. Creatures of Hammerholt
What do I love about the Creatures of Hammerholt set? I love that each animal is non-descript and open-ended. Each animal or creature can be whatever the child wants it to be! I love the heavy, dense quality feeling when you hold the animal in your hand. Each creature is of a nice substantial size. Plus, the animals are very durable for years of play.
Hyraxes and Horses, Rams and Ramblodons. Hopefully, these creatures fill Hammerholt and your home with growls, snorts, grunts, and other wild sounds. The great Hyraxes, those mighty badgers, can take your children to explore the mountains and hills. The rams climb and leap among the peaks and crags, creating mischief and terrorizing the Flynt Guard.
The Hammerholt Horses are legendary for their intelligence, speed, and pride. The Ramblodons are strong and large enough to lift the arches and blocks of the kingdom when they’re not falling asleep or eating something they shouldn’t! These creatures are handmade from acacia wood and built to last.
Includes:
- Four hand-carved acacia figures
- 4 SagaCards
- One cotton map of the realm
- One kingdom illustration
- All paints and lacquers used are child safe and are CSPC-certified
5. Sproots and Galoots
The Sproots and Galoots set has unique blocks shaped like stone, which adds a creative and realistic natural element to playtime. I love how you can still play out a storyline with only a few block pieces. It goes to show that simple toys can truly inspire creativity. This set can be combined with all other Sherwood sets to enhance story playability.
Beauty and strength are a powerful combination. The fairies (Sproots) and giants (Galoots) of the Hammerholt region are the perfect building partners for your kids. They will work together to build massive strongholds and beautiful cities. The hand-carved giant figures are designed to hold even the largest of our blocks! The fairies of Hammerholt are known for their architectural skills. Let your kids enlist their help while creating worlds with their minds and blocks. Enter the Lights Realm Saga with the first set from our Saga Character collection!
Includes:
- Four acacia blocks
- Two hand-carved mango figures
- 4 SagaCards
- One cotton map of the realm
- One cotton bag
- All paints and lacquers used are child safe and are CSPC-certified.
My review of Sherwood’s toys consists of 5 standardized criteria categories:
I evaluate toys based on sustainability, playability, durability, longevity, and versatility. Firstly, sustainability is crucial for the health of our planet and future generations. By choosing eco-friendly materials and sustainably producing toys, we can reduce our environmental impact and help promote a healthier planet. To see my Top Sustainable Companies of 2023, check out my article HERE.
Secondly, playability is vital because it encourages children to engage in imaginative play and develop problem-solving, creativity, and socialization skills. We can support children’s overall development and well-being by selecting toys that promote open-ended play and allow for exploration and experimentation. Thirdly, durability and longevity are essential because they reduce waste and require frequent replacements. By choosing well-made and built to last, we can reduce the waste generated by discarded toys and save money over time.
Lastly, versatility is important because it allows for multiple uses and can promote resourcefulness and creativity. Toys that can be used in various ways and adapted to different play scenarios can encourage children to think outside the box and develop their unique ways of playing. In summary, evaluating toys based on sustainability, playability, durability, longevity, and versatility is paramount today because it promotes a healthier planet, supports children’s overall development, reduces waste, and encourages resourcefulness and creativity.
1. Sustainability:
A. Product: The blocks/figures are made from acacia and mango wood. The cloth storage bag, map, and play mat are all canvas cotton. All the wooden pieces are painted and finished in child-safe paints. The cards are made of paper cardstock. There is no plastic within this toy. Sherwood’s toys receive the highest honors for using 100% sustainable materials.
B. Packaging: Sherwood’s toys come in sturdy cardboard boxes with minimal packaging.
C. Origin/Company: Sherwood’s toys are handmade in India under the company’s supervision to ensure sustainable manufacturing. All of their paints and lacquers used are child safe and are CSPC-certified.
2. Playability:
A. Open-ended: All of Sherwood’s toys are made to be open-ended. Each toy can be played in conjunction with the story cards or without. The saga cards can encourage children to use their imaginations based on the characters and stories written. However, the blocks and figures have just as much playability without the cards. Each set can be stand-alone or combined with their other sets for a more in-depth story-creating play. Sherwood’s sets are fantasy inspired but can also represent small-world modern play. Sherwood’s open-ended and non-descript nature allows children to decide what their toys represent.
B. Active Parent engagement: Parents will love to read aloud the saga cards and share with their children recreating the realms. Sherwood’s toys are perfect for the modern minimalist parent who loves to display quality toys in their living space. Each block and figure are beautifully crafted and are enjoyable for parents to partake in building structures.
C. Playtime: These toys are also great for family playtime as it encourages reading, storytelling, and building together. This toy line is child-driven, meaning they decide how to play. Also, Sherwood’s toys promote in-depth, longer-lasting play time due to the story and creating/building/designing aspects. Unlike your standard building blocks, these do not have precision-cut sides for easy stacking. With each block being handmade and not flat, stacking can be a challenge. This poses a fun challenge for kids to create significantly taller structures.
3. Durability:
A. Craftmanship: Sherwood’s wooden toys are crafted beautifully. You can feel the dense, heavy wood with fine details when you hold the wooden toy or piece. Toy quality like this is not typical these days. Sherwood’s toys are what I call modern toys that are toys but are pretty enough to be left in the living space as decor. The block sets are beautiful because of their design, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.
B. Quality: In terms of quality, these are handmade toys. There is a certain beauty and uniqueness about handcrafted toys that are not machine-made. That said, you will see variances in each block and how the paint is applied. The sets are durable, and the color is chip resistant. The canvas play mat, map, and storage bags are of top quality and are made from heavy-weight canvas cotton fabrics. Each Saga card is nicely printed on cardstock for durability.
C. Price/Value: I firmly believe that you get what you pay for in most cases. These toys will be with your family for years, growing with your child/children. Sherwood’s block sets grow with children ages four to about 10. Most toys are not played with for many years or by that great age, making them valuable.
4. Longevity:
A. Landfill or Heirloom: Sherwood sets are 100% heirloom quality. These types of heirloom-quality toys are hard to come by. I could hand down all of their sets to the next generation, even after passing their toys on to multiple families first!
B. Lifespan of Toy (Age Range): These sets will be age appropriate for 4 to 10-year-olds. That is about a 6-year life span of a toy which is good in terms of play value. Plus, these are so durable that they can continue to be handed down from family to family as they are heirloom quality.
C. Multi-age Families: Their toys and sets are great for families with preschool to elementary-aged children. Sherwood did not intend any of their toys to be for those below the age of 4 years. However, these toys are perfect if your family is past the baby years and everyone is in preschool and up. Finding block sets that engage elementary-aged children is more challenging, but these do just that!
5. Versatility:
A. Combinable with other toys: Sherwood’s play sets are meant to complement one another for enhanced play. Each set has a lot of stand-alone play value and doesn’t need other toys to add value. However, any animal or figure could combine these sets for the play.
B. Creativity Function: Sherwood’s toys are unique in making non-descript structures or replicating a fantasy story from their provided Saga cards and storyline.
C. Storage: Sherwood’s cotton canvas drawstring storage bags are some of the highest-quality toy storage bags I have seen. They are generously sized to fit all parts and beautifully printed on. Sherwood gets an A+ for creating such great storage bags.
Final Review for :
I highly recommend Sherwood toys for your family or classroom, as they are unique fantasy toys you will not find elsewhere. Sherwood’s toys are beautifully crafted, high-quality heirloom wooden toys that are aesthetically pleasing. Their toys are on trend now as they are aesthetically pleasing and blend in with the home decor for the minimalist family. Sherwood’s toys are beautiful enough to leave in a basket or coffee table in the living space, ready to be played with.
Also, what I love about their toys is that they are perfect for a Waldorf or Montessori-style classroom or homeschool. Their toys are durable and would easily engage several children at once in a classroom setting. The uniqueness behind the theming, block shapes, and card accessories makes their sets attractive. Furthermore, their Saga storyline is perfect for kids that love fantasy and fairytales pretend to play. Sherwood’s toys are definitely in a niche category of fantasy pretend play, but that is what makes them so unique.
Encourages Creativity!
Sherwood sets encourage creativity and develop fine motor skills. Their toys stimulate kids’ imaginations and promote storytelling abilities. Each block set encourages the development of design skills and spatial awareness. In a family or classroom setting, their toys encourage cooperative play. Sherwood’s toys offer endless possibilities for creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play, making them high-quality and engaging toys that will provide your child with hours of education and entertainment.
Your children will enter that “engaging concentration” during playtime, which is helping in their development. You will also enjoy your time building, reading, and storytelling together, which is a win. In conclusion, you cannot go wrong with any of the Sherwood wooden playsets, as your family will love them for years.
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