Just a really quick note, we added another exciting store to our list in Ottawa. They are called Red Chair Kids and it looks like a really neat store. You can check them out online right here. There is even a little video about the store in the “about us section“.
Today I’m proudly annoucing that we have won a spot at the Socially Responsible Design Exhibit at the Toronto Airport (in International Departures). Our building blocks will be displayed for some time for the world to see. I’m not 100% certain when the exhibit is going to start (the original dates were pushed back) but I will definitely let you know.
PS: We’ll also post some photos here of the exhibit.
Hi everyeone,
I’m about to enter our building blocks into a design competition about ethical and socially responsible product design. I’m not a very talented writer and would love to get your opinion on the following text I wrote. Please don’t hold back on any criticism, it’s the only way that I can improve and I will not take it personal… (maybe just a tiny bit, but that’s my problem :-)
So here it is. Let me know what you think:
Wooden Building Blocks by Ukoonto
Safe for Your Child, Good for the Planet
This toy is focused around the well being of our children, the environment, and local economy.
These simple heirloom style toys foster a healthy life style. Similar to the slow food movement, we want to encourage “slow play”, which means taking time off to really connect with our children, stimulating their little brains with the natural touch of wood, helping develop gross and fine motor skills through play away from the busyness of our current life styles.
Ukoonto, which is run by Hans Eich, makes these building blocks from 100% recycled (post industrial) maple wood with energy from renewable sources (Bullfrog Powered) right here in Canada (Niagara Region) since 2008. No toxins are being used during the production of these toys. The quality of these blocks usually means that this toy will be handed on to the next generation, but in case it is discarded, these building blocks will completely decompose naturally.
Choosing our toys means:
- Caring about your Childs well being
- Supporting local economy
- Supporting clean energy
- helping to keep this wood to go to waste
In case you are wondering what competition this is for, here’s the link to it
Hi everyone,
Today I want to quickly take some time to introduce you to this fabulous website: justplaydates.ca. I met Laurie at a show last year and she was telling me all about her new website. Essentially, if you are looking for some play dates for your kid (and you :-) ), here is a great opportunity to find others in your area that are also looking for playdates and/or are hosting them.
Justplaydates.ca also hosts discussions on interesting topics all relating to your Babys and Toddlers. Here are a few examples of what is upcoming:
You should check out their website and register to be a part of it.
Hi everyone,
I wanted to quickly share this with you. A new toy store is going to open up soon in Hamilton. It’s called Citizen Kid and for all the Dad’s of us that love to see progress of construction and such, this is really exciting. So head on over to their blog. Looks pretty neat so far, what do you think?
A friend of mine sent me this picture. The capture says: “S o fun! I think we play it more than Joey at the moment!” Thanx Bekka
just a quick update. We now have stores selling the blocks in Alberta and New Brunswick. Some more are coming in Ontario really soon (Ottawa, Hamilton and Oakville).
I think that Vancouver really needs to pull up the table now :-)
You can view the list right here.
Hi everyone,
a quick message from the Ukoonto Headquarter: We are done hybernating, the busy business is continuing :-)
I (Hans) took some time off to forge some plans for this upcoming year. It almost seems like time is running away again though. This upcoming weekend Ukoonto will be part of the Toy Fair in Toronto… selling blocks to stores for the Christmas season of 2009. Very exciting.
So much for now. If you are a store owner and you are coming to the toy fair, please stop by at our booth (I think it’s #301).
Cheers, Hans
Look what showed up in the mail in December. I feel flattered to get that kind of recognition.
The Christmas stress is officially over, and I am about to go offline for some time. Thank you every one for such an awesome season. I even found some time to create some wooden toy cars for my nephews. Have a look:
Last but not least, I wish you all an awesome time with family, enjoy the smiles on the faces of your little ones, don’t forget to give lots of hugs.
Cheers, Hans
