SHIPPING DELAY - AUG 17 THROUGH AUG 30
To all of the Mamas and Papas, Uncles and Aunties, Grandmas and Grandpas, dear friends and relations who have supported us by giving toys from Papa Don's to the little ones in their lives, thank you! From the bottom of my heart. It is your support and appreciation that gives life to Papa Don's Toys.
I hope everyone is enjoying the richness of summer! The abundant sunshine, good fresh food, freedom for the kids, and yes, sometimes the heat and the smoky air. The Papa Don's family, my wife Shikha, daughter Amelia, and myself, intend to get out and enjoy some summer fun ourselves. For the last two weeks in August we are going on a little road trip to the North Cascades! As a result we will not be shipping toys from August 17th through August 30th. I am keeping the shop open, but adjusting the shipping times accordingly. I will update inventory before we go, so I should be able to get your order out when I do shipping upon my return on August 31st or September 1st. Therefore, if you order in the beginning of the week of August 17th, it really will take the two weeks estimated shipping time, but if you order near the end of our trip, your order should get out much sooner than the shipping estimate suggests. I hope that this doesn't cause too much hassle for folks.
Thank you again for all of your support, and for your patience while we enjoy some summer rest and relaxation!
Quality, hardwood toys, made fresh daily since 1973!
We make hand crafted, natural, wooden toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
As a second generation toymaker, I'm happy to continue my family's tradition of providing children with a safe, durable, and eco-friendly alternative to imported plastic toys.
How we make our toys
We use red alder (also called Oregon alder) for most of the toys. A non-toxic, food-grade mineral oil finish brings out the rich, warm glow of this beautiful hardwood. The first step is to stamp out the shapes on the boards, then I carefully cut them out on a bandsaw and route and sand the edges to a nice smooth finish for sensitive little hands. All paints and oils are non-toxic and safe for children. We've had our paints independently tested for heavy metals and they exceed federal safety guidelines for children’s toys.
The toy designs combine color, sound, and movement to delight children and awaken the senses. I build the toys with care and use quality materials so they are truly built to last and to be passed along among siblings and down through generations.
I take pride in providing you with quality wooden toys made in Oregon. By choosing to buy toys made in the USA you are helping to support local economies and a healthier environment. Thank you!
Daniel DeFazio, Owner/ Toymaker
A History of Papa Don's Toys
Papa Don's Toys began in 1973 with a father's wish to make a natural alternative to plastic toys for his baby daughter (me) and later for his son, Daniel. When he saw how much we loved his creations, our dad decided to try selling his handmade wooden toys at the Eugene Saturday Market held in downtown Eugene, Oregon. The response was tremendous - people loved his toys and he and our mom became full time toymakers. At that time and place (mid 70s in Oregon) there was a resurgence of interest in locally handcrafted items, much as there is again today.
Together, our parents grew Papa Don's Toys from its humble beginnings in a single car garage to a thriving family business. They bought land in Oregon's Coast Range and built a home and woodshop. This beautiful 60-acre homestead is still home to Papa Don's Toys. My brother and I had part time jobs as toymakers throughout our teens and early adult years.
Sadly, Papa Don passed away unexpectedly in 2009 while hiking in the mountains with our mom. When he wasn't making toys, Papa Don loved to hike in the woods, covering more than a thousand miles of Pacific Northwest trails over the years.
Today, I make the toys and sell them primarily online and at a few select craft shows in Oregon. I'm proud to be carrying on my parents' tradition of providing children with heirloom-quality, natural wooden toys.