Fair Trade and Traditional Toys Come to Wincanton
Sisters Vicki Ruppersbery and Caroline Hunt share many fond memories of the traditional toys they played with as children. So much so, they decided to revive the popularity of their old favourites, selling traditional, wooden and educational toys from their own business.
Apple Tree Toys, based in Wincanton, has been a regular feature at West Country Fayres since 2008, and their online shop was launched in December last year.
Between them, Vicki and Caroline have six children, so no one knows better that young children are as captivated with traditional toys today as they were in their grandparents' day. From rag dolls to ride-ons and rocking horses, the enduring charm of these toys stimulate children's imagination and provide hours of entertainment.
Apple Tree Toys sources as many of its products as possible from companies that are environmentally friendly and most of their wooden toys come from sustainable wood sources. Its range of Organic toys and clothing are made from 100% organic cotton and wool, and are manufactured completely without the use of chemicals. In line with its ethical policy, Apple Tree Toys also stocks a range of Fair Trade toys from Sri Lanka, rag dolls, handloom teddies and crotchet soft toys from materials sourced locally.
"Because so many of the Fair Trade toys are handmade, no two are exactly the same," Vicki says. "Our Fair Trade policy not only supports local communities overseas, it makes each toy unique in a way you just can't duplicate in mass-produced products."
Caroline likes the idea of toys that engage the imagination. "Some classics never go out of fashion. We stock toys that become old favourites and get passed along to younger siblings. I hope we're going some way to reducing the impact of the toy industry on our environment."
As well as supporting Fair Trade and Organic products, Vicki and Caroline believe strongly in supporting local businesses. They stock Skibz, a funky dribble bib designed by Charlton Musgrove mum Helen Bristol, as well as children's wellington boots, umbrellas and raincoats from Briers, based in Wincanton. AbPac supplies their recyclable packaging and their stationery and computer supplies are bought locally too.
Apple Tree Toys is adding hundreds of competitively-priced products to its web site and will shortly be extending its range of clothing.
The sisters are thrilled to be able to share their passion for traditional toys and gifts with children of all ages. "It's a dream job. Our children are happy too – they get to road-test everything!"
Visit www.appletreetoys.co.uk to view their quality range of traditional, wooden and educational toys for children of all ages.
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Reply #1 on : Tue May 04, 2010, 09:56:19
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