Grimm's is one of those brands that, once you discover it, seems to be everywhere — and for good reason. But that same popularity can make it genuinely hard to know where to begin. Rainbows, building sets, semicircles, blocks, boards, cars, tops... if you've ever sat with a full cart wondering which one your child will actually love, this guide is for you.
We've helped a lot of Canadian families build their first Grimm's collection, so here's our honest, practical take on where to start — by age, by interest, and by how the pieces work together. (Want play ideas first? Our creative ways to play with a Grimm's Rainbow is a lovely place to begin.)
Start Here: The Grimm's Rainbow
If you buy one Grimm's toy, make it the classic Rainbow. Recommended for ages 3 and up, it's the piece nearly every family starts with, and the one that earns its keep longest. Toddlers and preschoolers build tunnels and bridges, and older children invent balancing challenges and marble runs. It comes in several sizes and palettes, so there's a version for every home — and it pairs beautifully with almost everything else Grimm's makes.
Think of the Rainbow as the cornerstone. Once it's in your home, the rest of the collection has something to build around.
Best Grimm's Toys by Age
Babies (ages 0–1, the early grabbers): At this stage, look for simple, smooth pieces made for grasping, holding, and exploring safely. Lovely first Grimm's toys include the Rainbow Boat Grasping Toy and the Natural Beads Grasper.
Toddlers (ages 1–2, the explorers): As little ones start to move, push, and build, these are wonderful next steps: the Wooden Red Truck, the Pull-Along Truck with Rainbow Building Blocks, the Small Convertible Car with Rainbow Friend, and the grow-with-them Large Mosaic Building Set.
Preschoolers (the builders & storytellers, ages 2–4): This is where Grimm's really opens up. The classic Rainbow and stacking toys are recommended for ages 3 and up, and they shine in these years — building tunnels, bridges, and towers. Extend the play with the Rainbow Building Boards and Large Rainbow Semi-Circles for ramps and bridges.
Big builders (ages 3–5+): Ready for a real building challenge? Our bestselling Large Stepped Pyramid (100 blocks) and the colourful 1001 Nights Building Set are showstoppers — endlessly versatile for towers, castles, marble runs, and elaborate builds that hold attention for years. The Four Elements Building Set is wonderful in this range too.
Best Grimm's Toys by Interest
- The little architect: Large Stepped Pyramid, 1001 Nights Building Set, Mosaic Building Set, Four Elements Building Set, building boards.
- The storyteller: Convertible cars with Rainbow Friends, peg dolls, the Rainbow as a stage.
- The colour-and-pattern lover: Semi-circles, spinning tops, and the Rainbow for sorting and mandalas.
- The on-the-go toddler: The Wooden Red Truck, the Pull-Along Truck, and a small convertible car all travel and tumble beautifully.
How to Build a Grimm's Collection Over Time
One of the smartest things about Grimm's is that you don't need to buy it all at once. Start with the Rainbow, then add pieces that connect to it — boards and semicircles for bigger builds, blocks for architecture, cars and peg dolls for stories. Each new piece multiplies what your child can do with the ones they already have, which makes Grimm's wonderful for birthdays and holidays: every gift expands the world rather than replacing it.
A Quick Word on Quality and Care
Grimm's toys are handcrafted in Germany from European wood, finished with water-based colour glazes and plant oils, and tested to strict European safety standards. To keep them beautiful, spot-clean with a damp cloth — never submerge them in water or use harsh disinfectants. Cared for gently, a Grimm's set will last for generations and pass easily from one child to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Grimm's toy to buy first? The classic Grimm's Rainbow. It suits the widest age range, offers the most ways to play, and pairs with nearly everything else in the range — making it the ideal cornerstone for a growing collection.
Are Grimm's toys worth the price? For families who value quality and longevity, yes. Grimm's toys are handcrafted in Germany to last for generations, and their open-ended design means one set is played with in dozens of ways across many years — and often handed down to siblings and cousins. A single piece tends to outlast a whole bin of cheaper plastic toys.
What age are Grimm's toys for? There's something for every stage. Grasping toys suit babies (ages 0–1); trucks, cars, and the Large Mosaic Building Set are lovely from age 1 and up; the Rainbow and stacking toys are recommended for ages 3 and up; and the larger building sets are wonderful from around ages 3–5 and up. Most pieces grow with your child rather than being outgrown.
Are Grimm's toys Montessori or Waldorf? Grimm's is inspired by both Waldorf and Montessori principles, with open-ended, natural designs that support independent, child-led play.
Where can I buy Grimm's in Canada? Right here at The Playful Peacock. We're a Canadian, mom-run toy shop and we carry a wide Grimm's range — a reliable home for the brand for families across Canada.
Ready to Begin?
Start with the Rainbow, add as your child grows, and let the collection build itself over time. There's no wrong place to begin — only the joy of watching simple wooden shapes become whatever your child dreams up next.