Gifts for the Little Naturalist

Gifts for the Little Naturalist

Gifts for the kid who comes home with pockets full of rocks — wooden tree sets, felt play sets, nature books, craft kits and treasures for little ones who’d rather be outside.

You know the type (you might be raising one). They stop to look at every bug. They want to know what kind of tree that is. They collect pinecones with the seriousness of a museum curator. These are the gifts that meet all that curiosity with something worth exploring.

You’ll find hand-carved wooden animals and forest creatures, felt play sets, beautiful nature books, craft kits for making things from what they’ve found, and plenty of pieces for building whole little outdoor worlds on the living room rug.

What’s a good gift for a child who loves nature?
Wooden animals, nature books, craft kits and play sets all work beautifully. The best nature gifts give a child something to look closely at, collect, build with, or learn from — the same things they’re already doing outside.

What are good outdoor gifts for kids?
Treasures that travel well and reward curiosity. Nature-themed books, collecting and craft supplies, and sturdy wooden toys that can head outdoors are all lovely for children who spend their days exploring.

What’s a good gift for a child who collects things?
Collectible wooden animals and figures are perfect — children can add to a collection over time, arrange and rearrange it, and build their own little worlds with it. Books about the natural world suit a collector’s mind beautifully too.

Why is nature play good for children?
Time spent noticing the natural world builds curiosity, patience, focus and a gentle respect for living things. Nature-themed toys and books carry that same wonder indoors when the weather won’t cooperate.

Where can I buy nature toys and gifts in Canada?
Right here at The Playful Peacock. We’re a Canadian, mom-run toy shop, and we ship across Canada, hand-packed with care.

Find something worth bringing home — they’ll want to tell you all about it.

Gifts for the kid who comes home with pockets full of rocks — wooden tree sets, felt play sets, nature books, craft kits and treasures for little ones who’d rather be outside.

You know the type (you might be raising one). They stop to look at every bug. They want to know what kind of tree that is. They collect pinecones with the seriousness of a museum curator. These are the gifts that meet all that curiosity with something worth exploring.

You’ll find hand-carved wooden animals and forest creatures, felt play sets, beautiful nature books, craft kits for making things from what they’ve found, and plenty of pieces for building whole little outdoor worlds on the living room rug.

What’s a good gift for a child who loves nature?
Wooden animals, nature books, craft kits and play sets all work beautifully. The best nature gifts give a child something to look closely at, collect, build with, or learn from — the same things they’re already doing outside.

What are good outdoor gifts for kids?
Treasures that travel well and reward curiosity. Nature-themed books, collecting and craft supplies, and sturdy wooden toys that can head outdoors are all lovely for children who spend their days exploring.

What’s a good gift for a child who collects things?
Collectible wooden animals and figures are perfect — children can add to a collection over time, arrange and rearrange it, and build their own little worlds with it. Books about the natural world suit a collector’s mind beautifully too.

Why is nature play good for children?
Time spent noticing the natural world builds curiosity, patience, focus and a gentle respect for living things. Nature-themed toys and books carry that same wonder indoors when the weather won’t cooperate.

Where can I buy nature toys and gifts in Canada?
Right here at The Playful Peacock. We’re a Canadian, mom-run toy shop, and we ship across Canada, hand-packed with care.

Find something worth bringing home — they’ll want to tell you all about it.

The Playful Peacock Difference

  • About the Playful Peacock

    The Playful Peacock was created in 2021 to curate creative, open-ended play for curious children. The Playful Peacock is privileged to operate in Tkaronto/Toronto. 

  • Quality Toys Designed to Last 

    We are steadfast in our selection of toy makers that we work with.

     Our offerings are from Canadian, female-owned, BIPOC and/or family-owned brands that are firmly rooted in environmental practices with strong ethical standards. We adamantly align ourselves with makers we are proud of and who are equally dedicated to sustainability, transparency and ethical labour, including paying living and fair wages. The majority of the toys these brands make are handmade, natural wooden toys that forge limitless play for kids to enjoy for years.

  • The Handmade Difference

    The Playful Peacock’s toys are built with quality and care to last for generations. All of the toys are safe and made with individualized love and attention using a high-caliber of materials and finishes that do not include any harmful additives. Our toys will quickly become an heirloom through their high-quality and endless enjoyment. 

  • Materials Matter

    Plastic toys are typically mass-produced and easily breakable. These toys can contribute to sweatshops, unfair labour conditions and pollution in general.

    While wooden toys are a step in the right direction, not all wooden toys are made the same. There are many wooden dupes to be aware of cheap, mass-produced wooden toys that are just as harmful as plastic! For example, softwood and plywood can chip and splinter easily, while non-handcrafted wooden toys often are filled with harmful toxic paints, finishes, and sealants. 

    Consciously opting for ethical, handcrafted wooden toys (renewable wood is even better) is safer for your child, is way more dependable and a kinder contributor to our already fragile planet. 

    The manufacturing process our makers use considers Mother Earth first through strict FSC Certifications, non-toxic paint, and planet-friendly materials across every single product. After placing an order, you will receive your newly beloved toy in 99% plastic-free, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable packaging, down to the stickers and tape.

  • The Right Toy At The Right Time 

    Children are naturally drawn to play toys that they can master and that is right for their particular stage of development.

    With a wide range of toys available for kids ages 0-1, 1-2, 2-3 and 3+,  you can ensure the toy is safe, age-appropriate, and developmentally appropriate, too. The majority of our toys focus on fun and subtle learning, and open-ended play, while being Montessori approved.

  • Ethical Toys Making A Difference 

    We are a purpose-first brand and a business second.

    With a deep awareness that the toy industry must do better, we are committed to our part through advocacy for a range of social justice causes, environmental advancement and stringent criteria for makers. We are changemakers and give back through every purchase by donating meals to children in need across 26 Indigenous communities within Canada.