Crafted by Nature, Perfected by Hand

The Story Behind Our Woods

At Oak & Sprout, we believe every toy should have a story. That’s why we choose woods that don’t just look beautiful, but have their own natural character. For example, our vibrant Purpleheart isn’t just a colour— we had to switch to diamond-tipped blades to be able to shape one of the world’s densest woods.

Naturally Colourful, Wonderfully Unique

We never use artificial dyes. Instead, we let woods like Padauk and Purpleheart reveal their own rich hues over time. Each piece is a little bit of nature’s own artwork, making every toy one-of-a-kind.

Built to Inspire and Challenge

Toys like our Shelly Slow puzzle are crafted to be engaging again and again. We design them so that each assembly is a fresh adventure, encouraging little ones to think, explore, and build resilience—all while playing.

Want to know more?

🌿 Montessori Trench Digger (Ages 1–6)

Hand-crafted from maple, padauk & walnut—no paint, no plastic—this sturdy trencher turns real-world mechanics into calm, purposeful play. The cutter wheel spins, the arm pivots, and a child-size Allen key invites little hands to assemble, tighten, and rebuild.

Why you’ll love it

• Practical-life learning — Using the Allen key builds fine-motor control, bilateral coordination & patience (classic Montessori “real tools” work).

• Mechanics they can feel — Moving joints + spinning wheel make cause-and-effect obvious and satisfying.

• Naturally colourful — The rich reds and browns are the true colours of the wood (padauk & walnut), finished with child-safe oil.

• Heirloom-tough — Solid hardwood, rounded edges, serviceable hardware; made to keep and pass down.

• Open-ended play — Haul blocks, “cut” paths, rescue acorns—indoors or out.

Materials & care

Solid maple, padauk, walnut with steel fasteners; finished with child-safe oil/wax. Wipe with a damp cloth; re-oil as needed. Each piece is unique; grain, tone and hue vary and are just as individual as the trees they came from.

“Real tools, real wood, real learning. Kids feel how things work—and they own the result.”

Pair with our other hardwood vehicles or the 0–9 Number Puzzle for a balanced STEM + practical-life shelf.