What makes a toy last a lifetime? From handcrafted wooden toys by Grimm’s and Bumbu to soft companions by Senger Naturwelt and Nanchen Natur, explore the beauty of heirloom toys made to be cherished and passed on.
NAIDOC Week is a meaningful opportunity for both children and adults to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through hands-on activities like play, art, and creative expression — approaches that best honour the world's oldest continuous cultures.
First Nations Australians have a rich artistic tradition spanning over 20,000 years, beginning with rock art like hand stencils, which served as personal markers and territorial signs. While their techniques have evolved to include canvas and paper, natural materials remain central to their art.
Read and learn about other Dreamtime or Creation stories featuring Australia's native animals, then try creating them with DAS Modelling Clay. As an alternative, you can use STOCKMAR Modelling Beeswax (which is reusable) or Alkena Modelling Wax Clay in the colours of the Australian earth to add to your Rainbow Serpent and bring other stories to life.
We recently created and presented an interactive and engaging school workshop - Play the Planet-Friendly Way! - designed to introduce children to the concept of sustainability through something they all love - toys! What a joy to help children see how the choices they make, even in play, can contribute to a healthier planet! We’d love to bring our workshop to more schools across Australia. Contact us to find out more!
