Waters & Greens

There are no set instructions - free play and free movement (the Pikler philosophy) are the guiding ideas. Children climb on, sit in, spin, stack, knock over, fill, carry and build with the elements, discovering new uses through imagination. Recommended from age one and up.

It depends on the child's age and intended use. The Original Rainbow (six colourful Originals) is the bestseller and a great starting point at home. The Board can be bought as part of the Original Rainbow Set or separately, opening up more play options (e.g. as an ergonomic desk stool or for balance courses). More elements mean more play possibilities.

Yes - all Stapelstein® elements can be combined with one another.

There are deliberately no slip nubs, as these would limit play ideas and recyclability. On slippery floors, elements can slip if stepped on hastily or on one side. A carpet, yoga mat, or stepping on from above helps prevent this. Adult supervision is always recommended.

Made 100% in Germany in an energy-efficient facility, from Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) - 100% recyclable, free of blowing agents or plasticizers. Mint, Black and Rose contain some recycled material (with Rose up to 92% recycled content). EPP is insulating, so it feels warm even in cold conditions. Both products are food-safe, certified, and safe to mouth. Sharp objects (e.g. small teeth) may leave small blemishes but won't affect stability.

The Original weighs 180g and holds up to 180kg; the Board weighs 268g and holds up to 120kg. Both are water-repellent, weather-resistant and UV-tested (retain colour after sun exposure). EPP is a "living material" - avoid permanent outdoor/wet storage, and dry pieces individually after outdoor play.

Usable indoors and outdoors. Remove coarse dirt with clear water and a brush, then dry pieces individually after contact with water. Light colours can show marks easier and may be harder to fully clean.

Not quite. Dupes may look similar but often skip the manufacturing transparency and tested materials of the original - even when a copy claims to use EPP, the consistency and additive-free colouring can't be guaranteed. Stapelstein® is also made in a climate-neutral German facility, with some colours containing recycled material (Rose up to 92%), and, as a steward-owned company, keeps profits tied to its purpose rather than shareholder returns - something a dupe simply can't replicate.

Stapelstein® is structured so that profits are directed back into the company's purpose rather than to individual shareholders or outside investors. There's no owner extracting personal profit - growth is purposeful and sustainable, with some profits going back to communities in need.