Toy Trunk, a Pune-based startup founded by architects, is revolutionizing the concept of toys for children aged between 0 and 8.

Their handmade toys are meticulously crafted following thorough research on the motor and cognitive development of children. Collaborating with traditional artisans, they utilize non-toxic, eco-friendly materials such as wood and lac in their production process.

Emphasizing on the crucial role early childhood experiences play in shaping a child’s cognitive and social abilities, Priyanka, one of the founders, states, “Toy Trunk aims to create awareness among parents about the transformative potential of toys in a child’s overall growth.”

She further elaborates on the meticulous handcrafting of the toys, highlighting that while some machine cutting is involved in shaping the base, the intricate detailing, coloring, and finishing are all meticulously done by hand.

Co-founders of Toy Trunk making eco-friendly toys
Co-founders Priyanka Mangaonkar-Vaiude and Ajay Vaidya

Finding inspiration

Priyanka, an accomplished architect and interior designer with a profound interest in craft and technology, draws inspiration from her extensive academic tenure in India’s academic landscape. The inception of Toy Trunk stemmed from a research paper she co-authored with architect Minu Joshi, focusing on reviving traditional woodcraft practices in the Konkan region of Sawantwadi, renowned for its toy-making heritage.

Reflecting on the genesis of Toy Trunk, Priyanka recalls, “Instead of merely conceptualizing strategies, we envisioned implementing them in a tangible manner.” The idea took root during the COVID-19 lockdown when Priyanka, a mother herself, grappled with restricting her son’s screen time. The dearth of engaging and development-centric toys prompted her to delve deeper into child development theories.

Motivated to redesign traditional toys in collaboration with artisans to foster holistic child development, Priyanka also aimed to preserve age-old woodcraft practices in regions like Sawantwadi.

Complementing Priyanka’s vision, Ajay, an architect specializing in human ergonomics, echoed the concerns of excessive screen exposure during the pandemic, especially among children. Their shared commitment to off-screen engagement and child development led them to participate in the ‘Toycathon 2021,’ a national competition organized by the Indian government. Their commendable performance culminated in the establishment of Toy Trunk in April 2021, with the official website launch following in May 2022.

Check out these eco-friendly toys
Eco-friendly toys by Toy Trunk (Left: Threading shapes; Right: A child playing with rope stilts)

Employing research to make toys

Citing insights from neuroscience studies emphasizing that 85% of brain development occurs by age eight, Toy Trunk’s toys are meticulously designed to facilitate optimal experiences crucial for early brain development.

Highlighting some of their developmental toys, Priyanka underscores the significance of tools that bolster social skills in children aged three to eight. The pretend play kitchen set, for instance, nurtures empathy, language skills, and problem-solving abilities by encouraging children to view situations from various perspectives.

Detailing the design process, Priyanka shares, “Drawing on principles of ergonomics and human proportions acquired during our architectural training, we meticulously crafted the kitchen set to ensure optimal usability and appeal. Extensive testing and iterations were conducted to refine the design, with a deliberate choice of natural wood finishes over lacquer colors.”

This kitchen set is part of Toy Trunk's eco-friendly toys collection
Toy Trunk’s wooden kitchen set for children is part of their collection of eco-friendly toys

Furthermore, in alignment with her son’s unconventional school’s focus on experiential learning, Priyanka stresses the importance of tools that enhance muscle development before transitioning to writing tasks.

Through their thoughtful approach and commitment to enriching childhood experiences, Toy Trunk epitomizes a paradigm shift in educational toys, blending tradition with innovation to foster holistic child development.

Developmental Toys: A Closer Look at Innovative Approaches

Children’s toys play a vital role in their overall development, aiding them in honing essential skills from a young age. Two passionate individuals, Priyanka and Ajay, have embarked on a journey to revolutionize the concept of developmental toys through their venture, Toy Trunk. Here, we delve into the innovative approaches adopted by Toy Trunk in crafting toys that not only entertain but also nurture a child’s cognitive and physical growth.

Table of Contents:

Importance of Developmental Toys

Developmental toys serve as more than mere playthings; they are educational tools that facilitate the growth of crucial motor and cognitive skills. According to Priyanka, “Toys are instrumental in enhancing a child’s fine motor skills and cognitive abilities from an early age.”

Focus on Bilateral Movement

Ajay emphasizes the significance of activities that promote bilateral movement in children. “Our threading shapes toy not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also fosters the recognition of geometric shapes, setting it apart from conventional threading toys in the market,” he highlights.

Reviving Traditional Indian Toys

While acknowledging the value of traditional Indian wooden toys as developmental aids, Priyanka sheds light on a lesser-known gem – the peacock wobbler. She explains, “This indigenous toy aids in strengthening an infant’s neck and shoulder muscles, paving the way for crucial milestones like crawling and walking.”

Embracing Sustainability

At the core of Toy Trunk’s philosophy lies a strong commitment to sustainability. Priyanka and Ajay stress that all their products are crafted from eco-friendly materials such as wood and fabric, steering clear of harmful plastic derivatives. Priyanka elaborates, “Utilizing natural hues like turmeric for coloring, our toys are devoid of toxic substances, ensuring a safe play environment for children.”

Empowering Artisans

Through collaborations with traditional artisans, Toy Trunk aims to revitalize India’s age-old toy-making clusters. Ajay highlights their partnership with artisans from Channapatna, renowned for their exquisite lacquerware crafted from natural dyes. By engaging with these artisans, Toy Trunk not only preserves heritage crafts but also nurtures sustainable livelihoods.

Innovative Business Strategy

Operating on a direct-to-consumer model, Toy Trunk leverages online platforms to showcase and sell its creations. Ajay reveals, “Our collaborations with master craftsmen follow a per-order framework, ensuring efficient communication and timely production.” With a vision to expand their presence on leading e-commerce portals, Toy Trunk aims to scale its operations while staying true to its ethos of empowerment and sustainability.

In their pursuit of sustainable growth and impactful change, Priyanka and Ajay envision Toy Trunk as not just a brand but a catalyst for social transformation. By amalgamating traditional artistry with contemporary sensibilities, Toy Trunk paves the way for a holistic approach to child development through play.