Country Toys Leads Renaissance in Wooden Toys.

OLALLA, Wash. -- A Pacific Northwest company, Country Toys, is leading a renaissance back to wooden toys utilizing modern manufacturing techniques and innovative designs. Dennis Nixon, owner and product designer for Country Toys, said, "We go to great lengths to incorporate physical movement into each of our toys. We want them to engage the child and maintain his or her attention." The primary material used is soft ponderosa pine, with heartwood also incorporated in some toys for contrast.

There are many advantages to wood over plastic toys, according to Nixon. Plastic toys often break in a short period of time and end up in landfills. There is also a positive health factor to unfinished wood toys, which use natural processes to draw bacteria beneath the surface. Maureen Nixon, Country Toys CEO, likes to draw this comparison with other products: "You know how kids will often play with the box of a gift? With our toys the children actually choose to play with the toy."

Dennis Nixon decided to manufacture toys after a series of strokes sent him through a process of reevaluating his life. He realized there were two things he loved: Children and woodworking. The result has become Country Toys, and his dream of placing a well-constructed wooden toy in the hands of children has been realized. The company is currently selling in retail outlets and through its website www.countrytoys.net. Individual purchases may be made from the e-store. Wholesale inquiries are also gratefully received.

"These wooden toys are spectacular. There is nothing ordinary about them, and they really are our children's favorite toys," said Abby Anderson, one of Country Toys original customers. For example, Role Along Duck represents all that Country Toys builds into its toys. The wooden head and tail feathers create a cradle while four over-sized wheels generate the necessary action to roll and tumble a large egg in the small of the duck's back. "We've heard it has even made its way to the parents' desks as a stress reliever," said Nixon.

A Northwest favorite, the All-A-Board Ferry boat has low profile wheels to keep the deck low for boarding passengers and vehicles (included). At 15" long and over 8" tall, there is plenty of room for cargo aboard this vessel. Children like to load and unload the cars and see how many they can fit inside.

Country Toys is a family affair. Nixon built his first toy for his son nearly 18 years ago. Now Matt is building and finishing toys in the family trade. Matt envisions taking over the physical construction of the toys from his dad someday to allow Dennis more time to focus on designing newer innovative toys. One such toy is Horses Merry-Go-Round. A horse pulls his friends on a merry-go-round that spins as he gallops along.

Country Toys is continuously adding new products -- not just toys, but gifts as well -- to its unique and diverse offering. Country Toys' unique salmon and Orca cutting boards are making their appearance in retail outlets. Country Toys also develops new products through special requests. A few years ago, Nixon was contracted to build a toy box engraved with a personal message. "Several people saw the toy box before we shipped it, and the feedback was very positive," he said. "So we decided to build a few more and see how they sold." The finished product was so well received that a similar toy box is now part of the product line.

Founded in 2001, Country Toys develops creatively unique wooden toys and gifts with an unrelenting commitment to quality. A family-run business located in the Pacific Northwest, Country Toys is located in Olalla, Washington. Those wishing to learn more about Country Toys may call 253-857-4707 or visit its website at www.countrytoys.net