HearthSong Toys Inspire Creative Play

Jump Start Imaginative Play with Creative Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving

Creative play is an essential part of childhood. The open-ended nature of creative play encourages children to use their imagination to the fullest. Creative toys also foster a sense of independence that helps children learn about themselves and their world. Hence, some of the best children's toys are those that inspire creative play. While there are many companies that sell high-quality creative toys, HearthSong is one of my favorites.

HearthSong was founded in 1983 by Barbara Kane, whose goal was to provide parents with age-appropriate educational toys, and wholesome toys that promoted creative play. The name HearthSong was chosen to reflect core family values: the Hearth as a traditional symbol of the home, coupled with Song to represent family spirit and playfulness.

The first HearthSong catalog was printed in black and white with pencil drawings of carefully chosen children's toys and books, and mailed from Barbara's home. The company has grown considerably over the last 25 years and today, HearthSong is nationally known for its quality selection of creative toys, fun games and crafts, educational toys, and unique playthings you won't find anywhere else.

Now, their beautiful photographed, full-color catalog offers 60 to 90 pages of "Toys You'll Feel Good About Giving" (the HearthSong slogan), and their comprehensive website is professionally done and easy to shop. One of the coolest things about the HearthSong website is that you can browse the entire print catalog online - every single page! I still love getting their print catalog in the mail, but I enjoy looking at it online as well.

Major categories on the website include: Shop by Age, Toys & Games, Arts & Crafts, At Home, Gift Ideas and On Sale. You can also shop online by featured collections: HearthSong Exclusives, Made in the USA, Award Winners, Web Exclusives, and What's New. They have an Outdoor Fun section that includes tons of active toys, as well as fun gardening products and outdoor sports.