New Toy Garnering Attention

Newly launched sustainable toy brand Claymates is making waves with its Montessori-inspired, imaginative play products. The Boston-based brand was named “Toy of the Year” by National Parenting Product Awards and claimed a slot on The Toy Insider’s list of “Best Toys for Summer 2024.”

Wooden figures, designed to represent a diverse group of family and friends, are ready to be dressed with clay (included in the kits), pipe cleaners, or whatever a youngster can dream up. Claymates CEO and founder Matthew Johnson was inspired by his father, a skilled woodworker with a passion for education. “In his workshop, he carefully handcrafted a set of wooden figures, each with its own unique characteristics and charm,” he remembers. “To honor my father’s legacy and bring his dream to life, I decided to take on the project of transforming his handmade wooden figures into Claymates. By combining my father’s original vision with modern toy design and educational insights, I aimed to create a toy that would not only captivate children’s imaginations but also foster their creativity, problem-solving skills, and love for learning.”

Available in an array of wood tones, the figures are handcrafted in Maine with locally sourced wood. Claymates offers various sets, including the Starter Set of 2 ($24), the Family of 4 ($33–$63), and the Family of 6 ($54–$84), with sustainable packaging.