Ostheimer Wooden Toys

What Makes Ostheimer Wooden Figures Unique?

Ostheimer figures occupy a distinct place in the world of natural wooden toys. Unlike mass-produced figurines, every Ostheimer piece is shaped, sanded, and painted by hand by skilled craftspeople in their family-owned workshop in southern Germany. The figures are carved from sustainably sourced linden wood — prized for its smooth, fine grain — and painted with diluted water-based stains that allow the natural wood grain to show through. The result is a figure that feels alive: warm to the touch, gentle in color, and full of quiet character.

Ostheimer's design philosophy is rooted in the Waldorf tradition, which holds that toys should leave room for the child's imagination. You won't find cartoonish expressions or bright plastic finishes here. Instead, each animal and human figure has a serene, open face that allows children to project whatever story they're living into the play. This "unfinished" quality is intentional — and it's exactly why Ostheimer toys are beloved by Waldorf educators, Montessori families, and parents who value open-ended, screen-free play.

Shop Ostheimer Wooden Toys by Category

Ostheimer Animal Figures

Ostheimer's animal collection is the heart of the brand. From the majestic Icelandic horse and the gentle family cow to wild animals like lions, polar bears, and elephants, each figure is sculpted with naturalistic proportions and a signature soft finish. Farm animals are a perennial bestseller — children love recreating barnyard scenes, and the pieces pair beautifully with wooden barns and fences. Forest animals including deer, foxes, rabbits, and hedgehogs are perfect for nature table displays and imaginative woodland play. Safari and wild animal figures bring the wider world into the playroom, sparking curiosity and early learning about biodiversity.

Ostheimer Nativity Sets & Christmas Figures

Ostheimer nativity figures are among the most sought-after wooden Christmas decorations for families and collectors. Carved in the same linden wood as the animal collection, the nativity set includes Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, the Three Kings, shepherds, angels, and a full complement of animals. The figures are designed to be handled — children can play with them, arrange them, and return to them year after year. Many families start with a small Ostheimer nativity starter set and add pieces over the years, creating a cherished family heirloom. Ostheimer also offers a beautiful range of Christmas angels, stars, and decorative elements for seasonal displays.

Ostheimer Fairy Tale & Fantasy Figures

Bring classic stories to life with Ostheimer's fairy tale and fantasy collection. Knights, queens, witches, dwarfs, and flower children populate a world of imagination that children never outgrow. The Ostheimer knight's castle and fairy tale castle sets are spectacular centerpieces for gift giving and play. Flower children — small, whimsical figures representing the seasons — are especially popular for Waldorf seasonal tables and are collected year-round.

Ostheimer Family & Farm Play Sets

Ostheimer's family and farm figures are ideal first wooden toys for toddlers and preschoolers. The farm family set — including a farmer, farmer's wife, and children — encourages role play, empathy, and social storytelling. Pair them with Ostheimer's horses, cows, sheep, and pigs for a complete farm play world. Wooden trees, stables, and landscape pieces complete the scene and create a tactile, imaginative environment that grows with your child.

Ostheimer Toddler Collection

Designed specifically for little hands, Ostheimer's toddler range features extra-smooth finishes and chunky proportions ideal for babies and toddlers aged 12 months and up. Natural wood grasping toys, wooden vehicles, and baby-safe animal figures introduce the youngest children to the sensory pleasures of real wood play — no batteries, no noise, no screens.

Who Are Ostheimer Toys For?

Ostheimer wooden toys are beloved by a wide range of families, but they're an especially perfect fit for:

• Waldorf & Montessori families seeking open-ended, imagination-first toys that align with their educational philosophy
• Parents of toddlers ages 1–6 looking for safe, non-toxic wooden toys that encourage fine motor development and creative play
• Grandparents and gift-givers searching for a meaningful, heirloom-quality toy that will be treasured for years
• Collectors and educators who appreciate the artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage of handcrafted German wooden toys
• Nature table enthusiasts who build seasonal displays with natural materials throughout the year

Why Buy Ostheimer from Hazel & Fawn?

Hazel & Fawn is a specialty children's boutique in Missoula, Montana, and an authorized Ostheimer retailer. We hand-select our Ostheimer inventory with care, focusing on the figures and sets that families in our community love most. Every order ships from our Missoula shop, and our team is happy to help with gifting recommendations, age-appropriate suggestions, and building out a collection over time. Whether you're local to Missoula or shopping from anywhere in the U.S., you'll find our Ostheimer selection curated with the same intention we bring to everything in the store.

Ostheimer Wooden Toys FAQ

What wood are Ostheimer figures made from?

Ostheimer figures are primarily carved from linden wood (also called basswood or Tilia), a fine-grained, lightweight hardwood that is ideal for hand carving. Some pieces in the toddler and landscape collections use other domestic European woods. All wood is sustainably sourced, and Ostheimer operates its own forest management program as part of its environmental commitment.

Are Ostheimer toys safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes. All Ostheimer toys are painted with water-based, non-toxic stains and are CE certified, meaning they meet European toy safety standards. Ostheimer's toddler collection is specifically designed for children 12 months and up. As with any small toy, check individual product dimensions if you have concerns about choking hazards for children under 3.

Are Ostheimer toys Waldorf approved?

Ostheimer toys are not officially "approved" by any Waldorf organization, but they are deeply aligned with Waldorf educational principles and are among the most widely used wooden toys in Waldorf kindergartens and homes worldwide. Their open-ended design, natural materials, and soft, undetailed faces reflect the Waldorf philosophy of leaving space for the child's imagination.

How do Ostheimer figures compare to Holztiger?

Both are exceptional German wooden toy brands, but they have distinct personalities. Holztiger figures are more boldly carved with sharper definition and richer color — great for realistic, detailed animal play. Ostheimer figures are softer in shape and more muted in color, with a distinctly handmade, folk-art quality that lends itself to storytelling, seasonal displays, and Waldorf play. Many families collect both. If you're unsure which is right for your child, our team is happy to help you choose.

What age are Ostheimer wooden toys suitable for?

The Ostheimer toddler collection is designed for ages 12 months and up. The majority of the animal, farm, and fairy tale figures are appropriate for ages 3 and up, as some smaller pieces may pose a choking hazard for younger children. The nativity and collector pieces are suitable for all ages, including adult collectors and seasonal display use.

Can Ostheimer figures be used on a Waldorf nature table?

Absolutely — this is one of the most popular uses for Ostheimer figures. The seasonal flower children, animals, and fairy tale figures are perfectly scaled and styled for Waldorf nature table displays. Many families use Ostheimer figures to mark the turning of the seasons, placing forest animals in autumn, nativity figures at winter, and flower children in spring.

How do I care for Ostheimer wooden toys?

Ostheimer figures are easy to care for. Simply wipe with a slightly damp cloth if needed and allow to air dry. Avoid soaking or submersing in water, and keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the natural wood stain colors. Occasionally treating the wood with a small amount of natural beeswax or wood oil can help maintain the finish on well-loved pieces.

Does Hazel & Fawn carry the full Ostheimer collection?

We carry a curated selection of Ostheimer's most popular figures, including animals, farm sets, nativity figures, and seasonal pieces. If you're looking for a specific figure you don't see listed, reach out to our team — we're happy to check availability and special order items when possible.