HolzWald: handmade wooden figures to collect
A hedgehog, an alpaca, a fish with a curved dorsal fin: the figures by HolzWald are handmade, hand-painted and designed so that children build their own stories from them. Here is an overview of the worlds and of what to look out for when buying.
Four worlds to collect
The range is ordered by habitat: forest and meadow, farm, underwater and a fairy-tale world. The hedgehog belongs to the forest and meadow world and measures about 7.3 cm in length – small enough for a trouser pocket, big enough to grip well. Children do not have to choose one world: a hedgehog can join the farm animals, and that is the whole point.
From the farm to under water
The Moorish Idol is one of the flatter figures at 5 cm high and 1.5 cm wide – it sits well in the hand and can be «swum» across the table. The underwater world works well as a second collection once the first forest animals are there.
Something bigger to start with
Not every figure is the same size or price: small animals cost 11 to 15 francs, larger ones such as the alpaca at around 15 cm tall or the horse just under 30. That makes the range suitable as a gift in both directions – as a small souvenir from a day out or as a proper birthday present.
Hand-painted with natural colours
All figures are made from wood by hand, sanded smooth and painted with natural colours by Biofa. As a result no figure is exactly like another – grain and brushstroke always turn out slightly differently. The Maya fairy belongs to the fairy-tale world, was created together with Wonder + Wild and comes with an illustrated postcard – she is expressly not intended for children under 3 years and is available in limited numbers only.
Free play instead of instructions
Figures without mechanics, without batteries and without a prescribed storyline are the opposite of toys that can do only one thing. Why that lasts longer is explained in the guides Why wooden toys and open-ended play. The animals combine well with building blocks as an enclosure or landscape.
Frequently asked questions
From what age are the figures suitable?
With the Maya fairy it is stated expressly: not for children under 3 years. For the animal figures we have no age guidance from the manufacturer. The smaller ones measure 4 to 8 cm and thus fit into a child's mouth – as long as your child still takes things there, they belong in their hands only under supervision. Which toys suit when is covered in the overview Toys by age.
What does «Biofa colours» mean?
Biofa is a manufacturer of natural paints and varnishes. The figures are painted with those instead of conventional lacquer – a point that counts when toys end up in small hands and occasionally at the mouth after all.
How are wooden figures cared for?
Wipe with a damp cloth and let dry. Do not soak, do not put in the dishwasher: wood swells, and painted wood loses colour in the process. Treated properly, the figures outlast several children.
Do the worlds go together?
Yes. All figures are made in the same manner. The sizes differ considerably, though – from the 4 cm fish to the 15 cm alpaca. In free play the scale is beside the point anyway.
You will find all figures in the HolzWald collection – more in the same vein under wooden toys.