FAQs

You are not just buying a toy—you are creating what play looks like in your home. The kind of play you remember—before screens—when simple wooden toys meant endless ways to play. When you buy from us, you are supporting Canadian craftsmanship and locally sourced materials that keep traditions and communities thriving.

Yes—every toy and game is made right here in Nova Scotia. Each piece is designed, built, and finished in our workshop. Some wooden components (like wheels, pegs, dowels, and balls) are sourced elsewhere, but the toys themselves are made here in Canada. The one exception is our return top, which is assembled and branded in Canada.

Toy Maker of Lunenburg was founded in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1979, and we have chosen to keep the name as part of that history. While the workshop now operates closer to Halifax, the same approach to craftsmanship continues—working with Canadian wood and creating toys designed to last for generations.

Yes—our products are available in select independent stores across Canada, especially in Nova Scotia. Each store carries only a limited selection, so the easiest way to find a specific item is to order directly from our website. If there is a local shop you love, feel free to ask them to carry our products—we are always open to new retailers.

Ash, maple, and pine are used for toys and game boxes. Baltic birch plywood is used for puzzles and board games. Outdoor child care products are made from hemlock. Timber boards are made from marine plywood to withstand moisture.

Sustainably sourced lumber from Canadian suppliers. A natural, durable material chosen to last.

Most outdoor child care products are made from hemlock, chosen for its natural resistance to rot and pests while remaining more affordable than cedar. Outdoor timber boards are made from marine-grade plywood to better withstand moisture and outdoor conditions.

Some toys—like building blocks, stackers, and tracing boards—are sanded smooth but left unfinished. Most natural wood toys are finished with food-grade oils. Coloured toys use water-based, non-toxic stains and lacquer from Germany.

For larger outdoor items—like balance beams, ramps, xylophones, mud kitchens, rocking boards, sandboxes, and play huts—Eco Wood Treatment is used, a non-toxic, water-based treatment designed for lasting outdoor protection. Water channels are finished with a food-grade oil. Timber boards use marine-grade plywood to handle moisture.

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid soaking or harsh cleaners.

Keep in a dry, well-ventilated space and avoid leaving items wet for long periods. Wipe with a damp cloth if needed—no soaking or harsh cleaners.

Yes—we do. And we have seen it all. Wheels that became dog toys. Missing pegs. The occasional runaway marble. It happens. If something goes missing, send us an email with what you need and we will do our best to help. Small parts like wheels, pegs, and game pieces are usually free—we just ask that you cover the cost of shipping. We want your toys and games to keep being used, not sit on a shelf because one piece went missing.

Yes—you can. And if you have a push duck, chances are it has been very well loved. Just like a car needs new tires after many miles, a push duck may need new flappy feet after many, many walks. Those big feet are designed to make that signature clapping sound—but all that joy can come with a bit of wear over time. The design actually came from a customer. Years ago at a craft show, a great-great-grandmother told us she had bought push ducks for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—and that the feet should be bigger to make more noise. We took her advice, and she was right. The bigger flappy feet have been a favourite ever since.

To swap the feet, cut the old ones off and glue the new ones on using white glue. We have not found a reliable way to reattach the original feet, so installing a new set is the best option.

If your duck needs a fresh set of wheels, send us an email and we will help you get what you need. We ask that you cover the cost of shipping. If you are in the Halifax area, you are welcome to drop off your duck and pick it up once it is ready.

Our toys are made from Canadian-sourced wood and crafted in small batches in our Nova Scotia workshop—not mass-produced in large factories. We focus on simple, open-ended toys that invite children to explore, create, and play in their own way. Made from natural materials and built to last, these are toys meant to be used, loved, and returned to—again and again. They are often the toys that stay in use the longest.

This is an important question. Our toys are designed for open-ended play—meaning there is no “right” way to use them. Children can build, explore, and create their own ideas, which keeps them coming back again and again.

Wood offers a different kind of play experience—one that is warmer, textured, and full of natural variation. Even in spaces with pavement, fences, and plastic, wooden equipment helps bring a sense of nature back into the environment. The grain, weight, and feel of wood add to the sensory experience, while loose parts, water play, and building with larger pieces encourage movement, exploration, and physical activity. It is the kind of play that keeps children engaged longer.

Yes—gift wrapping is available for a small fee of $1.00. As a thank you for choosing us, we can include a handwritten note with your order at no cost. Add your message at checkout, and it will be written and included with your order.

Yes—they are. Not every small gesture needs to cost money. These notes are printed in-house on cardstock, in black and white, six to a page, with a simple (and very cute) panda design. They are not fancy—but that is not what matters. What matters is the message your recipient receives.

Add a note during checkout with what you would like written, and it will be included with your order. Here are a few examples: Happy first birthday, [Name]—hope you had a wonderful day. Love, [Name] Welcome to the world, [Name]. Can’t wait to meet you. Love, [Name]

Most orders within Canada qualify for free shipping over $125, with a $15 flat rate on orders under $125. Some conditions apply. Large items are different. Products such as mud kitchens, sandboxes, balance beams, ramps, water channels, timber boards, and other oversized Child Care products must be shipped by pallet due to their size and weight. Pallet shipping does not qualify for free or $15 flat-rate shipping. Pallet shipping quotes typically start around $600 and may cost more than the product itself, depending on your location and the size of your order. If you're considering a large item, please contact us before ordering for a shipping quote. Ordering several large pieces? Let us know what you're interested in. In some cases, multiple items can be shipped together on the same pallet, making better use of the freight cost.

Yes—shipping protection can be purchased at checkout for $1.99 CAD.

At this time, shipping is available within Canada only.

Most products are made to order in our workshop, so production takes time. In-stock items ship within a week. If you are ordering for a special occasion, leave a note and your order will be prioritized where possible .Each piece is made in small batches, which is why production takes time.

Free returns or exchanges are not offered once an order has shipped. Shipping wooden items is costly due to their weight, and small businesses face higher shipping costs. If you need to cancel or make a change, reach out before your order ships and it will be taken care of. If a return or exchange is needed, shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. If something arrives damaged or is not right, it will be made right.