We did set up Maki Educational Soft Toys Ltd in November 2009. We are based in Lower Hutt.

Maki was born in Belgrade/Serbia and moved to New Zealand in 1999 and his German-born wife Christina settled here in 2006.

When we came to New Zealand we realized immediately that many of toys offered for sale here are made overseas and are neither safe nor healthy for our children.

We wanted to change this and so we began producing baby products that would avoid any harm to children, many of whom are already suffering from eczema, asthma and other illnesses.

Maki Toys, which are 100 % natural and non-toxic for children, are designed and hand made in New Zealand and each toy is original. Each piece is embroidered with hand-sewn eyes and the bodies are filled with New Zealand carded soft sheep's wool. We added a personal touch to every animal made.

These toys are based on Rudolf Steiner's Theory's and designed to encourage imaginative playing with simple shapes and colors. The child can create their own imaginative world free of outside influences.

The natural materials used, many of which are organic, are also beneficial to infant development and stimulate the senses more effectively than the "hard" materials of so many modern toys.

We believe that Rudolf Steiner's indication in early childhood education, are supportive of emotional, physical and intellectual development of children. From age six weeks is recommended, a kick-toy, a natural stuffed toy attached to the end of the crib so the child can practice moving it with legs.

Our aim is to begin a new trend in babies soft toys in New Zealand to stimulate people's thinking of what they are offering their children to play with. That mean's, not just parents, but grandparents, friends and others who are buying toys for our young ones.

Details of the products made by Maki Educational Soft Toys can be found on website at
www.makiedutoys.com