About Us
Our Story
Hi, I'm Amanda — mum, early childhood enthusiast, and the heart behind Nurture & Growth.
When my first child was born, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of plastic, battery-powered toys flooding the market. I wanted something different - toys that felt good in little hands, that sparked real curiosity, and that I could feel genuinely confident about from a safety perspective. I wanted to know exactly what they were made from, who made them, and whether they'd actually help my child learn and grow. That search led me down a wonderful rabbit hole of Montessori philosophy, sustainable materials, and beautifully crafted wooden toys - and eventually, it led me to start Nurture & Growth.
What began as a personal mission has grown into a carefully curated collection of toys I'd happily put in my own children's hands. Every product we stock has been chosen with the same questions I asked as a new parent: Is it safe? Is it kind to the planet? And will it genuinely support my child's development? If the answer to all three isn't a confident yes, it doesn't make it onto our shelves. I'm so glad you're here — and I hope you find something that brings as much joy to your little one as it has to mine.
Our Mission
"To nurture joyful growth through safe, sustainable, and developmental play — supporting parents and inspiring children to explore with confidence."
Our Standards
We don't just take a brand's word for it. Every toy in our collection is held to a high bar, and we're proud to share exactly what that means:
- FSC-Certified Timber — Our wooden toys are crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, meaning the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and support local communities.
- Non-Toxic, Child-Safe Paints — All painted surfaces use non-toxic, child-safe paints and finishes that have been independently tested to ensure they're free from harmful chemicals — because little ones put everything in their mouths.
- Australian Safety Standards (AS/NZS) — Every product we carry meets or exceeds Australian and New Zealand safety standards (AS/NZS), giving you the peace of mind that what's in your home has been rigorously assessed for age-appropriateness and physical safety.
- Independent Testing — We work only with suppliers who conduct independent third-party testing on their products, so the safety credentials you see aren't just marketing — they're verified.
- Montessori-Inspired Design — Our toys are thoughtfully designed to support open-ended, child-led play that builds fine motor skills, problem-solving, creativity, and independence at every stage.
Our Trusted Brands
We're proud to partner with a small, carefully chosen group of brands who share our values. Here's a little about who makes the magic happen:
Tooky Toy — With a legacy stretching back to 2004, Tooky Toy has spent two decades perfecting the art of wooden educational toys. Their commitment to FSC-certified timber, non-toxic paints, and developmental design aligns perfectly with everything Nurture & Growth stands for. When you see a Tooky Toy product in our store, you can trust it's been crafted with both children and the planet in mind.
Mesmerised — Mesmerised brings a sense of wonder and artistry to children's play. Their products are designed to captivate young imaginations while meeting the same rigorous safety and sustainability standards we require of all our suppliers.
Studio Circus — Studio Circus offers a delightful range of natural wooden educational toys, brought to life with playful circus characters and soft pastel tones. Inspired by classic games and puzzles, each piece is designed to support early numeracy, literacy, motor skills and problem‑solving through gentle, engaging play.
Zookabee — Offers a charming range of natural wooden educational toys, brought to life with gentle jungle‑themed characters and soft, muted colours. Inspired by classic games and puzzles, each piece is designed to support early numeracy, literacy, motor skills and problem‑solving through playful, hands‑on learning.
Jiggle & Giggle — A vibrant, stylish brand for babies and kids, offering a charming range of interactive toys, cuddly companions, newborn gifts and nursery décor. Each piece is designed to spark imagination, bring joy and offer comfort from day one, creating treasured memories throughout childhood. Proudly Australian, family‑owned and family‑run, with all designs lovingly curated in‑house in Melbourne.
Koala Dream — A beloved Australian brand created and owned by Eleganter Australia. Their range is designed to showcase the charm of Australian flora and fauna for families locally and around the world. Each product features their signature koala emblem — a tribute to the iconic animal native to South East Queensland and a reflection of the brand’s strong connection to its roots.
We're always on the lookout for new brands that meet our standards — but we'd rather carry fewer products we truly believe in than a wide range we can't vouch for. Quality over quantity, always.
Our Promise to You
As a parent-run small business, we know you're trusting us with something precious — your child's playtime, and your peace of mind. We take that seriously. If you ever have a question about a product's materials, safety certifications, or suitability for your child's age and stage, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help.
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🌲 FSC Certified |
✅ AS/NZS Compliant |
👶 Safe from Birth |
