Handmade Heaven: Timber Teethers

It’s the small things that count

Aimee Brock
21 September 2010

The old sayings about the best ideas being the simple ones, and good things coming in small packages, both ring true when it comes to this handmade wooden rattle. Made from New Zealand native timbers, and finished in vegetable oil, the rattle looks quite large in the product photos, but in reality is the perfect size for a 6 month to 1 year old’s hands. It’s incredibly cute and my daughter seriously hasn’t let go of it since it arrived! The sleek design is very stylish and the smooth finish of the wood grain and the vegetable oil feels lovely to hold. The crafter has popped a tiny vintage-style bell inside that makes a lovely jingle, and it’s sealed ingeniously inside so it’s safe for babies. It’s also perfect for teething, with my daughter’s gnawing not yet even leaving too many grooves. Just like a wooden chopping board, a good scrub in the kitchen sink and the occasional re-oil will mean it will stay hygienic and last forever. Available online or instore from Baby Vintage in Wellington. How neat to be able to hand this well loved rattle down the generations in your family as an heirloom!

(I love the simplicity of this design. But if animal shapes are more your thing, I’ve also recently discovered another range of wooden teethers, handmade in the US and available online at Unique Boutique. Check out the dino, shark, bat and a cute love heart shape.)

Editors Note: the first image below is of Aimee's little girl Loren making the most of her teething toy from Baby Vintage.  How cute is she?!  You can also check out the fabulous job Aimee has done of Loren's nursery.

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About the author:
Aimee Brock is a life-long admirer of handmade crafts and gifts, and recently started her own handmade children’s label, lily pad designs.