From Indiana with Love

. When Darren and I first started My Unique Wooden Toys in 2006, we never imagined our handmade wooden toys would reach homes in almost every state. Our shop started out in a remade milking parlor after our milking cattle were sold.....that's another long story! Then one hot November Sunday, they were calling for a very stormy day which could include tornadoes. Ugh, I hate that word!

Darren was out checking some items out and it started to get nasty. He got in and things got bad real quick. We hit the basement and my head felt like exploding and then BOOM! We came upstairs to discover our farm and my son's place right next door was badly damaged. We lost 9 out of 11 buildings and some cattle. Our shop had the roof blown off but everything on the tables were still there! God protected that!

A friend had us move in his shop and within 11 days we were back in business for our busy Christmas season. We built a new house down the road on our farm and now our shop and toy store are in the basement of our home, we don't have far to go to work!

Many of our toys come from toys that the kids grew up with, stick horses, wooden pistols, wooden rifles, off course anything they could find on the farm became a rifle or pistol! Our wooden marble rollers were what I always played with at my grandpa and grandma's house and now the grandkiddos love to get them rolling down our marble roller.

A Nostalgic Experience That’s Hard to Find

Our toys aren’t just playthings. They’re heirlooms in the making. We hear from grandparents, aunts, and uncles who come into the shop looking for a birthday gift that our toys remind them of what they grew up with.

Most of our items when ordered ship quickly, larger order may require more time

The Power of Word-of-Mouth and Heart

We have so many returning customers, whether it's online or at our store, we value you! Shopping a family business matters, whether it's a spinning top, a musket, a pistol or a wooden tractor, it's an item that you won't find at your big box store  because we believe more kids deserve wooden toys that inspire open-ended play and creativity.

Visiting the Shop: What to Expect

For those who can make the trip to our shop in Silver Lake, you’re in for a treat. We keep our storefront warm and inviting, with shelves full of toys you can touch and try. Whether it’s a wooden rifle (totally safe and kid-friendly), a fishing game, or a set of stacking blocks — it’s okay to play here.

We’re always happy to give a little tour of the workroom out back where Darren does most of the cutting, sanding, and finishing. Kids love to see the sawdust and smell the wood!

And don’t worry — if you can’t make it to Indiana, our website or Etsy store can ship it to you. You’ll get the same care, same quality and great customer service. How many other businesses can you talk directly to the producer? Definitely not the ones made in China, but we're happy to help you!

Our Mission: To Keep Real Toys Alive

Every day, we make toys that feel like yesterday but are built for today. It’s our way of preserving what’s good — toys that last, toys that matter.

So whether you’re a neighbor down the road or a family road-tripping you’re welcome here. Thank you for believing in handmade, in small business, and in the magic of wooden toys.

We can’t wait to see where the next story comes from. Maybe you’ll be the next one walking through our door with a smile and a story to share.

From our family to yours,— Teresa & Darren