Alberta Elves

All toys have a place in our hearts if our kids love them and play with them. And what’s better than a handmade toy that doesn’t come in a plastic clamshell package capable of cutting your fingers off? We found some soft and cuddly creatures, most of which are lovingly designed and made in Alberta (and that’s about as close to the North Pole as we’re prepared to get this season). 

Silly Little Sock Monkeys are exactly what they sound like. They are monkeys made from socks—a classic fave. Designed by art teacher and mom, Holly McWilliams, Silly Little Sock Monkeys are available in a variety of outfits and attitudes, ranging from pirates and princesses to brightly colored baby fare. Consider these toys as customizable, playful works of art. They range in price from $12 to $30 and take approximately one week to construct from order.
 

Lulu and Fritz dolls are the brainchild of preschool moms and entrepreneurs Ramie Lewis and Mary Lawrie. Lulu and Fritz’s ‘Fritz the Dog’ is designed to be baby’s best buddy with soft materials, a range of textures, bright colors and a flat body that’s easy to grab with baby-sized hands. (Lulu the Rabbit is still on the drawing table.) Fritz retails for $27.99 and is available at Gracie and Gruff, Castle Toys and Monkey Shines Books in Calgary.

Take a tour of the Calgary Farmers’ Market with a stopover at Fibres of Life, Handicrafts for Social Development, who import handmade felted toys, clothing and accessories from Nepal. We love the puppets (both hand and finger, $10.50 – 21) in fun animal shapes and soft felted balls ($11 – 22) that Fibres of Life offers.

Aren’t we lucky there are so many clever little elves in Alberta these days?

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