From our founder
I created Haliburtons & Co. after observing what held our children's attention. Often, not the loudest or brightest toys, but the ones with depth and possibility. The wooden building blocks used in countless ways. The books returned to again and again. The pens that became daily companions.
These observations shaped what matters to me: fewer, better things. Design with purpose. Choices that respect children's intelligence and spark their imagination.
I wanted to create a place to share these discoveries—championing brands making innovative and inspiring products that I would be proud to have in my own home. Gifts that bring joy today and will still matter tomorrow.
Design that sparks imagination
We seek out products where every detail has been considered – from the way a wooden block fits perfectly in small hands to the satisfying click of puzzle pieces finding their place.
Good design isn't just about how something looks; it's about how it feels to use, how it invites exploration, and how it stands up to the enthusiastic play of childhood.
When form and function work together beautifully, the result are gifts that children return to again and again.
Learning and play are siblings
We believe the most joyful learning happens through play. We choose toys where discovery feels natural – geography puzzles that spark curiosity about our world, art supplies that invite creative expression, building sets that bring ideas to life.
These aren't just educational tools – they're designed for the simple joy of learning through doing.
Thoughtfully chosen, responsibly made
Every choice we make considers the world our children will inherit. We only champion brands who use responsibly sourced materials, avoid harmful chemicals, and package thoughtfully without waste – whether it's a handcrafted wooden toy, beautifully illustrated book or everyday art supplies.
Latest posts
Creative Christmas Gifts for Older Children
Finding meaningful Christmas gifts for older children means thinking beyond toys. Our curated collection of eight creative gifts—including Andy Warhol paint-by-numbers, Studio Roof wall art, and Faber-Castell art supplies—celebrates quality craftsmanship and inspires artistic expression. Perfect for ages 8-14.
Unlocking the Past: Fascinating History Books for Children Age 8-12
There's a particular kind of history book that changes how children see the past – not through gimmicks, but by treating both subject and reader with intelligence. These books trust that genuinely interesting material will engage children on their own terms. From Dr. Hattie Hearn's hidden World War II stories to Daniel Nesquens's handbook on actual intelligence techniques, from Tracey Turner's journey through 25 cities to the Golden Age illustrations in The Macmillan Collection of Myths and Legends – each of these seven books demonstrates what happens when careful research meets thoughtful curation. For children aged 8-12 developing their understanding of ethics, complexity, and how the world works, these are volumes designed for keeping rather than outgrowing. Books that spark conversations, answer questions, and become part of how a child builds their understanding of history.
The Best Screen-Free Gifts for 4-8 Year Olds
Screens will always be part of childhood, but when children have access to activities that truly engage their hands and minds, they often choose them. Making something, building something, figuring something out – these offer a different kind of satisfaction. From wooden planes that children paint and fly themselves, to intricate origami boxes folded with Liberty florals, to 500-piece puzzles that reveal the fascinating world of insects – these aren't gifts that provide instant entertainment then get forgotten. They're the ones children return to repeatedly, the projects they actually finish because they're genuinely invested. Discover thoughtful screen-free alternatives for 4-8 year olds that develop real skills, reward sustained attention, and create those satisfying moments when a child holds something they've truly made themselves.
Brand Spotlight | Tender Leaf Toys
There's a particular quality to certain wooden toys that you recognise the moment you pick one up. A satisfying weight. Smooth surfaces that feel wonderful under your fingers. Details painted with genuine care. The sense that someone, somewhere, genuinely cared about what they were making. Every Tender Leaf toy we stock has this quality. It's what drew us to them in the first place, and why we keep discovering new pieces to add to our collection. But understanding where these beautifully crafted toys actually come from – and the hands that make them – adds another dimension entirely.
The Simple Joy of Wooden Toys
There's something magical about watching a small child discover a beautifully made wooden toy for the first time. The way they instinctively reach out to touch it, feeling the smooth grain under their fingers. How they lift it, surprised by its satisfying weight. The quiet concentration as they turn it over, exploring every curve and corner. Perhaps it's the warmth of natural wood, or the simple honesty of its construction. Maybe it's knowing these traditional wooden toys will still be here in twenty years, carrying the marks of adventures and the memories of afternoons spent building, creating, imagining. Whatever the reason, there's something deeply satisfying about choosing a quality wooden toy – for the child who'll play with it, and for the person who gives it. From FSC-certified alphabet blocks to heirloom-quality pirate ships, discover why wooden toys remain timeless companions for childhood imagination.
Inspiring Reads for Future Scientists
Some children ask "why?" about everything. Others want to know "how?" They're the ones who peer under rocks, take things apart, wonder about stars. For these curious minds, science isn't a subject to study – it's a way of seeing the world. From rockets to robotics, chemistry to coding, here are six books chosen specifically for curious minds who love to ask "how?" and "why?" Each one transforms complex ideas into joyful discovery.
