Maine-Made Gift Guide: For Kids

Lately, we've been highlighting all sorts of gifts for grownups, but Christmas is really for kids (really, it is). So without further ado, here are our favorite Maine-made presents for the 18-and-under set.

• The Ultimate Spinner game: At first glance, this looks like any other game. But the Ultimate Spinner is really 12 games in one. Plus, it's made by Robbins Toy, a family-owned, Searsmont-based company that has been in business for five generations. Robbins Toy is committed to sustainable forestry practices, meaning all of the wood in the Ultimate Spinner Game (and Robbins' other fun products) is sustainably harvested. For a list of retailers, click here.

• Roy Toy wooden bulding sets: What child doesn't love building things with her own hands? For your aspiring architect/contractor, check out Roy Toy all-wood building sets. Made by a family business based in East Machias, these kits will allow your child's imagination to run wild, whether she has set her sights on a log cabin, a treehouse, a farm or a fort. Even better, all Roy Toy products are stained with nontoxic dyes. For ordering information, click here.

• Fish River Crafts marionettes: Blame it on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, but we've always been fascinated by marionettes. Fish River Crafts, based in Fort Kent, creates gorgeous, high-quality marionettes that depict all sorts of fun characters, including animals, dinosaurs and people. To order the pictured giraffe, click here.

• Sweet Fabrics "brown bag lunch": We've long been fans of Sweet Fabrics, the line of children's gear and toys made by Jana Markow of Calais. Our favorite, by far, is this brown bag lunch, adorably handmade of felt. You can buy one at the Center for Maine Craft (at the Gardiner travel plaza between I-95 and I-295). Markow's products are also available at Metropolitan Soul in Bangor.






Have other favorites? Let us know about them by posting below.

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