Wooden Jungle Gyms, Swings and Other Playful Things

The tiniest of my two tykes goes to a playschool that has a really awesome wooden jungle gym and a very cool wooden bench swing. After a little investigation I discovered that both are made by the same company: Wooden Elements.

In a nutshell Wooden Elements creates really great children’s furniture and play elements out of wood. Its range includes: tree houses, playhouses (my fave!), jungle gyms, swings, children’s bedroom furniture and shelves.

What’s unique about Wooden Elements is that pieces are crafted with children’s senses in mind. For example, bedroom sets, cupboards, tables and chairs are designed at children’s height so that they can access them all really easily. Cool huh?

The company is co-owned by creative husband-and-wife team Ryan Kuhn and Justine Bertoldi. As well as being dedicated parents to their two tots, Indi-Gianna and Finn-Paolo, Ryan is a talented carpenter and Justine a passionate Montessori teacher. As a result, the furniture they design is crafted with the Montessori values in mind.

“One of my favourites is the children’s cupboard as it really ties in with the Montessori philosophy,” Justine tells me. “Everything from the hanging space to the mirror encourages a child’s independence in dressing themselves, and in dressing themselves there are a whole heap of indirect aims (such as hand-eye co-ordination from putting legs into pants and strengthening small muscles by pulling on clothes).”

I really like the distinctive Wooden Elements touch (as do my kids!). The good news is that the company delivers nationwide. For more info and prices go to the Wooden Elements website and blog. You can reach Ryan and Justine on 021 433 2575 or 078 111 7695.