“Work hard, play hard” might be a cliché, but it’s also solid advice. Research shows playtime is important for all of us—kids and grown-ups alike—boosting creativity, connection, and well-being. And what better way to play than with a toy?
Across the state, Virginia toymakers are crafting high-quality, heirloom-worthy playthings that swap screens and buttons for imagination and movement.
Ashburn-based Blueberry and Third is one such maker, creating Montessori-style wooden toys designed for open-ended play. “Even though a design might be simple, it actually is not simple once you give a child the ability to do whatever they’d like with it,” says co-founder Nikki Benbenek. Their best-selling, customizable balance beam, for example, encourages focus, balance, and creativity—and stands out as a screen-free staple in any playroom.
Ready to fill your toy chest with homegrown fun? Here are some of Virginia’s top playtime picks:
Rainbow Activity Board
Kids can complete the rainbow over and over again with this motor-skill-boosting board from Blueberry & Third. $48. BlueberryAndThird.com
KEVA Planks
These simple maple planks from Bridgewater build castles, cabins, tracks, and imagination—no batteries, just brains. Starting at $30. KEVAPlanks.com
DIY Bubble Gum Kit
Make science sweet with this hands-on kit from Copernicus Toys in Charlottesville—perfect for curious, candy-loving kids. $20. CopernicusToys.com
Baby BOO Organic Lovey
Part stuffie and part blanket, this ultra-soft organic cotton snuggler from Norfolk’s CozyPure keeps little ones cozy. $12. CozyPure.com
Pillow Rattle
Soft, jingly, and shaped like animal pals, this cuddly toy from Vienna’s Noctiluna soothes and entertains. $30. Noctiluna.com
This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue.
