DEEP IN A LEAFY GROVE... live the clever animals of Hazel Village, happy and free. They keep their perky ears attuned to the sounds of their forest home, and spend their time making thoughtful presents for their neighbors.
I STARTED HAZEL VILLAGE in 2010, making the toys I would have wanted as a child. I wasn't sure if anyone would want to buy them, but they did and I was busier than I could imagine. Now we have an industrious workshop in Brooklyn with a team of 15 people, and we have sent so many animals far and wide!
IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME that I run the business in a way I would want my daughters to see. I'm really proud that we partner with social enterprises around the world to make our products. These organizations have missions to empower artisans with job skills, dignified work, and fair wages. It definitely costs a bit more to make toys this way, but we believe it’s worth it. We find that when workers care about their craft, it shows in their beautiful creations.
CLOSER TO HOME, we live our values by providing full-time jobs with benefits, and contributing to nonprofits that care for families, the environment, and our local community. Most importantly, we make toys with the quality, play value, and sheer emotional appeal to stick with a child for the long haul. When you shop with us, you make all of this possible. Together we can make the world a little better for all kids. Thank you, friend!
– Jane
Our Workshop
Nestled in Brooklyn, our workshop is almost as magical as the animals' home. Here we design collections, pack your online orders, provide customer service, and keep this small business running. It is also where you can browse our handmade gifts in person. When you can, we hope you'll visit us!
Thoughtful Design
Hazel Village products are thoughtfully designed with the greatest of care, and always with imaginative play in mind. We release many limited-edition dress-up collections throughout the year, and are proud to bring you the very finest in woodland fashions!
Handmade with Love
We love getting to know the skilled artisans who make our toys. These ethical manufacturing partnerships are right at the heart of what makes Hazel Village so special! Each artisan group has their own particular expertise, which you can read about below.
Care for the Earth
Taking good care of the world and its creatures is the Village way! We prioritize environmental sustainability at every step, from our carefully considered production to our eco-friendly shipping materials.
A Guide to Hazel Village
There are 21 little animals who call Hazel Village home. Each woodland friend has a story, which you can read here if you would like to get to know them. If you are curious what the animals do all day, or where they garden, or who is neighbors with whom, you can tour the Village Map to explore their forest home.
The Villagers spend their time foraging, crafting, making thimbleberry jelly, planting milkweed for their butterfly friends, having feasts to celebrate the seasons, dressing up in elaborate costumes, and doing other such things of this nature. Their motto is, “Industry and good cheer, every day and every year!”
Limited Edition Animals
Each year, the Hazel Village animals welcome many visiting friends, some old and some new. Peruse the Village Guest Book to meet the animals who have visited in the past, and sign up for our newsletter so you will be sure not to miss any upcoming visitors!
Village News
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From Blue Jay to Beluga: Creating the Arctic Mini Animals!
Sustainability behind the scenes! Learn how Hazel Village upcycled scrap fabric to make the Arcti...
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Making Doll-Size Armchairs: Shipping Box Upcycle Craft!
In this blog post, we will show you two different methods of making an armchair for your Hazel Vi...
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Lady Littlepaw’s Quest (a Hazel Village legend)
The world of Hazel Village is rich in lore, so it may not surprise you to learn that the animals ...
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Build a Dolly Wagon with Nicholas & Leonard!
Nicholas Bear Cub likes to be prepared. For instance, what if he is up in the Far Meadow, and he ...
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Turtle Parade Banners Printable Craft
In case you might perhaps want to have a Turtle Parade of your own, we created this coloring page...
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May Drawing Festival Gallery
The Hazel Village animals loved their first Drawing Festival so much that they decided to host an...