Toy Trunk, a Pune-based startup founded by architects Priyanka Mangaonkar-Vaiude and Ajay Vaidya, is changing the way we understand toys.

The toys are designed for children between the ages of 0 and 8 and made “following extensive research on motor and cognitive development of children”.

Elaborating on a few of the toys, the architects say there is a design-based philosophy behind each.

For instance, the pretend play kitchen set helps children learn language skills, negotiations, and problem-solving abilities, based on the observations they make daily.

The threading activity helps in developing the pincer grip, which is a vital skill that a child needs before they start using a pencil.

The threading shapes toy develops bilateral movement as well as hand-eye coordination.

The peacock wobbler is very helpful in increasing the tummy time of a two or three-month-old infant.

It also helps develop their neck and shoulder muscles, which further helps them raise their head, roll over, sit up, crawl and walk

Both Priyanka and Ajay affirm that “every toy at Toy Trunk is made completely with sustainable materials like wood or fabric, thus keeping the children at bay from plastic toxins and other chemically manufactured toys.”

Even the colours used on the toys are made from lac with natural products like turmeric, hale wood (ivory wood), gauda neem, beechwood, and rubber wood used for pigmentation.

“Wooden toys have natural textures which stimulate the child’s senses to invite them to touch, feel and explore the surface area,” claims Ajay.

Thus far, the bootstrapped startup has released 24 products and is looking to become a brand with a turnover of Rs 1.5 crore by the end of the year.

He also shares that his dream is to one day build a homegrown cafe, where people can come and enjoy authentic Odisha food with floral fusion.