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Nice to know that FatBrain acted in such an honorable way.

I just wish it wasn't made in China. I just don't trust toys made there.

Ditto. No Chinese toys for us.

To add a bit more to the story, although it is delightful as written...

As a parent, I am fascinated by stories of other parents who found success through their children. Both Fat Brain Toys and the father of a toddler who invented Twig have stories along those lines. Fat Brain Toys was created through a difficult toy transaction and the suggestion of the then ten year old that his family create a website to sell toys ( http://www.fatbraintoys.com/about_us/story.cfm ) and Matt, the inventor of Twig is inspired and driven by his role as a father to a 2yo.


I see toys sometimes and think, gee why haven't I ever seen that before? Like stacking rainbows (useful for so much and beautiful to boot) Twig struck me like that... open ended and delightful to toy with. That was why I sent a link to Fat Brain Toys, they are locally owned and have an impeccable reputation... I've met the owners in person at the Children's Museum and they are sincere and wonderful folks.

I have really gotten a lot of enjoyment out seeing the process unfold, from being sold at the Met to finally debuting at Fat Brain Toys... I've even gotten lucky enough to have my family sample some of Matt's new toy ideas. I guess if I were any good at writing I could quit rambling and just say something meaningful about how great small random acts can turn out, how awesome it is to see people go with their dreams and watch them turn out, how inspiring both of their stories are... but since I can't put it into a good little blurb I'll just have to blurt it out like that (where is the shy/embarrassed smiley when I need it ? )

It is a shame about MIC, but if you contact Matt through his etsy store, he might still have some handmade ones available.

Kelly

As one of the characters in this story, I wanted to weigh in on a couple items.

First, thanks again Kelly for referring us to Matt & Twig. We obviously share a similar love for good design and quality toys, but it was your evangelism that made this all possible...for that we're very appreciative.

In regards to the other comments about Twig being manufactured in China, I would ask that you not cast such a broad net. We actually worked very hard to have it manufactured in the USA, but we simply couldn't find an option to make it even close to cost effective. In the end, I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of the product. While Twig is simplistic in design, the manufacture of it is rather complex, requiring a high degree of craftsmanship. Furthermore, Twig has been fully tested for all relevant CPSIA standards and passed with flying colors. Twig is just further proof that great toys can be made anywhere - it's the responsibility of the wholesaler to ensure its safety for our children.

Mark, Fat Brain Toys

I just wanted to chime in about Fat Brain Toys. I have never had a better online shopping experience. Their site is easy to use, full of great products and their customer service is impeccable. (and I'm a web designer) I ordered the majority of my Christmas gifts there this past year, and will now only shop there. I'm thrilled to learn that they are great folks and are doing well and that they share that with others in an ethical manner. Now I'm thinking I just might have to get Twig for an upcoming birthday!