These cute handcrafted African toys are knit from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf. Made by Kenana Knitters, who are known for their high quality crafts.

Size: [Small] 11"T x 4"L x 2"W [Large] 15"T x 5"L x 3.5"W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones greater than that of steel xylophones.

This West African percussion instrument includes 6 wooden notes with calabash gourd resonators of decreasing size (underneath). Traditionally crafted, this is a beautifully tuned instrument. Mallet included.

Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Dimensions: 16"L x 12"W x 10"T

Crafted from:  mansonia wood, gourds

Made in:  Ghana

About the Artisans:

Ghanaian artisan James, handcrafts gorgeous balafons. James works from an artisan collective on the beach in Accra's Osu neighborhood. He utilizes mansonia wood and gourds to create these beautiful instruments known for their warm tones. 

Nurture a love of music with these fair trade, handcrafted percussion instruments from Kenya. Shaking adds the crisp sound of beads against Nile grass stalks or when tilted gently, the rain maker shakers create the sound of falling rain. Each shaker is crafted with a wooden frame and handle dressed up with simple burned geometric designs.

Small Rain Maker Shaker [Size: 9"L x 6.5"T x 0.75"W]
Medium Rain Maker Shaker [Size: 12"L x 6.5"T x 0.75"W]
Large Rain Maker Shaker [ Size: 14"L x 7"T x 1"W].

Sold individually. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

These bright yellow and green elephant grass percussion instruments are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana handcraft these colorful African percussion instruments from stiff elephant grass. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Sold individually. Each meausres 5"D x 9.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

"Children are the reward of life."

Stash cosmetics, art supplies, or other small items in this sweet pouch from South Africa! The gusseted bottom adds extra space to this small-but-mighty pouch. Beautifully screen printed, fully lined, backed with a coordinating pattern fabric, and finished with a contrasting zipper and ribbon pull; showcases the African proverb, "Children are the reward of life."

Size: 9.5"L x 6.5"T x 2"D. Sold singly. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

About the Artisans:

At Yda Walt Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, talented owner/designer Yda Walt and a small team of artisans dream up inspirational products centered on South African life and ethos.

This handpainted height chart by Tribal Textiles features a friendly giraffe design in cheerful red and other bright colors, with a moveable wooden animal on measuring string to record growth! Perfect for a child's room to measure your growing child. Each height chart features a top channel for hanging and is made from 100% cotton. Measurements in inches.

Height chart overall measurement at 53" T x 17.5" W. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

Machine or hand washable with cool water. Hang dry.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

Perfect for a child's room or any room that needs a spot of fun, this handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a brightly colored hippo. Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

This handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a brightly colored elephant design, perfect for a child's bedroom or any room that needs a spot of fun! Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

This handpainted pillow cover by Tribal Textiles features a friendly crocodile design in a cheerful and bright colorway. Perfect for a child's bedroom or any room that needs a spot of fun! Each 100% African-sourced cotton pillow cover features a back vent closure. Wash by hand or machine in warm water with mild detergent, and hang to dry.

Pillow cover and included pillow insert measure 18x18. Design and colors may vary very slightly from image shown due to the handpainted nature of the product.

About the Artisans:

Tribal Textiles provides sustainable employment, fair pay, training, and a pleasant working environment for more than 100 Zambian men and women.

All the work is done by hand on 100% African-sourced cottonâ including the time-intensive drawing, sewing and painting with natural pigment colorsâ yielding exquisite, high quality textiles. Individual designs are hand-painted, drawing inspiration from the stunning wildlife and surroundings at the edge of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After baking in an industrial oven, the stunning textiles are color-fast and fully washable. The fabric is washed and dried in the Zambian sunshine, ready to be sewn into stunning pillow covers, table runners, bags, and more.

Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft these beautiful giraffe sculptures. A colorful coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Sold individually. Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 2"W x 16"H; [Large] 4"L x 2.5"W x 18"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft this pair of giraffes with their necks crossed and heads facing opposite directions. A colorful coat of paint brightens each sculpture.

Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 3"W x 12"T; [Tall] 3"L x 3"W x 18"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

A smaller version of our popular durable Bolga baskets, this basket is handwoven from thick, tough elephant grass and dyed a vivid red. This smaller size is beloved by children for carrying treasures! Pair with a stuffed animal for a delightful gift.

Measures approximately 8"D x 8"T. Includes a matching leather-wrapped handle. Due to the handmade nature of this basket, some variation in color, shape, and size are expected.

Using sustainably-sourced jacaranda wood, Kenyan wood carvers craft this pair of giraffes with their necks crossed and heads facing opposite directions, then paint them a bright pink.

Size: [Small] 3.5"L x 3"W x 12"T; [Tall] 3"L x 3"W x 18"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, some variation may occur.

About the Artisans:

We work with an amazing co-op in Kenya, the Gikomba Wood Carving Cooperative, a group of woodcarvers of all ages who work in an open-air workshop in Nairobi. This environmentally-responsible group takes care to legally procure all types of African wood used in their products, and they are skilled at using all parts of the tree in their artwork.

These fun soft stuffed monkeys are handmade from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These soft stuffed monkeys, handmade from natural, organic cotton, are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Small: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W; Large: 15" T x 5" L x 2.75" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These fun spin drums are handcrafted from wood, plastic and goatskin. Each drum is characterized by a vibrant hand painted rainbow and musical note design. A cool gift for world music enthusiasts, young and young-at-heart!

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly.

Approximate Sizes:

Single Rainbow Hand Drum [Size: 4.25"L x 0.75"W x 11"T]

Double Rainbow Hand Drum [Size: 4.5"L x 0.75"W x 14"T].

Made in: Kenya

About the Artisans:

We work with Kenyan artisans who have life-long training in the making of traditional African instruments such as hand drums and spin drums. The artisans craft each instrument from sustainably sourced wood and scraps of goat skin. After each instrument is constructed, Nairobi artists hand-paint the instruments, making each one-of-a-kind.

These vibrantly colored bowl baskets make storage beautiful in any room of the home. Handwoven from durable elephant grass and hand-dyed a vibrant green, these baskets are stylish and made to last. 

Sold individually. Size: Small: 11-12"L x 11-12"W x 5-6"H  Large: 12-13"L x 12-13"W x 7-8"H  Sizes will vary, but baskets will nest. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation may occur. 

This fun dinosaur is a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in landfills. We work directly with a small co-op of Kenyan artisans who collect, clean and transform foam footwear into bold modern safari art sculptures.

Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind.Measures 17"L x 4.5"W x 9"T.

About the Artisans:

In Kenya, artisans convert discarded flip flops into one-of-a-kind art. Operating from a small Nairobi workshop, the dedicated group offers employment and creative opportunities while also keeping flip flop foam out of the landfills.

This set of Zulugrass for Sweet Souls features three beautiful strands of 26" Zulugrass that come packaged inside a fun Gift Round. Choose this color combination that reminds you of a specific personality - yours or for a special gift recipient.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Strung on elastic, it can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, anklet, hair tie and more. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual that buys it!

Wear all 3 strands together or 1 or 2 at a time.

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from these specially designed 26" Zulugrass strands to their Girls Graduation program to counsel young rural girls and their families on the importance of staying in school. Each strand is packaged on a special tag, explaining how the proceeds will be allocated, and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

The Leakey Collection dedicates proceeds from each Beads for Clean Water Zulugrass strand to the “Clean Water for Every Home” project; the goal - put a water dispensing unit, locally called a “leak-tin” in every Maasai home in the area. Clean water for drinking and washing helps stop the spread of life threatening disease and illness. Each strand is packaged on a special tag--explaining how the proceeds will be allocated--and can be worn wrapped 3-4 times around your wrist or ankle or even long as a necklace.

Zulugrass 26" single strands are made from sustainable, natural grass beads. The richly hued grass is dyed with colorfast, low-impact dyes and interspersed with hand-blown Czech glass. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected. Zulugrass is as creative as the individual who wears it!

These happy soft stuffed monkeys are handmade from natural, organic cotton and are safe for children of any age. The animals are knit in Kenya by a women's cooperative called Kenana Knitters and feature easy-to-grab limbs, sewn facial features, and a scarf.

Size: 11" T x 4" L x 2.5" W. Some variation may occur due to the handmade nature of this item.

About the Artisans:

"Changing Lives Stitch by Stitch," Kenana Knitters is a knitting cooperative in Njoro, Kenya that employs a community of women in a rural farming area. In addition to supplementing the womens' income, sales also fund community action for education and health services. All products are local and crafted from natural, organic materials.

These vibrant heart dishes are hand-carved from solid soapstone in Kenya. The dishes are dyed to rich hues using natural plant dyes.

The dishes make great catch-alls for any occasion and are fair trade. Sold singly. Measure approximately 4"L x 4"W x 1"H.

About the Artisans:

Soapstone is mined in Kisii county in southwestern Kenya. We work with three different artisan groups in and around Nairobi who carve, polish and paint the stone to create beautiful pieces.

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones greater than that of steel xylophones.

This West African percussion instrument includes 8 wooden notes with calabash gourd resonators of decreasing size (underneath). Traditionally crafted, this is a beautifully tuned instrument. Mallet included.

8 Note Xylophone measures approximately 20” long x 12” wide x 10” tall. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Ghanaian artisan James, handcrafts gorgeous balafons. James works from an artisan collective on the beach in Accra's Osu neighborhood. He utilizes mansonia wood and gourds to create these beautiful instruments known for their warm tones. 

These xylophones are carefully calibrated musical instruments that produce an amazingly resonant sound with warm, round tones. This beautiful instrument includes 8 notes, and a set of mallets.

Measures approximately 16”L x 14”W x 2.5”H. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

About the Artisans:

Vaima Arts Trust is an amazing organization that uses music and creative arts to empower, rehabilitate, and advocate for marginalized members of their communities. Officially started in 2017, they teach the people they work with how to play, and create Zimbabwean instruments. "Vaima," a Shona word meaning "shine bright," encapsulates their mission to spread joy and creativity using music.

This cute little "weiner dog" is handcrafted by artisans in Kenya using discarded flip flops that have been washed, sanitized, glued, and carved.

Size: 10"L x 2.5"W x 6"T. Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind and designs will vary.

These friendly pup sculptures are a colorful and eco-friendly way to recycle flip flops that would otherwise litter urban Nairobi or sit in landfills. We work directly with a small co-op of Kenyan artisans who collect, clean and transform foam footwear into bold modern safari art sculptures.

About the Artisans:

In Kenya, artisans convert discarded flip flops into one-of-a-kind art. Operating from a small Nairobi workshop, the dedicated group offers employment and creative opportunities while also keeping flip flop foam out of the landfills.

A favorite instrument of both children and adults, these handcrafted elephant grass percussion instruments are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana handcraft these colorful African percussion instruments from stiff elephant grass, dyed in bright fun colors. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Sold individually. Each measures 5"D x 9.5"T. Due to the handmade nature of this item, slight variation is expected.

These natural undyed elephant grass percussion instruments are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana handcraft these African percussion instruments from stiff elephant grass. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Dimensions: 5"D x 9.5"H

Crafted from: Elephant grass, calabash gourd

Made in: Ghana

A favorite instrument of both children and adults, these handcrafted elephant grass percussion instruments are filled with beans and produce a unique, earthy rattle. Artisans in the Bolgatanga region of Ghana handcraft these colorful African percussion instruments from stiff elephant grass, dyed in bright fun colors. A calabash gourd base keeps the rattling beans intact.

Sold individually. Each measures 5"D x 9.5"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, slight variation may occur.

These sweet baskets are just the right size for children's hands to hold—perfect for an Easter basket! Baby Bolga baskets are woven in Ghana using natural elephant grass. Just like our larger Bolga baskets, this tough fiber makes the baskets extremely durable and water-resistant. 

Baskets will be a mix of blue and green, but designs and colors are assorted. Each basket is handmade and unique. Each basket is finished a leather-wrapped handle in black and/or brown leather.

Sold individually. Because this is a handcrafted item, each will vary slightly. Made from natural elephant grass and leather.

Approximate Size: 8"D x 8"T

Made in: Ghana

Care: Rinse with cool water and reshape as needed. See our Basket Care and Reshaping page to learn more.

These modern African baskets, woven using natural grasses and thin strips of plastic from a local Senegal prayer mat factory, are perfect for storing smaller items. Each basket features blossom-shaped accents and includes a fitted lid with braided pull handle.

The sale of the baskets helps support a network of rural Senegalese craftswomen and their families.

Measures 8.5"T x 8.5"D; due to the handcrafted nature of this basket size may vary slightly. Fair trade.

These woven baskets are crafted in Senegal using local grasses and thin strips of recycled plastic. Featuring a bright red garland, this fair trade basket is a wonderful way to incorporate colorful creative storage into any space.  

Measures 13"D x 15"H. Due to the handcrafted nature of these items, color and size may vary slightly. 

Wolof women in the West African nation of Senegal hand-weave baskets in the traditional coil weaving method, using natural grass. Interweaving colorful strips of plastic, salvaged from a mat factory in Dakar, the weavers brighten up the baskets and create designs.

Cattails grow abundantly in rural Senegal, making this natural grass a sustainable choice. The Wolof women earn a sustainable income from basket weaving, while enriching homes around the world with modern African craftsmanship.

This storage basket features a fitted, flat lid.

Measures approximately 13"D x 8"T. Due to the handcrafted nature of this item, size and design placement may vary slightly.