Folks, it's the last week to shop local and in honor of the innocence of children everywhere, this last series is dedicated to crafters who make special things for kids by hand. All of these items can be found through the unique Maine (and green) resource, The SunriseGuide. It’s important to shop local and to support the innovators and entrepreneurs who keep the creative economy alive. Happy holidays to all!

Lincoln Canoe & Kayak handcrafted sleds

The backstory

This Freeport company, known for its custom canoes and kayaks, hand-builds each sled in which you pick your own custom color and the craftsmen build to order (solids or stripes).  Their sled molds are made through a proprietary process — making them very light, very fast and effective sleds — great for sliding down hills or for pulling child while on snowshoes or skis. 

Where to find it/price range:

Find it online for a range of $120-140 per sled.

In their words: "We realized how lucky we are to live and work on the coast of Maine. In the winter, almost all of us can strap on some snowshoes, XC-skis, or skates and go for it right out our front or back doors. While many of us in the shop enjoy far-flung adventuring in different environments, we want to inspire people to get out and enjoy their home base."

Bella Luna Toys Jamtown Junior Rhythm Pack

The backstory

This Rockland-based business has a wild following in the Midcoast, probably because they have cornered the market for "Waldorf toys, wooden toys and natural toys to nourish the senses and inspire the imagination." Bell Luna Toys was named by Reader's Digest as one of the best online sources for fair-tade toys.

The toys featured here are handcrafted musical instruments, called the Jamtown Junior Rhythm Pack made by made by village artisans in Peru and Bali. This award-winning percussion kit features three authentic, handmade instruments for small hands and a cool bag for collecting more intruments over the years.

Set Includes:

• Pair of Junior Coconut Claves (rhythm sticks)
• Junior Shaker (carved dried gourd)
• Junior Double Drum (double headed, wooden bark frame)
• 30-page Junior Activity Guide
• Learn-Along Songs Compact Disc
• Simple Rhythm™ Cards
• Junior Travel Bag 

Where to find it/price range:

Find it online for $48.95

In their words: "What I love about them is that they're real, quality instruments, they're not toy instruments. They're child-sized, child-friendly. The drum has a really great tone. It's a real drum made in Peru. I love that they're certified fair-trade made. " — owner, Sarah Baldwin

Island Treasure Toys Treehouse

The backstory

This Yarmouth-based business began in February 2001 as a home business on a small island off the coast of Maine where owners Melissa and Doug (who go by their first names) noticed their youngest daughter would spend many hours on the beach combing for treasures. In 2002, when they'd outgrown their home, they opened a small brick and mortar store in Yarmouth and run a business specializing in natural and Waldorf-inspired toys. This environmentally-friendly Anamalz Treehouse features swinging vines, leafy canopies, and natural high-quality construction, made of organic maple wood, cotton, wool, water-based paint, and formaldehyde-free glue. (Animals sold separately).

Where to find it/price range:

Find it online for $119.95

In their words: "Not only are their toys eco-friendly, the company is committed to giving back by way of their anamalz saving animals program." — Reviewer

Kay Stephens can be reached at kaystephenscontent@gmail.com