Our Story
Alder & Alouette is a small, family-run shop specializing in natural toys, Waldorf-inspired learning materials for classroom and homeschool, children’s books, art supplies, musical instruments, and handcraft materials chosen to nurture imagination, creativity, and meaningful childhoods. Rooted in natural materials, family life, and lived experience in childhood learning, its story began long before it ever had a name.
As a young mother in the 1990s, raising babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, I found myself deeply frustrated by how hard it was to find meaningful toys for children. Where were the toys of my own childhood—the natural dolls with warm textures, the wooden toys that lasted for years and passed between siblings and cousins, the simple objects that invited imagination instead of directing it?
Plastic was everywhere. Loud, flashy, and disposable. What I was looking for felt strangely scarce.
So I began making my own.
My children played outside whenever they could—trees became pirate ships, fallen branches turned into dragon-slaying swords, autumn leaves became ocean waves. Inside, I made toys by hand and gathered materials that supported the same kind of open-ended play. I wanted my daughters to grow up with the freedom to imagine, to create, and to solve problems in their own way, without everything being pre-scripted for them.
Years later, when my grandchildren were born, that familiar frustration returned—and with it, a moment of clarity. I didn’t want their parents struggling to find the kinds of toys, art materials, and learning tools I had searched so hard for years earlier. That was the moment when Alder & Alouette truly took shape.
At the same time, I was still teaching. In the classroom, I saw how deeply children learn through story, art, music, movement, meaningful work, and lived experience. Those years shaped my belief that imagination and hands-on learning are not extras, but essential parts of childhood.
Curiosity has always guided my work. My teaching background is in science, math, and history, with a lifelong love of music and art woven throughout. Over time, the natural world revealed itself to me not just as a backdrop to childhood, but as an essential partner in healthy development—one that deserves far more respect and attention than it often receives.
Alder & Alouette is an extension of these experiences and values. It’s a carefully curated shop offering toys, art and craft supplies, school and homeschool materials, books, and instruments chosen for their quality, longevity, and ability to support imagination and meaningful learning. Natural materials matter here—not as a trend, but because they honor childhood, engage the senses, and invite a deeper connection with the world around us.
This is not a big corporation. It is a small, independent, family-run shop built with intention and care. Every item is chosen thoughtfully, and every order is packed by hand.
If you’ve ever felt that childhood deserves more time, more beauty, more imagination, and more respect—you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Find at Alder & Alouette
- Natural wooden toys
- Waldorf lesson books
- Children’s books
- Quality art supplies
- Natural fiber arts materials
- Musical instruments for children and students
- Carefully chosen home goods and gifts
- Thoughtfully packed orders from our family
Warmly,
Laura
Founder, Alder & Alouette
Need to get in touch? We would love to hear from you.
Navigate to our Contact Us page and fill out the form. One of our staff will be in contact as soon as possible. You will also find other ways to get in touch, such as a postal address and email.
