Sustainable Play
From their unique design to how they’re made, the upcycled toy train tracks from Tobo Toys take creative play in a new direction.
The interchangeable hexagon-shaped pieces give kids endless track building options, and each set has an adapter piece that can connect Tobo to just about any set you might already have—letting kids expand their playing possibilities and bring old sets back into rotation.
Tomas Nielson is an industrial designer who wanted to create tracks that worked multiple ways, unlike most out there. So every perfectly sized piece easily connects to every other. Kids can build out from any direction, in any design they can think up.
The sets are sustainably Made in the USA from the remnants of paper manufacturing. Though it feels like plastic, it’s actually injection molded wood and nothing else. Stickers can turn the pieces into a scene, and numbered edges add an educational touch.
There’s a lot about these tracks to like, but we think parents and kids will agree the best part is just how much fun they are.
Tomas
Hello Grommet fans! My name is Tomas Nielsen, and I'm the founder of Tobo Toys. I'm happy and proud to have my toy, Tobo Track, showcased today on The Grommet. I developed Tobo Track out of a love for creating fun toys that are educational, adaptable, creative, and environmentally responsible. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Charles – Grommet Team
8/2/2016 11:46 AMTomas: Congrats on your launch on The Grommet! I was curious, how did you go about finding a company to provide the paper remnants that you use for production of Tobo Toys?
Tomas – Special Guest
8/2/2016 12:20 PM@Charles Thanks! It's exciting to be launching here.
I designed the toy before I decided on the material. As I was going through the development, it was actually my mother who found the material! She is a design educator, and all around cool person who is on the pulse. So when I was telling her that I was looking for a responsible material, she pointed me in the right direction.
Charles – Grommet Team
8/2/2016 12:27 PM@Tomas Ah, that is great. I love upcycled products!
Lisa
8/2/2016 1:08 PMWhat age is do you recommend? I have a one and half year old grandson and an almost 5 year old granddaughter . Thank you, Lisa
Tomas – Special Guest
8/2/2016 1:26 PM@Lisa thanks for your interest! Due to CPSC regulations regarding small parts like wheels and Stickers, I cannot officially advertise the toy to be suitable for children less than three years old. That said, I have seen younger siblings who play with their older brother or sister, and they have really enjoyed fitting the track pieces together. In general, the ones who get most out of Tobo Track are between the ages of three and seven. Younger children learn dexterity and shape recognition, while older children strategically build tracks to go where they want to go. Your five-year-old granddaughter is right in the sweet spot.