Welcome to the wonderful world of Hape Toys – a brand that stands out as a true champion in the global toy industry.

With a dedicated focus on crafting top-notch, eco-friendly wooden toys and playsets, Hape creates toys that inspire creativity and learning in children. From building blocks to imaginative playsets, Hape toys prepare children for the future in a fun and exciting way.

For more than 3 decades, Hape has been crafting exceptional toys that not only foster fun but also encourage what they like to call “wisdom play.” By offering innovative toys, Hape aims to provide valuable parenting solutions that add a touch of magic to the journey of raising children.

As the founder and CEO, Peter Handstein, famously said, “Children do not play to learn, children learn because they play.” This philosophy underscores their belief that play is the most natural and effective way for children to explore, understand, and grow. With Hape toys, learning is fun and seamlessly integrated into playtime.

How It All Started

Back in 1986, in Germany, a sweet story unfolded that led to the creation of Hape. Meet Peter Handstein, a man who cherished his childhood memories of building sandcastles with his aunt Maria. Even when their sandy creations crumbled, aunt Maria taught Peter a valuable lesson: no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always bounce back.

Inspired by his love for toys and aunt Maria’s wise words, Peter decided to build something special. So, he started Hape AG, his very own toy company, back in ’86.

What began as a small family venture grew into one of the world’s top makers of wooden toys. For over 3 decades, Hape has been committed to making toys from eco-friendly materials like wood and bamboo, keeping kids and the planet safe. This dedication built a reputation for quality, earning trust from families everywhere.

Today, Hape is a leading toy designer, manufacturer, and distributor, with a global presence. As of January 2021, Hape has over 40 subsidiaries and partners worldwide, showing its lasting impact and dedication to making great toys.

Core Philosophy Behind The Toy Design

Hape Toys is all about fun, creativity, and sustainability. Their philosophy revolves around creating toys that inspire imagination, foster learning, and are gentle on the environment. Under the leadership of Peter Handstein, their mission is clear: to spread joy through play while nurturing a better world for future generations.

But, “Love Play, Learn” isn’t just their motto, it’s the guiding force behind everything they do. Hape believes that toys are designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help children make sense of the world around them.

With this in mind, Hape carefully crafts each toy to provide a balance of fun and education, helping children develop essential skills as they play. Their toys are designed to engage children’s minds and bodies, promoting hands-on learning and discovery.

For over 30 years, Hape has remained committed to their guiding principals. Each toy they produce serves a purpose, bridging the gap between play and learning. They continuously strive to be the best partner for parents and children alike, offering toys that facilitate fun learning experiences and help children develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

Hape´s Product Range

Hape Toys boasts a diverse collection suitable for children of all ages, ranging from infants to preschoolers and beyond. Their extensive lineup includes baby toys, preschool toys, educational toys, arts and crafts, railway, wooden puzzles, bamboo toys, dollhouses, quadrilla and much more.

With themes spanning from nature exploration to role-playing and construction, there’s something for every little adventurer.

Quality and Sustainability

Hape Toys pride themselves on their commitment to both quality and sustainability, making them a top choice for parents seeking safe, long-lasting toys for their children.

Commitment to Quality

Hape Toys are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and durability. This includes:

• Materials: Hape uses responsibly sourced materials, such as wood from sustainably managed forests, to ensure their toys are safe and eco-friendly.
• Rigorous testing: each toy undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets and exceeds international safety standards. This includes testing for choking hazards, sharp edges, and chemical content.
• Design: Hape’s toys are thoughtfully designed to be engaging, educational, and durable. They’re built to withstand the rigors of playtime and inspire children’s imagination and creativity.
• Manufacturing: Hape prioritizes responsible manufacturing practices, minimizing waste and environmental impact throughout the production process. They use eco-friendly materials and processes wherever possible.

Focus on Sustainability

Hape recognizes the importance of minimizing their environmental footprint. By using renewable resources like bamboo and reducing waste, they strive to protect the planet for future generations. This includes:

• Longevity: Hape’s commitment to sustainability extends to the longevity of their toys. By creating durable, high-quality products, they encourage a culture of reuse and reduce the need for disposable toys.
• Ethical Sourcing: Hape ensures that their materials are ethically sourced, supporting fair labour practices and responsible forestry management.
• Global Impact: Hape’s dedication to sustainability isn’t just about their own practices—it’s about inspiring positive change on a global scale. By setting an example of environmentally conscious toy production, they encourage other companies to follow suit.

Global Presence

Hape’s global reach spans across more than 60 countries, showcasing their commitment to serving diverse markets worldwide. With offices and showrooms in key regions like North America, Europe, and Asia, Hape ensures accessibility and availability of their products across the globe.

In North America, Hape has established a strong foothold in the toy market, with distribution channels spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their offices and showrooms in key cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto serve as hubs for showcasing their latest products and connecting with retailers and consumers.

Across Europe, Hape’s influence reaches far and wide, with distribution channels covering countries from the United Kingdom to Germany, France, Italy, and beyond. With offices and showrooms in major European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Milan, Hape ensures that their toys are readily available to children and families across the continent.

Asia is a crucial market for Hape, with distribution channels extending from China and Japan to South Korea, Singapore, and beyond. With offices and showrooms in bustling cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore, Hape taps into the dynamic and diverse Asian market, catering to the unique preferences and cultural nuances of each country.

But it’s not just about the reach; it’s also about the people. Hape seeks out individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. By fostering collaboration among international and local employees, Hape cultivates a unique corporate culture that values diversity and respects the world we live in.

This global perspective is reflected in Hape’s core values: sustainability, education, innovation, and fun. These principles guide every aspect of their business, from product design to manufacturing and distribution.

Awards & Recognition

Hape Toys has received many awards for its innovative and eco-friendly toy designs. Their strong dedication to sustainability and child development has earned recognition from industry experts and parents alike, establishing them as leaders in the toy industry.

In both 2017 and 2019, Hape Toys was honored with the prestigious “Toy Award,” a top global prize for toy brands. This award highlights Hape’s commitment to providing the best educational toys for children worldwide.

Known for their durable wooden toys, Hape was also awarded the Circana’s Toy Industry Award for having the Top-Selling Toy in the Musical Instruments category in the U.S. The Learn With Lights Piano, one of their flagship products, was recognized as the number one selling toy, confirming Hape’s popularity and success in the market.

Peter Handstein, the CEO of Hape, was nominated for the Champion of Sustainability in the Toy of the Year Awards, 2023. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting environmental responsibility within the toy industry and truly honours Handstein´s outstanding commitment to sustainability.

Join the Play Revolution

Hape Toys stands as one of the globe’s leading manufacturers of toys crafted from sustainable materials. Their toys blend creative design with eco-friendliness seamlessly. Regardless of culture, language, or gender, play remains an intuitive and universal experience. Every product not only meets but often surpasses the most rigorous international benchmarks for quality and safety. As they pave the way for a brighter future of play, Hape sets the standard for responsible and enjoyable toy manufacturing.

FAQs

Is Hape a German brand?

Yes, Hape is a German brand, founded in Germany in 1986 by Peter Handstein.

Are Hape toys made in China?

Yes, Hape toys are manufactured in Asia, including China, as well as in Europe.

Is Hape a good toy brand?

Absolutely! Hape is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovative designs, and high-quality toys. With a focus on safety and eco-friendliness, Hape consistently produces toys that inspire creativity and provide enriching play experiences for children worldwide.

Are Hape toys safe for children?

Yes, Hape toys adhere to rigorous safety standards and regulations to ensure the utmost safety for children. They are designed and manufactured with non-toxic materials and undergo thorough testing to meet or exceed safety requirements.

Are Hape toys suitable for children of all ages?

Hape offers a wide range of toys designed for various age groups, from infants to older children. Each toy is carefully crafted to cater to the developmental needs and interests of different age ranges.

Are Hape toys environmentally friendly?

Yes, sustainability is a core value of Hape. They prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes in their toy production. Hape is committed to reducing their environmental impact through initiatives such as minimizing waste and promoting recycling.

Where can I buy Hape toys In South Africa?

You can purchase Hape toys in South Africa from the Greenbean Learning online store.