Walking through the aisles, everything starts to look the same. In the sea of licensed toys it's become a rare phenomenon to find unique gifts for children that exhibit true design and artistry. When I was little my grandmother made me a beautiful handmade doll which I treasured for years. The art of handmade children's toys may seem all but lost, but wait! Enter Rachel Linquist, creator of Hen and Chick. Rachel's handmade children's toys and soft sculptures range from cuddly to art sculpture, utilizing recycled materials in creative and unexpected ways. Here are some of my favorites from her Etsy shop:
Rachel's heirloom dolls stand out, each doll is unique, each face is hand-painted. This is her favorite part of the process, when the dolls really come to life!
Hen and Chick's robot collection is a long time favorite, each face is unique, and the zippers are a great touch!
For the animal lovers, these large plushies are made from vintage and recycled materials. They look great sitting on a bed or sofa:
Think dolls are just for kids? Hen and Chick specializes in Art Dolls, from Hansel and Gretel, to Amelie, and Edgar Allen Poe!
Are you inspired to find that perfect handmade gift for the kiddos in your life? A handcrafted doll or soft sculpture from artists like Hen and Chick will be a unique and unforgettable present for your little one to open on Christmas morning!