Frequently Asked Questions
The things families ask us most, about materials, personalization, shipping, and care.
What are they made of, and are they safe?
Solid hardwoods and Baltic birch plywood, cut, finished, and packed by hand in our family studio outside Portland, Oregon. We use no paint, no stain, and no synthetic coatings. Products that ship with a finish are finished with food-safe beeswax and jojoba oil. Our products meet CPSC requirements and carry a tracking label in the unlikely case of a future recall. They are designed for ages 3 to 8.
Can I have a toy personalized?
Yes, and the engraving is always free. Our ten frames, every travel tic tac toe set, and our leaf puzzle can all be personalized with a child's first name at no extra charge. Add the name in the personalization field at checkout, or leave it blank if you would rather have the piece plain. If you have something else in mind, a different theme, a batch of party favors, or a classroom quantity, email us at lauren@bosefamilystudios.com before you order and we will see what we can do.
How long until my order ships?
Every order is cut, finished, and packed by hand, so we ask for 3 to 5 business days in the studio before it ships, and that window is the same for personalized sets as it is for everything else. Delivery takes a few more business days after that depending on where you are. Orders go out through USPS with tracking, and we send the tracking number as soon as your package is on its way. If you need something by a certain date, email us before you order.
What comes with the set?
All of the pieces arrive in a cotton drawstring pouch for storage, along with a printed insert written for the grownup introducing the set. The insert explains what a child is practicing as they play, and it offers a handful of ways to keep the set interesting long after the first afternoon.
What size are they?
Exact dimensions are listed in every product description, and most products include a photo with the measurements shown against a familiar object so you can picture the scale. Nearly everything we make is sized to fit in a child's hands and travel in its drawstring pouch, which makes these sets easy to pack for a car ride, a waiting room, or a restaurant table. If you need a measurement you do not see, email us at lauren@bosefamilystudios.com and we will measure it for you.
Why does my set look a little different from the photos?
Every set is cut from real wood, so grain, color, and tone vary from board to board and even between pieces cut from the same sheet. Those small differences are what make a handmade set one of a kind, and we do not consider them flaws. If something ever looks wrong rather than simply different, send us a photo and we will make it right.
How do I care for the wood?
Wipe the pieces clean with a dry or barely damp cloth, and never soak or submerge them in water. Keep the set out of direct sun and away from heat sources so the wood does not warp. If the wood ever starts to look dry, rub in a little food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, or jojoba oil. For unfinished products, skip the oil on any pieces you want to color, since paint and crayon coat the wood on their own, and oiling first would keep the color from sticking.
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes, we work with independent shops, schools, and museums. You can browse our wholesale line on Faire, or email us at lauren@bosefamilystudios.com with your business name, the sets you are interested in, and the quantities you have in mind, and we will follow up with wholesale pricing, minimums, and lead times. Everything is cut and finished by hand in our studio, so it helps to know your timeline early.
Still have a question? Send us a note at lauren@bosefamilystudios.com and we will get back to you, usually within a day or two.
Lauren and Milton, Bose Family Studios
MADE IN PORTLAND, OREGON