Meet the Makers: Michelle Wiseman from Little Wise Toys

How would you describe Little Wise Toys?

Little Wise Toys specialises in creating educational toys for 3-6 year olds that provide a fun and interactive learning bridge between home and early years settings/early school.

The kits cover a range of areas such as phonics, maths, emotions, dinosaurs and more. I am also very excited to be launching a brand new product later on this year that will focus on nurturing the development of confidence, resilience and happiness for 6-12 year olds.

What was your journey to setting up Little Wise Toys?

The business came about by accident really. The very beginnings of the concept starting forming in my mind from nowhere a few years ago when I was settling my daughter back to sleep one night.

I was excited by the concept and decided to see if I could bring it to life. Everything eventually evolved into Little Wise Toys, which launched at the end of 2017.

In my pre-mummy life, I spent 10 years working in the Department of Health and the Department for Education, which gave me invaluable insight and experience in policy development from pre-school through to the teenage years.

I love researching, writing and creating ideas from a blank canvas. I also feel passionate about how much we can influence and encourage a love of learning, as well as lay key foundations from a young age so that we can help to open the doors to opportunities in life. With this in mind, creating Little Wise Toys seemed like a really natural next step.

Who is a role model for you and why?

Someone I am finding really inspiring at the moment is Jacinda Arden. I really feel that she is showing an admirable leadership approach and I think she is a great role model for the younger generation too.

This quote particularly struck me:

“One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”

HOW IS SUSTAINABILITY IMPORTANT TO LITTLE WISE TOYS?

When developing the Little Wise Toys range, I wanted to make sure that the products had a good range of environmentally friendly credentials.

Firstly, I wanted to create a reusable product that children can enjoy again and again. All of the paper and card used is either recycled or from other sustainably- managed sources. The magnetic material used in the boards for each of the kits is from a company that operates a zero landfill policy. While there is still room for improvement, I am really pleased that I was able to factor these aspects into the production of the Little Wise Toys range.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU THAT YOUR PRODUCTS ARE UNISEX?

There are so many different important skills to be gained from different toys. If certain types of toys are directed at boys, and other types are directed at girls, then both boys and girls can lose out on different developmental opportunities. This is why

I was keen to design my toys in a way that appeals to both boys and girls, and I am proud to have received the Let Toys be Toys good practice award.

What’s on your post-lockdown wish list?

Two things that my daughter and I are really looking forward to… Being able to have our first hug with our very cute new baby niece/cousin; and being able to have one of the legendary BBQ gatherings with all of the family again. The simple things…

What are you most looking forward to for Little Wise Toys in the future?

Continuing to support wise little ones with their learning and I’m ever so excited about launching the new Little Wise Toys product for 6-12 year olds later this year.

Find out more about Michelle and Little Wise Toys at www.littlewisetoys.com and on Instagram @littlewisetoys