THE STORY
“Everything starts from a dot.”
(Wassily Kandinsky)
◦• HOW IT ALL STARTED
In our story, it all began with a dot—or more precisely, a ball. Picture a small, vibrant red ball with white polka dots: the very first toy we vividly recall from our childhood. Maybe you had one like it?
This memory has led us to believe that, regardless of time or place, a child’s first special—and perhaps favorite—toy is often a ball. Its simple, universal shape makes it easy to grasp and manipulate. It’s a gift that sparks true wonder for the first time in their lives. As it rolls, spins, and bounces, it inspires the first OPLA! moments, setting a child off on a journey of discovery and curiosity, putting their whole world in motion.
Watching children play, we see the transformative power of these moments! It’s in these instances when something unexpected happens and a new realization dawns. When a whole new world of possibilities unfolds before a child’s eyes. Ideas take shape, discoveries are made, and the earth seems to shake a little under their feet. These OPLA moments act as catalysts for growth, curiosity, and exploration.
At OPLATOYS, we believe that as parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to safeguard these moments and provide unique toys that inspire them.
Toys are much more than just playthings. Fröbel, the father of kindergartens and the pioneer of intentionally designed toys, called them ‘GIFTS.’ This profound concept guides us in designing our own sets. When we offer something to a child, we always ask: will it be a true gift? Can they connect it to their life and daily experiences? Does it spark some form of knowledge? Does it bring beauty? If a toy fails to meet these three essential criteria, then it is not a true gift.
To provide these qualities, we prioritize simplicity in our design approach. Creating simple things is incredibly challenging! Reduced forms must be coupled with true functionality and versatility—not too straightforward or boring. We believe the real challenge, particularly with creative toys, is to offer numerous exciting functions with as few elements as possible, allowing children to become true inventors and creators themselves!
INSPIRED BY FRÖBEL •◦
◦• MEET THE MAKER
Our chief toymaker, Primož Rojc comes from Slovenia, one of the tiniest yet most green countries in Europe. Surrounded by magical forests and the playful wonders of nature, he has managed to remain a child at heart. Growing up with wooden toys, papers, and pencils – three things that he labels as the gifts from the forest – he stayed creative, nurturing a desire to design toys that echo the joy of his own childhood for future generations. Coming from a family of traditional craftsmen in Slovenia, he is renowned for handmade toys inspired by traditional folk arts.
Through our new brand, OPLATOYS, he aims to speak a more universal language through his ideas of play, showcasing another side of his heritage. OPLATOYS blend elements of the past, present, old Slovenian design (reminiscent of “the modernism of his childhood”), and the spirit of Bauhaus.
◦• HOW IT ALL STARTED
In our story, it all began with a dot—or more precisely, a ball. Picture a small, vibrant red ball with white polka dots: the very first toy we vividly recall from our childhood. Maybe you had one like it?
This memory has led us to believe that, regardless of time or place, a child’s first special—and perhaps favorite—toy is often a ball. Its simple, universal shape makes it easy to grasp and manipulate. It’s a gift that sparks true wonder for the first time in their lives. As it rolls, spins, and bounces, it inspires the first OPLA! moments, setting a child off on a journey of discovery and curiosity, putting their whole world in motion.
Watching children play, we see the transformative power of these moments! It’s in these instances when something unexpected happens and a new realization dawns. When a whole new world of possibilities unfolds before a child’s eyes. Ideas take shape, discoveries are made, and the earth seems to shake a little under their feet. These OPLA moments act as catalysts for growth, curiosity, and exploration.
At OPLATOYS, we believe that as parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to safeguard these moments and provide unique toys that inspire them.
◦• INSPIRED BY FRÖBEL
Toys are much more than just playthings. Fröbel, the father of kindergartens and the pioneer of intentionally designed toys, called them ‘GIFTS.’ This profound concept guides us in designing our own sets. When we offer something to a child, we always ask: will it be a true gift? Can they connect it to their life and daily experiences? Does it spark some form of knowledge? Does it bring beauty? If a toy fails to meet these three essential criteria, then it is not a true gift.
To provide these qualities, we prioritize simplicity in our design approach. Creating simple things is incredibly challenging! Reduced forms must be coupled with true functionality and versatility—not too straightforward or boring. We believe the real challenge, particularly with creative toys, is to offer numerous exciting functions with as few elements as possible, allowing children to become true inventors and creators themselves!
◦• MEET THE MAKER
Our chief toymaker, Primož Rojc comes from Slovenia, one of the tiniest yet most green countries in Europe. Surrounded by magical forests and the playful wonders of nature, he has managed to remain a child at heart. Growing up with wooden toys, papers, and pencils – three things that he labels as the gifts from the forest – he stayed creative, nurturing a desire to design toys that echo the joy of his own childhood for future generations. Coming from a family of traditional craftsmen in Slovenia, he is renowned for handmade toys inspired by traditional folk arts.
Through our new brand, OPLATOYS, he aims to speak a more universal language through his ideas of play, showcasing another side of his heritage. OPLATOYS blend elements of the past, present, old Slovenian design (reminiscent of “the modernism of his childhood”), and the spirit of Bauhaus.