As the designated “cool auntie” in my circle, my job is simple—show up with the best toys and instantly win over my friends’ little ones. Whether it’s a birthday, a random Sunday brunch, or just me dropping by unannounced (with snacks, of course), I always bring something fun for the kids. And lately, my go-to has been the amazing toys from Shumee—an incredible Indian brand making eco-friendly, wooden, and interactive toys for kids.
Why I Fell in Love with Shumee
I first discovered Shumee when I was looking for a gift for my best friend’s one-year-old for her birthday party. I wanted something that wasn’t another noisy, plastic, battery-operated nightmare that parents secretly wish would break in a week or some generic gift like a board game or crayons. That’s when I stumbled upon Shumee’s wooden toys—beautifully crafted, safe, and designed to spark creativity. One gift turned into many, and now, whenever I visit my friends, I bring a new Shumee toy because, honestly? The kids love them, and the parents appreciate the thoughtfulness.
A Brand That Gets It
Shumee was founded by a mom, Dr. Meeta Sharma Gupta, who saw the overwhelming presence of plastic and electronic toys in the market and decided to create something better. Her vision was simple: toys should be 90% child and 10% toy, meaning they should encourage kids to lead their playtime, rather than just push buttons. And you can see this philosophy in every toy they make!
And even though I currently shop for my friends' children, I know how much thought goes into deciding and buying a safe-to-play-with developmental toy which is of good quality Shumee gets that.
Safe, Sustainable, and Adorable
One of the biggest reasons I keep returning to Shumee is that their toys are completely safe for kids. No plastic, no batteries, no harmful chemicals—just natural materials like wood and cotton, polished with beeswax and painted with non-toxic, water-based colours. They also follow international safety standards (ASTM and BIS certified), which gives me peace of mind when I’m picking something for my friends’ little ones.
And let’s talk about sustainability—because we all know how quickly kids outgrow their toys. Shumee’s toys are handmade by local artisans in India, ensuring high quality while also supporting traditional craftsmanship. It feels good knowing that every purchase is not just a gift for a child but also a contribution to local communities. This is what actually makes me the cool aunt cause I am thinking about their future not only what they'll play with for a few months and thankfully Shumee helps me with it!
Why Shumee Toys Are Always a Hit
Every time I bring a Shumee toy, I know I’ve made a solid choice. The kids love the bright colors, the tactile feel of wooden blocks, and the joy of open-ended play. My personal favorites (and by that, I mean the ones that have been the biggest hits) include:
Wooden stackers and puzzles – Perfect for tiny hands and developing motor skills.
Sensory play toys – Ideal for curious little explorers who love different textures and sounds.
Montessori-style games – Engaging and designed to spark creativity while helping with early learning.
And the best part? My friends actually thank me for these gifts instead of giving me side-eye like they do when someone gifts their child a noisy toy drum (I’ve learned my lesson, okay?). I got excited and gave one of those noisy monkeys which we used to have as children, got caught up in nostalgia and side-eye in a single day!
Auntie Approved, Parent Loved
At this point, Shumee has become my secret weapon for being the favorite auntie. The kids love the fun, the parents love the safety and quality, and I love that I’m supporting an Indian brand that’s truly making a difference. And I am also fulfilling my choice of picking women lead brands when it comes to any kids' products.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect toy for the little ones in your life—whether it’s your nephew, your best friend’s kid, or even just a thoughtful baby shower gift—Shumee is the way to go. Trust me, you’ll never look at plastic toys the same way again!
Let's dive into the quick review -
It is super easy to shop from their website. The Cataloguing in amazing and helps someone like me who is clueless about kids toys browse and decide what can be a good option for a kid of a certain age. You can shop by category or by an age bracket and that I really helpful.
The packaging and the delivery of the products is great. I can track my order fully till it reaches me and I loved how securely the toys are always packed everytime.
The toys are of very good quality , neatly packaged for you to pack up and keep away later. The price may be a bit on the higher side, but that is compensated by the quality and the longevity they provide.
In the pictures you can see two products I got this time and many times before -
One of my absolute favorite Shumee toys is the Indiascape Learning Set. This beautifully designed set includes memory cards, an activity book, and a puzzle, all centred around India's rich culture and heritage. It’s such a fun way to introduce young kids to famous landmarks, festivals, and traditions without making it feel like a history lesson. I love watching little ones excitedly match memory cards and solve puzzles while unknowingly absorbing knowledge about their own roots. It’s the kind of toy that sparks curiosity and conversations, making it a perfect blend of education and play—something every parent appreciates!
Another toy I can’t recommend enough is the Wooden Shape & Number Sorter House. It’s a colourful, engaging way for toddlers to learn numbers, shapes, and colours while developing their motor skills. The adorable wooden house structure makes it even more fun—kids love dropping the pieces in and figuring out where each shape fits. It’s the kind of toy that grows with them, reinforcing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, since it’s made of sturdy, eco-friendly wood, it lasts through countless play sessions, making it a thoughtful and long-lasting gift for any little learner.
Overall for Shumee have only praise!
Shumee is a breath of fresh air in the world of children's toys, offering beautifully crafted, eco-friendly, and development-focused products that stand out from the usual plastic clutter. As a brand founded by a mom, it truly understands what parents want—safe, non-toxic, and engaging toys that encourage open-ended play. From wooden puzzles to interactive learning sets, every Shumee toy is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids while ensuring they learn through play. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability, using natural materials like wood and water-based paints while supporting local artisans.
The toys are also ASTM and BIS certified, reassuring parents that their child’s safety is a priority. Whether it’s a sensory playset for toddlers or an educational puzzle for preschoolers, Shumee delivers quality and purpose in every product. As someone who loves gifting meaningful toys, I can confidently say Shumee is a brand worth investing in!