Ostheimer 河馬

The weight and smoothness of the wood feel so good in a child's hand—you can tell it was sanded by a person, not a machine. I love that it's finished with organic oil instead of something shiny, it makes the hippo look almost matte and natural.

The organic oil finish gives it a warmth that plastic toys just can't match. My toddler carries this hippo around all day, and the hand-sanded edges are perfectly safe for little hands. It feels like a real keepsake, not just another plaything.

The hand-sanded finish is really smooth and feels lovely, though I wish the legs were a bit sturdier for rough play. It has a nice, natural look that fits right in with our other toys.