Our Mission
To create objects of lasting importance that enrich the lives of children and articulate and define creative, joyful, and meaningful experiences.
Classroom and playroom design choices, as well as the furniture chosen and toys offered, are all instrumental parts of early childhood education. Through each of these avenues, Guidecraft strives to create learning environments that are wholly inspiring and enriching to a child.
With an emphasis on the use of natural materials and loose parts theory, we create open-ended toys that unleash a child’s imagination through free, unstructured play. Our home furniture focuses on engaging children in artistic, literary, and dramatic play activities while our preschool furniture collections straddle the needs of both teachers and parents to provide authentic, nature-inspired, and sensory choices in some uniquely beautiful ways.
Founded by Fred Fein in 1966 in a woodshop in New York State, Guidecraft was built upon the foundation of smart, beautifully crafted wooden toys for children. In the 1980’s the company was expanded under the ownership and direction of Fred’s son – Jason Fein – to encompass consumer toys and furniture, along with an ever-growing portfolio of toys and furniture for the education market. In the mid 2000’s the company was further enhanced with the mission of providing exclusive toys and furniture to the domestic and international markets, as well as providing private-label supply chain, compliance, and distribution services to a growing roster of international brands in both the consumer and institutional markets.
We pride ourselves on almost fifty years of manufacturing quality products that put children and safety first. To fulfill that mission, we design and test our products to meet or exceed international safety standards including ASTM, EN71, Health Canada and AUS/NZ to provide our customers with a safe, durable, and lasting product that will bring years of meaningful and rewarding use and enjoyment. For further information on our compliance programs and systems, please contact us at compliance@guidecraft.com.
Environmental certification of materials is key to the development of responsible supply chain practices. To that end we use FSC certified solid wood and wood-based materials such as MDF and plywood. For further information on our compliance programs, please contact us at Our Brands
Our consolidated family of brands create cutting edge, exemplary products specifically designed for international early childhood education environments.
Guidecraft is a leading brand in children's toy s for the early childhood education and consumer markets with a focus on systems-based STEM toys. Additionally, Guidecraft has furniture, gross motor, social emotional products and brands that combined, create the basis for a unique and robust set of offerings in the US and international early childhood education and consumer markets.
Since 1966, products in the University Furniture Collection have been designed, manufactured and used in schools throughout North America. Now, the system is available globally and in two finishes: North American solid maple and birch plywood. Unparalleled in quality, UFC's products and accessories help teachers design and implement comprehensive, engaging classrooms for preschools and daycares.
Tilo, an award-winning line of trikes created for the preschool and consumer markets, is built to support and encourage adventure. Known for their safety, beautiful design and durability, Tilo trikes, scooters, balance bikes and motion stools now provide teachers and educators throughout the world looking to stimulate young children's gross motor skills.
