Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What types of toys and educational products do you offer?
We offer handcrafted wooden toys, educational sets about the Orthodox Church, icons, prayer ropes, baptismal crosses, and more. These products are designed to teach children about the Orthodox faith in a fun and engaging way.
Are your toys handmade?
Yes, all our toys are handmade with love and care, using high-quality materials like Canadian Red Cedar.
What materials do you use to make your toys?
We primarily use Canadian Red Cedar for its durability, natural beauty, and safety. All finishes are child-safe and non-toxic.
Are your toys safe for children?
Yes, our toys are carefully crafted with child-safe materials. However, due to small parts, they are recommended for children aged 5 and above.
Do your toys comply with safety standards for [specific countries, like Canada or the USA]?
Our toys are handmade as part of a family hobby, not a commercial business, and therefore they are not formally certified under safety standards. However, we use high-quality, new cedar wood that is untreated with chemicals. Additionally, due to small parts, our toys are designed for children aged 5 and above. Parents should supervise children during play to ensure safe use.
Are the icons or crosses included in your products blessed?
The icons and crosses we include are not blessed by default. However, you can take them to your local priest for blessing.
What is the story or meaning behind [specific toy or product]?
Each toy or set has a unique story that connects to Orthodox traditions, Saints, or Church teachings. For example, our church block set helps children learn about the structure and significance of the Orthodox Church building.
Customizations
Can I customize a toy or educational set?
We currently do not offer customization for our educational sets. Since this is a family hobby and not a business, customization requires additional time, which we are unable to accommodate at the moment.
Do you offer personalized inscriptions on your products?
We do not offer personalized inscriptions. However, if you’re purchasing through Etsy, you can include a gift message. Simply indicate that the item is a gift and enter your message at checkout. We will print your gift message and include it with your order.
Can I request custom icons for my order?
We do not offer custom icons at this time.
Shipping and Delivery
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, some of our products can be shipped worldwide. However, certain products cannot be shipped to Europe due to EU safety certification requirements. Etsy will automatically calculate the shipping cost at checkout based on your location.
How long does it take to process an order?
Most orders are processed within 3-4 weeks. Custom orders are not available.
What are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs depend on the size of your order and your location. Etsy will automatically calculate the shipping charges during checkout.
Do you provide tracking information for shipped orders?
Yes, we provide tracking information for all orders once they are shipped.
What should I do if my order is delayed or lost?
Please contact us immediately if your order is delayed or lost. We’ll work with the shipping carrier to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Do you offer express shipping options?
Yes, express shipping is available for many destinations through Canada Post. You can choose from different shipping options at checkout. Etsy will automatically calculate the cost of shipping and any applicable taxes.
Do you ship to Europe?
Yes, we can ship some of our products to Europe. However, due to EU safety certification requirements, certain items cannot be shipped there. If you are interested in ordering, please get in touch with us or check the product listing on Etsy to confirm whether the item can be shipped to your location. Shipping costs and times are calculated automatically at checkout.
Purchasing and Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We do not process payments directly. Payments are handled through Etsy, which accepts major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods.
Can I buy your products in bulk for Sunday schools or parish events?
Yes, we offer bulk orders for churches and Sunday schools. For special pricing and lead times, please contact us at alex@orthodoxtoys.com.
Do you offer discounts for bulk or church orders?
Yes, we provide a 20% discount for bulk or church orders. For more details, please contact us at alex@orthodoxtoys.com.
Care and Maintenance
Are the paint and finishes you use on toys durable?
We do not apply any paint or finishes to our wooden toys.
What should I do if the wood gets scratched or damaged?
Small scratches can be lightly sanded and resealed with food-safe oil or beeswax polish.
How do I take care of wooden toys to keep them in good condition?
To care for wooden toys, wipe them with a damp cloth and avoid submerging them in water. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Educational Use
Are these toys suitable for use in Orthodox Sunday Schools?
Yes, our toys and educational sets are perfect for Sunday schools, helping children learn about their faith through play.
Do your products come with educational materials or guides?
Many of our sets include guides, stories, or activity booklets to enhance the learning experience.
How do your toys teach children about the Orthodox Church and faith?
Our toys incorporate elements of Orthodox tradition, such as icons, church architecture, and stories of Saints, to create a hands-on learning experience.
Returns and Exchanges
What is your return and exchange policy?
We accept returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in their original condition, and the customer is responsible for paying the return shipping costs.
What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect item?
Please contact us immediately with photos of the damaged or incorrect item. We’ll resolve the issue promptly.
Special Products
Do you have seasonal items, like Christmas or Pascha-themed toys?
All our products are designed to be relevant to all Orthodox feasts, including Christmas and Pascha (Easter).
Can I pre-order items that are currently out of stock?
Yes, pre-orders are available for certain products. Contact us to reserve your item.
What is included in the Holy Theotokos Icon Educational Set?
The set includes a handcrafted icon of the Holy Theotokos, an educational guide about her life and role in the Orthodox Church, and related activities.
Additional Resources
Do you have any books or other materials to help teach children about Orthodox Christianity?
Yes, we offer books, coloring pages, and activity sets designed to teach children about Orthodox Christianity.
Where can I find more information about the stories or Saints featured in your products?
Our website and Etsy store include descriptions of the Saints and stories featured in our products. Feel free to contact us with specific questions.
Can I download or purchase additional coloring pages or educational content?
Please contact us to discuss this. We’d be happy to provide more information based on your needs.
About Orthodox Toys
How did Orthodox Toys begin?
Orthodox Toys started as a family project to teach our youngest daughter about the Orthodox Church. Over time, it grew into a mission to help other families nurture faith through educational toys.
What is the mission or goal of Orthodox Toys?
Our mission is to teach children about God, the Orthodox faith, and Church traditions through creative, high-quality toys and resources.
Are you a family-run business?
Orthodox Toys is a family project, with each member contributing to the process. However, this is not a business but a hobby rooted in our faith and love for sharing Orthodox traditions.
Do you work with Orthodox clergy to ensure your products align with the faith?
Yes, we consult with clergy to ensure our products are theologically accurate and suitable for Orthodox Christian families.
Can I visit your workshop?
Our workshop is private, but we’d be happy to share more about our process or provide photos upon request.
Customer Support
How can I contact customer support?
You can contact us through Etsy messaging or email us at alex@orthodoxtoys.com.
What are your business hours?
Since this is a hobby, we work on Orthodox Toys orders during the evenings, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays.