Pasteltoys: Special Toys by Special People

Pasteltoys is a unique toy-making factory, located in the collective village of Kishorit in Israel’s Galilean Hills. Pasteltoys employs members of Kishorit who are adults with special needs. The toys designed and made at Pasteltoys are imbued with the values of this special village: innocence, wholesomeness, simplicity, cooperative effort, and compassion. The toys are made entirely of wood, and are kept to an uncompromising standard of quality. All bear the stamp of approval of Israel’s Standards Institute.

About our special toys: The toys made by Pasteltoys stand out for being like the toys of yesteryear; in this, they are unique among the toys on today’s shelves. Their simple, naïve design and pastel colors project harmony, serenity, and comfort. The toys arouse a sense of nostalgia in the parents and grandparents who buy them for today’s children, and this adds to the value inherent purchasing our toys: that is, the participation in and contribution to a significant social effort.
The variety of toys created at Pasteltoys is broad, and includes innovative walking aids and doll carriages, little animals with wheels, classic building blocks, hobby-horses, and mobiles. We also create supplemental furniture for children’s rooms, such as shelves, hooks, and small hobby tables.

About our special employees: About 30 adults work at Pasteltoys, the majority are members of the Kishorit home for life for adults with special needs,  and some are salaried employees (who are not disabled). Meals and breaks are taken together, workers’ birthdays are celebrated together, and the atmosphere at the factory is one of acceptance, support, and cooperation. The members’ interaction with the professionals contributes to their rehabilitation, improving their self-esteem. Kishorit members have the same rights and obligations as do the rest of the employees: they are expected to be diligent, persistent, and committed to coming to work every day, on time. 

About working at Pasteltoys: The toy production process comprises a variety of tasks, which suit the varying needs and levels of ability of Kishorit’s member. Some members are best suited to repetitive, “assembly line” tasks, while others thrive on more varied or physical labor. Some members work well as part of a group, while others prefer to work independently. All of the various tasks help the workers to develop precision, concentration, dexterity, conscientiousness, meticulousness, and sound judgment.

A child’s smile is an employee’s reward: In addition to selling Pasteltoys’s products at boutiques and retail chains worldwide, we sell our toys at an outlet store located next to the factory, where Kishorit members can see where their hard work leads. Every time a child points to a toy and says, “I want that one”, the person who made it fills with an invaluable sense of pride and accomplishment.

Business development: We are currently seeking to grow our exports to additional markets overseas, as well as to expand our national sales.