Artisan Toys & Traditional Games
Shipped across India
We make Channapatna wooden toys and traditional games in-house using safe 'Aale mara' wood, natural dyes, and 200-year-old craft techniques, so you get handcrafted pieces that are both playthings and decor.
Pricing Guide
Fabric & Wood Travel Games
Game Variants
Choice of traditional logic games like Snakes & Ladders, Goats & Tigers, Solitaire, or Chess.
The Board
A foldable fabric mat featuring intricate Lambadi hand-embroidery by Porgai artisans. Doubles as a storage pouch.
The Pieces
Full set of lac-turned wooden pawns (up to 32 pieces depending on game type).
Portability
Lightweight design packed in a Kora Potli bag or compact box.
Festive Decor Sets & Collectibles
Set Content
High-volume sets containing 10+ turned wood components (e.g., Nativity Scene, Retro Kitchen) or large figurine pairs.
Craftsmanship
High-definition painting with distinct character identities and complex assembly.
Material
Constructed from premium Wrightia Tinctoria or Beechwood for durability.
Purpose
Designed primarily for home decor, festive displays (Golu/Christmas), or gentle role-play.
Educational Stackers & Pull-Toys
Toy Type
One kinetic or logic toy, either a nesting stacker (e.g., Owl/Doll) or a pull-along animal with wheels.
Dimensions
Medium-sized items ranging from 15cm to 25cm suitable for floor play.
Detailing
Precision-turned wood for smooth movement or perfect stacking fit. Features hand-painted faces and felt fabric accents.
Safety
Uses soft wood blocks and non-chipping natural paints safe for mouthing.
Signature Curios & Spinning Tops
Product Varieties
Includes one handheld item such as spinning tops (chess/umbrella themes), animal head keychains, or baby rattles.
Craft & Material
Made from medicinal Aale mara (Ivory Wood) using traditional lac-turnery to minimize waste.
Finish & Safety
Coated with guaranteed lead-free, non-toxic natural dyes suitable for toddlers.
Packaging
Comes in eco-friendly paper packaging or with a branding tag.
About Artisan Toys & Traditional Games
I don’t see toys as just playthings. What we make at Varnam is a mix of art, culture, and nostalgia, all told through wood and color. Every piece is shaped by our artisans in Channapatna, Karnataka, using a 200-year-old craft that’s still going strong, even if it’s a quiet strength.
The Craft in Every Toy
- All our toys are made with 'Aale mara' wood, known for being safe and gentle, even if your kid’s the type to chew on everything.
- We use lac-turnery and only natural, non-toxic dyes and shellac - nothing harsh, just old-school methods that work.
- The glossy, smooth finish? That’s from hours of care, not shortcuts.
Who Makes It Matter
We’re producers, not middlemen. The faces you don’t see - like Pallavi running her own workshop or Hameed who’s been turning wood with us for 15 years - are the real heart of what we do. For us, keeping this tradition alive is personal.
Not Just for Kids
- Our Channapatna wooden toys are more than cute - they help kids with fine motor skills and problem solving.
- Gombes and figurines root you in traditions like Dasara Golu, and yes, they double up as home decor.
- Eco-friendly Indian games, from Chess to 'Aadu Hulli Aata', come with portable mats and quirky pawns - easy to carry, fun for any age.
If you want something that’s handcrafted, honest, and a little bit nostalgic, you’ll probably find it here.
Meet your Expert
Varnam Craft Collective
405 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Hey, we’re Varnam. Craft’s our heartbeat, not the algorithm. I started out dreaming music, ended up spinning stories with wood and colour. No fancy design degrees here, just memories—like amma’s old urga jaadis (pickle jars) and those Chettinad koodais (baskets) from temple runs. We make things that feel like home, not showroom. Walk into our Bangalore, Mysore, or Goa spaces, you’re not just shopping, you’re keeping a tradition alive. That’s what matters.
My Work
Handcrafted Products - We offer Channapatna toys, blockprint apparel, handcrafted ceramic spice jars, jewellery, and blockprint corporate gifts.
Minimal, Mindful Design - Our style’s simple—design whispers, never shouts. It’s in the curve, colour, and playful details.
Craft & Culture - We team up with artisans from Channapatna, Tamil Nadu, Auroville. Every piece has a story and a touch of heritage.
Meet Our Makers - You buy, you support folks like Hameed Mian and Pallavi. Real people, real craft, real impact.
Homes, Not Stores - Drop by our spaces in Bangalore, Mysore, Goa. Feel the craft, hang out, make it yours.
