Provided
1. Megan Kampa
Kampa describes herself as a kid at heart. An illustrator and surface pattern designer, she creates colorful art for an array of home goods, from kitchen towels and paper goods to wall art and children’s counting cards. Circus-themed counting cards, $28; megankampa.com
Provided
2. Folgerton Woodworks
Inspired by the balance board trend, Farmington couple Laura and Jason Folger created this for their own children—a board that hones balance, builds strength, and encourages flexibility. With a little imagination, it can become a slide, tunnel, or teeter-totter. Curvy board, $120; facebook.com/folgertonwoodworks
Provided
3. Sweetpea & Co.
With a graphic design degree in hand, Rachel Winter started sewing dresses in 2008, and things took off with the birth of her first child in 2013. Today, the company creates apparel, toys, and room decor with a focus on high-quality, sustainable, gender-neutral designs. Gray duck baby bodysuit, $25; sweetpeaandco.net
Provided
4. Beka
For more than 45 years, this multi-generational, family-run business has been crafting goods that inspire creativity and imaginative play. From its workshop in St. Paul, Beka crafts heirloom-quality block sets with the goal of creating products that will last generations. Hard maple building blocks, $79.90; bekainc.com
Provided
5. Polka Dot Club
A second-generation teddy bear maker, Jen Murphy makes bears the old-fashioned way: one stitch at a time. These bears are made to be played with and cherished. Murphy was taught the craft of bear making by her mother and loves sending her creations into the world. Classic bear, $182; polkadotclub.com
