Play with Purpose: Hape Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

Hape has focused on sustainability since its origin and continues to do so after 40 years, with our product launches still aligned with this goal. We are introducing limited-edition products to celebrate, and we have some
anniversary collaborations with different partners. At Toy Fair, we will showcase legacy products and show the future of innovation. We’re not only looking backwards, but we are also using our anniversary to reflect on Hape’s commitment and to shape the next generation of play.

We started as a really small wooden toy company in Germany, but now, 40 years later, we are becoming a global leader. We have more than 30 years of experience in the U.S., and provide service to over 100 countries worldwide.

The company has also expanded into different play categories, which continue to reflect our philosophy of inspiring learning and creativity. Hape continues to adapt to the changing needs of families while maintaining its commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Sustainability is in our Hape DNA. We started as a wooden toy maker, harvesting sustainably grown wood. Later, when working on a global scale, we integrated bamboo and worked with a company in Portugal that produces cork. Hape utilizes renewable materials to maintain the world as we find it, and to prepare for the future to come. Sustainability can surely come from a material, but it can also come from how you operate your own productions. We operate our own production facilities in five countries worldwide. And for us, it’s not a one-time marketing idea… we have a planet-first strategy.

Hape’s designs and workshops have a child-first approach, supporting cognitive educational learning. With emotional, physical, and social development in mind, Hape products are created for open-ended play. The product should not bring the full solution to the child, but rather it should inspire the child to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence. So many designs are inspired by these educational principles, and we help children learn naturally through the exploration of our products.

The Met is universal, reflecting the whole world of art from places like Japan, Europe, and the U.S. The collaboration stems from the belief that early exposure to art and culture can spark creativity. We capture the iconic works of great artists within The Met collection and re-imagine them through a playful yet educational lens. The Met allows families with young kids to be inspired by art, and our collection encourages that, empowering them to be confident in the things that they can do.

The world is facing many challenges and conflicts. At Hape, we want to provide children and families with good solutions. In our line, you won’t find any toys connected with violence, and that’s because we want to make the world a more peaceful place. We want to inspire families to bring calming play experiences to their children through our products. The goal of creating a peaceful play environment is what will drive me for the years to come.