Mader Kreiselmanufaktur: Rediscover the Joy of Slow, Traditional Toys
Our Journey with Mader
We have proudly been stocking Mader spinning tops for over a decade here at Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks.
Long before we ever stocked Mader spinning tops, we fell in love with them from afar. We searched high and low in the UK and could not find a single one, so, in our excitement, we ordered a few from a tiny shop in Switzerland. I still smile and wince a little when I remember opening that parcel. One of the tops was so impossibly small it fit inside a teeny glass jar, genuinely smaller than my baby fingernail. I remember sitting there, half-amused and half-disappointed, thinking, "Oh dear, this is not what I imagined at all."
Explore our carefull curated range of Mader Kreiselmanufaktur.
When we were finally fortunate enough to stock Mader ourselves, I made a quiet promise: no one should have that "oh, it is tiny" moment unless they are expecting it. To help with that, many of our tops are photographed in my little girl's hands, just to give that gentle sense of scale we wished we had in the beginning. And for every top, we have made sure the dimensions are crystal clear in the description.
It is a small thing, but it matters to us. And I think that is the heart of why we love these tops so much. Even the tiniest ones can bring a little wonder, as long as you know exactly what to expect.
About Mader Spinning Tops
Founded in 1991, Klaus Mader's spinning top factory is nestled in the scenic Hausruckviertel region of Austria. Since its inception, Mader has become a hallmark of craftsmanship, producing hand-turned, hand-painted wooden spinning tops from exclusively regional precious and hardwoods. With a range of about 150 self-made tops in various colors and shapes, Mader offers a stunning variety that is sure to captivate toy lovers and collectors alike.
Every Mader spinning top is a testament to Austrian craftsmanship, created through up to 20 meticulous work stages. From turning, burning, and embossing to carving, brushing, painting, and varnishing, each piece is treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. The result is a timeless design with a distinctive burned equator line that identifies an original Mader top.
Explore Mader Kreiselmanufaktur's Toy Collections
While Mader is best known for its beautifully balanced spinning tops, their craftsmanship extends far beyond. Their wider collection includes a thoughtful range of tactile toys and objects, each designed with the same care, precision, and respect for natural materials. From playful curiosities to skill-based pieces, every item invites exploration in its own quiet way. Together, these collections reflect a deep understanding of simplicity, movement, and enduring play.
Mader Spinning Tops
Mader spinning tops are beautifully handcrafted in Austria, known for their exceptional balance, precision, and quiet simplicity. Each piece invites a moment of pause, drawing children into a gentle rhythm of movement and focus. Simple in form yet deeply engaging, they encourage patience, coordination, and a sense of wonder. Designed to be returned to again and again, they offer a timeless play experience that grows with the child.
Mader spinning tops come in 6 difficulty levels:
Level 1 - Very Easy
Mader Roly Poly Pear - Violet to Red
Mader Roly Poly Pear - Red to Violet
Mader Roly Poly Sombrero - Ice
Mader Roly Poly Sombrero - Lavender
Mader Roly Poly Sombrero - Grass
Level 2 - Easy
Mader Large Rallye Spinning Top - Violet to Red
Mader Large Rallye Spinning Top - Red to Violet
Mader 'My First Spinning Top' with Starter - Grass
Mader 'My First Spinning Top' with Starter - Violet
Mader 'My First Spinning Top' with Starter - Ice
Level 3 - Medium
Level 4 - Intermediate
Mader Toadstool Egg Spinning Top
Mader Rainbow Egg Spinning Top
Level 5 - Difficult
Mader Tree Spinning Top with Branch Stand
Level 6 - Very Difficult
Mader Music Boxes
Mader music boxes offer a beautiful blend of movement, sound, and hands-on play. With each turn of the handle, a gentle melody plays, bringing the piece to life while inviting children into a calm, rhythmic interaction. Thoughtfully designed with removable spinning tops, they extend beyond a simple music box into an engaging play experience. Each element encourages coordination, focus, and a sense of discovery. Handcrafted in Austria from natural materials, they reflect the same care, precision, and quiet charm found across the Mader collection.
Discover the charm of Mader music boxes
Mader for Baby
Mader toys for baby are thoughtfully designed to introduce the very first experiences of movement, balance, and gentle sound. With soft wobbling forms and simple spinning elements, they invite little hands to explore cause and effect in a calm, sensory way. Each piece responds with subtle motion, capturing attention without overwhelming it. Crafted from natural materials and shaped for small hands, they support early coordination, curiosity, and a quiet sense of discovery.
Explore Mader’s first toys for movement and play
Mader Scopes
Mader scopes, including teleidoscopes and kaleidoscopes, invite children into a quiet world of light, colour, and ever-changing patterns. With each gentle turn, familiar surroundings are transformed into something new, encouraging curiosity and a sense of wonder. Simple yet captivating, they offer a moment of pause and observation, drawing attention to the beauty in detail. Thoughtfully crafted from natural materials, they provide a timeless way to explore visual play and discovery.
Explore light, colour, and pattern with Mader scopes
Mader Yoyos
Mader hand-crafted wooden yoyos combine classic design with exceptional craftsmanship. Smooth, balanced, and beautifully responsive, they invite children to explore rhythm, movement, and control through play. With practice, simple motions become more fluid and confident, supporting coordination, focus, and perseverance. Durable and thoughtfully made from natural materials, they offer lasting, skill-building enjoyment while celebrating the enduring appeal of traditional wooden toy artistry.
Explore classic wooden yoyos by Mader
Commitment to Quality and Tradition
Mader's commitment to quality and tradition is reflected in the use of domestic hardwoods, ensuring every spinning top is as beautiful as it is sustainable. With an impressive output of approximately 100,000 hand-turned tops per year, the company's elaborate painting techniques guarantee a remarkable 99 years of lightfastness, making each top as vibrant and durable as the day it was made.
As a member of the Professional Association of Visual Artists of Austria, Mader has expanded its reach globally, participating in exhibitions, fairs, and markets at home and abroad. Over the years, Mader has grown from a small workshop to a thriving business with around 15 employees working across two locations. Since 2011, the company has also opened its doors to the public with the Spinning Top Museum, offering an immersive look into the world of heirloom-quality wooden spinning tops.
What Makes Mader Unique?
- A product range of approximately 150 self-made spinning tops in a variety of shapes and colours
- Exclusive use of domestic precious and hardwoods
- An output of about 100,000 hand-turned individual pieces per year
- Elaborate painting that guarantees 99 years of lightfastness
- High recognition value through timeless designs and unique ideas
Mader's spinning tops are not just toys, they are pieces of art, crafted with passion, precision, and a deep respect for tradition.
The Timeless Value of Spinning Tops in Childhood Play
Playing with wooden spinning tops is much more than a sweet nod to nostalgia. It is a gateway to a world of learning, discovery, and development. These simple yet captivating toys offer rich, holistic benefits for growing minds and bodies, grounding childhood play in the natural rhythm of movement and joy.
As children spin the tops, they are not just engaged in a delightful, calming activity. They are honing motor skills, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and building their sense of balance. The gentle motion of the top teaches patience and focus, as children learn to anticipate and appreciate each graceful spin.
Spinning tops also nurture sensory awareness, helping children explore the world through touch, sight, and sound. The smooth wooden surface, visual delight, and soft spinning sound connect children to their senses, encouraging presence and mindfulness.
In addition, tops spark curiosity, gently introducing children to basic physics, motion, and cause-and-effect relationships. Spinning tops also invite social connection, whether children play independently or with friends, fostering collaboration, shared joy, and meaningful interaction.
Through play, these humble toys become a tool for joyful discovery, guiding children in learning about themselves and the world around them. Even the simplest spin offers a grounding, enchanting experience that can stay with children for years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Mader Spinning Tops
What are Mader spinning tops made of?
Mader spinning tops are crafted from 100 percent natural, high-quality domestic hardwoods, carefully selected for durability and beauty. Each top is hand-turned and hand-painted, using no artificial colors, chemical softeners, or harmful substances like BPA, PVC, or phthalates. Every top is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for children, making them heirloom-quality wooden toys.
Why are Mader spinning tops considered heirloom-quality toys?
Designed to last for generations, Mader tops feature timeless designs, premium hardwoods, and meticulous handcrafted artistry. Their vibrant hand-painted finishes offer 99 years of lightfastness, making them cherished heirloom-quality wooden toys that children can enjoy and families can pass down.
What makes Mader spinning tops unique?
Each top is made in up to 20 detailed work stages, including turning, burning, carving, painting, and varnishing. The burned equator line and distinctive designs identify an original Mader spinning top, creating a wooden toy that is both playful and a piece of traditional craftsmanship.
Are Mader spinning tops safe for children?
Yes. Made from 100 percent non-toxic materials, free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and hand-painted with child-safe paints, Mader spinning tops prioritize safety. They meet strict European safety standards and are CE certified for children aged 3 and above, making them a safe and durable choice for play.
How do I care for my Mader spinning top?
To keep your Mader wooden spinning top looking beautiful for years, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight and dust regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid water or harsh cleaning products. With gentle care, these heirloom-quality wooden toys remain vibrant and durable.
How can I tell if my spinning top is authentic?
Authentic Mader spinning tops can be identified by the burned equator line, a signature of original craftsmanship. Combined with hand-turning, hand-painting, and the use of natural hardwoods, this ensures each top is a high-quality, traditional wooden toy.
Where are Mader spinning tops made?
Mader spinning tops are handmade in Austria, in the scenic Hausruckviertel region, using locally sourced hardwoods. Every top is crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting decades of Austrian wooden toy-making tradition.
What age group are Mader spinning tops suitable for?
Mader spinning tops are ideal for children aged 3 and above. Smaller tops help younger children develop fine motor skills, while larger, more intricate designs are perfect for older children and collectors interested in heirloom-quality wooden toys.
How many spinning tops does Mader produce each year?
Mader produces approximately 100,000 hand-turned spinning tops each year. Every top is made in small batches to maintain craftsmanship, quality, and uniqueness, ensuring each wooden toy meets the highest standards.
What makes Mader spinning tops great for childhood development?
Mader spinning tops support motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience, focus, and sensory awareness. Their gentle spinning motion introduces children to basic physics and cause-and-effect learning, combining educational benefits with the simple joy of hands-on play.
Can I buy Mader spinning tops online?
Yes. Our online store offers a wide selection of hand-turned, hand-painted wooden spinning tops. Made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, they are perfect for children’s play, educational exploration, or adding a beautiful heirloom-quality toy to your collection.
