Our Philosophy

Nova's Philosophy Nova Natural was created 18 years ago out of a desire to provide families and teachers with a wide variety of natural products, which are conducive to creative and wholesome living. We offer finely crafted toys that inspire imaginative play, beautifully illustrated children's books, a wide range of parenting and craft books, non-competitive games which successfully combine action and challenge with co-operation and compassion and natural craft and art supplies to create your own works of beauty. According to the philosophy that guides Nova Natural, each toy should be age-appropriate in form and in function. Toys should further the child's inner development allowing children to express moods and feelings freely and have an 'open-ended' quality, without the limiting, predetermined play which can come when toys are too formed or too fixed in their function. A simple toy allows the child's imagination, full play. For example, a doll with only suggested facial features can do anything imaginable, laugh, cry, talk, etc. Toys should strengthen and encourage the child's fantasy life so that a child can submerge himself in play, in the world of myth and fairy tales, live outside his day-to-day experiences, imitating adult life with housekeeping toys and through pretend play. The child is able to solve challenging situations when he becomes a rescuing hero with his fire engine will be the adult able to resolve difficulties in the office, laboratory or factory, and 'rescue' the work situation. 'Play prepares the future, and playthings and the play environment should give opportunity for this.' (Joan Salter, The Incarnating Child)

Who We Are

Nova Natural Toys and Crafts is a small, family owned business in Shelburne, Vermont, about 20 minutes south of Burlington. We do not have a retail store but if you are in the area feel free to call and make a time to stop by. Please understand that during our busy season before the holidays we may not be able to welcome you into our warehouse because we are so busy! We would like to thank Evi Hofmann and Herbert Horn for nurturing Nova over its first 13 years. Evi's vision and hard work built the foundation upon which we continue to grow today.

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments, email us at ted@novanatural.com. You can also reach us by phone, at (877) 668-2111, from Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm EST. Our address is:
Nova Natural Toys & Crafts
140 Webster Rd
Shelburne, VT 05482