Why Place-Based?
Welcome to Little Locals.
We want to inspire children - and their parents - to discover the wonder of the natural world, one local species at a time.
We know the importance of raising kids who care about the Earth. Little Locals was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between busy modern life and the beauty of nature that’s often right outside our doors.
I started Little Locals when my son was born in the sub-tropics of Miami. While I knew little about the landscape, I wanted my son to know and love this place - its marine animals, tropical jungle critters, coastal plants, seasonal variations... all of it! I brought together the first unofficial Place Kit - little figurines of manatees, crocodiles, sharks, and iguanas for him to play with.
Now, each Place Kit features thoughtfully designed, sustainable toys, books, and other everyday items that reflect your region’s unique wildlife. By introducing children to local species early, we hope to spark a lifelong connection to nature and a deep sense of stewardship for the planet.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Still curious? Have questions? Read on...
Is this a subscription kit service?
No, we sell curated, age-appropriate toy kits that are not recurring subscriptions. The toys and books we select are long-lasting - both in terms of material durability and interest from your little one. The items in each kit can be used as part of your everyday collection of toys for your baby or toddler.
How are the Place Kits organized geographically?
Little Locals is inspired by the concept of the "eco-region" - areas with similar ecosystems and environmental conditions, not bound by traditional city/state boundaries. Each Place Kits is organized around a major US urban center. We identify animal and plant species native to the region around the city, even if they may cross state lines. In our Species Guides that accompany each Place Kit, we recommend places to visit as a family that are within 3 hours driving from the urban center.
When will a Place Kit become available for where I live?
We're working on it! Email us (hello@littlelocalsplay.com) or get in touch on Instagram (@littlelocalsplay) to let us know where we should build out next. We'd love your suggestions.
I'm a business-owner/author/creator and I have products that I think would fit a Place Kit perfectly. How do I get in touch?
Excellent! We love finding new products to include in our Place Kits. Please email hello@littlelocalsplay.com with a description of your product, what species it introduces, and we'll talk more!