HearthSong

Founded in 1983 by Barbara Kane from her home, HearthSong began as a black-and-white catalog featuring pencil drawings of carefully chosen toys. Kane's vision was to provide families with items that foster the wonder of childhood and help parents nurture their children's imagination. The company's name itself reflects core family values, with "Hearth" symbolizing the center of the home and "Song" representing the family's spirit and playfulness.

HearthSong operates in the children's toy and game market, functioning primarily as a direct-to-consumer business through its e-commerce platform. The business model centers on curating and selling a wide range of high-quality, age-appropriate playthings. A significant portion of its product line, approximately 70%, consists of exclusive original designs created by educators and artists. The company generates revenue through the online sale of its products, which include toys, games, puzzles, crafts, and backyard equipment. Over the years, it evolved from a mail-order catalog into a nationally recognized brand. In early 2024, discount retailer Big Lots acquired HearthSong's entire inventory, making the products available in its stores at significantly reduced prices.

The company's product portfolio is extensive, covering indoor and outdoor play, STEM and STEAM sets, inflatables, and multi-generational family activities. A key product category includes its exclusive play spaces and items like the award-winning Connectagons®, a versatile building set designed to encourage open-ended, creative construction. These products are designed to be kid-powered and screen-free, encouraging active, imaginative, and cooperative play. The target clients are parents and grandparents seeking wholesome, high-quality playthings that contribute to a child's development.

Keywords: children's toys, educational toys, imaginative play, outdoor toys, family games, creative play, STEM toys, screen-free toys, kids crafts, playhouses, building sets, children's apparel, Barbara Kane, mail-order catalog, e-commerce, family values, child development, playscapes, inflatables, puzzles, developmental toys, wholesome playthings, kids' decor, active play, award-winning toys