Kringle Workshops founder Tom Bethke was inspired to start making wood toys by his father and years later opened his woodworking shop in Lake Elmo, MN.
Thank you for checking out my shop. I hope you like what you see. I have always liked to create things. The process of designing and building something unique has always brought me a lot of satisfaction. I believe this came from my father who was a wonderful woodworker himself. He taught me how to work with tools and to shape the wood starting when I was very young.
When I got older I found myself going to art school where I would receive valuable training in design and three dimensional sculptures. I would go on to work as a designer and builder for live theatre and as a display artist for corporate events and trade shows. I have also been a professional Santa Claus for over 30 years.
While I was doing this I was also making various things like wood toys for friends and children of relatives. I would then deliver them on Christmas as Santa. Now I am doing the same thing for the children of the kids I first did it for. So one day with a lot of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to start selling my creations to everyone else, and the rest is history. So if you are looking for a rugged, handmade wooden toy for your child or grandchild check out our selection. With little care, these wooden toys can become heirlooms and be passed down from generation to generation and enjoyed for years to come. I still have some my father made for me. THANKS DAD.
We also do special custom orders. If you are looking for something special that we currently do not make, contact Tom. He can often create custom wood toys for your child.
Every order placed on Kringle Workshops comes with a certificate of authenticity to help your child appreciate the authenticity of the gift.