Pelata wooden toys are "slayers of awkward silences"

Finnish Design Shop has unveiled a collection of open-ended wooden toys during Helsinki Design Week, created in collaboration with different Nordic designers to mark the retailer's 20th anniversary.

Designed for all age groups, the Pelata collection features alternative takes on existing games and musical instruments, all finished in solid woods from birch to ash. Pelata is the Finnish word for "play".

One of the toys is Prikka, a "classic" backgammon board that doubles as a tray, made from beech by Stockholm studio TAF.

"The toys will become conversation starters, but they also work as fully functional objects," said Finnish Design Shop CEO Teemu Kiiski.

Norweigan studio Anderssen & Voll created three toys for the collection. Sokkelo is a "simplified and sculptural" version of a labyrinth carved out of a smooth piece of ash.

The studio also designed Krocc – a chunky percussion instrument with a playful crocodile resemblance and another instrument in a bloated elephant shape called Bic-Bac-Boc.

"Pelata toys are slayers of awkward silences," said Kiiski.

Helsinki-based Studio Tolvanen referenced the longstanding connection that Finns have with their forests when designing Metsäpallo, a boules-style lawn game composed of chubby green toadstool-style pieces.

Also based in the Finnish capital, Studio Kaksikko created Huippa, a collapsible version of a traditional ring toss finished in birch, which comes with jute rope rings characterised by "nostalgic" colorful accents.

Kiiski explained that the collection celebrates hallmarks of Nordic culture – craftsmanship and the use of locally sourced materials.

"For Finnish Design Shop, it was quite natural to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a collection of games, instruments and playthings," said the CEO.

"They all create happiness and call people to come together. It aligns so well with our mission to fill the world with Nordic happiness."

Pelata was launched during last week's Helsinki Design Week. Also as part of the event, students from Finland's Aalto University presented Designs for a Cooler Planet, a sustainable design exhibition that will remain on display until early October.

Prior to the design week, programme director Anni Korkman spoke to Dezeen about the festival's themes and ethos.

The photography is by Mikael Niemi and Chikako Harada.

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