Nestled in the heart of Hobart, Lyrebird is more than just a toy store—it’s a creative sanctuary, where toys are designed to spark joy, imagination, and open-ended play. If you step through the door, you’ll find a world filled with the scent of natural wood and beeswax, colourful wool felt, and shelves stacked with thoughtfully crafted toys and art supplies. It’s a place that feels magical, but with a strong philosophy behind it.
“I’ve studied Steiner philosophy, and my children had a Steiner education, but Lyrebird isn’t exclusively a Steiner shop,” says Karin Adams, the passionate owner behind this magical store.
“It’s Steiner- inspired—a curated collection of toys, art supplies, and crafts that are all about fostering creativity and imaginative play.”
Not Your Average Toy Store
Karin’s journey to creating Lyrebird is as captivating as the store itself. Moving from Melbourne to Hobart in 2006, Karin brought with her a love for open-ended, quality toys—but she couldn’t find a store in Hobart that reflected her vision. With a heart full of determination, she opened Lyrebird, creating the very shop she longed for.
“I wanted a shop that would make people feel inspired,” Karin says.
“The toys we carry are mostly made from natural materials—wood, wool, beeswax—and they’re designed to engage a child’s imagination rather than dictate how they should play.”
Stepping into Lyrebird feels like stepping back in time. The shelves are lined with wooden toys that don’t buzz or light up. Instead, they invite children to create their own adventures. There are intricate puzzles, music boxes, beautifully handcrafted dolls, and even hand-dipped beeswax candles.
One of the highlights? The wooden flower people, handmade in Romania by a Steiner community These little figures are more than just toys— they’re works of art, thoughtfully crafted to inspire open-ended play.
Crafted with Care
Everything in Lyrebird is chosen with care.
“We focus on products that are well-designed, well-made, and often handcrafted. Many of our products come from Europe, where there’s a tradition of handmaking affordable, quality toys.”
The simplicity of the toys is all part of their charm – a wooden animal with minimal paint but just enough to give it character without overwhelming the natural beauty of the wood.
“The imagination captures the rest.”
In addition to toys, Lyrebird offers high-quality art and craft materials, including an impressive selection of over 120 shades of pure wool felt. These materials, like everything else in the shop, are carefully chosen to inspire creativity.
Supporting the Community
Lyrebird isn’t just about toys—it’s about fostering a community. Many of the products are locally handmade, and Karin is proud to offer a variety of items that support local and international artisans, including those with disabilities.
“We have toys from Sweden made in integrated workshops where people with disabilities work alongside artisans,It’s important to us that everything we sell has a story behind it.”
And for those looking for something extra special? Lyrebird offers special orders and lay-bys, ensuring that every customer, whether they’re looking to spend $5 or $500, finds something beautiful and meaningful.
A Shop for Everyone
Karin’s dream of creating a toy store that is as magical as it is meaningful, has clearly come to life. Lyrebird is a treasure trove of inspiration, perfect for parents, children, and anyone seeking a thoughtful, handcrafted gift. Whether you’re looking for a puzzle that will keep hands busy or art supplies that will spark a child’s or adults’ creativity, Lyrebird is the place to go.
“Lyrebird is the kind of shop I’d want to shop in,” Karin says.
And after visiting, it’s clear why so many others feel the same.
