It used to be that buying American was something reserved for the Heartland and people who liked wearing only cotton. But, my how times have changed.  Now, if you give your kids toys from anywhere other than Europe or the good ole' USA, you're a bad parent. But if you do your research often you'll find things assembled in those countries are made from parts originating in other, less regulated countries. Which is why the Maple Landmark Woodcraft company caught my eye. 

You can actually see a photo of the people who make the Maple Landmark Woodcraft toys on the company's website. With its Vermont home-base, the company has crafted good old-fashioned toys for more than 25 years. And now, they have a green line of classic toys called Natural Classics. All the checkmarks are in place: Sustainably harvested maple, beeswax finish, no inks or paints. For me, though, the Natural Classics line of trucks ($45 each--fire, log, moving, racing, school and tic tac) is also simple enough to spark the imagination and sturdy enough to be passed down to the next generation.