The Magic of Grimms Rainbows: A Fantastic Investment for Families

Rainbows are beautiful in the sky, but have you ever seen a rainbow toy? Grimm’s rainbows are a popular toy among parents and educators alike due to their versatility and ability to inspire creativity. But did you know that there are different types of Grimms rainbows? 

We love the Grimm’s rainbows at home. It has been around for a long time, and in all these years, it has been used to make tunnels, bridges, doll beds, telephones, ball runs, flat-lay designs, towers, and so much more. This article will explore the various types of Grimm’s rainbows and their unique features.

In this article:

• Our story with Grimms Rainbows
• The beauty and benefits of Grimms Rainbows
• Different types of Grimms Rainbows
• How to play with a Grimm’s Rainbow?
• Some ideas of how to play with the Rainbow
• Building together: Ideas for combining Grimms Rainbows with other toys
• About Grimms
• How to take care of your Grimm’s Rainbow
• Is the Grimms rainbow worth it, and how does it compare to other cheaper options?
• Where to buy?

Our story with Grimms Rainbows

We were introduced to Grimm’s wooden toys almost five years ago. They have since become a treasured addition to our playroom. It all started with the classic Large Rainbow and 12 colorful friends, which opened up a world of new play possibilities and exceeded our expectations. These open-ended toys inspire creativity and imagination in children of all ages, and we have found them to be simply brilliant.

Over the past five years, we have added more Grimm’s toys to our playroom (and more rainbows), but the Rainbow remains the centerpiece of our collection.

I first discovered the Rainbow on Pinterest and was immediately fascinated by all the different ways it could be played. When my son was born, I added it to our baby gift list, knowing that it would be a toy he could grow up with. My daughter, who was three then, immediately fell in love with it.

We began exploring the possibilities of the Rainbow and discovered a wealth of inspiration online. We found terrific accounts with brilliant ideas that had been playing with the Rainbow long before we had it. These creators have been an incredible source of inspiration for us. We started by replicating some of their ideas. Then we began innovating and getting creative, and that’s when the real magic happened.

Our Rainbow collection now has five pieces: the Large Rainbow (in rainbow color and natural), the Medium Rainbow, the Small Rainbow, and the Rainbow Stacking Tower. They are something when you put them together.

For the past two years, I have been sharing ideas of how we play with all the rainbows on the blog and our Instagram account (@thefairyglitchmother). It is a fabulous stacking toy. I wanted to give back and add to many brilliant creators’ fantastic wooden toy community. Here are a few of our favorites:

• @jen.ma.bu – the queen of rainbows. She has the most impressive collection.
• @wander.mi.trio – the stacking queen. She comes up with the most fantastic balancing acts.
• @brillantosa – I love her flat lays! They are very inspiring!

The beauty and benefits of Grimms Rainbows

Grimms Rainbows are more than just a toy – they are an open-ended tool that can inspire creativity and imagination in children of all ages. Here are some reasons why we love Grimms Rainbows:

• Open-ended toy – Grimms Rainbows are open-ended toys, meaning they can be used in various ways and for many different purposes. Children can use their imaginations to create anything they can imagine, from castles and bridges to animals and people.
• Versatile – Grimms Rainbows are incredibly versatile and can be combined with other toys to create even more possibilities. They can be used as a backdrop for wooden animals or peg dolls or as a building block to create complex structures.
• Natural materials – The Rainbows are made from natural materials, such as lime wood and water-based paints, which are safe for children to play with. This makes them a great choice for parents looking for eco-friendly toys free from harmful chemicals.
• Invitation to creativity – Grimms Rainbows are an invitation to creativity and imagination. They encourage children to think outside the box and come up with their own ideas and designs. This can help foster a love of creativity and problem-solving in children.
• Educational benefits – The Rainbows offer many educational benefits, such as developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. They also encourage children to explore color, shape, and size, which can help with early math and science concepts.
• Beautiful and timeless – Grimms Rainbows are not only functional, but they are also beautiful and timeless. Their bright colors and natural materials make them a lovely addition to any playroom or nursery. They also make great heirloom toys that can be passed down from generation to generation. I can’t wait to play with them many years down the road!

Whether used as a building block, rainbow stacker, or backdrop for imaginative play, Grimms Rainbows is a timeless toy that will provide years of fun and learning.

Different types of Grimms Rainbows

Grimm’s wooden rainbows have become a beloved toy among parents and educators for their versatility, durability, and ability to inspire creativity. While the classic Grimms Large Rainbow is perhaps the most well-known, Grimms offers various rainbows, each with unique features and benefits. In this section, we’ll explore the multiple types of Grimm’s wooden rainbows, including the classic Large Rainbow, smaller versions, pastel colors, and more. Whether you’re new to Grimm’s Rainbows or a longtime fan, there’s something for everyone to discover in this Rainbow of options.

1- Grimm’s Large Rainbow

The Grimm’s Large Wooden Rainbow is perhaps the most well-known type of Grimm’s Rainbow. It consists of 12 colorful arches that can be arranged in a variety of ways to create endless designs. The arches are made from lime wood and are painted with non-toxic, water-based paints. 

It has a length of 36 cm, a with of 7 cm, and a height of 18 cm. It weighs 1.6 kg. And although it is safe for children 0+ because the pieces are big and there is no risk for the baby, the recommended age to play with it 3 years old and older. It’s when they’ll be able to start exploring all of its potential and be amazed by it.

It can be finished and colored in 6 different ways:

2- Grimm’s Rainbow Medium

The Grimms Rainbow (I’ll call it Medium) is a set of 6 arches in rainbow colors slightly smaller than the Large and bigger than the Small Rainbow. This Rainbow is made from the same high-quality materials as the other Grimms rainbows and can be used similarly. 

The Medium Rainbow has a length of 17 cm, a width of 9 cm, and a height of 7cm. It weighs 0.4 kg. This version of the Rainbow is recommended for ages one and up.

You can find it in three different color combinations:

• Rainbow
• Pastel
• Monochrome

3- Grimm’s Small Rainbow

This is the smallest Rainbow of all. Like the Medium, it’s a smaller version of the large, but consisting of 6 arches instead of 12 and is very tiny. The Small Rainbow is made with lime wood, non-toxic water-based color stain.

It has a length of 10.5 cm, a width of 6 cm, and a height of 4cm. It only weighs 0.08 kg. Due to its small size, it can be a choking hazard, and for this reason, it is not considered suitable for children under three years old.

4- Grimm’s Rainbow Stacking Rower

The Grimms Rainbow Stacking Tower is a unique twist on the classic rainbow toy. This Stacking Tower consists of two seven-arched rainbows that stack on a base with a pole. The arches can be arranged in a variety of ways, creating endless possibilities for building and imaginative play. For this reason, it is a great choice for children who enjoy more complex building challenges and for those who want to explore more advanced concepts such as balance and symmetry. Like all Grimm’s toys, the Rainbow Stacking Tower is made from natural materials and is designed to be safe, durable, and beautiful.

This version has a length of 23.5 cm, a width of 8 cm, and a height of 28cm. The whole set weighs 1.5 kg, and is recommended for children 1 year or older.

5- Grimm’s Rainbow Bridge

The Grimm’s Rainbow Bridge is a flatter rainbow set of 6 arches in rainbow colors that can be arranged in various ways to create bridges, tunnels, and other structures. It is made from the same high-quality materials as the other Grimm’s rainbows.

We do not have this version, and I have often seen it used as bridges for cars over roads. It does look wonderful. If your children want bridges for their cars, this is the one to look for.

You can find it in 2 versions:

• Rainbow
• Natural

6- Grimm’s Giant Rainbow

Finally, there is a giant version of the Rainbow. I’ve never seen it in person, but I couldn’t leave without mentioning it. It has five large pieces and is 90 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 46 cm high. The rainbow weighs 17 kg. It is huge and can be used to create little houses, and tunnels can be built for children. It is not a ride-on toy or toy seat, so it is recommended not to step or jump on it.

I can only imagine it in nurseries, hospital waiting rooms, or as an eye-catching decoration display on a shop window. Grimm’s retail partners may rent the Giant Rainbow for display use. A cool idea if you have a toy shop!

How to play with a Grimm’s Rainbow?

When introducing children to open-ended toys like the Grimms rainbow, it’s best to let them explore and discover their own ways to play with it. You may be surprised by the unique ideas they come up with – like using the Rainbow as a phone, for example. That’s the beauty of open-ended toys – they can be whatever the child imagines.

If your child needs a little nudge to get their imagination going, you can show them pictures of how other children have played with the Rainbow. Seeing the endless possibilities can inspire them to let go and have lots of fun. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to encourage creativity and open-ended play, allowing children to express themselves and explore their own ideas. By giving them the space to play and create, you may be amazed at the things they come up with.

Some ideas of how to play with the Rainbow

Playing with the Grimms rainbow is an open-ended experience that encourages creativity and imagination. Here are some ideas for how to play with the Grimms rainbow:

• Building Structures

The Grimm’s rainbow arches can be used to build structures such as towers, bridges, and tunnels. Children can experiment with different shapes and sizes to create unique designs.

• Imaginative Play

Use the Rainbow as a backdrop for imaginative play, such as creating a scene with wooden animals or dolls. Children can create stories and characters, bringing their imaginations to life.

• Ball Runs

If your children like to play with balls, use the Rainbow to create ball runs. They can experiment with gravity and momentum by rolling balls down the arches. You can also combine it with other toys to create more complex designs and challenges.

• Flatlay Designs

I love to create flat lays with the Rainbow! Children (or you) can create beautiful and intricate designs by arranging the arches in different configurations. Of course, animals are our favorite things to make, but you can also make wonderful geometric designs.

• Balancing Sculptures

Stacking is another of our favorite things to do with them. The Grimms rainbow can be used to create balancing sculptures, where children can experiment with balance and weight by stacking the arches in different ways. These are more difficult but so satisfying once you finish it, and it still stands.

• Color Sorting and Matching

The Grimms rainbow can be used for color sorting and matching. Children can sort the arches by color or match them to objects of the same color. We also enjoyed making a cold color cloud and a warm color cloud and fill it with objects of those colors.

• Learning Math and Science Concepts

Rainbows can be used to introduce math and science concepts, such as size, shape, arches, circumferences, symmetry, and pattern. Children can experiment with different combinations of arches to create patterns and sequences. Try placing it on a mirror to see symmetry and a full circle (if you don’t have 2 rainbows the same size).

• Collaborative Play

The Grimms rainbow can be used as a tool for collaborative play, encouraging children to work together and share ideas. Children can work together to create a structure or scene, building social and communication skills.

These are just a few ideas for how to play with the Grimms rainbow. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your child’s imagination. By encouraging open-ended play, the Grimms Rainbow can provide hours of fun and learning for children of all ages. If you’d like to see over 75 ideas of how to play with the large Rainbow, you can find them here. And if you’d also like some more ideas focussed on the Medium Rainbow, you can check them our here.

Building together: Ideas for combining Grimms Rainbows with other toys

One of the great things about Grimm’s rainbows is their versatility and compatibility with other toys. They can be combined with other Grimm’s rainbows or with different types of toys to create even more possibilities for play. Here are some ideas for combining Grimm’s rainbows during playtime:

• Creating Larger Structures

Grimm’s rainbows can be combined to create larger structures, such as castles, villages, and cities. In addition, children can experiment with different combinations and arrangements of rainbows to create unique and imaginative designs.

• Combining with Other Grimms Toys

Grimm’s rainbows can be combined with other Grimm’s toys, such as wooden animals, dolls, and building blocks. Children can use the rainbows as backdrops or as a foundation for their other toys, creating scenes and stories that come to life.

• Mix and Match Colors

Grimm’s rainbows come in various colors, including pastels and black-and-white. In addition, children can mix and match different colors and styles of rainbows to create their own unique designs.

• Incorporating into Sensory Play

Grimm’s rainbows can be incorporated into sensory play, such as sand or water. Children can use rainbows to create dams, channels, and bridges, experimenting with cause and effect and developing their scientific understanding.

• Combining with Other Open-Ended Toys

Grimm’s rainbows can be combined with other open-ended toys like blocks, balls, and lose parts. As a result, children can use their imagination to create endless possibilities for play, experimenting with different combinations and building their creativity and problem-solving skills.

By combining Grimm’s rainbows during playtime, children can create new and exciting opportunities for play and learning. The possibilities are endless, limited only by their imaginations. With the versatility and durability of Grimm’s toys, the play possibilities are endless.

About Grimms

Grimms is a German-based company that has been creating high-quality, eco-friendly toys for over 40 years. Their toys are designed to inspire creativity and imagination in children. They are made with the highest standards of quality and safety.

Grimm’s toys are made using sustainable materials, such as wood from sustainably managed forests and water-based paints free from harmful chemicals. The wood used in their toys is usually lime wood, a soft wood ideal for carving and painting. Limewood is also a sustainable and renewable resource, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly toys.

The wood used in Grimm’s Toys is carefully selected and inspected for quality before it is used. Once the wood has been selected, it is then cut, sanded, and shaped by hand. Each toy is carefully crafted to ensure that it is both beautiful and functional.

After the wood has been shaped, it is then painted with water-based stains that are free from harmful chemicals and non-toxic. The colors used by Grimms are vibrant and colorful, and they are designed to be safe for children to play with. None of the colors contain any food product such as corn, wheat, milk, egg, hazelnuts, etc. So if your child is allergic, you can feel safe.

Once the toys have been painted, they are then finished with a mix of natural oils with linseed oil as the main ingredient to protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. This way of making their toys guarantees that they stack more easily with greater play possibilities.

How to take care of your Grimm’s Rainbow

Grimms Rainbows is a beloved toy that can provide children with hours (and years) of imaginative play. If you want your Rainbow to stay beautiful and functional for years to come, taking good care of it is essential. Here are some tips on how to care for your Grimms Rainbow:

• Keep it clean

To keep your Grimms Rainbows looking their best, it is important to keep it clean. You can wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the paint and wood.

• Store it properly

When not in use, it is important to store your Grimms Rainbow properly to prevent damage. You can keep it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing it in a damp or humid environment, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack.

• Handle it gently

Grimms Rainbows are made with high-quality, natural materials that require gentle handling. Avoid dropping or throwing the Rainbow, as this can cause damage to the wood or paint. Also, handle the Rainbow gently when rearranging the arches, as excessive force can cause them to break or warp. My towers and structures have fallen down, and the arches are still intact, but be wary and treat it with care.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Grimms Rainbow stays beautiful and functional for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, your Grimms Rainbow can be a cherished toy that inspires creativity and imagination in children for generations.

Is the Grimms rainbow worth it, and how does it compare to other cheaper options?

The Grimms rainbow is undoubtedly a beautiful and beloved toy, but some may wonder if it’s worth the investment. As a comparison, I have personally compared the Grimms rainbow with a cheaper rainbow from Lidl and Aldi that has a coat of paint instead of being tinted.

The difference is quite noticeable – the cheaper Rainbow doesn’t have the same tactile feel or quality. The wood is not visible, so you don’t get to see that natural wood grain, the paint chips easily (you can see on my orange arch it was already chipped from factory), and the grip is not as good. Additionally, the arches of the cheaper rainbow slip make it difficult to create complex structures and towers (which makes it impossible to make some of the trickiest balancing structures stand).

They are good for ball runs and flat animals, but you will see that when you stack you can encounter more problems. You can stack basic towers but not make them balance all on one arch like some previous examples with the Grimm’s Rainbow (I have tried and had no success yet). As you can see, the Grimm’s arches are wider, which helps to give more stability and can make some builds to be higher, and the painted wood is more slippery and doesn’t have that grip that Grimm’s wood has when in contact with another piece.

While Grimm’s toys are not the cheapest option, they are made from high-quality natural materials and are designed to last for years, making them a versatile and long-lasting addition to any playroom. My rainbow might look more worn out (the one on the right, has been played with for 5 years and the other is brand new from the box), and you can see the wood grain and knots, but it is part of its beauty. They are special and unique. By investing in a Grimms rainbow, you are investing in a toy that will provide hours of fun and learning for children of all ages.

Grimm’s toys are eco-friendly and safe for children, making them a smart choice for parents who value sustainability and safety. If you are looking for a toy that will inspire your child’s imagination and provide endless opportunities for play and learning, the Grimms Rainbow is definitely worth the investment.

Where to buy?

You most likely will find the rainbow in wooden toy shops or Waldorf and Montessori-style stores. In the biggest nearby city, you might have some that you can go in and explore.

If, unfortunately, there aren’t any stores like this nearby, there are plenty of online stores where you’ll be able to find it. Aside from Amazon, I am sharing other web pages I have bought from while living in the UK and Spain (some are local, but others have international deliveries). Additionally, although I haven’t been there, I will also recommend stores from Australia based on Instagram accounts of people living there (based on their comments and opinions).

Store with International deliveries

• Babipur.co.uk – You’ll even find a wide Grimms section on their site, and they deliver worldwide. Their customer service is fantastic. Although since Brexit, personally getting deliveries to Spain from the UK hasn’t been easy and, in some cases, returned to the UK – so if you are in Spain, I’d recommend you go to a local store.
• Smallable – A lovely family concept store with clothes, decoration items, and beautiful toys.
• Oskar’s Wooden Ark – They are from Australia, but they also provide international shipping to selected countries (New Zealand; United States; Canada, Singapore & South Korea) using Australia Post.
• Amazon – check out the sister site of your region and that it’s an original from Grimm’s Holz und Spiel.

Store with delivery in the UK.

• Babipur – of course, you have Babipur. They are from the UK, and you’ll find the iconic Rainbow here.

Stores with delivery in Spain and Portugal

• Jugar i Jugar – Their toy portfolio is beautiful. It’s a fantastic option if you are local. Their customer service is excellent. If you purchase before 2 pm, you get your delivery the next day.
• Aupali – It is a store in Barcelona, located in the neighborhood of Sarrià, filled with surprising toys that you’ll love. If you are ever in town, I suggest you make a stop. They also have an online store that delivers to the whole Peninsula and the Islands.
• mumuchu.com – Also a very nice online store; however, unfortunately only local.

Store with delivery in the USA

• Bella Luna Toys – You’ll find the large rainbow and an extensive range of Grimm’s toys. I’ve never ordered from them (I haven’t been in the US for years), but they seem very nice, have a lovely online store, and have excellent customer reviews.

Store with delivery in Australia & New Zealand.

• Oskar’s Wooden Ark – Based in Australia, they also provide international shipping to selected countries (New Zealand; United States; Canada, Singapore & South Korea) using Australia Post.
• Little Toy Tribe is currently shipping orders within Australia through their website. If you are from New Zealand, contact them through email with the list of what you’d like, and they’ll send a shipping quote. 

Store with delivery in Malaysia

• Bueno Blocks – They are the Malaysian distributor for Grimm’s toys and have an impressive range of toys from them. They are a very kind family-owned business that wishes to bring these toys to families in Malaysia.

Choosing Your Perfect Rainbow: The Variety of Grimms Rainbows to Choose From

The Grimms Rainbow is a beloved and versatile toy that inspires creativity and imagination in children of all ages. With a range of sizes, colors, and styles, there is a Grimm’s Rainbow for every child and every playroom. So whether you choose the Large Rainbow, Rainbow Friends, Small Rainbow, Pastel Rainbow, Rainbow Bridge, or Rainbow Nesting Bowls, you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality toy that will provide hours of fun for your child.

And if you choose to stick with one Rainbow or collect several, the open-ended design of the toy allows for endless possibilities for play and learning. The natural materials used to create Grimm’s toys make them eco-friendly and safe for children, making them a smart choice for parents who value sustainability and safety. 

The Grimms Rainbow is a fantastic investment for families who want to provide their children with a toy that will inspire creativity, learning, and hours of fun. If I just had to choose one toy from Grimm’s, I would definitely choose a Large Rainbow. It is amazing.

And it is my go-to gift for babies in my family. Parents might not see the need to buy it, but it is so wonderful for them to grow up with it. I know it will be a helpful gift and toy that will be around for many years (unlike a baby outfit 😉 ).

I hope this blog post has been helpful!

Happy playing!*

P.S. And if you liked the article and wish to see more ideas or other toys, maybe you’ll find these blog posts interesting as well 😉