Why Choose the Original Stapelstein Stepping Stones?

Stapelstein stepping and balance stones at Wooden Playroom in Australia

Stapelstein Balance Stepping Stones Original + Inside Combination, Set of 8, Rainbow Pastel from Australia

Investing in Quality Play

When you choose toys for your family, you're making decisions that impact daily play, child development, and the environment. The original Stapelstein® represents more than just a play product—it's a thoughtfully designed system built on principles of quality, sustainability, and genuine innovation.

From German engineering and climate-neutral production to innovative design that grows with your child, the original Stapelstein® represents a thoughtful investment in play that lasts for generations.

The Stapelstein® Difference >

The Original vs the Dupe >

Learn more about Stapelstein® >

The Stapelstein® Difference

1. Quality made in Germany: Meticulously engineered and craftedin Germany, made in a climate-neutralized production, the Original Stapelstein® products guarantee top-notch quality and safety, providing peace of mind for both children and parents.

2. Versatile Modular System: All our Stapelstein® products form a compatible modular system, offering versatility through endless play combinations for a dynamic and ever-evolving playtime with each new product released.

3. Continuously Evolving Play Experience: Additional offerings like easy-to-carry bags, limited edition colours, Play Cards with curated game ideas, and the Inspire App provide an enriched and enhanced play experience.

4. Innovative Design with the Stapelstein® Board: Innovative Design with the Stapelstein® Board and Inside: The innovative Board trans- forms Stapelstein® Original elements into a dynamic stool, growing with the child and supporting a healthy, movement-friendly posture. Stapelstein® Inside is the perfect addition, a unique system of nested elements that extends the inside of the Stapelstein® Original to a small but meaningful core, reminiscent of the iconic Russian doll.

5. Sturdiness and Durability: Crafted for sturdiness and durability, the Stapelstein® Original element, weighing a mere 0.4 lbs, boasts an impressive capacity to support up to 396 lbs, ensuring longevity for generations. Notably, Stapelstein® stands as the trailblazer, to pioneer expanded polypropylene (EPP) in the world of play.

6. Timeless Design Principles: Stapelstein®'s design principles focus on perfection, timelessness, and combining functionality with beauty, ensuring the highest quality from concept to delivery. Influenced by architecture, science, and art, Stapelstein®'s design achieves a balance of lightness and stability, providing a cross- generational play experience.

7. Inclusive Approach: Gender-neutral and suitable for all ages and abilities.

8. Recyclable Material, sustainable Manufacturing & Safety Assurance: Our products are water, bite, and saliva-resistant, meeting the highest safety standards with patented laser technology. They are non-toxic, safe, and recyclable. Awarded prestigious quality labels and certifications by renowned institutions, they ensure a safe and eco-friendly choice for families.

9. Social Responsibility: As a steward-owned company, Stapelstein® prioritises purposeful, sustainable growth over venture capital, aligning profits with purpose and giving back to communities in
need. The commitment to protecting children's privacy rights further highlights Stapelstein®'s ethical values.

10. Real People: Stapelstein® originated as a university project led by founder Stephan Schenk. In the spirit of ongoing learning, we maintain our relentless curiosity about childhood activity and wellness.

Stapelstein Balance Stepping Stones - Original, Set of 3, Cool Tones from Australia

The Original vs the Dupe

Stapelstein® is setting the standard in play with unmatched quality, ethos, and purpose.

'Dupes' may look similar, but they're playing dress-up with the real deal—often skipping the quality craftsmanship, ethical manufacturing, and eco-credentials that make the original worth it. Dupes offer a lower price point, but what you save in dollars, you may lose in durability, responsible manufacturing practices, and genuine sustainability standards.

Read on to find out some of the key distinguishing factors between Stapelstein® and the copies ...

Key distinguishing factors of the original Stapelstein®

1. Manufacturing: Our products adhere to the highest standards in production and are proudly made in Germany. Production location and methods are completely transparent, with no negative environmental impacts.

2. Material: While alternative products may claim to use EPP, ask yourself if the consistency is the same, and have there been any additional additives or toxins (including in the colouring agents)?

3. Modular System: Stapelstein® offers a comprehensive modular system where all products are compatible, fostering an ever- expanding play experience and allowing users to build a cohesive Stapelstein® collection. Stapelstein® is committed to continually building on this concept and the modular system.

4. Purpose & Giving Back: Stapelstein® operates as a purpose- driven brand, focusing on making a positive impact and giving back. As a stewardship company, all profits return to benefit the vision and purpose - there is no company, person, or shareholders driving personal profits.

5. Sustainability: Our products are manufactured in a climate-neutral production facility in Germany with high environmental considerations. The EPP used is completely recyclable, and up to 92% (depending on colour and element), of the raw material is recycled content., promoting sustainability.

6. Real People: Stapelstein® is committed to offering a fast and reliable service team, of 'real humans'. Real products, by real people, for real change!

7. Original Founder & Designer: Stephan Schenk, the founder and visionary behind Stapelstein®, created an entirely new concept and category in the toy, play, and movement industry. His innovative approach to combining play, movement, and design remains at the heart of every authentic Stapelstein® product.