The Nature Company

If the best store in the 90's still existed...Here's what I'd buy!

Welcome to Goods — A curated gift guide for adults and kids free from affiliate links! Here I’ll share things I am genuinely excited about that I hope you and your family will love.

The Nature Company was like my second home in the '90s. My parents practically needed a lasso to drag me out of there! I mean, who could resist the allure of that cute little bunny logo and those oversized window posters celebrating the natural world? I literally had a deal with the store manager to save them all for me. My room was covered!

That place was pure magic! The towering wall of fossils was like stepping into a natural history museum, and those iconic nature shirts? They were a certain kind of fashion statement. And don't even get me started on those little bins filled with cool puzzles and science projects! It was like being a kid in a candy store, but with way cooler stuff.

I was pretty obsessed. All those geodes, fossils, and field guides really cemented my identity as an environmentalist. Now that I am a dad, I really wish it was still around! I am guessing my kids would actually have to drag me out of there.

In honor of the best store there ever was, I have decided to recreate the experience here, with some of my favorite nature and science-themed stuff — for kids and adults.

Whether you have no idea what I am talking about, or you were a nineties nature nerd like me, I hope you find something fun.

These Nature Shirts are like the fossils of fashion! I swear I bought these exact shirts 30 years ago—I'm starting to feel like a walking time capsule! They're based out of Maine and are still churning out these classics. The kids versions are V fun!

How fun are these? They are not only cool patterns, the folks at Conscious Step donate a percentage of their profits to a long list of non-profits! It's like your feet are doing the cha-cha for a good cause!

Maria Schoettler’s work is so beautiful. I got her 2024 calendar for my birthday and I really love her style. Her coloring books would definitely be on the shelfs of The Nature Company if it was still around!

I'm knee-deep in my bandana era right now! Choosing just one brand of bandanas was tough, but Land and She has lassoed my heart! Emily’s designs are like a love letter to nature—so many sweet patterns worth checking out!

I have been obsessed with Juniper Ridge for a minute! Their wild-harvested products are super special. If you haven’t heard about this crew, go explore their process of collecting and creating their amazing scents!

I really like these National Park inspired Field notes — Also check out their reporters notepad, called Front Page. It fits perfectly in my back pocket and I feel like Murphy Brown when I am using it!

Stop the presses, folks! Folkmanis puppets are truly some of the best toys we have in our home! They are beautifully made and provide endless entertainment with the kids. You’d be amazed at what my kids will share with our puppets—even how their day at school went!

Speaking of puppets! We dropped a new episode of ‘Show Me Howie’ last week, with illustrator and art appreciator — Adam Ming! If you haven’t seen it, check it out with your kids!

These wooden toys from Bumbu Toys are so beautiful! It’s a small family run business based in Transylvania!

Stephanie Hathaway is a Kansas City artist and mama who has creates amazing art and creative projects inspired by nature. Run don’t walk to check her work out. Its so special.

So, the neat freak in me might not exactly do cartwheels over sensory boxes, but when the kids are happy, Papa's happy! These Taylored Toys mini sensory kits are so cool. Who knew a little mess could bring so much joy? Apparently my kids do!

I really love the Princeton Architectural Press! They have an amazing collection of books and gifts for kids and adults. The interactive book, At the Sea, is very cool, and check out these stamp sets they have. I was a huge stamp collector, so these really speak to me!

The Landmark Project has some really cool clothing for kids and adults. Liking the throwback vibes of Ranger Rick and Smokey!

Do you love Muji like I do? I am so excited that Muji Found is making it’s way to the US. Instead of creating new products from scratch, Muji curates everyday items that are found from around the world. These felted animals come from Kyrgyzstan.

One of my favorite parts of going to The Nature Company was the bins of random things: puzzles and all sorts of curiosities. The fun lives on at The Art Of Play, where they have so many cool, unexpected things to explore and tinker with.

Remember these?! They are still around and available for purchase from The Lawrence Hall of Science, which is totally worth a visit if you are ever in the Bay Area.

Last but not least, Fat Brain Toys makes some super cool interactive toys for kids, conveniently broken down by age on their website. Noah just got Air Toobz for his birthday, and they are super fun. Cut to the chase and get the extension pack!

I'm curious—what do you think? Should I do more of these? I didn’t even get around to sharing my favorite nature song CDs. Would love your thoughts and let me know if you end up buying anything here! Your feedback means a lot to me!