Nesta Toys

Nesta Toys

Added on May 14, 2026

Neha Makdey left over a decade in consulting, marketing, and business operations to build what she couldn't find for her own child: safe, natural, open-ended toys that actually respect how young children develop. The inspiration came from reading The Montessori Toddler and realising how far the Indian toy market was from what early childhood education research actually recommends.

Nesta Toys sits squarely in Montessori territory: wooden toys, cotton plush, puzzles, flashcards, and pretend play sets made from natural materials with non-toxic finishes. Everything is designed to be open-ended, meaning the child drives the play rather than following a script. Before finalising the range, Neha worked with AMI-certified educators, child psychologists, preschool owners, and local artisans, and that groundwork shows in the thoughtfulness of the products.

The honest context: Nesta Toys is a small bootstrapped brand with revenue still in early-stage territory. Product range is growing but limited, and brand visibility outside its core audience is low. On the positive side, the brand supports over 500 local artisans and donates toys to orphanages and schools, intent beyond just building a business. Worth watching as it scales.

Best for: Parents of children under 8 looking for safe, natural, screen-free toys aligned with Montessori principles.

— D2C Bazaar

About this brand— in their own words

Nesta Toys, an IIM Alumni startup, began with a simple idea: kids deserve toys that feel safe, real, and worth their time. What started small slowly grew as parents looked for better options.

We make toys for ages 0 to 14 using natural, child-friendly materials. Wooden toys, Montessori tools, pretend play sets, plush toys, flashcards, puzzles, craft kits – each one meant to encourage hands-on play instead of screens.