About us

Born from a desire to create and let others create.

 That’s how TOTEMO came to be, in a circle of friends, with the aim of not setting any boundaries to play.Our building set offers a space for self-expression through play and the creation of limitless worlds and stories. And it all started with children.

There came a time when children started appearing all around us.

Our friends’ kids and our own. So, we started looking for toys that would meaningfully entertain both the little ones and us.From the beginning, we avoided flashing plastic monstrosities and other eco-disasters. The same went for phones and other screens.

Oh, and we didn’t want to have a million little bits and pieces scattered around the house, constantly stepping on them with bare feet, only to throw them away after six months.

We were looking for quality and sustainable toys that would connect us with our children through shared play, toys that would last for years and support their development.Toys that allow us to enjoy a coffee in peace, knowing that our little one is engaged in quality play. Knowing they’re holding something that nurtures and fulfils them.
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We were simply looking for a win-win situation for all. But combining the needs of parents, children, and the planet turned out to be quite the challenge.

Who came up with TOTEMO?
Once upon a time, there was Adriana and her boundless imagination. And this duo came up with the idea for a creative building set. It was after university (UMPRUM) that the journey of discovery, creation and learning began.
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While designing the building set, Adriana studied child development psychology, environmentally-friendly technologies, and materials. But most importantly, she played.Like many wonderful projects, TOTEMO was built on a small budget and great enthusiasm. The author created the first version of the building set in the evenings, mostly with friends and acquaintances. Often for a symbolic reward or barter (thank you, friends and everyone who recognizes themselves in this).
It took a lot of patience and constantly reminding herself: yes, this makes sense. Yes, I believe in it.
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Suddenly, TOTEMO was born.Production stayed in the Czech Republic, and materials that are as environmentally friendly as possible were sourced.
And then people started noticing it.In 2021, TOTEMO entered the RoPlastic Prize competition, where it caught the jury’s attention and travelled to Milan, gaining fans all over the world. In 2023, TOTEMO became a finalist and winner at Czech Grand Design.
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But none of that really matters, even though it’s wonderful.The main thing is that people are playing with TOTEMO. When we set it up at a workshop or booth, it immediately starts attracting both children and adults, and the fun begins. The little ones develop as they play, and the grown-ups switch off for a while.
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And Adriana? She watches the whole thing with a smile and says to herself: “Yes, this makes sense. Yes, I believe in it.”

And so we started coming up with TOTEMO.

‍From the beginning we worked closely with a child psychologist and we gradually realized the full potential of toys and play itself. So at first, we weren’t trying to create just a building set but rather a tool for self-development, a guide for exploring the world around and within oneself.

‍And through all this playing, testing, and developing of TOTEMO, we gradually discovered that:

‍1. It improves focus and concentration
‍The challenge was to pull children (and ourselves) away from tablets, cartoons and social media, and to stop constantly switching between activities.I wanted to create a shortcut to the present moment, into the flow state that I, as a designer, feel when transforming an idea into something tangible. So that this feeling could be packaged, and everyone could take it home.– Adriana

2. It helps express emotions
‍It’s really not easy to always understand children. That’s why we wanted to create a medium that would facilitate communication between them and adults, as well as with other children. With TOTEMO, they can create physical representations of their moods, interests and personality traits.

3.It also attracts children with autism and has received beautiful feedback from them

Material? Beech and recycled PET bottles.
After a while of experimenting with materials, we found the ideal plywood made of strong and flexible beech. We really enjoy its consistency and how a little person can build a three-dimensional kingdom from a flat kit in no time.
TOTEMO connectors are made from recycled PET bottles, and we also searched for a while looking for a good quality, recycled product. But it works and the kit holds up even with more intense play.

TOTEMO has no rules.
Why? We live by the rules and they are great for many things. Such a traffic light, for example... But inhibiting the mind and imagination with rules hinders self-development too much.

We think it is necessary to regularly visit a place where we can let off steam, relax and be ourselves.We don't need rules to express ourselves.

And that's why you can't make a mistake when putting together TOTEMO, there's no such thing as a ‘mistake’, so there are no  instructions. Something always happens, there's no point in looking for rules or comparing yourself to someone. Here, one can simply be a rebel and create according to oneself.

Thanks to this, TOTEMO soon attracted our adult friends as well. For example, those who helped us with photography and inventing. As soon as we started building something together, all the stress was gone and we composed in silence.

Today, TOTEMO is used by companies and teams as a warm-up before brainstorming or to relax the mind.

Our mission is to support children's development in a fun way.
‍We strive to accompany the development of creativity and manual skills. To support the exploration and understanding of one's own identity and emotions.
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We want the child to recognize their strengths, learn to believe in their abilities and find their own path. To find their place in the world and become a happy, confident being.
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A lot of people have helped us and still are, just because they just enjoy Totemo. We are so grateful!

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Dreams that drive us

Inspiration for all
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We want our products to be available to everyone. An oasis of calm after a stressful day, a stimulator of creativity before work or even a dreamland of monsters and fairies.
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Education
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We are part of the discovery and educational process for children, and our big dream is for TOTEMO to be in every school and kindergarten. As a partner or method for development.
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A growing community

We want to spread our inspiration. Create a TOTEMO community with us that focuses on learning through play and supports each other in a free and meaningful approach to education!
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Constant improvement

We are constantly looking for new ideas and ways to improve our products. Every toy can change for the better.
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A greener future

Look at your hands - the future of the planet lies in them. But not only in yours, don't worry. At TOTEMO we inspire a responsible approach to life.