About us

TOTEMO is the first kit with which children create themselves.

We help children not only develop their creativity and manual skills but also explore and understand their own identity and emotions. Using modular and interactive components, children can create physical representations of their moods, interests and personality traits. It supports their self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are key to their development. TOTEMO offers more than just play!

Support your child in finding their own path, discovering their place in the world and becoming a happy, confident and self-assured individual. Help them develop their uniqueness and nurture their talents and interests. TOTEMO is the perfect tool for a child to recognize their strengths and learn to believe in their abilities.

Our story

Příběh TOTEMO

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A lot of people have helped us and still are, just because they just enjoy Totemo. We are so grateful!

Our Values and Dreams

The values ​​that guide us


Education

We work with educators and psychologists to create meaningful toys that help children develop essential skills and teach them through play.


Sustainability

Every piece of Totemo is made from recycled material. We combine playing + caring for the planet + minimizing our ecological footprint.

Community

TOTEMO is a local friend! It is produced only by local companies, creating a strong, sustainable community. 

Creativity

This is essential for us, which is why we support its growth in both children and adults. Creative thinking can fundamentally change your quality of life, and thanks to Totemo, creativity thrives and grows freely.

Quality

The kit is reliable and parents appreciate it. Each piece of TOTEMO is made of high-quality and safe materials that can withstand even very enthusiastic play.

Naše sny
Náš tým

Dreams that drive us

Inspiration for all

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.

Education

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.

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!

Constant improvement

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

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.

Our team

We are a collective of enthusiasts who bring eye-pleasing, sustainable and local toys to families. Ones that develop what children today need: creativity and personal identity. Do you want to connect with us? Are you interested in something you can't find on the web? Get in touch with us!
Adriana Kolda

Adriana Kolda

Founder and mom
Helena Nehasilová

Helena Nehasilová

An organizer of all kind.
Sára Drobíková

Sára Drobíková

Designer
Anna Marie Křížová

Anna Marie Křížová

Photographer, social media
Zuzana Smetáčková

Zuzana Smetáčková

Leader of workshops
Terezie Uhlíková

Terezie Uhlíková

Psychologist
Ocenění

Loved by Judges

We are honored that our adventure has been recognized by prestigious competitions such as Distributed Design, Czech Grand Design, Designblok Prague Award and the Rossana Orlandi Guiltless Plastic Prize.
Designblok Awards 22CGD23 AwardDesignblok Award 23Ro prize 23
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