Revisit the 200-year-old toy craft in different forms and explore South Indian craft forms at Varnam Craft Collective, a brand based out of Bangalore. A quick look at their website will take you on a trip down memory lane with their collection of wooden toys and decor. Handcrafted by local artisans of the toy town of Channapatna, a city in Karnataka, Varnam stocks up on wooden and colourful lac-turnery toys, decor pieces, and jewellery.
Varnam which translates to colours is a testimony to the store as it is colourful and has products that are totally Insta-worthy. Varnam was started as an attempt to revive this 200-year-old toy craft. Find beautiful pieces of toys such as Christmas decor and tree hangings, Bajaj Scooter models, Pulli Kollam, kitchen decor such as fridge magnets, bottle and cork opener with cute little bird handles and snowman starting at INR 150 and upwards. They also sell home decor, lampshades, wall hangers, and storage jars made by the artisans of Channapatna. The range of Channapatna jewellery is our favourite. The chunky bangles in bright reds, yellows, and greens and the circle of life necklace add a hint of Indie vibe to any outfit.
Not just Channapatna toys, they also stock up on adorable block printed clothing for men, women, and children with prints of birds, toys, clouds, and seahorses starting at INR 1,250. Find handloom sarees such as Chettinad cotton, muslin with quirky block prints of balloons, toys, and Udupi handlooms starting at INR 1,550. They also stock up on woven storage boxes in bright pinks, blues, and yellows from Kairaikudi, supporting and promoting local art.
