Timeless Gifts for Kids: Handcrafted Wagons, Scooters and Trikes from Lancaster County
Hidden Gem of Heirloom Toys
Remember when toys were built to last? In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that tradition lives on through local craftsmen who create heirloom-quality wagons, scooters and trikes that can be passed down through generations. And they enjoy an exclusive place at Esh Hardware, which carries hard-to-find items, many of which are invented and manufactured by Amish and Mennonite locals, and not readily available or found outside of Lancaster County. “A lot of children and tourists are really amazed at these, because they don’t see them just anywhere,” points out Ray Esh of Esh Hardware.
At Esh Hardware, these aren’t just toys – they’re pieces of childhood magic built with time-honored local craftsmanship.
Tip: If you stop by Esh Hardware in Lancaster County to browse these exclusive children’s toys, ask to be directed to the lower level of the store, where they are displayed.
Play Wagon for Kids
Take the locally-made dump wagons, crafted by skilled welders in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Unlike mass-produced plastic alternatives, these sturdy wagons are built to handle real work while bringing endless joy to little helpers around the house and yard. With a 10-cubic-foot capacity and an innovative dumping mechanism, they’re practical for both work and play. They’re priced from about $300 and up, but are an investment in quality that will serve your family for decades.
The poly wagons from Groffdale Machine Shop in Leola showcase another blend of traditional design with modern materials. While they offer classic wooden wagons, their wood-grain poly versions provide extra durability against the elements without sacrificing that timeless look. These wagons are a familiar sight at Lancaster County mud sales, where children eagerly help transport purchases for attendees while collecting candy and tips.
THE DIRT DIGGER
Only in Lancaster County will you find the Dirt Digger, created in Leola, Pennsylvania. Essentially it’s a child-size backhoe you place in a sandbox, where your child can dig and play. All steel construction, the Dirt Digger is ideal for developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills, plus encouraging time outdoors rather than screen time.
“It’s unique,” Ray Esh says of the Dirt Digger, “and some tourists will buy them because you don’t see them in the store. You sit on it and operate it and play.”
Amish Scooters, A Lancaster County Specialty
The selection of scooters at Esh Hardware is equally impressive, ranging from classic metal designs to lightweight aluminum versions, many of them by the premier maker of Amish scooters, Groffdale Machine Shop.
This style is popular with the local Amish community, who can be seen traveling about Lancaster County on “kick scooters.” These typically feature a low rider platform that’s easy to get on and off of, along with a rear foot brake, a front hand brake and a wire cargo basket.
What makes these scooters special is their thoughtful engineering – featuring a smaller back wheel and larger front wheel for optimal balance and control. They’re built strong enough for adults but perfectly sized for growing children.
Trikes to Last a Lifetime
But perhaps the most cherished items are the metal trikes, handcrafted by Groffdale Machine Shop in Leola, Pennsylvania. Available in both boy and girl styles, including the popular “chopper” design, these trikes are worlds apart from their plastic counterparts.
The best part? Longevity. A person can have a favorite trike in their childhood years, Ray Esh explains, “and after they move away from home and get married, they can take it along for their children. I think I still have my original trike that I got for Christmas one year.”
Since they’re made locally, replacement parts are readily available. Everything from bearings to tubes to tires can be easily repaired or replaced, ensuring these beloved rides keep rolling for generations.
Esh also has a thoughtful collection of trikes from BERG. Though not made in Lancaster County, the craftsmanship and innovation of their early childhood toys, from balance bikes and pedal karts, qualify them for inclusion in Esh’s collection of beloved childhood toys and transportation. “This type of trike is used a lot in corn mazes and fall activities,” explains Ray Esh, describing how their sturdiness, balance and thick tires enable kids to easily go off-road.
What makes these toys truly special isn’t just their durability or exclusivity – it’s the stories they carry.
Many customers who visit Esh Hardware share memories of riding similar trikes in their own childhood and are now buying them for their children or grandchildren. These aren’t just playthings; they’re vessels of family history.
In a world of disposable toys and digital distractions, these handcrafted pieces offer something different: a chance for children to connect with the outdoors, develop physical skills, and create memories that will last as long as the toys themselves. They’re an investment in childhood joy that pays dividends across generations.
