E-tailer Oompa Toys knew it had something very special when it introduced American families to the Cheekeyes — adorable and durable toys made from eco-friendly rubberwood. Now testers at the 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio have bestowed Cheekeyes its prestigious Platinum Award for one of this year’s best preschool toys. Cheekeyes can only be found in the United States at online toy store www.oompa.com.

Handmade and partially painted, each of the Cheekeyes is unique; there are no two the same. From the hands of Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp emerged Arctic, African, Forest and Farm animal sets plus Dinosaurs. Animals sport a distinctive red cheek and painted eye (reflected in their name, Cheekeyes) that will endear them to children and caregivers alike. What started out as a concept for a toy company now has become an independent, new and refreshing line of wooden, artistic toys.

I got to see for myself just how adorable Cheekeyes are when I received a Cheekeyes Wooden Farm Animal Set courtesy of Oompa Toys and Kidstuff PR. The set includes a sheep, a pig, a goat, a cow anda  horse, all done in smooth hardwood.  I think it’s interesting that just the edges of the animals are painted, and each animal has the signature curved eye and rosy red cheek. They also sent me the Wooden Farm Trees Set, which provide a cute backdrop to the animals and have been used by Kaitlyn with her other wooden block sets as well.

The Farm Animal Set is, unfortunately, sold out on Oompa Toys, but you can leave your email address and they will email you when it’s in stock. Other Cheekeyes sets in stock include the Arctic Animals and Forest Animals sets. You can find them under the “Wooden Figures” category on the site. If you’re looking for a good quality toy to give as a gift, Cheekeyes Animals would make a great choice!