LAKE ELMO, MN – August 14, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Kringle Workshops has introduced the Wooden Racing Airplane as a new addition to its collection of handmade wooden toys. The piece expands the Minnesota workshop’s range of durable, imagination-driven playthings crafted by owner Tom Bethke in his Lake Elmo home workshop.
The Wooden Racing Airplane measures 19 inches long with a 14.5-inch wingspan. It is constructed from durable pine and oak woods and fitted with smooth-rolling birch wheels. A spinning propeller provides an additional interactive element that supports high-speed adventure themes during play. Like other toys from the workshop, the airplane is sanded smooth with no sharp corners and left unfinished to preserve the natural grain and eco-friendly qualities of the wood. It is recommended for children ages three and older due to its size and small parts.
The airplane joins an established lineup of vehicle and equipment-themed toys that includes the Pickup Truck & Horse Trailer with its pivoting ramp, the Wooden Bobcat Skid Steer with movable bucket, the Flatbed Tow Truck with Car, the Wooden Fire Truck with extending ladder and swivel bucket, and farm pieces such as the Tractor, Combine, and Logging Truck. Additional options encompass the Dump Truck, Excavator, Train, Classic Hot Rod Car, and related designs. All share the same construction methods: assembly with water-based glue and wooden dowels, careful sanding for safety, and a wood-burned Kringle Elf logo marking each piece as an authentic creation from the workshop.
Tom Bethke, founder and craftsman known as Santa Tom, described the new design. “The Wooden Racing Airplane was developed to give children a vehicle that supports aviation-themed imaginative play while maintaining the solid construction and natural materials that define our toys,” said Bethke. “The spinning propeller and smooth-rolling wheels allow for dynamic movement that encourages storytelling and active engagement.”
Bethke’s approach draws from decades of professional experience as a Santa Claus and a lifelong foundation in woodworking that began in his father’s workshop. He later studied fine arts and design, worked in theater set design and corporate displays, and continues to handle every stage of production personally—from research and sketching through prototyping, assembly, sanding, branding, and packaging. Each order includes a signed Certificate of Authenticity affirming the toy was handcrafted in the workshop.
The introduction of the Racing Airplane reflects the workshop’s ongoing practice of refining and expanding its collection based on classic vehicle forms while preserving consistency in style and quality across the full line. Toys are designed for active use rather than display, powered by a child’s creativity rather than batteries, and built to withstand years of play with the potential to become family heirlooms.
Customer feedback shared on the workshop’s platforms frequently notes the solid construction, attention to detail, and how the toys become favorites for open-ended play. Families often mention responsiveness during the ordering process and the lasting appeal of the unfinished natural wood surfaces.
Kringle Workshops operates as a small, American-made business focused on quality over volume. Free shipping is offered on all orders. Custom requests are considered when they align with the established standards of safety, durability, and materials. The unfinished finish reduces environmental impact from coatings while allowing the unique characteristics of each piece of wood to remain visible.
Bethke added further context on the workshop’s direction. “Adding the Racing Airplane continues our effort to offer children vehicles that spark different kinds of stories—whether construction, rescue, farming, or aviation—while keeping the same commitment to safe, sturdy, handcrafted pieces,” he noted.
The workshop maintains its emphasis on traditional techniques and personal oversight. Every toy receives individual care during production, ensuring consistency and attention to functional details such as rotating wheels, moving buckets, extending ladders, and spinning propellers where appropriate.
As families continue to seek screen-free options that support creative play, Kringle Workshops provides a range of wooden toys grounded in craftsmanship and simplicity. The Racing Airplane expands the choices available while remaining true to the principles that have guided the workshop since its founding.
Founded in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, Kringle Workshops is a small business specializing in handmade wooden toys. Owner Tom Bethke crafts each item in his home workshop using sustainable woods and traditional techniques. The toys are built for durability, safety, and imaginative play, making them suitable for children ages three and up as cherished family treasures.
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For more information about Kringle Workshops, contact the company here:
Kringle Workshops
Tom Bethke
651-552-7709
Kringleworkshops@comcast.net
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