Children do not play to learn, children learn because they play.

When children play, children learn! We strive to improve outcomes for all children. 

- Peter Handstein (founder and CEO)

It all started with a toppled sandcastle.  

It was a cherished childhood memory that shaped how Peter built his future. It was his Aunt Maria, with whom he built sandcastles when he was little, that taught him that resilience is what leads to a more meaningful life. 

Sandcastles are easily destroyed, but never the will to rebuild them. 

Just like sandcastles, you may be knocked down by life but you can always bounce back and start again. Growing up, Peter Handstein has always had a fascination with toys. He often says that --- “The reason I love toys is not the attraction of toys, but the miracle of playing with them!” If not for the toppled sandcastle, for Aunt Maria and her wise words, Peter Jr. will never become the person that he is today. 

Decades later, little Peter who only once built sandcastles became one of the most enthusiastic businessmen in the toy industry. Peter Handstein built his own sturdy sandcastle, a toy empire he called Hape AG in Germany that was built to last for a long time since 1986.