We are a minority-led and a family-owned small business rooted in ancient Hindu culture, powered by purpose and play. We make it easy for people of all ages to stay connected to their Indian roots.
Our Story
That's my niece and my daughter -- or technically speaking, the Chief Inspiration Officers of our company. I didn't think I would be adding the title of Co-Founder so soon after adding the most coveted title of all to my resume: Mom. But these two little girls inspired me and my brother, Viral, to spark curiosity in them about their Indian roots.
Naturally, naming our company Modi Toys came easy to us. As a family-owned small business, we couldn’t think of a better name than our surname to honor our lineage. Our parents and grandparents instilled the very appreciation for culture that we strive to pass onto future generations through these Indian toys, books and kits.
Even our logo is steeped deep in meaning.
We want to create a (modi)fied version of what you and your kids already know and love. By introducing these toys at an early age, we hope to spark curiosity about their culture. The gift of knowledge may last a day, but the gift of wonder lasts forever.
What We Make, Is Toys... But What We Create, Is Joy
The dream is free. But the hustle is sold separately. While it's impossible to account for nearly every single factor that goes into bringing our mantra-singing plush toys to life -- like warehousing, packaging, marketing -- it's important to understand how an idea in our minds turns into a product in your hands. Here are some core elements that account for our product development:
Design
We put pen to paper and create a 2D illustration
Prototype
This digital rendering is transformed into a 3D version
Materials
Made from sustainable and recycled materials
Manufacturing
Made 100% in India as of 2022
Audio
All of the mantras and music for our toys is recorded in studio
Safety
Our toys comply with all safety guidelines
Transport
It takes 2 months for products to be delivered from India to USA by ship
Labor
We pay fair living wages to all of our employees
Duties
Paid on all items imported into the USA from abroad
Our Mission
Our ‘modi operandi’ – if you will – is as simple as our toys. Admittedly, no single product can bridge the paradoxical gap between wanting to assimilate with the American lifetstyle, yet still retaining our culture.
But we can certainly try.
We want to create a (modi)fied version of what you and your kids already know and love. By introducing these toys at an early age, we hope to spark curiosity about their culture. The gift of knowledge may last a day, but the gift of wonder lasts forever.
Our Inspiration
My brother, Viral, was about to become a Dad and wanted to gift his daughter something special. I don't mean an heirloom or an engraved jewelry -- but rather something she could enjoy from the time she was born. To be honest, he wasn't sure what he was searching for until he returned empty handed. And that's when it struck him: why aren't there any plush toys which are both, fun yet cultural?
Just as the idea for Baby Ganesh was born, so was my niece -- on my brother's birthday. Safe to say, out of the two of them, my brother got the better birthday gift.