Smart, high-tech toys have spurred a counter trend of old-school wooden and artisan looking playthings, but one startup is combining the two to create wooden dolls that allow digital play, without a screen.

Smart, high-tech toys have spurred a counter trend of old-school wooden and artisan looking playthings, but one startup is combining the two to create wooden dolls that allow digital play, without a screen. Vai Kai, currently raising funding on Kickstarter, are Matryoshka-inspired dolls that include Bluetooth technology that allows them to respond to touch and interact with other dolls. The dolls have moods that are communicated via light and musical tones, and are meant to “create opportunities to play.” (Fast Company)