Monday, January 9, 2023


I, Ivan, am still making a simple wooden toys because I believe that if a person cannot have children, at least this person can do something for the children.

I am from Bulgaria. US citizen since 2009. I appologize for my English.

Since 2019, I am making simple wooden toys as a hobby, without financial profit.

I cannot take money for something that is not professional (also I have a permanent job at the moment that allows me to spend a very little per month for my hobby). I have cancelled my seller's permit.


 This blog was created by my wife. I have added some text and pictures to it.

Please do not comment if you are promoting products made outside of 
The United States of America.

Sunday, October 7, 2012


We are Jennifer and Ivan Yanev of J.I.Family Toys.  We created J.I.Family Toys in 2011 to provide safe and cute toys for children of all ages.  Ivan is a drafter and a mechanical engineer from Bulgaria that enjoys making simple wooden toys.  Jennifer, in addition to working in education, is the brains of the operation as well as the chief painter.  Our favorite phrase is "It's a small world after all".

I (Ivan) worked as a custodian for different school districts in San Diego East County from 2006 till 2014. I took some classes in a community college and graduated from Cuyamaca College in 2018 with a major in CADD. In 2019, with the help of good friends that I met in Cuyamaca College, I was able to find a very good job. I am trying to do my best at my present job and at the same time I am still making simple wooden toys as a hobby. My wife came with the idea to start a wooden toys company in 2010. I have done some woodworking in middle school in Bulgaria. I learned more about woodworking and wooden toys from the library in Lakeside and from San Diego Seaside Scrollers. I enjoy doing it.

We are thankful to God for new knowledge at Church and for possibilities to study and learn new things at schools and colleges that we can use at work.

We are thankful to you for visiting our site.

Friday, October 7, 2011

These are some 1½” cubes that Ivan made for an order he received.  The person who placed the order is using them at a paper crafting workshop. 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Jennifer Painting




Ivan is insisting that I post a picture of myself (Jennifer) painting the toys. He really is the talent in the company, but he wants everyone to know that I paint some of the toys.

Our First Sale on Etsy

Well, we did it!  We made our first sale on Etsy.com.  Thanks to Jesse B. for his purchase of the alligator puzzle for his son.  We've posted new items on our Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/jifamilytoys  We hope to continue to build our business.  Thanks for your support!