Sometimes you know exactly what you want — and it doesn't quite exist yet. Maybe it's a toy car built to a specific size for a grandchild, a chopping board made from the same Rimu as your kitchen bench, or a wooden bowl turned to fit a particular spot in your home. That's where Poppa's custom order service comes in.
At Poppa's Wooden Creations in Whangarei, every piece is handcrafted by Adrian in his workshop at 102 Kiripaka Rd. The custom order service means you're not limited to what's already in the shop — you can tell Poppa exactly what you have in mind, and he'll build it for you by hand from native New Zealand timber.
What Can You Order?
The custom service covers the full range of what Poppa makes — toys, kitchenware, pens, and more.
Wooden Toys
Custom toy cars and trucks, trains, planes, helicopters, and boats are all available to order. If you have a specific vehicle in mind — a particular style, a larger or smaller size than what's in the shop, or a specific timber — just let Poppa know. These make incredible personalised gifts for children, and because they're handcrafted from native NZ timber, they're heirloom quality pieces that will last for generations.
Wooden Kitchenware
Need a chopping board or cutting board to fit a specific space in your kitchen? A bowl turned to a particular diameter? A set of spoons or spatulas in a timber to match your existing pieces? All of this can be made to order. Native timbers like Rimu, Kauri, and Macrocarpa each bring their own character to kitchenware — and Poppa can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Wooden Pens and Other Pieces
Custom pens are a popular choice for gifts — turned from native NZ timber with your choice of fitting style and finish. And if you have something else in mind entirely, the custom order form has an option for that too. If Poppa can make it from wood, he will.
How the Custom Order Process Works
Ordering a custom piece is straightforward. Head to the custom order page and work through three simple steps.
Step 1 — What would you like made? Choose your product type from the list — toy, kitchenware, pen, or something else. You can also upload a reference image: a sketch, a photo, or an inspiration image that helps Poppa understand exactly what you have in mind.
Step 2 — Size and Timber. Tell Poppa the dimensions you're after and which native timber you'd prefer. Not sure which timber to choose? Rimu is warm and reddish-orange, Kauri is golden and rare, and Macrocarpa is lighter with a beautiful fine grain. Poppa can advise if you're unsure.
Step 3 — Your Details. Add your contact information and any additional notes, and your order goes straight to the workshop.
Why Order Custom?
You need a specific size. Maybe you want a toy car a little bigger than what's in the shop, or a chopping board to fit a particular drawer. Custom ordering means you get exactly what fits your space or your needs.
You want a specific timber. Each native NZ timber looks and feels different. If you have a preference — or you want a piece that matches something you already own — a custom order lets you specify exactly what you want.
You're buying a gift. A custom handcrafted wooden piece is one of the most personal gifts you can give. Whether it's a toy built for a specific child or a kitchen piece made for someone who loves to cook, knowing it was made to order from native NZ timber makes it genuinely special.
You have something unique in mind. If you've seen something online, sketched something out, or have an idea that doesn't quite match any standard product — bring it to Poppa. He's been handcrafting in Whangarei since 2015 and loves a creative challenge.
Handcrafted in Whangarei, Built Around You
Every custom piece goes through the same process as everything else in the shop — hand-shaped, hand-finished, and made with the same attention to detail that Poppa puts into every product. The difference is that it's built around exactly what you have in mind.
If you'd like to talk through your idea before placing an order, you're always welcome to get in touch directly. Poppa is happy to discuss what's possible, suggest timbers, and make sure you get exactly what you're looking for.
Ready to get started? Visit poppaswoodencreations.co.nz/custom-order to place your custom order.