Maileg USA – Danish Mice, Bunnies & Dollhouse Miniatures
littlewild kids is a US-based Maileg retailer. Every Maileg order ships from California — no customs charges, no import duty, and no waiting for a parcel to clear the border. Orders are processed within 1–3 business days, and shipping is free over $99.
Maileg (pronounced my-lye) is the Danish brand behind the tiny mice in matchboxes, the hand-sewn linen outfits and the miniature furniture that has quietly become one of the most collected children's toy ranges in the world. Below is the brand's story, a guide to its characters and sizes, and answers to the questions we're asked most.
Shop the full Maileg collection →
The story behind Maileg
Maileg was founded in 1999 in Herning, Denmark, by Dorthe and Erik Mailil. The name blends their family name with leg — the Danish word for play.
Dorthe Mailil, a graduate of the Danish Design School, began with a small clay pixie made during a design school project. She moved from clay to fabric, and the first Maileg mouse followed. She still leads all creative direction for the brand, which is why the range has stayed so visually consistent across more than two decades.
Why Maileg toys get handed down
Maileg pieces are made from natural materials — organic cotton, linen, wool and wood — and produced in small seasonal batches rather than in continuous mass production. When a design sells out it is usually gone for good, which is why so many pieces become genuine collectibles.
The design philosophy is deliberately open-ended. Maileg gives a child characters and a world, then leaves the story to them. That is what keeps a mouse just as interesting at eight as it was at three, and why so many families pass their collection down rather than replacing it.
For the longer version, read our brand story: Maileg: The Danish Toy Brand That Becomes a Family Heirloom.
The Maileg characters
Mice
The heart of the range. From the tiny Baby Mouse tucked into a matchbox bed, through Little Brother and Little Sister, up to Big Brother, Big Sister and the Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa mice. Each arrives in hand-sewn clothing and can be re-dressed with separate outfits from the Maileg wardrobe.
Bunnies and rabbits
Softer and more classic than the mice, available across several sizes. These make a gentle first Maileg piece for babies and toddlers, and a popular baby shower gift.
Dollhouse furniture and accessories
Vintage-inspired beds, kitchens, bathtubs, bicycles and seasonal adventure gear — all scaled to the mouse family and finished with the same detail as the characters themselves.
Seasonal and limited editions
Ballerinas, hikers, royals, circus performers and holiday characters arrive each season as limited runs. Once they sell out, they are generally not reissued.
Understanding Maileg sizes
Maileg mice come in named size ranges — Baby, Little Brother and Little Sister, Big Brother and Big Sister, and Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa. Clothing, furniture and accessories are sized to match those ranges rather than being universal.
The practical rule when building a collection is to stay within one size range, so outfits and furniture work together. Mixing sizes is perfectly fine for play — a small mouse in a larger kitchen just looks charming — but a Little Brother outfit will not fit a Mum mouse.
If you're unsure which range a piece belongs to, get in touch and we'll check it for you before you order.
Buying Maileg in the US
littlewild kids is an online children's boutique based in Santa Fe Springs, California, carrying curated European and Scandinavian kids' brands. Maileg is one of our largest ranges.
Because we hold stock in California, US customers order domestically: no customs paperwork, no import duty, and no cross-border delays. Local pickup and appointment visits are available — contact us to arrange one.
Browse more: Maileg collection · all children's toys · dolls and doll accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Maileg from?
Maileg is a Danish brand, founded in 1999 in Herning, Denmark, by Dorthe and Erik Mailil. Dorthe Mailil still leads the brand's design.
How do you pronounce Maileg?
Maileg is pronounced "my-lye". The name combines the founders' family name, Mailil, with leg, the Danish word for play.
Do I pay customs or import duty on a Maileg order?
No. littlewild kids ships from California, so orders within the United States arrive as domestic parcels with no customs charges, no import duty and no border delays.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days. Standard shipping then takes 7–10 business days, and expedited shipping 5–6 business days. Shipping is free on orders over $99. Full details are on our shipping, customs and returns page.
What age are Maileg toys suitable for?
Maileg recommends its toys from age 3 and up. Guidance varies by item, so always check the age recommendation on the individual product page before buying for a younger child.
Do Maileg clothes and furniture fit every mouse?
No. Maileg clothing, furniture and accessories are made to fit specific size ranges. An outfit made for a Little Brother mouse will not fit a Big Sister or a Mum mouse, so match the size range when you buy.
Why do Maileg pieces sell out and not come back?
Maileg produces in small seasonal batches rather than continuously. Many characters and accessories are limited releases, and once a season's run is gone the design is usually retired.
Where can I buy Maileg in the USA?
You can buy Maileg at littlewild kids. We stock mice, bunnies, dollhouse furniture, accessories and seasonal characters, shipping from California with free delivery over $99. Shop the Maileg collection.
Can I visit littlewild kids in person?
littlewild kids is an online boutique. Local pickup and appointment visits are available in Santa Fe Springs, California — contact us to arrange a time.