How to choose best wooden toys for your kids in 2024?

In this era of fake products and quality, choosing right wooden toys is difficult for parents. In this blog I have narrow down some tips to buy age-appropriate, safe, and high-quality toxic free wooden toys.

Last Updated on:
August 5, 2024
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5 min. read

Wooden toys have been loved for years due to their long lasting, simply, and natural appeal. During the last decade, this have had a revival as a result of their requisites by parents and teachers who are looking for toys that are both entertaining and helping kids to learn and develop their skills. Today our main focus of discussion is going to be the different types of educational wooden toys, and I am going to share with you some ideas on how to choose them properly.

Types of Educational Wooden Toys

Types of wooden toys by Little Genius Toys.

1. Building Blocks

Building blocks are one of the most versatile and fundamental wooden toys available. The variety of blocks will stimulate children's creativity, encouraging them to build towers, houses, and whatever else they can think of.

Types:
  • Basic wooden blocks
  • Unit blocks
  • Magnetic blocks
  • Interlocking blocks

Benefits: Building blocks give a child the ability to spatial awareness, to use their creative mind, and to also master their motor skills. In addition, they encourage problem-solving skills as kids immensely need to know how to distribute load(s) and provide support to their buildings.

2. Puzzles

Wooden puzzles range from simple jigsaw puzzles to more complex ones that challenge children’s critical thinking and fine motor skills.

Types:
  • Peg puzzles
  • Interlocking puzzles
  • 3D puzzles

Benefits: Puzzles personalizes team building by amplifying critical thinking, increasing memory, and mentoring patience and perseverance.

3. Role-Playing Toys

These toys include wooden kitchens, tool sets, dollhouses, and vehicles that encourage imaginative play.

Types:
  • Wooden Kitchens and Cooking Sets
  • Wooden Tool Sets
  • Wooden Dollhouses and Furniture
  • Wooden Vehicles and Garages
  • Wooden Shops and Market Stands

Benefits: Role-playing helps children develop social skills, understand the world around them, and practice language skills.

4. Educational Toys

Educational Wooden toys geared towards early learning and reading/math skills. They include alphabet blocks, numeric exercises, and shape sorters.

Types:
  • Building blocks
  • Puzzles
  • Role-playing toys
  • Educational games
  • Musical instruments
  • Art and craft kits
  • Science kits
  • Language and literacy toys
  • Math manipulatives
  • Fine motor skill toys

Benefits: The toys bring in the letters, numbers and shapes in a dramatic way which is very fun and exciting to the children.

Choosing the Right Wooden Toys

1. Age Appropriateness

Toys that are suitable in terms of age are essential for the sake of your children’s safety and well-being.

  • Infants (0-1 year): For instance, blocks, rattles, and teething toys are the basic type.
  • Toddlers (1-3 years): The kids can stacked toys, shape sorters and beginner puzzles.
  • Preschoolers (3-5 years): It is more simple to solve the puzzles, to use the dollhouse sets, and to build construction toys.
  • School-age children (5+ years): Puzzles, construction sets and educational games that are complex, intricate and challenging.

2. Safety Considerations

Safety should be always first priority when a toy for children is chosen.

  • Non-Toxic Materials: Insist that the toys are painted or finishes with non-toxic and safe substances for children.
  • Smooth Finishes: Toys should be made out of materials with smooth edges and surfaces to avoid splinters and injuries.
  • Certification Standards: Make sure that you have certifications like ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or EN71 (European toy safety standard) to ensure that your products meet the necessary safety standards.

3. Quality and Durability

High-quality wooden toys can last for years and even be passed down through generations.

  • Investment in Quality: Though they might be more expensive initially, well-made wooden toys are durable and provide better value over time.
  • Brands Known for Quality: Hape, Melissa & Doug, Grimms.

4. Sustainability

By opting for ecologically oriented wooden toys, you are also contributing to environmental sustainability.

  • Sustainable Wood Sources: Choose the toys made from the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood which means that the wood has been sourced responsibly.
  • Eco-Friendly Brands: PlanToys, Green Toys and Bajo.

Tips for Parents

1. Integrating Wooden Toys into Daily Play

Providing a balanced playground by using wooden toys to support good playtime for the child.

  • Balanced Play Environment: Combine wood toys with other educational materials, such as books and art materials.
  • Rotating Toys: Switch out toys often to keep the playtime interesting and exciting.

2. DIY Wooden Toys

Bringing to life homemade wooden toys is a wonderful activity that both parents and children enjoy.

  • DIY Projects: For instance, a handmade building blocks, painted peg dolls or wooden bead threading kits could be good.
  • Benefits of DIY: When playing with toys, children discover their creative skills, improve their fine motor abilities, and train their bond with parents.

3. Encouraging Independent Play

Wooden toys are great for promoting 'free play', which is a firm foundation for the young child to grow in self-reliance and creativity.

  • Setting Up a Play Area: Develop a designated area with shelves and baskets that can be reached with ease for toys to be put away.
  • Fostering Independence: Let your kid to work with wooden toys without your help. They will be able to develop problem-solving skills and independence this way.

Spotlight on Top Brands and Products

Several brands are renowned for their high-quality, safe, and educational wooden toys.

  1. Little Genius Toys
  2. Maya Organic
  3. Skola Toys
  4. Shumee Toys
  5. Skillofun

For more details of each individual big giants of wooden toys sector, click here.

Conclusion

Wooden educational toys combine the desired sturdiness, positive influence on development, and classic appeal. Parents can easily enrich their child’s development by selecting appropriate toys and incorporating them into their everyday activities. As a parent, there is no greater joy than seeing your child explore the world through play. Wooden toys will assist in the stimulation of their creativity, the improvement of their hand-eye coordination, and the overall development of their brain. There is something unique about the sound of building blocks connecting with each other, the feeling of finding the right spot for a puzzle piece, or the stories that can be told with role-playing toys – wooden toys are filled with possibilities. Watching my own children engage with wooden toys, I’ve seen firsthand the joy and educational value they bring. There’s a certain magic in the simplicity of these toys that captivates young minds and encourages them to explore, create, and grow.

Take the time to explore the variety of educational wooden toys available. Select those that are in line with your child’s interests and developmental level. Please note that safety and quality are of utmost importance and the toys should be made from non-hazardous materials that are durable. Last but not least, sustainability – choosing environmentally conscious brands helps to create a healthier planet for our children. We’d love to hear about your experiences with wooden toys! Let us know your experiences and what are your favorite products in the comments section below.

Are you excited to start your journey with the wonderful world of educational wooden toys? Check out our selection of safe and sturdy wooden toys that we have selected to help your child develop. Come to our store today and get the best toys for your child and begin sharing the most memorable playtime experiences with your child right away. To learn more about child development and educational play, here are some resources and reading materials that you might find helpful.

Originally published:
May 18, 2024
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